Mateo knew he should not admit it.
But with Fiona looking at him like that, those clear, crystalline eyes fixed on his, he could not force even one lie past his lips.
For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he let out a quiet breath, like a man who had already accepted the punishment waiting for him. "Yes," he said softly. "Fiona, I do love you."
The instant the words left his mouth, she kissed him again.
Then her healing power poured into him in a warm, steady rush, moving through his body and knitting his torn flesh back together.
Mateo's eyes darkened.
Wardens were bound by strict rules. They were not allowed to fall in love with the women under their protection.
If they broke that law, they were stripped of rank, sealed off from their power, and sentenced to ninety-nine lashes.
