“Sandwiching Winter’s face in both hands, Jacin forced her gaze up to his. “Hey,” he said, somehow stern and gentle at the same time. “You’re my princess, right? You were always going to be my princess, no matter what you were born, no matter who your dad married.” Her eyes misted. Reaching up, she folded her fingers over Jacin’s forearms. “And you are always my guard.” “That’s right.” The faintest touch. His calloused thumb against her temple. Winter’s whole body quivered.”
