— CASSIAN |
The guard was waiting in my office.
Marcus. One of my best. Loyal. Disciplined.
Terrified.
Good.
"You touched her," I said.
"Sir, I was following protocol. She was in a restricted area—"
"You. Touched. Her."
He went pale. "I was trying to escort her back—"
"By grabbing her arm? By leaving bruises?"
"I didn't mean to hurt her—"
"But you did."
I moved around my desk. Slow. Deliberate.
Marcus's hand went to his weapon. Instinct.
"Don't," I said softly.
He froze.
I stopped in front of him. Close enough to see the sweat on his forehead.
"I gave very clear instructions about Mara Lin," I said. "Do you remember what they were?"
"Protect her. Keep her safe."
"And?"
"Don't let her leave restricted areas."
"And?"
He swallowed. "Don't touch her unless absolutely nec
