Page 60 of Malicious Claim

Someone in his own house had been working against him. Plotting against him.

I moved closer to the door, my heart pounding excitedly.

Makros sighed. "I admit. But I will not make a decision on suspicion."

Suspicion.

I breathed slowly, shaking.

Whoever the mole was, I needed to find them.

Night had fallen when I decided to return to my room. I was jammed in the doorway, unable to move as I saw Makros already waiting for me.

He rested against the window, his profile chiseled hard against the waning light. His jacket was open, his sleeves rolled up, showing the dragon tattoo curling up his forearms. He stillhad the same unreadable face he'd worn last night, but his eyes flashed over me with quiet assessment.

"You haven't eaten all day."

It wasn't a question.

I stood my ground, arms crossed. "Wasn't hungry."

Something dark moved over his eyes. Not anger—something iced. He came toward me, slow and deliberate, bridging the space between us.

"Starving yourself won't make me let you go." His voice was low, but it sent shivers down my spine.

I set my jaw. "Who said anything about letting me go?" I spat out a harsh laugh. "That's not what this is about."

Makros nodded, his head tilted as if considering my words. "Then what is this about?"

I said nothing.

He gazed at me for a second, then breathed out slowly. "I don't have time for this."

I expected him to stand up and leave. But he gestured toward the door.

A man came in.

My gut dropped.

I had seen him.

I don’t remember his name but he was part of the security assigned to the ambassador’s daughter.

My heart thudded in my ears. What in the name of the devil was he doing here?

"This is Nicolai," Makros said, his tone even, almost casual. "My late best friend's brother."

I swallowed hard. I recalled a different name for the man—Sam.

"He will be your new bodyguard," Makros went on.

What? Maybe I also needed a babysitter.

Chapter Twenty Six

The Game We Play

MAKROS' POV

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