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Teagan’s frown deepened as she looked up at him. “I have a system. Shut the door.”
He closed the door before asking, “Care to share that system? It looks like a rubbish heap to me.”
“Ask me to find something.”
He motioned around the room. “Where are last year’s birth records?”
Teagan pointed to a stack on the table against a wall. “There. We had twelve babies born. I can list them by name and birth month, if you like.”
He blinked at her quick response. “Er, no. That’s okay.”
Satisfaction glinted in her eyes. “If you’re quite done criticizing me, then sit your arse down. We need to chat.”
“I would take the sofa, but I don’t want to disrupt your system. I’ll have to settle for the hard wooden chair instead.”
After he sat in one of two wooden chairs in front of her desk, she carried on as if he hadn’t commented. “While Killian is in charge of your assignments whilst here, I want you to know that despite your tendency to irritate me, you can come talk with me at any time, provided we’re not in the middle of a crisis. If someone is mistreating you, I want to know.”
He hooked an arm over the back of his chair. “I can handle myself.”
She shook her head. “That’s not the point. Tensions are high as we wait and see if the other clans will attack. I can’t afford a brawl to turn into something more. More than one male will probably have a penis-measuring contest with you as it is.”
“Not literally, I hope. I don’t fancy blokes myself.”
“Caruso,” she growled in warning.
Aaron decided to just be forthright and not continue to beat around the bush. Otherwise his gaze might linger on the adorable frown on her forehead. “Regarding high tensions about the possible threats, I have an idea.”
“Pardon?”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “There’s more to me than muscles and brawn.”
She cleared her throat. “Of course there is. You just changed subjects rather quickly. So what’s this idea, Mister I-Just-Arrived-But-I-Already-Know-Better?”
He nearly plopped his feet on her desk for her snarky comment, but somehow resisted. If he angered her, she wouldn’t listen to him, and that would only prolong his stay. “Invite the other Irish clan leaders to come here for an official challenge.”
She motioned with a hand. “Explain.”
He shrugged. “Instead of waiting around to see who comes knocking, just put out an invitation. The other Irish leaders are all male, aye? The invite will put them on the spot. If they truly believe you weak and incapable, they’ll come. If not, they’ll stay away. However, if any do come, it gives you the opportunity to prepare and ensure you can knock them on their arses.”
He watched Teagan’s face, but it remained neutral. For once, he willed himself to be patient. Rushing the female would be counterproductive.
She finally sighed. “What is it with males and wanting to beat the crap out of each other? You would think in the twenty-first century, we could simply talk and hash out details.”
He tilted his head. “Is that doubt I sense? Have you let yourself go that much?”
She gave him the double-finger salute. “Not bloody likely. Winning Glenlough wasn’t easy, yet I succeeded. I can do it again and take any southerners who come knocking.”
He nearly said, “That’s my girl,” but caught himself in time. His dragon chuckled. You’ll see it my way soon enough.
He ignored his beast. “So does that mean you’ll use my plan?”
“That depends.” She pointed a forefinger at him. “Are you going to lord it over me?”
He knew her question held a deeper meaning. “Not in public. I know how important appearances are for clan leaders. But in private? I will remind you often of my cunning and intelligence.”
She rolled her eyes. “Why didn’t Stonefire send me another female instead of a male?”
“Bram sent the best available. That would be me.”
