Page 86 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

He thought about Elinor upstairs. About the kiss they'd shared. About the way she'd said I want you with such simple honesty.

About how much he wanted to protect her.

And about how he was failing.

"Me laird?" The captain's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "We've finished the initial sweep. Found five in total. All Langley's men."

"Five." David's voice was hollow. "Five men got intae me castle during a celebration. While me guards were everywhere."

He stopped.

"Post guards at every entrance," he said. "And I mean every entrance. Gates, doors, windows on the ground floor—everything. Nay one enters or leaves without me knowin' about it."

"Aye, me laird."

David turned and walked back toward the castle, his mind churning.

Five men. Five assassins inside his walls, waiting for a chance to take Elinor.

And he'd almost already lost her that day.

Almost.

But not quite.

He climbed the stairs to their bedchamber slowly, exhaustion pulling at his bones. The guards at the door nodded as he passed. Inside, Elinor was still asleep, her breathing soft and even.

David stood in the doorway, watching her.

He hesitated, then sat at the edge of the bed. Slowly, as though he was giving her time to wake up, but was happy that she didn’t. He lifted his hand. His fingers brushed her cheek—light, almost reverent.

His thumb traced the line of her jaw, careful to avoid the wound at her neck and not wake her up.

I'll keep ye safe. Whatever it takes. Whatever the cost.

Even if it means war.