Page 45 of The Guardian's Witch

Lisbeth started to walk away but he put his hand on the tree trunk to stop her. “I asked you, what were you doing at the lodge?” In his other hand he showed her Bryce’s gold clasp.

She could still see Bryce stroking the spot where the clasp belonged, smiling at Alex just an hour ago.

“Do you ask out of concern for me or concern for your property?”

“Answer me, Lisbeth. Did you sleep with Bryce?”

Stunned, she looked at him as if she’d never seen him before. How could he think she would ever... With the flat of her hand she smacked him across his face with every ounce of strength she had.

There was thunder in his gray eyes. A storm the likes she had never seen. He grabbed her by the back of her neck and stared into her eyes searching for something. She struggled to get free but he held her fast. He twisted the hair he held, then pulled her close to him and gave her a punishing, angry kiss. He pushed away and the storm subsided. For a moment he studied her intently. His smoldering stare entranced her. He kissed her again with an urgency that left her breathless.

He took her by the hand and brought her to Gareth. “Take her with you.” He walked away.

She rode the rest of the way to Glen Kirk with Gareth but her eyes never left Alex. She noticed him give Prime the lead and race ahead of the troop. They were far out in front making their way to the other side of the meadow when Alex veered away from them and took off.

She seethed with anger and pain. Over and over his condemning words battered her.She is mine.Given to me by the king.Bring her.Did you sleep with Bryce?He had treated her like a piece of baggage. She didn’t know where Alex had gone. With any luck he’d end up with the other protectors.

The thought no sooner popped into her mind when she felt her chest ache. She had hoped. She had felt. She had trusted. She had daydreamed impossible things. Now she was bereft and empty. She choked back a sob and felt Gareth’s chest rumble.

“Patience, m’lady, there’s much we don’t know and can’t see.”

* * *

Alex rode trying to outrace the storm brewing inside him. He’d felt her eyes on his back at Bryce’s hall. He heard her astonishment, the quick intake of breath, when he demanded her from Bryce. He watched her pale at the thought of being his wife. Now he raced away from her. Or did he race from himself? The thought caught him by surprise. No, he had lost her. He drove Prime harder until he found himself back at the hunting lodge.

He rummaged around in the cellar looking for ale. Everyone knew Wesley kept the lodge cellar stocked. He turned a corner and collided into a rack of neatly lined-up casks. “Ah, there you are.”

He grabbed a nearby pitcher, filled it with ale, and dragged himself up the stairs. By nightfall he was slumped at the table in the dark, cold room. He struggled to open his eyes. A lone moonbeam filtered in from the window and provided the only light. He dare not straighten up. The pounding in his head wouldn’t let him.

A cool hand ran across his neck. “Lisbeth?” He sounded hopeless even to himself but there was no answer. “Have you come to save me again?” He grabbed her hand but she fought to get free. There was a tugging at the nape of his neck. He brushed it way and finally forced his head up. Her cloak billowed around her as she floated out the door and out of his life. “Lisbeth, you don’t understand.” He cradled his head in his arms on the table. He held on to the amulet that hung around his neck. Sleep once again overtook him.

He gathered her into his arms and placed one hand at the small of her back.She rested her head against his bare muscled chest.Her soft fingers gently stroked him.The anticipation was unbearable,but he waited.

With his eyes closed,he skimmed his hand over her body.He was like a blind man memorizing each curve.He explored the hollows of her back,traced over the flare of her hips,and glided down her thigh.She cuddled closer,her soft curves molding to the contours of his hard body.

“Mine,”he whispered softly into her hair.

“Forever,”she responded.

He opened his eyes,and gently tilted her head up.She looked at him.His gaze traveled over her face and searched her passion-filled eyes.Her trust and hunger sent the blood coursing through his veins.He released her and she tucked her head back onto his chest.

Her warm fingertips traced the scars on his chest.Each touch set off sparks of pleasure.Her forefinger trailed down the mark under his collarbone.He struggled to calm his body and submit to her intimate torture.She followed the weal across his heart and stopped.She laid soft kisses along the line.He took in a quick breath and fought for control.Her soft fingers continued down the long scar over his lower stomach.He dare not move.Every movement kindled the fire higher.He thought he would burn to a cinder.

He placed a gentle,reverent kiss on her forehead.Her eyes fluttered closed when he bent and covered her lips with his.His kiss was long and deep.Her lips parted,and he took full advantage slowly and tenderly.The taste of berries was on her breath.He swept his tongue inside her mouth and softly claimed her for his own.The urgency of their kisses built until he thought he would burst.

Carefully he eased her down.Her clothes gone,his hands seared a path from her neck,over her breasts,across her stomach,and down her thighs.Her face was a mirror of her emotions.Her desire turned to ecstasy.

Tenderly he kissed the base of her throat and left a trail of kisses to her breasts.His hands roamed lovingly over them.Gently he stroked and coaxed them,feeling them surge at his touch.His hand lightly brushed her hardened nipples and she moaned.His arousal was complete.

“Mine.”The word slipped from his lips.

Raw hurt glittered from her vibrant green eyes.“By the king’s decree,m’lord?”

“No.”He tried to gather her close in his arms but she was gone.“Lisbeth.”He called to the empty room.His heart squeezed in anguish.She was truly lost to him.

* * *

The morning sun, and a complaint from Prime, brought him back to the living. He sat at the table, his head in his hands. The reality of his loss was cold and exact.

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