Page 89 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

“Ye were right to invite him,” Malcolm said now. “And all ye need do is give an order when ye are ready, Me Laird.”

“I want every man watchin’ him while he remains beneath this roof. Every move he makes, everythin’ he does must be reported to me. We must figure out what his real plan is.”

“Ye think he will strike again?”

“I daenae ken.” Gordon’s gaze hardened. “And until I do, Sorcha and Ailis are never to be left unguarded. Put two men near the women’s chambers. Quietly. I want nay alarm, but I want them protected.”

“Aye, Laird.”

“How is the lass we rescued?”

“She is recoverin’ well.”

Gordon’s shoulders eased slightly. “She is?”

“Aye. The healer says she has taken broth and slept.”

Relief loosened something inside him. “Good. I shall visit her.”

He could not remain in his study right now anyway. Not when Ailis haunted him like this.

I came so close to losin’ control.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he remembered her lips only inches from his.

How much longer can I deny meself what I really want?

He did not think he could for much longer. He needed to find ways to put distance between them until the binding and even after it.

Gordon went to his chamber to change out of his wet clothes first before he headed to the healer’s chamber to visit the girl.

She was asleep when he entered the chamber, but her eyes opened when he approached.

“Me Laird,” she whispered, surprise etched into her small face as she tried to get up and curtsey to him.

“Daenae move,” Gordon said to her softly. He reached out and gently guided her down to the bed again. “I only came to make sure ye were all right.” He pulled a chair beside her bed and sat, taking in her pale look. “What is yer name, lass?”

“Maria, Me Laird.”

“Maria,” he repeated softly. “How do ye feel? Do ye feel pain anywhere?”

She gave a tiny shrug. “Nay, Me Laird. I am much better, thank ye.”

Gordon adjusted the blanket around her shoulders. “Ye shall have no cause to fear again. Ye are under me protection now, and the men who took ye will pay for it.”

The lass nodded as she held his gaze then she finally settled down into the bedding again. Her eyes fluttered close after a moment, and he watched her breathe, his chest loosening with a wash of relief.

This was what he knew. He understood how to protect his people and lead them. He knew how to keep enemies beyond his walls and make them fear him. It was the life he had always known… It was all he had been taught. It was how a true leader ought to be.

Alone, feared, strong.

A woman like Ailis wanted travel, painting, and love… She wanted to dream, and he could not stop her.

Gordon knew he could not want her. Heavens, he could never even dream of wanting her.

But somehow, he had started to long and wish for more.

And it was all her fault!