Scarlett’s answering smile was sweet, far too sweet. “Soft? Nay, not even close. Though I’ve half a mind to see if I can manage it.”
The men nearby laughed. Robert shot Leon a glare that could have frozen ale. “Enough,” he said shortly. “Ye’ve work to do, or did the walls mend themselves while I was gone?”
Leon laughed, undeterred. “Och, brother, I’m only asking. Every man’s curious how the mighty McLaren fares under his lady’s command.”
Scarlett arched a brow as she dismounted, cloak sweeping behind her.
“Ye’ve more sense than yer Laird gives ye credit for, Leon.”
That earned another round of laughter. Robert rubbed a hand over his face, half in exasperation, and half to hide a reluctant smile.
“Christ, woman,” he muttered. “Ye’ll have the whole keep believing I’m ruled by ye.”
Scarlett turned to him, her eyes bright with mischief. “Aren’t ye?”
He met her gaze for a long moment, too long, before forcing himself to look away. “Go inside,” he said, voice low and tight. “Mary will see ye settled.”
“Aye, Me Laird.” She gave him a mock curtsy and swept past, her skirts brushing against his boots.
Robert’s hand flexed at his side. Everything about her tested him, her wit, her will, the way her laughter lingered even after she was gone.
Leon sidled up beside him, still grinning like a devil. “She’s something, that one. Reckon she’s the first woman to make ye look twice.”
Robert shot him a dark look. “Watch yer tongue.”
“Only saying what’s plain to see.” Leon folded his arms, with amusement glinting in his eyes. “Ye’ve that look about ye, like a man walking a line he knows will give way beneath him.”
“Ye’ve too much time to talk,” Robert said dryly.
Leon ignored him. “Aye, but tell me the truth, Is she what ye expected?”
Robert gave a quiet snort. “She’s what I deserve, likely.”
Leon chuckled. “If that’s punishment, I’ll take her twin when ye’re done.”
Robert turned sharply. “Watch yerself.”
Leon lifted both hands, laughing. “Easy, Me Laird! I’m jesting. Though I’ll say this, she’s got fire.”
That drew a breath from Robert, something between agreement and surrender. “Aye. Fire enough to burn the roof off Gundor.”
Leon clapped him on the shoulder. “Then perhaps, Me Laird, ye gained more than an alliance after all.”
Robert didn’t answer. His gaze followed Scarlett across the courtyard until she vanished into the archway.
The truth pressed hard in his chest, and he hated it. He’d built his life on control, on mastering every impulse that could weaken him. But Scarlett was a storm no discipline could tame.
He turned away, muttering, “She’s driving me mad.”
Leon grinned. “Good. Ye’ve been too steady for too long.” “Steady’s what keeps this clan alive.”
“Maybe,” Leon said. “But it’s nay way to live. A man can hold his ground all his life and still drown standing still.”
Robert barked, | “A man can lose everything if he lets his guard down.”
Leon studied him for a long moment. “Or gain everything if he learns when to stop fighting.”
Robert didn’t answer. He wasn’t built for talk like this, not about what stirred in his chest when she smiled.
