Page 156 of The Robin on the Oak Throne

She cleared her throat. “Engagement party, actually.”

“Ah, your little wolf friend.”

“Indeed.”

“You thought you’d swing by before you go so I can see your outfit.” He twirled his finger in place as if he thought she might actually turn for him.

“Not exactly.”

“No?” He chuckled. “Well, you’ve been on quite an adventure.”

“Have I?”

He pushed off the brick and approached her. She had to tilt her chin up to meet his inimitable gaze. “Did you get what you were looking for?”

“Are you so sure that isn’t you?”

He laughed softly. “You never responded to my messages and have been dodging my surveillance.”

“We already had this conversation,” Kierse said. “If you want your men to follow me, then you’re going to have to send out better recruits.”

“You also recommended that I stop stalking you.” His hand swept up as if to brush her hair off her face. Fear racketed through her. What if he touched her and she couldn’t say no, couldn’t escape, didn’t have anyone there to stop him? His hand froze, his head tilting almost as if he could see the thoughts painted clearly on her face. “You think I would hurt you?”

“No,” she said. “Not on purpose.”

“Those are two different things.”

“I’ve known you to be the type of person who believes the ends justify the means.”

“Never with you,” he promised.

He dropped his hand and took a step back. The pressure in her chest dissipated so she could breathe. Had it gotten stronger?

“I wanted to apologize,” he said, meeting her gaze. “I never wanted you to find out about our soulmate bond that way.”

“Yet you didn’t tell me yourself when you had the chance.”

“I wanted to tell you when I first realized, but then youwere gone to Dublin. When you returned…I didn’t want to unduly influence you.”

“That’s rich, coming from you.”

Lorcan straightened to his full height. “Why are you hell-bent on making me the villain here?”

“I’m not.”

He shot her a look. “I’ve been heavy handed, I admit, but I haven’t lied to you. As you are lying to yourself right now. Ashehas lied to you.”

Kierse bristled at the words. “Don’t bring him into this.”

“How can I not? You’re acting like he’s innocent. Like he didn’t hide your heritage from you and lie to you about your abilities and hold you back from progressing.” He spread his arms wide. “I’m standing here offering you all of that and more—a place among your family, safety, security, and all the knowledge I have of your people. If that’s not enough, we are magically bonded.”

“What’s the catch?”

“You have been so hurt all these years you cannot see that the people who care for you want nothing from you. Just you.”

“And that’s what you want?”

“I cannot deny it.” His hand landed on her chest right where the thrum was loudest. “And neither can you.”

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