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‘I am certain I spoke at a perfectly audible volume, Miss Linton.’
‘B-but…you can’t…the risk…’
Grabbing hold of her chin, I forced her to meet my gaze head-on. ‘Was I not clear enough earlier? Need I repeat my demonstration for it to be more convincing?’
‘Yes, please, right away for the next half hour.’
‘Miss Linton! Be serious!’
‘Who says I’m joking? I’m a sceptic by nature and need a lot of convincing.’
Well…who was I to reject an attractive offer? Tightening my grip, I pulled her towards me for a long, deep, and in my personal opinion, very convincing kiss.
‘I’m not a man who shies away from risk,’ I growled. ‘If I were, I wouldn’t be where I am today, with more power in my hands than most men can imagine! Some things are worth fighting for, and when the fight comes, you face it head-on.’
‘But…but she…is…you know.’
‘I’ve mucked out plenty a stable in my time. It won’t be that different.’
I stared implacably into her eyes until I saw the realization spread over her face. Yes. I really mean it.
With her, I always meant what I said—even without a signed contract.
‘Thank you!’ Suddenly, her arms were around me, and she was hugging me, hugging me fiercely and fiery. ‘Thank you.’
I felt a strange, warm fealing rising inside me nad, once again, I was 99% sure it was not fever. She held me for long, long moments that felt far too short—then let go and looked up into my eyes.
‘But I can’t accept.’ I opened my mouth to object, but before I could, she held up a finger to silence me. Silence me? My eyes flashed. ‘Not because of you. I want your help. God, how I want it. But Ella…’She gazed up at me, her gaze a plea for me to understand. ‘I can’t do that to her. Letting someone else see her like that, someone whom she hasn’t even met yet…I can’t hurt her like that. Please understand.’
Understand?
Understand?
She was in trouble! I could help! Why would I stand back and…!
I met her vulnerable, wide-open eyes again.
Damnation.
Swallowing, I gave a curt nod. ‘Understood.’
She was about to breathe a sigh of relief—when I I grabbed her chin once more, and speared her with my gaze. ‘As long as you understand that I won’t have you working yourself into an early grave. I have plans for you, Miss Linton. Plans that require you to be above ground.’ I leaned forward, just enough to let her see the glitter of danger in my eyes. ‘I will have Karim monitor the situation. If you do not take care of yourself, I will come in and take charge of things, a proper introduction to your family be damned! Do you understand?’
She nodded, unable to speak a word.
‘Adequate.’ One last time, I claimed her lips in a fierce kiss. No, not just a kiss—a brand, marking what was mine. ‘Then do not let me detain you.’
And with that, I whirled around and marched away, glaring into the shadows. I felt…felt so…what was this strange thing called? When you were foolish enough to have no power? So…helpless!
By mammon! Grim reaper, you had best stay away from her—or else!
THE MIDDLE
