Page 133 of The Warrior
“They said you would’ve done the same for them.”
“Hmm.”
“Anyway, it was Pearl who finally convinced them that we were as concerned about you as they were. After that, they let us go.”
“What did you do with them?”
“What do you think? They were waving a gun close to my pregnant wife’s face. I want to hang every one of them.”
“You didn’t tell me that Pearl was pregnant.” My tone softened. “Congratulations.”
“I would’ve told you if you had been around. But you don’t have to act surprised. You knew about it before I did.”
“Ahh, you two really tell each other everything, don’t you?”
“Pretty much.”
“It sucks that she won’t sleep with you. Maybe you should give her what she wants.”
“You’re only saying that because the Huntsmen were fighting to get to you.”
“You’re right about that. It’s nice to know that some people are still loyal to me.”
“I guess. Not sure you deserve it, though.”
I lowered my chin. “Why not?”
“You’re not exactly showing much loyalty yourself, are you? You left the Huntsmen not knowing what had happened to you, and you left your wife to fend for herself, not even appointing a new protector for her.”
“Boulder was there, I knew he would protect her.”
“He already has Christina to protect, and I’m busy enough trying to keep together the pieces of this country. Finn lives in the Motherlands now, and Archer has a school to run with a pregnant wife to protect. Do you realize what that means?”
My jaw hardened. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that the only male available to be Laura’s protector was Marco.”
“You made an unmarried man her protector?” My voice was frosty.
“You didn’t give me much choice and with you choosing to leave there’s the question of your divorce and Laura’s future with another husband.”
“Another husband.” My heart almost stopped. “Did she sleep with Marco?”
“All I know is that she has slept here in your suite most nights. The other night she has slept at the school.”
“With him?”
“I can’t confirm or deny it, but I was told that Laura isn’t sleeping alone.”
“Where. Is. Laura?” The three words were pressed out through my teeth.”
“She wasn’t here for breakfast, so I assume that she is at the school.”
My nostrils flared and fear burned in my chest. Marco was handsome, charming, and easy-going like Finn. I had always thought of him as nothing but a big boy, but he and Laura were the same age. Boulder and Finn had both married the women they protected, and I was no fool. Laura was lonely and felt rejected by me. I’d left her open and vulnerable for Marco to seduce.
“So, are you coming back or what?” Khan asked.
“Yes, I’m coming back. In the meantime, do as Pearl told you to and release my men. I’ll deal with them later after I’ve dealt with Laura.”
