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“Of course I am.” She tilted her chin as if she were the royalty. In Brad’s mind, she was.
The general shook his head. “All the people who have been invited and their entourages. Security is going to be a nightmare.”
“Security?” she sputtered. “General Ray, I don’t think you’re seeing the bigger picture. The entireeventwill be a nightmare if you consign me to the castle for the next ten days.”
General August studied her. Nobody else said anything. Brad hardly dared breathe. He’d earned the respect of his men, and leadership positions in several tribes, but he knew how military bureaucracy worked. You didn’t tell the prime leader off.
The general … smiled. “Arianna. My family appreciates you. We deeply appreciate all you do for each of us.”
“Thank you.” She leaned back, looking surprised by the praise. As Brad had never personally heard General August praise anyone, only heard about rare commendations from the man, he was stunned.
“Obviously, you and I don’t understand each other’s worlds very well.”
“That’s an understatement,” Lieutenant General Prescott murmured.
The general nodded. “But we are talking about your life here. You can’t possibly believe my father or Madeline would care if every minute detail of their wedding is not perfect when compared to keeping you safe and alive.”
“This is very heavy,” Arianna said.
Brad hid another smile. He’d left behind a fun teenage girl and had returned to a brave, astonishing woman.
Arianna drew in a breath and then pushed it out. “But … that murderer is obviously very smart.” She tried another angle, obviously trying to relate to the general’s world. “The details he’s figured out. The deaths he’s gotten away with. He’s too smart to come back for me.”
“We don’t know that,” the general said softly. “They haven’t found any other casualties or witnesses near the other six victims. He works clean and only concentrates on his objective. Criminal profiles like his don’t leave loose ends, especially one that could identify him. His pride alone at failing to kill you will probably make you an obsession for him.”
He paused, and Arianna shuddered. Brad hoped she was taking this seriously.
“Please,” General August continued. “Let us keep you safe until he’s caught.”
Arianna stared at him. Then she turned and focused on Brad. “What do you think?”
He shifted, surprised she valued his opinion and uncomfortable to be put on the spot with the two highest ranking officials in the military watching and listening.
“Your safety is my only priority right now,” he said, studying her deeply and hoping she believed him.
She deflated. “I was afraid you’d say that.”
“I already told you I won’t leave your side. With the general’s permission, I will guard you twenty-four hours a day.”
Arianna’s eyes widened.
Brad prayed he hadn’t overstepped his bounds with her or with the general and lieutenant general, but his convictions still stood. If he had to, he’d quit. The only way he’d leave Arianna’s side was if she demanded him to or if the general threw him in prison.
ChapterThree
Arianna couldn’t dragher gaze from Brad’s. Was he in earnest? He wouldn’t leave her? His gaze seemed sincere, but he’d deserted her eight years ago. Could she trust him now? Her life was on the line.
Her brain was spinning—from Brad’s pledge to the stress of how to coordinate everything for the wedding. Video chats and online shopping? Impossible! Was the general serious? She prayed General Ray would relax those restrictions.
Brad could stay by her side wherever she went and keep her safe. Did she dare suggest that? Everything was intense and too recent. She’d take some deep breaths and try to be compliant, but she had a list a decathlon long that she had to accomplish in the next eleven days. Doing it all from inside the castle? Impossible.
A rap sounded on the door.
Lieutenant General Chad stood and opened it.
“Permission to see Arianna, sir.” Mason’s voice.
“Please.” Chad stepped back and Mason rushed in.
