Killian followed Emma down a rocky path through the dense forest. He didn’t want to tell her that, other than finding his brother, he had no real desire to return to his life. If he went back, he would lose her, and that was out of the question. Being near her filled him with excitement and, oddly enough, peace. He felt at home with her. As if he’d known her for longer than a mere day.

He’d lain awake last night, listening to her quiet breathing as she slept in the bunk above him. What he wouldn’t give to protect and care for her. It would bring him nothing but pleasure to ensure her happiness. But was he capable of it?

He had no idea how to be a good man for a woman. His relationships consisted of death, abandonment and servitude. He and his brother were close, but Liam was family, and that made it easier. How would he show a familiar stranger that he could be her friend, her protector? He swallowed, barely able to soak up the beauty of their surroundings so caught up was he in the emotions rushing inside him.

He liked Emma, and somehow he would show her that he could be trusted. That he could be her friend. And, hopefully, more than that. Someday.

They left the woods behind and came upon a road made of some sort of smooth, black material. “What’s this?” he asked.

“Asphalt. It’s used to pave streets.” Emma squinted up at him. “There’s gonna be a lot of weird and different things to see as we travel. We have to watch out for cars, all right?”

“What are those? Some sort of villainous creature?” He curled his hands into fists, wishing he had a sword.

She shook her head. “It’s a…um…like a wagon, I guess. It carries people from place to place, but it uses an engine to move, not a horse.”

He tried to paint a picture in his head, and he supposed it had seats and wheels. “And we must watch out for these cars because…?”

“They can go fast. A lot faster than a horse, and if they hit us, we could die.” She tugged on the ends of her plaid shirt then adjusted the bag slung over her shoulder.

Concerned, he reached out and pulled her away from the road. “Perhaps we ought to find a safer way to this person?”

A soft light came into her eyes. “It’ll be all right. It’s not common to get run over.” She nodded at the distance ahead of them. “You see the grass and pebbles between the street and forest? There’s plenty of room, and it’s morning, so the drivers will see us fine.” She smiled at him then slowly threaded her fingers through his.

He caught his breath at the contact.

“Come on.”

Without argument, he followed.

“It’s about nine miles to the city. We’ll be walking for a while.”

He didn’t care. As long as he was with her, he couldn’t care less how long anything took.

They’d only gone a few feet, when an odd noise sounded behind them. He glanced over his shoulder and froze, pulling her up short. His eyes widened as what he assumed was a car came whizzing toward them. He had no words for the object that zipped over the road, its body painted a bright red.

“Step back a little.” She tugged on his hand, putting action to her command.

He obeyed without taking his eyes from the contraption. “Is that some sort of magic?”

“No,” she replied. “It runs on gasoline.”

The car drew abreast of them, rushing past and forcing wind to push their clothing and hair.

“Bloody hell,” he uttered, shocked by the amount of force in its disturbance. “This is an odd land.”

She made a noise of sympathy. “Wait until you see the city. You won’t believe your eyes.”

He tore his focus from the car and looked down at her. Could there be anything else more mind boggling than the beast that had just shot by them? “I’m not sure I’m prepared for the rest of it.”

With an encouraging smile and a squeeze of his fingers, she promised, “I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll keep you safe from all the…weird stuff you’re gonna run into.”

The sweetness of her vow made his heart skip a beat. What an angel. He wished he could kiss her. “Thank you, Emma.”

Her cheeks reddened, as if she was embarrassed by her words, but she only turned and continued down the road, still keeping her fingers through his.

As they walked, she asked him questions about being a sailor, and he told her story after story. He wanted to reveal everything to her, his burdens, his wants, his fears. But he suppressed the urge, not wanting to scare her away by being too personal too soon. Eventually, she let go of his hand, and the loss of her touch made his gut clench. But of course, he’d probably held on for far too long.

“So, this captain of yours…he won’t ever let you go?”

Killian shrugged. “I doubt it. My brother keeps talking about paying the debt then buying a commission in the Navy. Which I suppose is fine.” He let out a breath. “It’s got to be better than being a deckhand.”

“The Navy fights battles.” She looked up at him, her brow furrowed with worry.

Should he tell her that if she gave him any indication she wanted him to stay with her, he’d change his plans in an instant? He focused on the land ahead, wondering if he might lose her today. This woman they were trying to find might have a way to send him home. Could he leave Emma?

Fear burned in his gut. He’d just found her. He couldn’t let her go. Not yet.

“You don’t want to fight in a war, do you?”

Her question jarred him back to the topic. “No,” he cleared his throat. “No, I don’t.”

“Then why join the Navy?”

“Because it’s what Liam wants, and I have to admit that I wouldn’t mind protecting innocent people.” Especially you.

Silence reigned, and he glanced down to see her profile tight with worry. For him? Or did she believe he longed to test himself in battle? Before he could disabuse her of the notion, she said, “I suppose the Navy does offer adventure and you wouldn’t be treated disrespectfully.”

Another car barreled past, but he didn’t stop to watch it this time. “One would hope not.”

“We have a Navy also, and I’ve never heard anything bad about it. So…maybe…”

When she trailed off, he looked at her profile and detected a reticence in her expression. Why? Had something occurred to her and now she was afraid to mention it? Should he question her? Uncertainty rose inside him, and he discarded his inner ramblings.

More vehicles blew by, their rumble resonating inside him and shaking the ground. “Those contraptions really are quite unsafe.” His steps crunched on gravel as they continued their trek. He smiled. “But I wouldn’t mind captaining one.”

She chuckled. “Me, either. Sure would make getting from place to place easier.” She exhaled. “But they cost money. A lot actually. I can’t see myself ever having…”

She didn’t finish, but he didn’t have to look at her to know her countenance was filled with grief over all the loss, setbacks and heartache she’d encountered. He heard it in her tone, felt it in her body and knew it, because he felt the same. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his side. The need grew too strong, and he couldn’t stop himself from slipping an arm around her waist and snuggling her up next to him as they walked.

When she didn’t resist, his heart flew to the Heavens. Even if this woman had a way to get him back to his world, he wouldn’t have to go if he didn’t want to. While he wanted to get to Liam, he wouldn’t leave Emma. Maybe Emma’s former foster mother had a way to keep the portal open, and he could bring Liam here instead.

He couldn’t make Emma leave this land as there was no place for her in the Navy, and he wasn’t going to ask her to adjust her life. He would much rather learn to live in her world anyway. He wanted to experience everything that was her.

More cars appeared as some kind of colored flames swung from some form of rope. They were getting closer. Good.
Determination grew inside him, and he lengthened his stride, taking her with him. His plan might alarm her, but he wouldn’t deviate. He would not lose her.

Emma’s disquiet and fear subsided as Killian threaded his fingers through hers and headed into the cabin, pulling her along. The comfort he offered, the security…

Her heart warmed and attraction flooded through her. Her cheeks heated as she grew awed by how easily she responded to him. But the way he’d looked at her and his touch as he’d wiped away her tears had been so tender and gentle. He’d been so careful. Like she was precious. A treasure.

Stop your fantasizing, Emma. You barely know him.

As he shut the door, he kept hold of her, almost like he didn’t want to let go. Ever.

She swallowed as feelings overwhelmed her. Why did she trust him? Why did it seem as if she knew him on a deeper level?

Alarm whisked through her, and she gently tugged herself free. She had to put a little space between them. Had to think. Had to…calm herself.

Yes, he was gorgeous. Hot, even. But that didn’t mean it would be good for her to become attached. And at some point, he would leave. Everyone always left. Or let her down. She had to be careful.

With her back to him, she shoved away the invisible hold he had on her by imagining taking scissors to the string stretched between them and giving it a snip. When she felt she had control, she faced him.

He leaned against the door, watching her as if wanting to be sensitive to her upset. The light in his eyes shone bright, intent on her.

Her heart thumped hard against her chest. Oh, God. Killian Jones. What had he done to her?

A few moments of charged silence passed, and she had no idea how to combat the feelings rushing through her.
Could he tell how he affected her? God, she hoped not. “Wanna play cards?” She winced when her voice squeaked on the suggestion.

He straightened and smiled softly. “Sure.”

Thankful for something to occupy her thoughts other than their current predicament and her attraction, she almost ran to the kitchen and yanked open a drawer. They sat across from each other at the table, and even though three feet of space separated them, she continued to feel his nearness. How could he take up so much of the room?

She withdrew the cards from their case. “Do you know how to play gin?”

He nodded. “And poker. And hearts.”

Good, she thought. They would be able to keep busy while they tried to figure out how to get him home. She shuffled the deck. “I know those, as well. Not too good at poker, though.”

As she dealt, he arranged his hand, his enigmatic gaze finally off her. “That’s a game of bluffing. I’m glad you aren’t an expert.”

Once done, she set the remaining stack between them. “Are you?”

“Good at poker?”

She nodded.

A small grin played at his mouth and he lowered his focus to his hand. “Yes.”

“Uh, oh.”

“Don’t trouble yourself, love.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “I’ll never lie to you.”

While his eyes shone bright with promise, she forced a smile. “Then maybe we’ll play poker later since I’ve been assured you won’t bluff.”

He laughed, his blue depths twinkling.

Damn, damn, damn. Emma’s pulse raced at his expression of delight. Oh, no. She liked him. She did. Ugh.

“You got me, there, love. I made a promise and I won’t break it.” He shook his head as he glanced at his cards, his lips still quirked in laughter, then took his turn.

After a couple of plays, he asked, “What’s a foster mother?”

Despite the memories it conjured, she was grateful for the question. “A person who watches kids who’ve been abandoned by their parents.”

His gaze shot to hers. “Your parents left you?” His dark brows furrowed in anger.

She nodded. “I was just a baby, so I don’t remember it. I’m glad I don’t, but I wonder why they did it.” The questions she asked herself at night came barreling through her mind.

“That must be torture.” He watched her carefully.

She shrugged, but couldn’t respond as anything she said would sound fake. Because it did matter. It hurt. Always.

“My mother died,” he volunteered softly. “And my father took me and my brother from place to place. His grief seemed insurmountable. Ours was, too, but I looked up to both of them. Especially to my brother, Liam. I had hopes we would all be all right.” He set his elbows on the table. “Then we boarded a ship, and Father said we were going to a new land where a new life waited. Liam and I were so excited.”

The pain of disappointed hopes shone in his gaze as he told his tale. “But we woke one morning to find him gone.” He clenched his teeth and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “He just rowed away and left us.” He curled a hand into a fist, then shoved his fingers through his hair, controlled fury pouring from him. “He sold us.”

She reared back, horrified. “What? To who?”

“To the captain of the ship. Paid for the man’s silence because…because my father was a fugitive and on the run and…” He trailed off, the light of rage changing to a pain she knew all too well. “I don’t know what he did. Never tried to find out. For the last ten years I’ve been forced to work back-breaking hours with no respite or hope. But I’d rather do that than ever see him again.”

She swallowed at the conviction in his tone, at the hardness of it, at the pain and grief he’d shared with her. “I wouldn’t want to see him, either.” Overcome, she couldn’t stop herself from reaching out a hand toward him.

He slowly lowered his arm and curled his fingers around hers. They watched each other for several quiet moments, and their connection only strengthened. It overwhelmed her once more, and her cheeks flooded with heat. She licked her lips and gathered her courage. “Why…”

He tightened his grip as if he knew what she wanted to ask and wanted to bolster her confidence.

She plowed ahead. “Why do I feel like I’ve known you for forever?”

His gaze darkened, and he offered her a gentle smile. “I’m not sure. I have a thought, but I don’t know if…”

Curious, she prodded, “If?”

As he brushed his thumb over her palm, tingles shot up her arm, and she wanted to move closer.

“I don’t know if I’m right, or if it’ll concern you, or…”

Confused, she furrowed her brow, but she could see he was unsure of what he should say, and she didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. “It’s all right. You don’t have to say if it’s weird or something.”

He pressed his lips together then said, “Thank you, Emma.”

She nodded slowly then gently disengaged herself and slid her hand to her lap. “I guess…when we want to figure out how to get you home, we should talk to Ingrid.”

“The lady who told you that you have magic?”

The thought of seeing her again made bile rise in Emma’s throat, but, if Ingrid had been telling the truth, then she hadn’t been crazy. Ingrid hadn’t let Emma down and had possibly known more about Emma’s background or history. An urge to find the woman shot through Emma, and she itched to get started. “Yes, that lady.”

“And that won’t upset you. To see her again?”

Emma fiddled with her cards as she considered her changing feelings. “It would have, but now that she might have been right and not crazy, I…want to go.”

He gave her an encouraging smile. “Then we’ll go.”

She bit her lip as excitement washed over her. She might learn more about herself on this journey, and wonder of wonders, she might have found a…friend. A friend. Killian. Her heart squeezed with hope.

Killian watched his champion chew her fingernails and pace while he reclined on the sofa with a full belly. He’d eaten what she’d called a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Jelly, he knew. Peanut butter, no. But it had been tasty. So good, in fact, that he’d had a second. Then he’d consumed something called chips. Crunchy and salty, he’d liked them immediately.

But his bunkmate hadn’t eaten anything. She’d tried, but the concerned expression on her face indicated to him that she might have been too worried to finish her food. He didn’t know what troubled her…unless it was coming to terms with all that he’d shared with her, not to mention his falling through a magical portal.

Emma Swan was the last person he’d want to upset. Perhaps he should venture out on his own and solve his problems without her, but…

But…she was his true love. Or was going to be. He was sure of it. And he liked her. There was something about her that made him feel as if he’d known her forever. Understood her. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly, trying to determine what he ought to do. First order, he needed to calm her worries. “Emma?”

She glanced at him but didn’t stop her trek.

“Do you,” he cleared his throat, what he needed to say difficult, “would you like me to go?”

That stopped her in her tracks, and her eyes widened. “What? Why? You can’t go.”

He furrowed his brow and rubbed his tongue over his bottom lip, thinking. “My presence seems to have disturbed you, and I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

She ran her fingers through her hair, then pushed it behind her ears. “I…I’m sorry. I guess I look like I’m losing it. It’s just…” She looked at him, her gaze wavering with uncertainty.

He didn’t dare move. He didn’t want to frighten her, because something surely bothered her. “Yes?” he prodded, laying his arm along the back of the sofa.

As she chewed on her lip, he longed to make her stop. She shouldn’t give her beautiful mouth such abuse, but he kept his thought to himself and tried to concentrate on whatever alarmed her.

She came around the table slowly, trepidation marking her steps. When she sat down in the chair, she rubbed her palms over her thighs. “Something happened to me a few months ago, something…weird.”

He sat forward, concerned. The need to protect her shot through him like a cannon blast, and he pressed his elbows into his knees to keep himself from shoving to his feet and making demands for the whereabouts of the blackguard who dared harm her. “Weird?” he ground out.

“One of my foster mothers, she…she wanted to adopt me.” She blinked a couple times, clearing tears from her eyes.

Killian gritted his teeth, wishing he could banish whatever pain she carried.

“I was so happy, because…because someone finally wanted me, but then…” She lowered her lashes, shame coloring her cheeks.

“Then?” It was all he could do not to hunt down this woman who hurt the angel before him.

“Then, I don’t know. I was playing this game at a carnival.” She looked at him, confusion in her eyes, and she made a grabbing gesture with her hands. “The kind that has the claw that you move and it latches on to some kind of prize, like a stuffed animal or something.”

He had no idea what she was talking about, but he didn’t say anything, sensing he shouldn’t interrupt.

“And when I concentrated really hard, these sparks went off, and I felt…” She lifted her hand, turning it over, considering her palm. “I felt something powerful flow through me. It came out of my fingers.”

His thoughts froze.

Emma pushed to her feet and started pacing again. “Then we had this talk about Harry Potter, and I told her I wished I had magic like him, and then she told me I did, and shoved me in front of an oncoming car.” She scrubbed at her cheeks, her fingers trembling. “She held me there while that vehicle raced toward me and told me to use my power and stop the car.”

When she looked at him, tears hovered in her gorgeous eyes. “I ran away. She scared the hell out of me. But now—” She broke off.

After a few moments of silence, he asked, his voice gruff, “Now?”

She shook her head, as if she didn’t want to face the truth, and dashed out of the cabin.

He surged to his feet and went after her, his chest tightening in worry. But he didn’t have to go far as she’d stopped next to a tree, leaning against it, her forehead pressed to her wrist.

Wanting to be careful with her, he paused. Her golden locks shone in the sunlight as they cascaded down her back. He reached out a hand, but lowered his arm, unsure if she would welcome any comfort from him. “Emma?” he called, keeping his tone soft.

She sniffed and lifted her head. Slowly she turned to face him.

The evidence of her sorrow glistened on her cheeks, and his gut tensed. His presence had caused her pain. He should go. But he couldn’t make his feet obey his mind.

“You tell me magic is real,” she murmured, her voice shaky, “and I believe you. Even if I hadn’t seen you come through that portal, I would’ve believed you.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure why that is, but I can’t think about that right now. I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Ingrid might have been right.” She splayed a hand across her chest. “I might be able to make magic. Me.”

Killian took in a slow breath, wondering what in the hell he should say to her. If what she said was true then she might be able to get him home without trouble at all, but that was the least of his cares. Besides the fact that the idea of leaving her made it feel like a knife stabbed him in ten different places, he wasn’t about to abandon her until whatever bothered her had been put to rest.

A fresh bout of tears spilled over her face. “It can’t be true,” she rasped.

Silence rose between them until she asked, “Can it?”

His gut clenched at the helplessness in her tone, and he took a cautious step toward her. Slowly he reached out and wiped away the wetness on her cheeks with his thumbs.

She drew in a deep breath and her mouth opened but she said nothing. She didn’t stop him.

Time went still as he touched her. He gazed deep into her eyes, falling and not caring that he was. Awe washed over him and through him. If he could be this close to her for forever, he would thank his lucky stars. Or his fairy godmother. If he had one, but he doubted it. Without removing his hands from her, he said, “I don’t know if it’s true, but let’s not worry about that now. You and I have had quite the day, and I think we ought to sit down on that comfortable couch and get to know each other.”

He hoped like hell she agreed. He wanted to learn everything about her. He wanted to bare his soul to her, and maybe, if she liked him…well…

His heart pounded like a racing horse. Slow down, Killian.

With shaking fingers, she reached up and circled his left wrist. She didn’t pull him away. Instead, she held him to her, her eyes wide, her lips parted. “Okay,” she rasped.

She’d agreed. Joy shot through him, and he stepped away just a bit, his fingers sliding from her skin, and hers from his wrist. He offered his hand to her.

She took it, glancing between his face and their joined palms, still with the look of wonder in her beautiful eyes.

He tugged, and she allowed him to lead her back inside.