Free Dangerous by Julia Hawthorne Page B

recruit any of my men for a rotation of guards.”
    “I’ll ask Christian which would be best suited to the task.”
    After an approving nod, Gabriel said, “Elisabeth warned me not to tire you, so I’ll leave ye to your rest. We’ll talk more later.”
    Alone once more, Eric realized that he should have thought over his decision more carefully. By agreeing to watch over Elisabeth, he was now very much involved in Scotland’s troubles. Beyond that, he would be very much involved with her.
    Even he could resist only so much temptation.
    ***
    “Carefully, now,” Elisabeth warned, bracing Eric while he hauled himself out of bed. “I’ve no intention of stitching you together again.”
    He settled his boots on the floor and stretched out his bed-weary legs. With Elisabeth’s aid, he rose to stand, wavering only slightly before gaining his balance. She supported him as he took his first steps in days, and while he didn’t need the help, he accepted it all the same. Having her at his side brought him the sort of contentment he’d not expected to feel ever again, and he was loathe to relinquish it. And her.
    Slowly, they walked into the corridor, his leg feeling steadier with each stride.
    “Very good, Eric.” Giving him an encouraging smile, she stepped away. “I don’t think you need me at all.”
    Without thinking, he tightened his grasp, bringing her into his arms. Her cheeks flushed, but her eyes never faltered. Bold as any warrior, she met his gaze directly, even as her heart skipped against his chest.
    Her lips parted invitingly, and she gave him a knowing woman’s smile. “You wanted something?”
    He wanted her, with a ferocity he’d never felt, not even in battle. But he was her protector now, the man charged with keeping her safe. He hated to imagine the consequences he’d face for betraying Gabriel’s trust.
    “Only to thank you,” he murmured, kissing her cheek before releasing her. “My leg is well healed, and I’m eager to take a walk.”
    “I should go with you.” She stepped forward, halving the distance between them.
    He smiled to ease the concern in her eyes. “Not to worry, milady. I can manage.”
    Thankfully, she stood aside and let him go. He wasn’t certain he could have denied her a second time.

 
    Chapter Six
     
     
    One afternoon, Eric strode back to the keep after tending to Micah in the stables. Each day, his leg grew stronger, and he’d gladly taken on some of his usual tasks. Elisabeth cautioned him against pushing too hard, but the physical activity was doing him no end of good. Some of the tightness had left his chest, and he could now converse with his charge without imagining her naked beneath him. Most of the time.
    He was warming himself at one of the main hearths when Christian appeared beside him.
    “Come,” the young noble said with a wink. “I’ve something to show you.”
    Stripping off his gloves, Eric followed him as they ascended to the family’s apartments. Near the end of the hallway, Christian paused outside an open door and motioned Eric inside. The room wasn’t large, but off to his left a small fireplace crackled, and a bed draped in handsome dark blue damask stood on the opposite wall. Christian’s pleased expression left no doubt as to his intent.
    Eric held up his hands, shaking his head firmly. “No, milord. I cannot allow you to do this.”
    “’Tis done.” Christian crossed his arms and scowled. “And should ye ever call me ‘milord’ again, I’ll be forced to plaster you.”
    When Eric laughed, Christian joined in and threw himself across the bed. “Come, now, Jordanne. Ye need a place to stay.”
    “I’m comfortable enough with the soldiers.”
    “They’re packed to the walls in there. Ye canna deny this is much nicer.”
    “True enough.” Eric looked around the cozy chamber. ’Twas unusual for a commoner to have a room to himself, much less one so grand.
    “Elisabeth arranged this for you, to express her gratitude. I