‘I gave up too easily.’ His thumb stroked her jaw. ‘You asked me to let you go, but I can’t.’ ‘I already told you. It was just the idea—’ ‘You lied.’ Another quick move and his hands left her face so that one of his arms could slide under her legs while another went behind her back. ‘Legend—’ Tella protested. ‘I don’t need you to carry me.’ He continued picking her up, and cradled her to his chest, so close she could feel his steady heartbeat. ‘He tried to kill you. I need to carry you.’
