Page 27 of The Gargoyle and the Songbird

A beat of tense silence passes between us, a battle of wills. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Thorak’s cousin discreetly stand and sneak away, clearly scared off by our little tiff. Meanwhile, frustration simmers in Graeme’s eyes, that telltale muscle ticking in his jaw as he struggles to rein in his temper.

Then, without warning, he swoops down and scoops me up, throwing me over his broad shoulder like I weigh nothing at all.

I shriek in indignation, my fists pounding against his back as he strides purposefully towards the exit, ignoring the curious stares of the other guests.

“Put me down, you cretin!” I holler, my face flushing. I’m not sure if I’m more embarrassed or angry. “I swear to the gods, Graeme, if you don’t let me go right this second...”

But my threats fall on deaf ears as Graeme carries me out into the night, his grip on me firm and unyielding.

Despite my fury, I can’t help but notice the way his muscles ripple beneath his dress shirt, the effortless strength with which he holds me. The cool evening air does little to quell the heat rising in my cheeks or the sudden, undeniable desire that coils low in my belly at being handled this way.

Graeme’s hand rests on my lower back, large and possessive, sending sparks of want skittering across my skin. I squirm against him, equal parts outraged and aroused.

“This is humiliating,” I grumble, but there’s less bite to my words now, my indignation slowly giving way to a reluctant thrill.

Still, I keep up a steady stream of complaints and demands all the way back to the Moonflower Inn, determined not to let Graeme see how much his bold actions are affecting me.

It’s only when we’re safely back in our shared room that he finally sets me down, his eyes glinting with irritation and something else. Something heated that makes my breath catch.

“You’re such an ass,” I huff, straightening my dress and trying to salvage my dignity. “I can’t believe you just manhandled me like that in front of everyone! I’m your client, you’re supposed to listen tome!”

Graeme steps closer, his large frame crowding my space, making me feel small and delicate in comparison.

“You might be my client,” he says, his voice rumbling low all the way to my bones, “but your safety is my number one priority.I’ll do whatever it takes to protect your life, even if that means saving you from your own reckless decisions.”

With that, he turns and strides into the bathroom, leaving me gaping after him, my heart pounding and my skin tingling. I get myself ready for bed in a daze, replaying Graeme’s words in my mind.

He takes his time coming back into the room, and I stubbornly tuck myself in bed, turning off the light, refusing to wait for him. He’s the one who created this ridiculous situation after all, sharing a room like this.

But as I lay in the dark, staring up at the enchanted ceiling, I can still feel the phantom sensation of his touch on my body, can still hear the fierce protectiveness in his voice.

No one has ever been so intensely dedicated to my safety before, so single-minded in their determination to keep me from harm’s way.

It’s infuriating, and yet...

I shift restlessly beneath the sheets, trying to ignore the persistent ache in my core, the way my body thrums with a wanting I can no longer deny.

As much as I hate to admit it, Graeme’s unwavering devotion to my protection is undeniably, irresistibly…

Arousing.

Just as I admit my arousal in my thoughts, the telltale vibrations of the bed beneath me thrum back to life.

I push my face into my pillow and release a silent scream.

11

ECCO

The glory of the enchanted gardens at Rosewood Mansion takes my breath away as I make my way down the glittering ivory aisle runner, Minx prancing proudly at my side. Moonflowers and irises line the path, their petals shimmering in the glow of floating candles.

Ahead, a flower-draped arbor frames Thorak’s imposing figure, his slim, elven best friend Finnian a contrast beside him.

Gruna walks alongside me, leading Thorak’s teacup boar Snuffles, who trots dutifully with Thorak’s wedding bracelet balanced on his back. Minx wears Mariah’s more delicate bracelet around her fluffy neck.

The adorable pair of pets draws coos from the assembled guests. Two vastly different, equally precious creatures united in their important roles.

My gaze drifts to the front row and my step falters. Graeme sits there looking like sin in a suit, his pale blue eyes burning into me.

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