Page 129 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Kerr turned slowly. “She is nae yer wife.”

Gordon’s expression did not change. “She will be.”

Ailis’ eyes burned with tears. Even though relief flooded her that he was here, she did not want to let hope shimmer through her from his words.

Gordon’s gaze dropped to her bloodied hand, and she saw his grip on his sword tighten as he took another step toward them. Behind him, Rowan and two guards were also poised and ready to fight.

Ailis’ knees gave way as she sank to the ground from relief.

Kerr drew his sword. The scrape of steel against its sheath silenced the hall.

Gordon did not move. “Ye are outnumbered right now, Kerr. Most of yer men fled already. They daenae wish to die for yer foolish cause,” he said, his voice dangerously calm. “It is over. Let her go.”

Kerr’s grip tightened around his sword. “She was promised to me first.”

Gordon’s eyes hardened. “Release her, or I will burn this castle to the ground.”

Kerr laughed bitterly. “Ye daenae deserve her. She was promised to me!”

“She is nae a property ye can own.” Gordon took one deliberate step forward. “She is a woman.” His gaze shifted briefly to Ailis then back to Kerr. “And she is me woman.”

Ailis’ heart leaped. The words struck somewhere deep inside her, warming every place the fear had touched.

Me woman. Is he choosin’ me?

Kerr’s face twisted with rage. “I willnae let ye take what is mine.”

Kerr moved first, but Gordon was quicker. Their blades struck, and the clash rang through the hall.

Kerr swung again. Gordon stepped aside and brought his blade across.

One swift movement made Kerr stagger back. His sword fell from his fingers before Gordon struck him in the side of the head.

For a moment, he remained standing, his eyes wide from the shock of the blow. Then his knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the stone.

It was over.

Ailis stared at Gordon through a blur of tears.

He stood motionless for a heartbeat, his sword lowered at his side. When he turned to her, the fury had vanished from his face.

“Ailis,” he breathed out, his chest heaving with slow pants as he looked at her.

Ailis surprised herself by staying steady as she pulled herself to her feet and dusted her skirts.

“Ye came,” she breathed. The words barely carried across the space between them.

Ailis remained where she was, afraid to move, afraid that if she let herself believe what stood before her, the hope would prove as fragile as everything else had been.

Gordon took one step towards her. “I came.”

His voice was rough, almost unsteady. Then he closed the remaining distance in three swift strides, and his arms wrapped around her.

Ailis finally broke into a sob. She sank against him, her fingers twisting into the back of his leine as though she could anchor herself there. Gordon held her tightly, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other pressed firmly around her waist.

For one greedy, precious moment, she allowed herself to forget everything. She simply let herself melt into Gordon’s embrace and breathe him in.

He was here. He had come for her.