I was perturbed that she hadn’t left Ardnoch while her would-be killer was still on the loose, but she was taking precautions. Out of the corner of my eye, I noted her two huge bodyguards standing near the gym entrance. Her bodyguards were a team of six who alternated in shifts.
Lucy’s smile slipped. “Eredine is feeling a little trapped.”
I felt Lachlan tense behind me.
“Not anyone’s fault.” She rushed to reassure us. “But since I have the big guys”—she gestured to her bodyguards—“and the paps are gone … I thought we could take her to her place. She wants to move back in, and I’m happy to pay for twenty-four-hour security for her to do that.”
I glanced behind me at Lachlan.
He was stone-faced. “She’s safer here.”
“Lachlan …” Lucy took a step toward him, her expression pleading. “You know Ery. She needs space and alone time, and her lodge is her happy place. She’s … struggling. I think she feels less safe here at the castle than she does out there.”
I nudged him. “There will be security on her.”
He sighed. “Fine. If it’s what she wants. Nobody’s a prisoner here.”
I rose up on tiptoes to press a grateful kiss to his mouth. His fingers slipped under my shirt to caress my bare waist in response, causing goose bumps to prickle my skin. I gave him another quick kiss and then announced, “I’ll go have a quick shower and change.”
“Great!” Lucy beamed. “I’ll have a Rover waiting outside for us. Wait until I tell Ery.”
“Can you ask Fergus to bring my car around?” I swiped my gear off the floor.
“Your car?” Lachlan asked at my back.
I nodded, turning to him. A few weeks ago, I’d reluctantly returned my rental when Lachlan offered me the use of one of the estate vehicles for free. It was a cheaper model SUV, not a Range Rover, and one of the reasons I’d hesitantly accepted his offer. The biggest reason being, I couldn’t afford my rental any longer. “Yeah. I need some new shots, and Ery mentioned there’s a small fairy glen not far from her lodge.”
His eyebrows pulled together. “Then I’ll need to put a man on you.”
Brushing my hand down his arm in reassurance, I replied, “Lachlan, I can take care of myself.”
“I don’t want you out on a trail on your own right now.”
I glared at him.
Lucy called as she departed, “I’ll, uh … just meet you outside.”
“Robyn, don’t look at me like I’m being overbearing.”
“You are a little, though.”
His expression darkened.
“Hey.” I held up my hands defensively. “I’m not stupid. I know the danger is still out there. But I’ll mostly be in my car, tailing Lucy and her human shields who will be with us at Eredine’s.”
“Until you go off alone to take bloody photos.”
Realizing he had a point, as stifling as his point was, I said, “Okay, compromise—I will only go if Lucy and her human shields agree to accompany me. If she can’t, I won’t go.”
“Agreed. So you won’t need your car.”
“No, I still want to drive,” I argued as we walked out of the gym. “It makes me feel a little freer. I’m safe in my car. Don’t argue with me about it, please.”
He released another heavy sigh. “Fine.”
* * *
Back when I’d first met Eredine and interviewed her in the cabin not far from the studio on Loch Ardnoch, I’d thought the cabin was hers and she lived on-site. I’d soon learned, however, that Eredine’s small home was a fifteen-minute drive northwest of the estate via mostly single-track roads.
I’d followed Lucy and Eredine to Eredine’s lodge in the woods. It was exactly as I’d imagined. She was surrounded on three sides by trees, and the lodge was built on stilts with a wraparound porch, small but picturesque. She had a ton of colorful plant pots scattered here and there along the porch, though it looked like some were dying in her absence.
It felt utterly remote, and while I wasn’t surprised it was to Eredine’s taste to be out here alone, I was taken aback she’d want to be out here alone after what happened to Lucy and McHugh.
Yet, her whole face seemed to brighten as we escorted her into her small but chic home.
While we lounged on the sofa and Lucy on one of the armchairs in the open-plan living area, kitchen directly behind us, Lucy’s bodyguards stood vigil outside: one out front, one out back.
“Isn’t it weird taking them everywhere with you?” I asked, sipping at the coffee Eredine brewed.
Lucy shrugged. “They’re usually with me all the time. I’ve just never needed them to be with me all the time while I’m at the club. One of the many perks of being a member. So, no, it’s not weird, but it is annoying.”
Remorse filled me. “We will find him, Lucy. One of these days, he’s going to slip up.”
“Oh gorgeous, it’s not your fault, and you giving me big puppy eyes only makes me feel guilty.” She waved her hand, her gold bracelets jangling. “And anyway, I don’t need to be here. I could leave anytime, so staying is my decision.”
“Why are you staying?” Eredine asked.
Looking comfortable and at home here, Eredine was snuggled up on the opposite end of the couch. While I’d spent lots of time with the young woman, I was still no closer to knowing her. I had no doubt of her kindness, compassion, and sincerity, but I’d also never met anyone so secretive. There were ghosts in her eyes, and I sensed Lachlan had some inkling as to what haunted her. Despite our intimacy, he refused to divulge much about Eredine, and honestly, I admired him all the more for it.
He was a loyal friend.
Lucy answered Eredine’s question, “Because the people
