Page 40 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

But Elinor was already walking away, her skirts swishing around her ankles. She heard Ainsley call after her, something about protocol and proper procedure, but she ignored it.

She needed to see him. Needed to… confront him… demand he stop looking at her… like that?

Or ask him if he felt it too, that spark of something that had nothing to do with their practical arrangement?

You're being foolish.

But her feet kept moving down the corridor. Past servants who nodded respectfully. Past guards who watched with curious eyes. Until she stood in front of a heavy wooden door, her hand raised to knock.

She hesitated.

It was madness. She had nothing specific to say to him. No real reason to interrupt his work.

She thought of the three favors she still had. The way he'd touched her in the inn. The way he'd looked at her the night before, like he had wanted to do more than just look.

She thought of his voice in the throne room, steady and sure, protecting her. His promise in the courtyard that she was safe. The way he'd held her on the horse for three days, solid and warm at her back.

Her hand dropped to her side.

What am I doing?