The young girl nodded, leading her around the outside of the field.
Alex turned and his gaze found Madeline. He noted how she carefully kept her distance from the other men as she walked in his direction. The closer she came, the more his throat constricted and his chest tightened. Devil take it, what would happen to him if he was ever in a true battle with her around? What control did this lass have over him?
Maddie tentatively stepped closer to Alex. “My laird, may I have a moment of your time?” She nodded briefly at the guards as they stared at her, eager smiles on their faces.
Alex removed his helmet and replied, “Of course, my lady.” He glared at his guards before he continued her way, “How can I assist you?”
“Laird Grant,” she started, “I fear I have not thanked you and your brother properly for risking your lives to come to my aid. I am truly grateful you arrived when you did, and you were able to hasten me away from my stepbrother without causing harm to anyone.”
“My lady, you do no’ need to thank me.” He stepped forward, and Madeline stepped back a couple of paces, never changing the smile on her face. Again, he thought, she backs away from me. He didn’t move again, thinking mayhap he did not smell too pleasant after working so hard.
But his thoughts quickly changed to the situation he had found her in a few nights ago, escalating his ire again.
“Not cause harm to anyone? I would have hurt everyone to remove you from that room. Do not be concerned about hurting your stepbrother, he was hurting you, was he no’? I would have done whatever was necessary in order to stop his cruelty. ‘Tis no’ right to beat a woman, even over a betrothal. Lass, you have my apologies for no’ getting you away from him sooner. And if he comes for you, I will protect you. He will not hurt you again!” Alex’s men turned to stare as his shouts carried across the sea of metal.
He could see Madeline cringing as his voice rose. He forced himself to stop to prevent from upsetting her further.
“But I do not want anyone hurt because of me,” Madeline whispered.
Alex’s bluster blew again. Was the woman daft? She could be hurt, but no one else could be?
“If your stepbrother or Niles Comming plans to come to my keep to get you, someone will be hurt.” He tried to rein in his anger, but lost the battle.
Maddie stepped back, clutching her hand to her chest.
“No one will touch you again!” Alex’s could feel the fire burning in his chest as he spoke, his entire body rigid. He clenched his fists at the thought of anyone hurting his Maddie, pacing to rein himself in. He tried to control his temper, but to no avail.
He knew he probably frightened her with his fervor, but he couldn’t stop. He stared at the ground in frustration, wanting to stomp his feet. She had no idea her value. Why did she not understand men did not have the right to touch her whenever they wanted? He would have to show her how special she was. How was he to go about that? His brain turned to mush or fury whenever she was near. He lost control around her. Nay, he never lost control. His hand grabbed the hair at the top of his head, shaking it at his own deficiencies. When he lifted his gaze, he found himself drowning in blue eyes again.
Her beautiful face and delicate skin were all he could see.
Her voice interrupted his thoughts, “Thank you, Laird, and please convey my thanks to your brother as well.” Maddie graced him with a timid smile and fled.
Alex watched her go and sighed. Great, I have scared her away again. Why does she make me daft? Why was he being so protective? Why did she dominate his mind? He reminded himself he was laird with many responsibilities and didn’t have time for thoughts of a woman. He vowed to keep a clear head in the future when Madeline was around. He would not allow her to interfere with his responsibilities. With that settled in his mind, he turned back to his men. He had an impending need, he just wasn’t quite sure how to relieve it.
“Robbie, where are you?” Being the only challenge for him at sword practice, Alex grinned as he bore down on his brother. He definitely needed someone to practice on right now.
Robbie came running, a smirk on his face as he peered over Alex’s shoulder at Madeline’s departing form. Alex unsheathed his sword and engaged him.
His brother laughed, “What has addled your mind?”
Alex brought his sword down repeatedly, Robbie expertly deflecting his blows, the sound of clashing steel ringing through the air.
Robbie danced in a circle, both hands on his sword. “Could the reason you are in this fury have golden hair, brother?” He chuckled as they parried.
After a thorough workout, Robbie finally conceded, patting Alex on the back.