Free Dangerous by Julia Hawthorne Page A

her,” Elisabeth said wistfully as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I once thought I’d have that, but I married for other reasons.”
    “Many nobles do. ’Tis a shame.”
    In so many ways, she added silently. But to him, she said, “Now that I’m a widow, I canna wander through the rest of my life. At one time, I considered joining the abbey nearby, thinking it would give my life purpose.”
    “And now?”
    Though he didn’t touch her, the gentleness of his tone passed over her like a caress. In her memory, she felt the strength of his arms around her, comforting, protecting. By confiding the truth about himself, he’d entrusted his very life to her, and it was no hardship to imagine him remaining in her bed. Night after night, filling the long, lonely hours with the passion she’d longed for but never experienced.
    But she couldn’t tell him that. He’d bolt like a spooked stallion, and she’d never see him again. She could only pray that he’d remain in Caileann awhile longer so they might become better acquainted. Then, perhaps, he would find what he was looking for. In her.
    “Now I think you need a distraction.” Taking the book from its place, she began to read about Odysseus and his remarkable journey home.
    ***
    A knock at the open door roused Eric from his dozing. “Yes?”
    Gabriel strode into Elisabeth’s chamber, pausing at the foot of the bed with a grin much like Christian’s. “You’re looking much better, lad.”
    “A credit to your daughter’s skill.” He motioned to a chair. “Would you care to sit?”
    Once he was seated, Gabriel stared out one of the windows for several moments. “He’s dead.”
    When the earl finally spoke, his simple words startled Eric. “ Pardonnez ?”
    “He’s dead.” Gabriel turned to him with vengeful eyes. “Ye killed the man who tried to take my daughter.”
    “I did.”
    “Would ye do it again?”
    “Yes.”
    “I thought as much.” Gabriel stood and strolled a few paces away, hands held behind his back. “I’m not usually one to pry into a man’s past, but–”
    When he paused, Eric finished for him. “These are unusual circumstances.”
    “Aye.” He halted at the foot of the bed, regarding Eric with a patient expression. “Whatever it is you’ve done, I’ll not be judging it. In my mind, saving my daughter far outweighs any offense you might have committed.”
    Elisabeth’s promise of safety rang in his ears, mingling with her father’s assurance. And so, Eric relayed what he’d told her, surprised at the anger that still seethed in his voice. Not for himself, but for the men he’d so admired. Innocent of the ludicrous charges brought against them, they’d survived their battles with the Saracens only to fall before the greed of an insatiable monarch.
    The same rage burned in Gabriel’s eyes, and the earl braced his hands on the footboard, bowing his head between his shoulders. When he lifted his head, he met Eric’s gaze with a directness a commoner such as him received from very few.
    “This is not for anyone else to know, but I’ve met some of the Templars who escaped. They’re fine men, dedicated to their mission and to God, and I have tremendous respect for them.”
    Eric’s chest swelled with pride, and he felt some of the weight he’d been carrying lift from his heart. “’Tis good to know.”
    They stared at one another in silence, each taking their measure of the other. If he lived several lifetimes, however, Eric could never have predicted the earl’s next words.
    “I wish to hire you as Elisabeth’s personal guard. We’ll discuss your pay at another time, but for the loyalty you’ve shown the Redmond, I’d wager you could name your price.”
    “I’m certain your payment will be fair,” he replied without thinking, which was very unlike him. “I would be honored with such a post.”
    “It’s agreed, then. ’Til you’re up and about, you’ll be needing some help. You’ve my permission to