บท 99: Man to Man

~ DAVID ~

When Fireknight strode into my suite and took position on the carpet at attention, he looked like he'd come to face the executioner's gallows.

Ashwood Fireknight, appointed Knight Defender by the King Himself–that was me. Assigned Lady Zara as his ward. And in full betrayal of his vow to chastity and the Crown… in love with her.

The man was tall, broad, capable… deadly.

He stood there as a symbol of my deepest enemy for her heart. And my most precious ally for her safety.

This was a fucking nightmare.

While he stood at attention, readied to follow any instruction I gave, any reassignment of duties, or worse… the only hint of his true feelings was the slight jut of his jaw.

He wanted to resist me. But he was disciplined enough not to.

Which side of him would win if I pressed too far? The soldier, or the lover?

Was I willing to take the risk to find out?