He stopped, swallowed hard, then started again. “I’m addin’ more guards tae yer protection. And I dinnae care if ye’re angry at me fer it, but at least ye’ll stay alive.”
The silence stretched taught between them. Then, Claricia did something he didn’t expect.
She laughed—soft, and slightly broken, but real. “Ye’re a daft fool, Erik Thorsen. If ye’d just havetoldme, instead of makin’ me feel like I’d done somethin’ wrong?—”
“Aye. I ken.”
She leaned forward slightly, letting her forehead rest against his chest. “I was so worried, Erik. All day, watchin’ those men follow me, wonderin’ what I’d done tae make ye nae trust me anymore. I…” she bit her lip, “I thought maybe what happened between us the had been wrong, that ye regretted?—”
“Nay. Never.” The words came out fierce, immediate. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “Naethin’ about that was wrong, lass. ‘Twas… gods, that was the first damned thing that feltrightsince this whole thing started.”
She made a sound against his chest that was half laugh, half sob.
“Ye’d better pray tae the saints or whatever gods ye believe in tae protect ye if ye ever treat me like that in front of others again, because I’ll?—”
“Ye’ll what?” Despite everything, his mouth twitched. “Make me sleep in the chair again?”
“Nae the worst idea!” she quipped, but there was no real heat in it.
“I’m sorry,” he said again, quieter this time. “I’m sorry I hurt ye. I’m sorry about nae trustin’ ye with the truth. And I’m sorry that carin’ fer me means ye have tae make yer peace with this, because I’ve made a lot of enemies in me life and now?—”
Claricia pulled back just enough to look up at him, and something in her expression made his breath catch.
“Did ye just say… carin’ fer ye?”
“I—”
“Because if that’s meant tae be yer declaration of feelin’s?—”
“Claricia—”
“Even though I’m a constant thorn in yer side? Even though I’ve made yer life a misery since the moment we met? Even though I’m Highland born and stubborn and?—”
“Especially because of those things.” His mouth twisted. “Ye’re the most infuriatin’ woman I’ve ever kent. And I wouldnae change a single thing about ye.”
Her lips parted. Color flooded her cheeks. “Well.” Her voice came out softer now, uncertain. “That’s… That’s possibly theworstdeclaration of affection I’ve ever heard.”
“I’m nae good at pretty words.”
“Nay, ye’re really nae.” But her hand came up, fingers spreading over his heart. “Ye great daft brute. Did ye really think I could hate ye fer wantin’ tae keep me safe?”
“Ye’re nae angry?”
“Och, I’mfurious.” But both her hands were on his chest now, fingers curling into his shirt. “Ye should’ve told me. Should’ve trusted me with the truth instead of decidin’ what I can and cannae handle.” She looked up at him through her lashes. “But I understand why ye didnae. Even if it was pig-headed and overprotective and?—”
“I get it.”
“—completely ridiculous tae think I wouldnae notice two enormous Vikings breathin’ down me neck?—”
“Claricia.”
“—but I suppose if I’m bein’ honest, which I hate, by the way—” Her fingers tightened in his shirt. “I care fer ye too.”
The admission came out quiet. Almost grudging. Like she was confessing to a crime.
“And it terrifies me, Erik. Because this…” She gestured vaguely between them. “wasnae supposed tae happen. I wasnae supposed tae look at ye and see a man instead of a monster. Wasnae supposed tae want?—”
Eric kissed her.
