Page 74 of Kidnapped By the Beast

He drew back just enough to look at her, one big hand sliding down to cradle her waist.

“I was so proud of you in there,” he rumbled, his voice low and rough, his eyes searching hers. “You stood in your truth and didn’t back down. I know it was hard, but you did it.”

Her throat tightened.

He’s proud of me!

It meant so much. She was really beginning to feel for him and she honestly thought the big Kindred felt the same for her.

But she couldn’t take all the credit.

“I spoke up but you helped me,” she said, her words tumbling out. “You made it happen—you gathered the crowd and got rid of the Magistrate. Think of all the women who won’t have to go through what I did because of that!”

His hand slid up, fingers threading through her hair, cupping her head gently. His golden gaze burned into hers, fierce and intent.

“All Kindred revere women. But I did it for you, little Lexi. You’re the one who matters to me.”

Her heart seemed to flutter at the endearment. She loved when he called her “little Lexi” and the way he was looking at her made her blush.

The words rushed out before she could stop them.

“Oh, Brandt…I love you!”

The world seemed to hold its breath. The spray of the fountain, the roar of the crowd behind them, the hot sunlight on her bare skin—it all faded as she stared up at him, waiting.

She expected joy—excitement. Maybe he’d sweep her into his arms, kiss her hard, and whisper the words back.

Instead, his eyes widened. Shock flared there—followed by something darker. Was it…guilt?

Her stomach plummeted.

Why guilt? Why does he look like I just accused him instead of confessing my heart? What’s going on here?

Her arms fell from around his neck. She stood flat on her feet again, suddenly felling small, her cheeks hot with shame.

I shouldn’t have said it. I ruined it—I ruined everything. He doesn’t feel the same way.

She only had to look at his face to tell that.

Brandt’s jaw was clenched, his lips pressed tightly together. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came. And then his gaze slid away, not meeting hers.

The rejection stung more than the pain she’d endured in the stocks. What was going on here? He’d been so close—so loving just a moment ago. What had changed?

Before she could demand an answer, movement cut through the haze of uncertainty.

“Dr. Brandt! Alexandra!”

Dr. TOo-loo and T’linga came running across the courtyard, their faces pale, their eyes wide. The doctor’s hands twisted together anxiously as he turned his head toward the noise still spilling from the hall.

“I hate to say this,” he puffed, his voice pitched high, “but it would be better if you left the planet at once. The Magistrate’s removal has unleashed unrest—more than I have ever seen. The crowd is too volatile, my friends—I fear for your safety. I don’t want either of you hurt.”

Brandt’s expression closed like a fist, the conflict vanishing behind his calm, stoic mask. He inclined his head.

“Of course, we understand. We’ll pack at once.”

Lexi stared at him, baffled.

That’s it? That’s all he’s going to say?