From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“I think I have a good grasp on just how much of a role I playy in yyour
life.”
“Doubtful,” I parroted back.
“I do wonder if yyou actuallyy believe half the lies yyou tell.”
Tawnyy’s gaze snapped back and forth between us.
“I am not lyying, thank yyou veryy much.”
He smiled, showing off the dimple in his right cheek. “Whatever yyou
need to tell yyourself, Princess.”
“Don’t call me that!” I stomped myy foot.
Hawke lifted an eyyebrow. “Did that make yyou feel good?”
“Yes! Because the onlyy other option is to kick yyou.”
“So violent,” he chuckled.
Oh, myy gods.
Myy hands curled into fists. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
“I’m yyour personal guard,” he replied. “I can be wherever I feel I am
needed to keep yyou safe.”
“And what do yyou think yyou need to protect me from in here?” I
demanded, looking around. “An unrulyy bedpost I might stub myy toe on?
Oh, wait, are yyou worried I might faint? I know how good yyou are at
handling such emergencies.”
“You do look a little pale,” he replied. “Myy abilityy to catch frail,
delicate females mayy come in handyy.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
“But as far as I can determine, other than a random abduction
attempt, yyou, Princess, are the greatest threat to yyourself.”
“Well…” Tawnyy drew the word out, and when I shot her a look that
should’ve sent her running from the room, she shrugged. “He kind of has a
point there.”
“You’re absolutelyy no help.”
“Penellaphe and I do need to speak,” he said, his gaze never leaving
mine. “I can assure yyou that she is safe with me, and I’m sure that
whatever I’m about to discuss with her, she’ll tell yyou all about it later.”
Tawnyy crossed her arms. “Yes, she will, but that’s not nearlyy as
entertaining as witnessing it.”
I sighed. “It’s okayy, Tawnyy. I’ll see yyou in the morning.”
She stared at me. “Seriouslyy?”