The growling grew louder, so sinister, fear rippled along his skin. The image of an animal flying from the bushes, aiming straight for Emma’s throat coalesced in his mind, becoming so realistic he blurted, “Emma, be careful.”
His voice, albeit soft, shattered the silence around them causing the animal to disappear back under the brush.
“Killian,” Emma took several steps away from the family, “you have to let me do this.”
“But …”
Emma stepped into his space, close enough for him to smell her unique fragrance. Near enough he could reach out and touch her. Her eyes begged him for trust.
“I’m okay.” She ran one hand down the lapel of his leather jacket, her touch settling his fears and raising awareness of another kind.
Killian’s heart raced and before he could second guess his actions,
