Rugged features enforced the impression of strength. An implacable expression showed this man had a self-confidence that only came with hard-earned experience. She wouldn’t be such a wimp if she had been built like a linebacker, either. Her whole life would have been different if she had been a man.

“You have a good lawyer—use her. At least give her a fighting chance to help.”

“Go back to your cell before I scream,” she warned huskily, proud of herself that she was actually able to get the words out.

Sensual lips curled into a mocking smile. “What will you do if I don’t? Come on; show me,” he urged her softly.

Fear, as always, held her in place.

“You don’t have a problem taking risks when it concerns someone else. You’re important, too.”

She shook her head in denial, even though she knew he couldn’t see the motion. She could drop off the face of the earth and no one would notice. Being jailed for the last two months had proven that fact without a doubt.

“I’m waiting.”

Her heart stopped at his words. Then Alanna realized he meant he was waiting to see if she would scream, not waiting like the wind had once told her her prince would be. It’s your imagination, she told herself. Just because his voice curled around her like a warm embrace and his eyes made heat pool in the pit of her stomach didn’t mean he was the man she had lost all hope of ever meeting.

She would ask to speak to her attorney tomorrow, if nothing else other than to get a refill on her medication.

“You have become afraid of your own shadow, Alanna. The thing is, all you have to do to be free of your fears is to step out into the light. You believe this jail cell is a form of protection, while in reality, the shadows are consuming you,” he warned.

Allana could see the knuckles of his hands gripping the bars turn white.

“Either get this shit straightened out, or I will. I’m not supposed to interfere, but I will.” His face became menacing. “My willpower is reaching a breaking point. I’m not a saint.”

As he dropped his hands from the bars, Alanna tensed, waiting to see if he was going to open her cell door like he had his.

“Don’t …” she whimpered fearfully, childhood memories flashing back.

Taking a step away from the cell, he gave her the space she needed.

“I will leave without you tonight, but if I have to come back, Alanna, no army will be able to hold me back.” Turning, he left down the corridor until he was out of sight. When she heard the main door open and close, she knew he was gone.

Cautiously getting out of bed, she went to the cell bars to glance out the corridor. It was empty.