Page 120 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“I have to say, Frankie wasn’t exaggerating.” He chuckles, releasing my hand. “With your amazing hair and that death stare, you’re a full-throttle version of a Viking god.” He swallows. “Magnificent.”

I release a vibrating, gravel-roughened sound that drains the color from his face.

“Thank you for staying, Rhett.” She sidles between us, putting her back to me. “I’m sorry I kept you.”

“Anything for a friend.” He waves her off, his gaze creeping back to me. “Besides, it’s not every day I get to meet a bona fide Tarzan of the Arctic.”

What the fuck?

I grip her waist and tug her against me. Her spine stiffens against my abdomen as I hold her in place with a hand on her collarbone. Watching him closely, I note the way he tracks where I touch her.

She didn’t tell him we’re together.

I don’t know whether to be pissed off or worried.

Something’s wrong with her, something skittish and troubled, shivering the frenetic air around her. Her hands fidget at her sides, fingers clutching at invisible lifelines, and sweat beads along her hairline, glistening like dew.

Every twitch in her body sets my instincts on edge.

Rhett seems oblivious. “I should get going. Early shift tomorrow. It was a pleasure, Leo.”

I don’t acknowledge him, my attention locked onto Frankie.

He steps off the yacht, his departure as unremarkable as his presence.

“What happened?” I spin her in my arms and touch her trembling chin and bloodless lips. “What did he do?”

Her eyes widen, pupils as dark as the polar night, leaping from shadow to shadow.

“Nothing.” She pulls away, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress. “I’m just tired.”

“Look at me when you lie to me.”

Those beautiful lashes lift, revealing a terrified expression that rips open my chest.

Backing away, she rubs her brow, her voice a broken whisper. “I need to lie down.”

The sensation of wrongness burrows deeper, chilling my blood.

“You apologized to Rhett for keeping him here.” I advance on her. “Why?”

“He’s a busy man.” She grabs her phone from the table and pads into the cabin. “I held him up, chatting about work.”

“You’re lying.” I stay with her, my eyes narrowing. “I know something’s wrong. Talk to me.”

She hasn’t asked about our driving lessons or why Kody isn’t here. Her breath comes shallow and fast, each exhale a ghostly gust in the silent harbor.

The tightness in my chest increases, feeding on her fear.

Without another word, she strides away, her steps hurried and unsteady. I chase her through the main cabin, passing the security guards, who exchange glances.

“Frankie.” I release a sharp exhale, the promise of confrontation escaping my lips. “Come back here.”

She stops abruptly, her back to me, her shoulders quivering. “You don’t understand. There are things…things you don’t know.”

“Then help me understand.” I capture her arm. “Fucking tell me.”

She turns, her eyes stark with alarm, pricking at my heart as she places her small hand over my mouth, silencing me.

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