Hideaway Strath Quiet when I'm coming home

He not only accepted all of her terms, but he assured her that no one would ever mean to him what she meant to him—the words made her heart skip again. Her stomach tightened, and she leaned into the embrace that he offered. She felt powerful again; someone as dark and ruthless as Kynareth would never feel about anyone else the way he did about her.

It was easy to forget the things that plagued her thoughts when they had these moments. She could imagine their life and their children, but then a nagging feeling of guilt always resurfaced, reminding her that Mal was out there searching for her. By now he would definitely know she was missing; it made her heart ache to imagine him risking everything to find her. And if he came here, then what? She pulled back, her expression suddenly sad and worried as she looked up to search for his gaze. What do I do about Mal? she asked quietly. I'm sure he's out there looking for me—I want to stay here, but it hurts so much to imagine telling him that. She wished she could just turn her more difficult emotions off. Without guilt and empathy, she could be so much more—she would feel worthy of Ky's love, and she wouldn't be constantly sick over the inevitable meeting she would have with Mal. Everything would be so much easier. She could do as she pleased and not worry about how it affected those who would not escort her down the road of darkness and intoxicating strength.