AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ouch. Another stinger. I slunk down in my chair as he held up two fingers. A signal of some sort. A woman rushed over to give him a glass of whiskey before she returned to the shadows, fading into the background.
Hard liquor at breakfast? Isobel wasn’t the only one wreaking havoc in this man’s life.
He sipped the beverage and stared at me, his expression darkening. “You bewitched my brother,” he told me softly, fiercely, “but you will not bewitch me.”
As if I didn’t know that. “What makes you think I didn’t truly love him?”
“That’s easy.” He drained his glass, ice cube clinking. “You have no heart.”
Okay, enough with the insults. “At least I’ve changed for the better since the wedding. Can you say the same?”Red alert! Antagonizing!
Buzz strode into the room, bringing a distraction and a boatload of aggression. “A messenger sent by Tavish waits at the gate,” he announced.
Tavish? Who was Tavish? The words nearly rolled off my tongue. With the threat of execution regarding my true identity ringing in my head, I swallowed the question. Did Isobel know Tavish?
Callen reacted as if a bomb had been discovered in the castle. Red flickered in his irises. This time, I wasn’t flabbergasted or frightened, just concerned for his wellbeing. What did that say about me?
He tossed his napkin on the table and sprang to his feet. “Escort Isobel to her room.” Icy rage underscored his tone. “Remain at her door. Do not leave for any reason.”
I was to be locked in like a child? “What’s going on?”
Buzz approached me and reached out, offering his hand. I brushed it aside and stood.
“Leave, Isobel,” Callen demanded, inserting a clip in a gun.
My nerves sang. Where had he gotten those parts so quickly, without moving away from the table?
I chose to misunderstand his words. “You heard him,” I told Buzz. “He’s changed his mind. Leave me behind and go.”
He jerked his gaze to Callen. A muscle ticked in his jaw as he nodded; at the same time, he put the final touches on the weapon. My stomach twisted harder, faster. What had he just given Buzz permission to do? And did he plan to kill the messenger or scare him off?
Though reluctant, Buzz clasped my wrist, firmly but gently pulling me toward the door. Ah. The nod now made sense. The bodyguard wasn’t allowed to touch the boss’s wife without permission. Good to know.
I wrenched free and lifted my chin. “Try to keep up.” I power walked, eager to get to my phone. I’d call Isobel and demand the story on Tavish. No way the greedy wench had blocked me again. Not with money on the line.
Leaving Buzz on the other side of the door, I sealed myself inside my room. No sign of Thora as I rushed to the nightstand and swiped up the cell to call Isobel. A frigidbreeze brushed my nape, and I sucked in a breath. What the?—
Strong arms snaked around me. One hand slapped over my mouth, and the other pinned my arms. “Hello, beauty,” a low voice whispered in my ear. “So good to see you again. I admit I’ve been quite eager for this.”
Fear flooded me, paralyzing my limbs. How I hated fear, the open door to torment and doom, mistakes and regrets. Wait. His voice. I recognized it. Didn’t I?
“I verra much enjoy holding you.” He nuzzled his cheek against mine and chuckled softly. “You are a banquet of delights.”
Deep breath in. Out. Focus came.Fight!My fingers twisted, the paralysis evaporating. I launched into action–but got nowhere fast. My captor proved too strong, easily subduing my struggles.
“Don’t worry, darlin’,” he said, his amusement stronger. “I have no plans to harm you. I came to see if a switch was made, as arranged. Was it? Are you the indomitable Isobel or the clueless human she highjacked?”
He knew of the switch? I went still again, my fight ending.
“I’m releasin’ you now. If you scream, I’ll silence you. You’ll hurt, and I’ll be gone before your man gets here. Aye?”
I nodded emphatically, and I meant it. I had so many questions.
Slowly, he eased his grip. Then he stepped back, severing contact with me. Heart galloping, I spun to face him. My eyes widened. The hottie who’d pointed out my open zipper. I would recognize his mane of blond hair, hazel eyes, and chiseled features anywhere. Today he wore a white T-shirt and jeans, with the hems tucked intocombat boots. Fresh bite marks marred his arm. Thora’s doing?
I. Will. Do. Murder!“If you dared harm my dog…”
His lips twitched at the corners. “You’ll what?”
