Page 69 of Discovered Magic
Jennings dropped. Gray-faced, he cupped his sack and curled into himself.
In a tone cold enough to freeze Abbie’s bones, Royal added, “Don’t ever question me again, Jennings, or next time I cut them off.”
When he glanced down, her heart stopped. His were the eyes of a stone-cold killer. They softened only slightly as he reached for her. After hauling her up and into his arms, he strode straight for a nearby crack in the canyon wall.
“I have people who are coming for me,” she bluffed. His skeptical expression prompted her to add, “Ones you don’t want to cross.”
“Is that right?” he drawled. “Can you feel me quaking in my boots, Fire Cat?”
“A little,” she replied with a bravery she didn’t feel.
His grin revealed surprisingly straight, white teeth that made him downright handsome. But she wasn’t fool enough to associate a good-looking guy with a great personality.
The remainder of his gang meandered into the cavern, leading their horses along with Royal’s and Gus’s.
Even knowing panic would cloud her mind and judgment, she couldn’t suppress it.
“I can’t tell you why, but it’s important you stay calm,” he said in a low voice. “These men fear me almost as much as my brother, love. You’re safe enough unless he or Morcant gets it into their heads to claim you.”
“And if they do?” She hated the tremble in her voice.
He met her worried gaze, and she imagined she saw compassion. “It won’t get that far. Morcant hasn’t shown interest in women other than to instill fear.” He cast a glance at the vampire-looking dickhead with the dead eyes, then looked at the guy stripping a bedroll from his saddle. They shared a nod. “Silas won’t fight me on this. I never take part in their games, so he’ll consider you fair payment for my loyalty.”
She shivered, drawing his notice.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.” She grimaced. “I think it’s shock setting in. I was shot in the fray.”
Royal stilled, glancing down at her body and finally noticing the blood soaking her clothing. He laid her gently on the ground and eased her skirt up her injured leg, but only a few inches higher than her wound, preserving her modesty. She could’ve kissed him for his thoughtfulness.
He swore.
“Yeah, no kidding,” she replied faintly, fearing unconsciousness. Goddess only knew what this band of outlaws would do to her.
“Please, don’t let me black out,” she prayed, as if the deities gave a crap about her, which they didn’t.
“Sleep if you’ve a mind to,” he said.
“As if.”
He frowned. “You’re safe. You’re mine, and no one touches what’s mine.”
Abbie’s lids grew too heavy to keep open. “Why do men keep saying that to me?”
“Maybe because they recognize your indomitable spirit and want a piece of it for themselves?” he suggested lightly.
“Sure, that’s it,” she replied dryly.
“What’s your name, Fire Cat?”
“Abigail. Abbie.”
“Well, Abigail-Abbie, I need to remove that bullet. And I won’t lie. It’ll be painful as hell.”
She opened her eye and met his concerned gaze. Pointing to her face, she said, “Not sure anything could be as bad as this was.”
“Who hurt you?” His question held demand, as if it truly mattered to him.
