Hamish’s kneesbuckled as he begged, “Please, me laird, daenae do it, I’ll be gone by morn, I swear it on me life.”
Jaxon’s jaw tightened,and after a heartbeat he shoved him away. “Go,” he said, “and never let me see yer ugly face again.”
Hamish fled down the corridor,his footsteps frantic and uneven. The echo of his retreat faded, leaving only the crackle of torches and Gracie’s unsteady breath. She turned to Jaxon, still shaken, and found his gaze fixed upon her.
Anger still burnedin his eyes, though his voice remained controlled.
“What were ye thinkin’,”he asked, “wanderin’ the castle alone on such a night, with men deep in their cups?”
“I… I got lost,”she stuttered, her hands clasped before her. “I daenae ken me way around yet.”
He stepped closer,his presence overwhelming, and the air between them grew taut.
“What did I tell ye before,”he said quietly, “there is only one rule now.”
His eyes heldhers without mercy. “Ye are mine alone, and nay other man will touch ye.”
Gracie’s breathcaught as he loomed over her, fierce and magnificent, his protectiveness like a living flame.
She should have felt scolded,ashamed, yet something else stirred within her instead. The heat of him, the certainty in his words, the way he had come for her without hesitation made her pulse race. Her fear melted into a strange, aching awareness, one that fluttered low in her belly and left her lightheaded. She realized with wonder and confusion that she wanted his nearness, even as it frightened her.
Jaxon’s gazesoftened just a fraction as he took in her wide eyes and trembling lips.
“I willnae see ye harmed,”he said, more gently now, “nae by anyone.”
She nodded,unable to find her voice, and he straightened, though his presence still wrapped around her like a shield. The corridor no longer felt so dark, for he stood between her and every shadow.
“Come,”he said, offering his hand, “I’ll take ye back.”
Gracie placedher fingers in his, the contact sending a shiver through her. As he guided her through the winding halls, desire and safety tangled together in her heart. For the first time, shewondered if being his might mean more than duty, and that thought warmed her toward the light.
“It is me fault,”he said at last, his voice tight, “I should have shown ye the castle, but until I do, ye stay by me side.”
Jaxon’s gripclosed around Gracie’s arm, firm but not cruel, and he led her swiftly down the corridor. His stride was long and purposeful, his anger still crackling in the air between them.
Gracie nodded,breathless, and whispered an apology she did not quite believe she owed. “I am truly sorry.”
He halted so abruptlythat she nearly collided with his chest, and he turned to face her.
“If he had touchedye any further,” Jaxon said lowly, “I would have had his head.” His jaw flexed as he added, “See what ye do to me, lass, makin’ me get rid of me own good men.”
The words were sharp,yet beneath them she heard something raw and unsettled.
“I dinnae do anythin’,”Gracie protested, lifting her chin. “I only needed a moment away from the crowds, and I got lost, that is nae a crime.” Her pulse thudded in her ears as she met his gaze. “It isnae me fault a drunken guard forgot his manners.”
Jaxon exhaled,eyes still blazing. “Every man in this castle is me responsibility,” he said, “and now ye are as well.” His voicesoftened only slightly. “When danger finds ye, it finds me too. I have to follow ye around or keep ye in yer rooms.”
She feltheat coil within her at his words, the fierce claim in them stirring something deep.
“I dinnae askto be followed like a bairn,” she said, though her voice wavered. “I am tryin’ to be brave in a place that isnae yet home.” Her hands clenched in her skirts as she added, “Ye cannae cage me for feelin’ overwhelmed.”
He stepped closer,crowding her space until the wall brushed her back. “I am nae tryin’ to cage ye,” Jaxon murmured, his voice a dangerous rumble. “I am tryin’ to keep ye alive.” His eyes searched her face, as if daring her to deny the truth in that.
Gracie’s breath hitched,her heart racing as she felt his nearness wrap around her.
“Ye makeit sound as though I am made of glass,” she said, though her body betrayed her words. “I have lived all me life in a castle, I ken shadows and halls and lonely corners.” Her voice softened. “I only forgot that this one is different.”
“That is exactly it,”he replied, his gaze dark. “This is me home, and men here answer to me, nae to ye. Nae yet.” He lowered his voice. “Until they do, I willnae risk ye wanderin’ where I cannae reach ye.”
