Lenore
My whole body tingled as Torben kissed me. It was tender and soft, everything I never expected from him. He cradles my cheek in his strong hand, and I feel safe in his arms as we deepen the kiss. Everything around us seems to disappear as his lips devour mine.
“Lenore,” Ryland says from behind us, and Torben growls.
Reluctantly, I pull away from Torben, making Astrid whine in my head, “What?”
Ryland steps toward us. I unwind from Torben’s arms and stand up. “Look, I am sorry about what I said,” Ryland lowers his head, so I know he is being sincere. “You are my little sister, and I have always protected you. When you called this morning sobbing about him,” He points an angry finger at Torben, “wanting to beat you again. I couldn’t take listening to you sob anymore. You just soun
