Snippet #1843358

Emmaline swallowed tightly as Aaron stood before her, her body jumping slightly in surprise. She did not hear him approach, only a moment ago he had been with Ethan. Emma shuddered to this thought, her mind trying to contemplate what could have angered the man so. She was her own person, it was up to herself who and whom she decided to speak with. Still, her heart was heavy with the knowledge that nothing between herself and Ethan would ever be the same again. She had two choices now: agree to his commands and marry, or never see him again. Neither option was satisfactory to the young woman.

She looked up as Aaron held her firmly, her eyes watering with confusion and uncertainty. Ethan, although always troubled when he drank in malice, was a kind hearted man when seen as himself. Emma did not know why she could not bring herself to accept his offered. The only thoughts that made sense was that she was needed by someone else. But who? She could not say, wondering if her own stubbornness would lead to her downfall. And loneliness.

"Look at me. It'll be okay." Emma tilted her face up to Aaron's command, her eyes glittering on the verge of tears. His smile warmed her slightly, bringing comfort to her breaking heart. "If you want me to, I'll make sure he never...troubles you again." Aaron's black orbs fixed on hers as he said it, his voice cold. "Are you alright my lady?"

To this, Emmaline shook her head forcefully, the action difficult from his firm grip. "No, please do not hurt him. He didn't mean to attack you, he was drunk. Ethan is a good man, but I should have told him before that I have no intention of being with him. I am all right, or at least I will be after tonight. I do not think it will bruise. I'm sorry you had to see that, Aaron. Ethan has been frustrated with me for awhile, you were just the easiest target to take his rage out upon."

She sighed and removed his hand from beneath her chin, clasping his softly between her own. She knew that it was proper to release his hand immediately, but something kept her holding on for another moment. He wanted to comfort her, an action that not many men would take the time to do. She was surprised to find his hand so cold, wondering if he was ill in any way. But, with his strength that he had displayed, that was doubtful. "Aaron, did he manage to harm you in any way? I hope not. And please. . . Call me Emma." She smiled to him, her eyes drying slowly. "And thank you for not harming him. Something tells me that you could have very easily." Emmaline looked up to him, gazing into his black eyes. She was curious as to what secrets could lay beneath them.

Hear head turned back towards the tavern, Tabitha watching the pair with interest. The woman sighed one and shook her head softly. "Emma, go take the rest of the night off. Your uncle and I can clean up here. Get some rest," the woman barked, a hint of compassion hidden beneath her tone. "I don't want ya breaking anything because your head is screwy."