For a second I was embarrassed to have been caught talking about him. But then I remembered: This man planned to treat eighteen young women like a stable of broodmares.
That snapped my spine straight.
"Yes, I would very much like to speak with you," I said tightly.
"Please, come to my study." He stepped aside and gestured up the hallway with a graceful arm. But when I nodded and started to follow, Ash moved with me. David pinned him with a look. "Alone," he snapped.
Ash stopped like he'd been shot, but I saw the flames rise in his eyes. "I am her Defender—"
"From danger. You believe she will be harmed by me… who may one day be her husband?"
Ash stood very still for a moment, his eyes locked with David's. My heart pounded.
David raised that icy brow again and Ash dropped into a bow. "Of course, your Highness," he said stiffly. "Of course she is safe with you. It was only instinct."
