“Don’t pretend to know my job, Faye.”
The second he said it, Grant regretted it.
Faye raised her chin. “I, more than anyone, know your job, Grant. You took it from me.”
“Now, lass, you know that’s not fair. Someone had to take over, and I know you’re not selfish enough to wish the clan was left unprotected.”
“Of course not. But even if I can never be head Protector again, I’m an asset. I need a job, Grant, or I’m going to go crazy before too much longer.”
“Then why didn’t you just say that instead of attacking me?”
“Because this was the only way to get your attention. Believe me, I still have an arsenal of things to use, if need be.”
As they stared at one another, he admired the fire in her eyes and her pink cheeks. His dragon said, Why do you fight kissing her?
Because half of my family are traitors and if they get wind I took a mate, they’ll go after her.
Faye can take care of herself.
Not against dozens of dragons, especially with her wing the way it is.
His beast huffed. She is a warrior. Give her a chance to prove it.
Faye poked his chest again. “Hello, Earth to Grant. Either share what your dragon is talking about or I will use said arsenal.”
“As curious as I am about your arsenal, I’d rather not wake up with a talon against my balls. I’ll find you something to do.”
“When? If you put it off, I’ll just keep coming back, and maybe one day you will wake up missing one of your bollocks.”
He leaned back in his chair. If not for the threat hanging over his head, he’d tease her.
But Faye was safer at a distance. At least, for the time being.
Ignoring his dragon’s growls, Grant replied, “How about now? I need you to lean on Fergus about the information I requested.”
She put a hand on her hip and gestured with her other hand. “About what? I’m not going to do anything blind.”
His beast chimed in again. She’ll find out anyway. They can’t hurt her for merely helping Fergus with intelligence. You’re being overprotective.
Last year, Grant never would’ve hesitated. Faye was one of the people he trusted completely and she always worked hard.
But ever since she’d cleaned his wound and he’d thought of kissing her, he wanted to always protect her.
Grant didn’t need any more complications in his life at the moment and kissing Faye would most definitely complicate matters.
Wooing the lass would have to wait.
His beast grunted. If another doesn’t take her first.
Grant met Faye’s eyes again. “I’m tracking down the traitors who left the clan.”
Faye’s posture relaxed a fraction. “Have you had any success?
“Not yet, although Iris is helping me.”
She paused a second before saying, “You should ask for more help. It can’t be easy for you, Grant, what with your uncle, dad, and other family members betraying Lochguard.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You think I don’t know that?” He stood. “One of the reasons I didn’t say anything is I didn’t want pity. You, out of everyone, should know how bloody awful it is to see that in someone’s eyes.”