Page 58 of Burned

“He knows where we are,” I whisper.

Lucian’s gaze cuts to mine. “Yes.”

My stomach dips.

Red Shutters still looks the same. Stone walls. Warm fire. Windows looking out toward wet Scottish trees. Guards outside. Men inside. Weapons hidden in places I know not to look.

Isobel is standing under this roof because Carlos figured out where we are, then sent her here.

Lucian looks at Rafe. “Red Shutters is done.”

I swallow. “Done as in… we are changing rooms, or pack-your-things-before-breakfast done?”

Rafe glances toward Isobel. “The second one.”

Blaze’s mouth curves without humor. “Preferably before anyone with more ammo than Isobel knocks.”

Lucian’s hands curl at his sides. “I should have moved you sooner,” he says. The words are quiet.

Deadly.

And they hurt because I know him well enough now to understand what he really means.

I should have protected you better. I should have seen this coming. I should have known Carlos would find a way to touch what belongs to me.

“Lucian,” I say softly.

That does something to him. Something dangerous.

Lucian looks directly at Isobel. “And while you’re under my roof, I’ll protect you, too.”

The words are out of his mouth before he can stop them. I know because I see the flash of regret that follows.

Protect her like he does for me.

My sensible side adds, like Ryan and Cass, too.

It doesn’t work. My heart gives one ugly, humiliating twist.

Isobel hears it too. Not my heart, obviously.

The promise.

Her eyes flick to me, then back to Lucian. A faint understanding settles over her face. Softly, she says, “Still doing that, then?”

Lucian’s jaw tightens. “Doing what?”

“Trying to save women after the damage is already done.”

Her words slice through him, but only he knows their meaning.

I look at Lucian. He doesn’t look at me.

Of course he doesn’t.

I step forward to make my presence known. Lucian’s hand shoots out and catches my wrist. A reflex. Isobel’s eyes drop to his hand.

Then rise to my face.