Page 36 of Vengeful Guard

“You did.” He nods. “But we need more space. And preferably, a punching bag so that my bollocks are safe.”

I snort out a laugh. “There’s a gym downstairs in the basement.”

“There is? How did I not know that?”

I shrug. “It’s not like I use it, so I don’t think I ever mentioned it to my brothers.”

“Ah, that explains it.” Kael nods. “Good. We’ll go there tomorrow.”

I frown. “Why tomorrow?”

“My workout’s done for today.”

“That wasn’t much of a workout.”

He scoffs. “I’ve been up and moving since five in the morning, princess. While you slept like a baby."

“Five? Who willingly gets up at five?”

“Me."

“You’re crazy.” I shake my head. “Your body’s very important to you, isn’t it?”

He winks at me. “Why, you like it?”

“N-no.” My cheeks start heating up. “I just mean you’re vain.”

“No, I’m not. Looking good might be a side effect, but that’s not why I do it. I do it to stay fit. Be faster. Stronger.”

I look at him for a moment. He looks like he’s put on some muscle in the best way across the chest and biceps. Last time I’d seen him had been in a suit instead of shirtless, so I guess I hadn’t noticed.

I look away quickly. “Thank you for the lesson, I guess."

I walk toward my room. "I've got plans with Lara today, so she’s coming to pick me up. My father’s men will be following her, so you don’t have to come.”

“I'll check with Declan.”

I whirl back to face him. “You don't have to double check. I know what I’m doing.”

He shrugs. “Like I told you before, I don’t work for you, so those are the rules, kiddo.”

Little princess. Your highness. Kiddo.

He’s treating me like I’m an annoying kid, and it’s beyond frustrating.

He walks out on the balcony, presumably to call my brother, and when he returns, I’ve got my arms crossed over my chest.

“Okay, you can go."

“Of course, I can go. I’m a grown woman." I throw my hair over my shoulder.

Kael doesn’t seem to care. He just heads into the guestroom.

I take a deep breath.

Who does he think he is? And how do I get him to learn his place?

But worst of all. How do I learn my place, and how do I remind myself that I shouldn’t care about what he thinks of me?

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