Page 11 of The Guardian's Witch

“Would you consider a compromise?”

Her head tilted and her eyes found him. “What type of compromise?” She noticed how his eyes sparkled with a challenge.

“Come back to Glen Kirk, and when the threat is over if you still want to come back here, I will bring you back myself.”

“I will consider your compromise but it is you who should be concerned.” She stood and closed the distance between them.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” A ring of command replaced the casual tone in his voice. A stern expression hardened his face.

“I know nothing with any certainty. I do know they will try again. And soon,” she added in barely a whisper.

“Of course they will. That’s what assassins do.” He stood solidly, his hands on his hips, and stared out the window. “I’m glad that’s settled. You’ll return to the castle. It is yours to do with as you please. You can visit here whenever you like, but not alone. Until we capture these raiders and their leader I want someone with you.” He crossed his arms in front of him.

She found herself staring into eyes darkened with indecision. “Did you want to say something?”

“No, there is nothing else.” He waited a beat. “Yes, there is something else.” Alex didn’t move. He unwound his arms but still held her with his eyes. “I’ve also come for payment.” He smiled. His strong features held a certain sensuality.

“Payment?” She hesitated.

“Yes. We made a bet, and you lost. You owe me a kiss.” He took her hand.

His fingers were cool and smooth. Lisbeth’s heart raced. He would claim his kiss now? Her cheeks burned with the memory of her dream. “You were asleep, there was no way...” She was still lost in his eyes. They reminded her of summer lightning.

“Was I?” His low soft voice teased.

The sun poured through the window and surrounded them in a golden mist.His gaze was a soft caress.She instinctively stepped closer to him and caught a whiff of mint with a hint of bay.He touched her only with his smoldering eyes.She lowered her head,afraid she would reveal too much;already every part of her body screamed for him.She fought to control the building excitement,afraid she would succeed.

His open desire was intoxicating.With a bent finger he raised her chin and lowered his lips a breath away from hers.Her heart hammered in her chest.She was on fire with a liquid heat concentrated between her thighs.She gasped at the sweet agony.Perhaps he would brush a kiss on her cheek.Instead,he gathered her into his arms.

Nervously she wet her lips.His chest rumbled with a deep groan.The touch of his mouth on hers sent a tremor through her entire body.He tempted her with his tongue and teased her mouth open.She hesitated a moment in breathless anticipation.He swooped in and she let him claim her mouth.She quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss.She was filled with desire.Foreverechoed in her head.

She blinked. She was standing in front of him. Her hand was still in his.

“I’m here to collect my wager.” He raised her hand and gently brushed her knuckles with his lips. He peered up at her with a devilish look in his eyes. “There, your debt’s collected.” Alex bent from the waist in a formal bow.

“No, Alex. We wagered I would kiss you.” She took his face in both her hands, looked deeply into his eyes and registered his surprise. She tingled with excitement. Gathering her courage, her tongue peeked out and nervously rimmed her mouth, wetting it. She felt him stiffen. Afraid she would lose her nerve she closed her eyes and kissed him. How incredibly bold. She was not disappointed. His lips were firm and soft. She had imagined them quite accurately. She stepped back and took a minute before she opened her eyes. Slowly, the heat cooled and the tingling calmed. With more courage than she felt, she looked at him and smiled. ”Now the debt’s paid.”

His eyes grew large with amusement. The boyish smirk on his face made her heart stop. “You shock me, Lisbeth.” He put his hand on his chest. His voice was deep and rich like plush velvet.

“Did you doubt I would pay my debt?”

He gave her a thoughtful stare. “No. I knew you would not cry off. You’re honest and trustworthy. The truth be known, you had no chance of winning. I only wager when I know I will succeed.”

So do I. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She flushed, certain he could hear her heart beat a loud tattoo, a remnant of the fire beneath the surface.

“Now, you will return to the castle.”

Although she wouldn’t give Jamie the satisfaction, she had agreed with him in principle and she would be more help to Alex inside the castle. But would she be safe? Wispy tendrils of fear started to rise but something very deep inside her forced it down. Her stomach knotted with indecision but she had no doubt that Jamie would bring her kicking a screaming to the castle. From the look of him, Alex was also so inclined. She really didn’t have a choice. She let out a resigned sigh. Alex would see to the raids quickly. She wouldn’t be there for long. Surely only a few weeks at most until it was safe again. “Yes, m’lord.” She avoided his gaze. “As you wish.”

“Good, go get whatever you can carry and come with me.”

“Now? This minute?” Even she could hear the shock in her voice.

Already headed for the door, he turned and, with a raised eyebrow, gave her a beaming smile. “Yes, now. Take what you must. One of my men will gather the rest and bring everything to you later. It’s a good day for a stroll to the castle.”

She swept through the lodge and gathered up her belongings. She took everything out of the chest except for the charm. The violet amber had always been there protecting the lodge. There was no other like it. She rubbed the stone in her fingers. It had been there longer than she could remember. She closed the lid. She would return soon.

She left the bedroom and walked toward the door. Her hand stilled when she reached for her cloak.Forever. Ridiculous. She must stop these girlish daydreams. She put on her cloak, picked up her satchel, and stepped to the door.

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