Keeping her safe

The Ashford Cousin

"Excuse me cousin. Can I cut in?"

I looked at the man. He had Ash blond hair and Hazel eyes. He is very handsome in his own way, in a way they do look like family.

I looked back at Chase. His eyes went very dark all of a sudden. "If you must."

He backed up a bit squeezing my hand lightly and looked a bit worried. With a last lingering look he looked begrudgingly back at his cousin and left.

I looked back to the mysterious cousin and accepted his hand that he was holding out now. "Pleased to meet you Lady Rachel. I am Brent Ashford. Chase Castrel's Cousin.

He closed the gap between us and started dancing with me. "Hi Brent Ashford. I guess your mother is his aunt?"

He nodded and his face was passive. "Indeed." He leaned in closer and whispered... I actually came here to warn you against my cousin. You should stay away from him."

My eyes went wide and my heart started racing. I tried to keep my composure when he pulled his face from my ear. I looked passive before he could see my face. "Why should I listen to you?"

He shrugged. "Listen to me, don't listen to me. It's up to you to keep your lovely neck attached to your body." 

This guy is starting to get on my nerves even though he is trying to make me scared. These damned Castrel's. Why does my life have to be in so much danger. I am tired of it and its only been two weeks.

My eyes went dark. "Listen here. I can take care of myself, I don't need someone I just met to tell me what to do and who to talk with. Now if you will excuse me I would like to get some fresh air. "  He had a look of surprise on his face as if he expected a different reaction.

Liam cleared his throat to remind me to behave like a lady. I took a deep breath and greeted Brent and left. I shouldn't be getting air so close to the time after being presented but I don't care.

Liam's POV

I was smiling on the inside. There is that fire that Rachel had the first day we met and she used it on the perfect person as well. Maybe the Castrel's will think twice now before trying something. 

I just followed her silently to a balcony outside, checking all the corners and above us for anything that might happen unexpectedly.

After a while we went back inside. She was introduced to more ladies and lords, danced with more men.

Both of the cousins kept their distance but was staring at Rachel most of the night. This will be a problem, but nothing we can not handle.