Page 63 of Edinburgh Escape
She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. “What’s happening here?”
He held her close, not wanting to release her or leave her for a single second by herself. “I don’t know. If a Russian mobster is inside the manor, none of you are safe. We need to let Ewan know.”
Maggie looked up into Callum’s eyes. “What if he’s the one who pushed me?”
Callum couldn’t imagine Ewan as the attacker in this case. He’d welcomed Maggie with open arms as the sister he’d always wanted, a bonus family member with whom he was willing to share his inheritance. He’d been SAS. Callum trusted the men who’d gone through the training. Only the best, physically, mentally and morally were selected. He’d trust his life with a man like Ewan.
Would he trust Maggie’s life with Ewan?
With no answers and no clues, Callum couldn’t trust anyone with Maggie’s life. Not even himself. With too many attempts already, he couldn’t bring himself to trust anyone with the woman he was falling so quickly and hopelessly in love with. God, he wished he wasn’t such a screw-up. If he could wipe away the demons powering his dreams, he would. Then he wouldn’t have to worry that he’d wake up with his hands around Maggie’s throat. Though he couldn’t trust himself to sleep with her, he could be in the same room as long as he kept his distance when he slept. Couldn’t he?
He’d only tried to choke her because she’d gotten too close when he was in the throes of his nightmare. His other choice would be to have one of his teammates with the Brotherhood Protectors International take over the protection of the pretty redhead. He could step back and ask for a different assignment.
If she were attacked while he was on another assignment, could he forgive himself for not being there?
No.
Was he a danger to her?
Yes.
Inside, Callum warred with himself on his decision to stay. He would stay with her at least until they neutralized the Russian mobster threat.
His arms around her, holding her tightly, and he knew he didn’t want to be anywhere else.
Slipping his arm around her waist, he walked with her to their bedroom and pushed the door open.
Her gaze went to the book on the bed, “You read it?” she asked.
He nodded. “I skimmed.” Callum shook his head. “I’m sorry,”
“My mother was—” She swallowed hard, her voice choking on a sob.
“I know.”
“Makes me want to shave my head.”
Callum chuckled. “Why?”
“You heard Ewan. We look like him.” Maggie shoved her hands into her thick coppery curls and pulled hard. “I hate them. I hate him. Why couldn’t I look like my mother?”
“Ewan wasn’t a fan of his father either. He’s not shaving his head. And how would that make Bryce feel if you and Ewan hated your red hair?” Callum swept a curl back from her forehead. “I don’t care where you are in your genetic lineup, but not all Drummonds are bad. I can’t hate Douglas Drummond completely because what he did with your mother created you.” He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb across her lips. “I’m sorry your mother was treated so badly. No woman should have to go through what she did. But she chose to keep you when she had alternatives.”
Maggie nodded. “I loved her so much, and she loved me.”
“Red hair and all,” Callum said softly. “Your red hair is what I loved about you from the first moment I saw you at the airport.”
She sniffed. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
With his thumb, he tipped her chin up. “Is it working?”
Maggie smiled, her lips trembled, and a single tear escaped from the corner of her eye. “A little.”
“Good. Because I don’t want to kiss a woman with a dreadfully damp face.” Despite his words, he did kiss her. He knew it was a mistake and would only make him want to continue kissing her, but he couldn’t resist. When he hadn’t been able to find her, briefly, he’d thought she was lost, and he’d almost lost his cool. He would have ripped the entire house apart looking for her.
“I’m not the right man for you, Maggie McKendrick, but you’re stuck with me until we figure out who is targeting you.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “You don’t hear me complaining.”
