Page 52 of A Tempest of Intrigue
“Is everything okay here?” she demanded brusquely.
Gaius plastered that awful smile on his face again as he turned toward her. “Everything is fine, ma’am. I was just telling Ellery how beautiful her property is.”
“Yes, it’s a lovely manor.” She stared at him before looking at me and smiling. “I could use your help with something, Lery.”
“Of course,” I murmured.
When I stepped forward, Gaius’s hold on me tightened. “Shouldn’tyoube the one helpingher?” he asked Ruby.
I jerked on my arms and finally succeeded in freeing them from his grasp. “Ruby is part of my family; we help family around here.”
“But she’s not blood.”
He’d given up all pretenses of trying to be a decent man. He’d made his intentions with me clear, and now that he’d done so, he would do whatever he wanted.
“She’s still family,” I told him.
When I stepped around him, I braced myself for him to seize me again. If he did, I didn’t know if I could control my ability anymore.
There was only so much someone could take before they broke, and Gaius was pushing me toward that breaking point. However, he’d finally decided to keep his hands to himself, as he didn’t move.
Once I was free of him, it took everything I had not to run to Ruby, but I would maintain my dignity and never let this bastard know how much he’d rattled me. I strode to Ruby with my shoulders back; she remained focused on Gaius.
“I’ll see you soon, Ellery,” Gaius said as I stepped into the shadows of my house.
Ruby stared at him before entering the house and closing the door behind her. My shoulders sagged, and my breath rushed out as my strength faded.
Leaning against the doorframe, I used the back of my arm to wipe frantically at my mouth. Though the kiss hadn’t lasted, his touch and taste were emblazoned on my lips and tongue.
I gagged at the memory of his too-thick tongue seeking out mine. I would brush my teeth for an hour once he finally left.
And where is he?
The realization I didn’t know caused me to spin toward the door. I stood to the side, peeled back the drape, and peered out. I didn’t see him, but the thud of his horse’s hooves told me he was riding away.
“Are you okay?” Ruby asked.
I let the curtain go and leaned against the window. “No, I’m not.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No.”
“Ellery—”
“You interrupted before things got out of control.”
“Who is he?”
“Gaius Gisborne. The new head of Ivan’s guard.”
“Oh shit.”
“He came to collect the money I owe Ivan.”
“And that’s not all he wanted.”
“No, it’s not.”
