Page 36 of The Thief
Alastair sighed with frustration.
“All we can do is try to protect her the best we can. We need to double the guards around the castle. We need Ronald here.”
He looked at Ronald.
“Can Everett spare you?” he asked.
“I am at your disposal, My Lord, until you send a missive back to Everett. If he needs to send you another message, he will send a single rider or come himself. Especially given the nature of the circumstance.”
He nodded and looked at Scarlett.
“I want to move you to the room next to mine. That way I can keep an eye on you.”
He turned to Ragan.
“That means you will need to move as well.”
Ragan nodded.
“That is all right, My Lord. I will make sure that Ronald and I get settled.”
“Thank you.”
He looked back at Scarlett and squeezed her hands.
“We will take care of you.”
Scarlett looked at him, focusing on his face for the first time since she had read the letter. Art’s threat of no protection lingered in her mind as she had read about the threats against her life. She knew that with Art’s protection, it was harder to hurt her, but without it, she was very vulnerable.
Alastair could only protect her as long as she was in his castle. He didn’t have much authority outside of his island. Fear settled deep in her heart, turning her hands cold and her face pale.
“I’m very worried,” she said, focusing on his face for the first time since she read the letter.
“I will protect you,” he said, bringing a small smile to her face.
“If only you could,” she whispered.
For a moment, he looked confused, then his face changed as he too remembered Art’s threats.
“I will. I can protect you; you need only believe in me.”
She looked into the eyes of the man who had given her so much already, and knew she already believed he would protect her.
“I do believe in you.”
A smile came across his face at her words and he looked back at Ragan and Ronald who had turned to face the bookshelf.
“If you would kindly escort Her Grace to her room and help her with anything she needs?”
They turned as one and both replied, “Yes, sir.”
Alastair placed a hot kiss on Scarlett’s wrist, making her shiver with excitement.
“I will see you in a little while.”
Scarlett blushed but said nothing, standing and heading out of the study, Ronald and Ragan following behind.
“Ronald!” he called, needing to have someone tell Bard about the move.
