Page 57 of The Queen’s Bodyguard

Theora blushed. She joined him at the display case. “They’re just timepieces to him. I don’t think he’s particular.” She studied Argos perusing the case of watches. The longer she looked, the more she became aware that she was grinning. “He’s not a collector, like you are. Boada gave me a small glimpse of your collection. You have sophisticated taste.”

Argos shrugged, as if the word didn’t mean much to him.

“You should pick out a watch.”

He sighed heavily. “I can’t accept gifts from you, remember?”

“Don’t call it a gift, then. Call it a necessity.”

“I have plenty of watches.”

Theora ignored him, ringing the small bell on the counter, and the attendant entered again, though with a little less confidence. “I’d like a closer look at these,” she said, pointing at the watches.

Argos took a deep, slow breath, but she knew he wouldn’t dare argue with her in front of the attendant.

“Those tie clips, as well,” she told the attendant, then turned to watch Argos examine the watches. She couldn’t help but grin. “What made you start collecting?”

Argos glanced at her. “It’s a very random story.”

Theora raised her brows. “Try me.”

Argos paused midway through strapping on a leather band. “I was out on patrol one day—I think I was seventeen, maybe? Anyway, I ended up saving a worker from falling off some scaffolding.”

She felt herself grin, and she wasn’t even sure why—after all, protecting Aranea was a Warrior’s job.

“He gifted me his watch as thanks. He wasn’t even…afraid.” His expression was warm, as if that small detail was the best part of the story. “I’ve been collecting ever since.”

“That’s incredible.”

“Our people are incredible. As odd as I find Docile practices, I know there are plenty of them who love and value Warriors for what we do. And that makes our purpose all the more rewarding.”

Theora felt herself blushing. “You’re so passionate about the welfare of Aranea. It’s so…”

Fucking sexy.

Shit.

She quickly grabbed a brochure from the counter, using it to fan herself.

This was the last thing she needed—the man she was going to divorce in less than a week caring desperately for a cause she held so dear. She had to focus until the peace terms were signed, but when she got home…perhaps they would see each other when this was over, after all.

She watched him pass over a diamond-studded watch for one with a midnight face and silver hands, a grin creeping to her lips. Impeccable taste.

“For Apollo?” he suggested.

For you. It was clear he was never going to accept it. But…when they were no longer married, she could simply call it a parting gift. Something to thank him for his services. She waved the salesman over. “This one. And that chain bracelet. And this tie clip.” She could feel Argos looking at her, and when she met his gaze, it was dubious. “I’m buying gifts ahead of time for other occasions. Just in case.”

“Mm-hmm,” he said, but didn’t look convinced.

Theora found herself watching Argos as he leaned his forearms on the counter while they waited. Those powerful, thick forearms—“You catch me off guard,” she said.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I guess I never imagined a Warrior having a personality, or liking things, or…caring. I just pictured you all as ruthless killers.”

“That’s strange. I don’t imagine Dociles at all.”

“Hey!” Theora took a business card from a nearby stand and threw it at him, holding back a grin. The card barely made it to its target, fluttering uselessly behind the counter. She glanced at the salesman, then cleared her throat. It was Argos’s influence, undoubtedly, that was making her behave so foolishly in public. “I suppose I deserve that for judging you.”