Chapter 30: Don't Play With Her Heart

Declan

“I’m alright,” Henley said, swiping a hand over her face. “I’m just tired, is all. Take me home... please.”

“Henley....” I didn’t know what to say, but my heart went out to her. Henley had agreed to our arrangement. But seeing her like this, all I wanted to do was to pull her into my arms, tell her that I loved her, and kiss her senseless. But how could I give something that’s long gone? “I don’t want to lie to you—”

“And you shouldn’t,” she agreed. “Please, just take me home.”

I sighed as I pulled onto the main road, headed toward the palace. For a moment, I wondered if I should take her to my home to let her freshen up a bit and wash her face. But if I did that, I might be tempted not to bring her back. And I wanted to do this right.

“I’m sorry.” I bit my lower lip. “I shouldn’t have done that—”

“What? Kiss me? Teach me how to kiss?” She laughed without humor. “No, it’s alright. I wanted to. You did nothing wrong. This is all on me.”