Page 72 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

Hanson.

Fuck.

“My Lady Brennan,” he purred, starting towards me. “I never imagined my desire for solitude might lead me to such pleasant company. Why didn’t you disappear with the other ladies?”

“I, too, was looking for solitude,” I said flatly, slipping out from behind the tree so he didn’t get any ideas about the shadows. ‘Hanson’s here. You must be close?’ I sent to Donavyn, who immediately replied with an image of the king and queen. ‘I’ll be moments. Don’t let that bastard lay a hand on you.’

I sent the image of the distance between us and just urged him to come as quickly as he could, then took a seat on the bench, spreading out my skirts, so Hanson wouldn’t think he could join me there.

He took the hint and settled himself on the bench facing mine, his eyes dark, only tiny pinpoints of light fixed on me.

I took a breath to steady my nerves. “How did you find me?” I asked, with a tone that distinctly implied I’d rather he hadn’t.

“I’ve always been good at uncovering treasure.”

I sighed and turned my head to watch the gap in the hedge where Donavyn would appear soon. “I told you, Lord Hanson, we have nothing further of which to speak.”

“And yet, I learned that you do, in fact, work with men who associate with Ruin Galdec, so I found myself left wondering… does she not want me? Or is she playing games after all?”

His tone was less of the self-satisfied purr he normally used, and more… edged in a cool chill.

All my senses lit up with alarm. I made myself turn slowly to look at him and meet that intent gaze.

Even in the dark, I caught him tugging his eyes up from my breasts, and that trickle of fear began in my chest, conjuring memories of training, reminders of ways to fight a man off—but then remembered I was in a skirt and a jolt of panic sang through me.

Without a word, I shot to my feet to head for the gap in the hedge, calling to Donavyn in my mind—but Hanson’s hand shot out and he caught my wrist.

Without thought, I whipped the hand up and around, snapping his grip and whirling to face him, dropping into a defensive stance instinctively.

Hanson raised his hands as if in surrender, brows high in surprise, but smiling.

“If you touch me again without my permission, I will break more than your grip,” I said through my teeth.

He nodded once, bowing elegantly. “I apologize—I meant no harm.” When he straightened, I didn’t relax, but he put his hands in his pockets and offered an apologetic look, then smiled as if we were merely there for casual conversation. “You know, Lady Brennan, each time I believe I have unpeeled the final layer of you… I discover another. Please, sit. I will not touch you. You have my word. I only want to talk.”

“I don’t believe you,” I said flatly. “I do not trust you.”

His jaw tightened. “Because of Ruin?”

“Because you said you didn’t take what wasn’t offered, and yet, here we are.”

“I’m still unclear precisely what you are offering.”

“Then you aren’t listening, because my answer was nothing further.”

‘Donavyn, hurry. I don’t want to make a scene. But we’re alone now.’

‘I’m coming. Don’t move.’ A clench of agitation reached me from the bond, but he was close, I could feel it. So, I cautiously settled myself on the opposite bench, but only on its edge, ready to move the moment Hanson so much as shifted his weight. I fixed the Lord with a sharp look and spoke without any warmth.

“Tell me why you even continue to pursue me? What have I ever shown you that would entice a man of your… stature?”

Hanson seemed to think about that for a moment. Then he smiled. “I’m always drawn to people who do remarkable things.”

“I’m very unremarkable.”

“Oh, I beg to differ, my Lady. Shall I list the reasons why?”

‘Come quietly. He’s talking and keeping his distance now. Just stay close.’