Ryder.

Seeing him still alive and breathing made my skin crawl with disgust. I wished I could end him right then and there, wrap my hands around his neck until the light left his eyes.

The bastard shook his head frantically, words tumbling out in a desperate, pathetic stammer.

“My lord, I—I meant no harm! It was only a glance, a moment of admiration for her beauty—”

“Admiration?” My laugh came out sharp and humorless. I tightened my grip on his throat until his face turned red. “And you touched her?”

He started choking, eyes bulging, gasping for air like a dying fish. But I didn’t want him dead yet....