Page 84 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Even if it means war?"

"Even then."

The room fell silent. David could feel their eyes on him, weighing his words. Judging whether he'd truly lost his mind.

"Ye've changed," Euan said finally. "Since ye met her. Ye're different."

"Aye. I am."

"Is that a good thing?"

David thought about Elinor's smile when he'd given her freedom to explore hobbies. About the way she'd stood up to him about the rules. About the kiss they'd shared just minutes ago—her hands in his hair, her body pressed against his, the taste of her on his lips.

"I dinnae ken yet," he admitted. "But I'm nae goin' back."

"Even if it costs ye everything?"

"Even then." David met Euan's eyes. "She's me wife. And I protect what's mine."

"Then God help ye both," Euan said quietly. "Because ye're goin' tae need it."

The four men left shortly after, their concerns voiced and their warnings given. David remained in his study, staring into the fire and thinking about everything they'd said.

They were right. He knew they were right.

It was madness. Dangerous, reckless madness that could cost him everything.

But when he thought about Elinor—about her smile, her strength, the way she'd kissed him back like she was drowning and he was air—he couldn't bring himself to regret it.

He was about to head upstairs when footsteps pounded down the corridor. One of his guards burst through the door, breathing hard.

"Me laird. We found another one."

David's blood went cold. "Another spy?"

"Aye. In the east wing. Near yer bedchamber."

The world seemed to tilt sideways. "Near me bedchamber? How near?"

"Watchin' the door, me laird. He had a blade. And rope." The guard's expression was grim. "We think he was waitin' fer an opportunity tae… "

David didn't wait to hear the rest. He was already moving, his heart pounding in his chest.

Near the bedchamber. Watching the door. Waiting fer Elinor.

He took the stairs three at a time, his mind racing. How many more were there? How many of Langley's men had he let into his own castle?

Two guards stood at attention outside his chamber door. They snapped to attention as he approached.

"Is she safe?" David demanded.

"Aye, me laird. We've been here the whole time. Nay one's gone in or out."

David pushed past them, opening the door. Elinor was curled up in bed, fast asleep, her face peaceful in the firelight.

Safe.

For now.