Maura’s heart pounded in her chest, and she could hardly believe what she was hearing. She stared at Rake, trying to figure out if he was being sincere or if this was some kind of trick. But the earnest look in his brown eyes made it hard to doubt him, and the way his voice softened when he spoke made her feel something she hadn’t felt in a long time—hope.
“I could smell you,” Rake said with a small, almost sheepish smile, as if embarrassed to admit it. “That’s how I found you. I knew there was someone out here, someone like me. And, well, I’ve been searching for a while now… searching for someone who would accept my company. My parents died when I was young. Most rogues aren't very welcoming.”
Maura blinked, her breath catching in her throat. She didn't register most of his words. “You…
