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As though I mattered to him beyond being the woman he was responsible for getting out of this nightmare alive.

Papá’s last request came back with painful clarity.

Lachlan had vowed, “On my life, she’s safe,” while my father lay dying, blood everywhere and Marcela’s men closing in. He hadn’t hesitated or dressed the promise up with assurances meant to comfort a dying father—he’d simply meant it.

I was beginning to understand that once Lachlan decided something was his responsibility, the cost to himself stopped being part of the equation. Pain, danger, inconvenience—it didn’t seem to matter. He would do what he said he would do and deal with the consequences afterward.

There was something both reassuring and slightly alarming about that kind of stubbornness.

I studied his sleeping face and lightly touched the space between his brows with the tip of one finger.

“You are an exceedingly handsome but complicated man.” My teeth caught my lower lip as I considered him. “I heard you dare men to hurt you worse rather than give them one thing about your people or comply with their demands. I think you would let someone beat you half to death before you backed down once you decided where you stood. Admirable, certainly. Sensible? Not remotely.”

“You could’ve stopped at handsome,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Taken by surprise, I jerked so hard my knee came up between his legs.

Lachlan’s eyes flew open as his arm clamped around my waist and hauled me against him before I could do any permanent damage.

“Jesus, Mouse.”

The green of his eyes was startling this close.

I stared at him. “You were awake?”

“Aye, and nearly paid dearly for it.”

“How long have you been awake?”

He smirked. “Long enough to learn I’m exceedingly handsome but complicated. And that you may have concerns about your judgment and mine.”

Heat rushed into my face.

“I can’t believe you pretended to be asleep.” I shoved at his shoulder.

“I was asleep. Then you started poking at my face and discussing my character flaws.”

“I touched you once.”

“Very invasive.”

“You did the same thing in the cellar. I thought you were unconscious when I covered you, and you just sat there letting me talk while I cleaned you up.”

“I remember. It was enlightening.”

“I’ll never trust you again.”

His smile faded. “I hope that isn’t true.”

The quiet seriousness in his voice caught me off guard.

Lachlan rolled onto his back and took me with him, settling me partly over his chest before wrapping both arms around me.

“I like knowing what’s actually going on in that head of yours, Mouse. You keep so much to yourself that sometimes I’m left guessing. Then every once in a while, something slips out.” His gaze held mine. “I’d rather not lose that. Or your trust.”

Something warm tightened behind my ribs.

“I do trust you.” My teasing fell away. “And I haven’t thanked you yet.”