Emeric took a breath and swiveled to face her. Her cheeks were rosy from her recent exertions, her dark hair mussed and snarled from the wind. He ached to run his fingers through it.
“I wanted to apologize. Again. I shouldnae have said what I did. I’m sorry.”
Anna gave a rueful smile. “Actually, I’m not sure that’s necessary. I think you were right.”
“I was?”
“Don’t get used to it because I’m sure it won’t happen often, but on this occasion, just maybe.” She sighed. “I’ve just spent the last two hours trying to bat away questions from your sister, from the other competitors, from anyone and everyone. They are all mightily interested in the strange outland woman who talks with a weird accent, has no manners, and can throw axes like a trained warrior.”
Emeric said nothing, digesting this. Then he gave her a wry smile. “I wouldnae say ye have no manners, lass.”
Her lips quirked. “You know what I mean.”
“Aye, I do.” He glanced down at his hands and then back at Anna. “What did ye tell them?”
“I made out that I grew up with five brothers and that’s how I learned how to throw.”
“Good. Then it should die down.”
Anna bit her lip, looking less than reassured by his words.
“Was there something else?” he asked.
“Yes. Kind of. I don’t know. It’s just that...just that...Lady Maria seemed very interested. She was asking me all sorts of questions and has watched me like a hawk all day. And Aislinn said she’s been asking around, trying to get as much information about me as she could. She’s been polite and friendly and everything, but there’s something...intimidating about her. Maybe I’m being paranoid.”
Emeric rubbed a hand over his stubble-shadowed jaw. He felt a twisting of unease in his gut. He studied Anna’s face, lit by the gentle glow of the afternoon sun. Her dark eyes were wide and earnest, her lips slightly parted. He had known many strong, fierce women, but Anna was... different. There was a fire about her that drew him in, made him want to protect her.
“Emeric?”
His gaze snapped back to her face and he hastily tried to shake off his musings. “Apologies, lass. My mind wandered. No, Anna, ye are not being paranoid. If yer instincts are warning ye about Lady Maria, then there’s probably goodreason. Maria is a shrewd woman with ambitions that run as deep as the loch. It was after she went to live with Laird Alexander and his son that the MacDonalds began to gain in power.”
“Duncan mentioned something about that. It was after his mother died, his grandma went to live with them. He didn’t sound too pleased by it.”
“Nay, I suppose he wouldnae. Maria is a strong-willed woman. I’ve no doubt who wields the power in that household. And perhaps Duncan felt it was disloyal to his mother. By all accounts, Duncan’s mother and grandmother didnotget on.”
“Families, eh?” Anna said. She straightened. “But I can handle Lady Maria, don’t you worry about that.”
“I’m sure ye can, but even so, I think it’s wise we tread carefully around her. If she is indeed digging for something, we wouldnae want to give her anything that could harm us...or ye.”
Anna smiled ruefully. “I know you don’t think I’ve got a subtle bone in my body and so far I’ve not exactly been circumspect, but I’ll be careful, Emeric.” She held up three fingers next to her face. “Scout’s honor.”
He looked at her quizzically. “Scout’s honor?”
“It’s a saying from where I come from. It means I’m promising to keep my word.”
Anna reached out and gently squeezed his arm. His heart quickened at her touch, but he kept his expression neutral. She was so close that he could see the individual strands of her hair dancing in the light breeze.
“How come you’re down here, anyway?” she asked suddenly, changing the subject. “Hiding from your own party again?”
“Am I that obvious?”
“Yes, actually. The other winners are back there basking in the glory of their victory—Duncan MacDonald, especially. Honestly, I don’t think he could have more women dripping off him if he tried. Anyone would think he’d won the Olympics or something. And yet here you are, sitting alone in a graveyard.”
“I’m not alone,” Emeric replied with a small smile. “Ye are here. Perhaps it was a ploy to get ye on yer own.”
He was rewarded by the blush that crept up her neck. “Why, Emeric Mackintosh,” she said. “I do believe you’re getting the hang of this flirting thing.”
“I’ve had a very good teacher.”
