The choice felt selfish, and he knew that, but he could not bring himself to care. He needed this woman in his life, no matter what the fates decreed.
In this moment, he was going to enjoy having her in his arms, sweet and pliable, bask in her sweet smile, and hope that one day, when danger lurked, he would be able to protect her.
After patting her hand, he stepped back and watched her swing the hammer several times before letting go. It landed barely two feet ahead of her, and he could hear the crowd boo.
A frown creased his brow, and he turned to glare at the crowd until the boos died down. Then, he took her hand and led her away past the laughing lairds to the castle.
“Ye did well,” he said once they were out of earshot.
“I do not think so,” she muttered, looking down at her feet. “I think I brought Clan McLeod to shame.”
“Nay, ye didnae,” he soothed, lifting her chin so that she was forced to look into his eyes. “We are proud of ye. Remember,ye just started to learn last week. Ye have done really well for a beginner. I am proud of ye.”
“The other lady, she was a natural. I could not even throw properly after all your lessons.”
“The McGregor lass?” he asked, and she nodded miserably. “She has been participating in this competition for the past five years, and this is the first time she has thrown the hammer perfectly. The first time she tried to pick it up, its handle hit her temple. She had a swollen face this big,” he said, showing her his fist.
He was obviously exaggerating, but it was clear Violet felt pity for the lass from the look of concern that crossed her face. He wished to remedy the situation and bring back the smile he liked on her face,
“The second time, the handle disengaged from the shaft, missing. It was very funny, and everyone talked about it for years. Of course, she didnae find it funny,” he continued with a smile.
“The third time, she attempted to throw it, but it landed in front of her, barely missing her toes. That one was ridiculous. I still cannae explain exactly what she did to end up with that result. The fourth time, she threw it, but it landed flat on its side. So ye see, this was the first time she got it right. Ye are definitely much better than she was at the beginning.”
“Thank you for saying that,” Violet said with a smile that tugged on his heartstrings
“I meant it,” he murmured, seeing the uncertain look on her face. “I’m nae saying this to flatter ye.”
She nodded timidly.
“If ye daenae trust yerself,” he teased, “then trust yer teacher.”
“Yes, very high praise, indeed,” she quipped, leaning into his touch.
At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to kiss her.
“McLeod,” he heard Logan call.
That tone usually meant he was with people from other clans.
It was time for Ruaridh to return to the games, even though he was unwilling to part from his betrothed.
“I have to attend to me duties,” he said apologetically.
“I understand,” she assured with a smile, stepping back. “It’s sparring, right?”
“Aye.”
“Prove Sienna wrong,” she said simply, with a mischievous smile.
“Looks like me sister has been talking a little too much.”
“I like it. How else am I to know all your little secrets?” Violet teased.
“Nae all of them, though, I hope.” He chuckled.
“I can be very persuasive,” Violet murmured.
“Well, ye can use yer persuasive skills on me, then,” he said with a laugh, before stepping out the door.
