She knew it was improper, standing there watching her husband fight half-naked like some lovesick girl. But her feet wouldn't move, and her eyes wouldn't stop tracking the way his body moved, the way his shoulders rolled when he struck, the way?—
Magnus's gaze found hers across the yard.
He froze mid-strike. Torvald's blade tapped his ribs, a killing blow if they'd been using real swords.
"Dead," Torvald announced cheerfully. Then he followed Magnus's gaze and saw Ada. "Ah. That explains it."
Magnus lowered his practice sword slowly. "Ada."
Her face was on fire. "I was just… I was going tae see Mairi. I dinnae mean tae distract ye. I'll go now."
"Dinnae." Magnus crossed to where she stood, his movements deliberately slow. Like he was stalking prey. "Ye were watchin' me fight."
"I wasnae. I mean, I was just passin' by."
"Ye were watchin'." He stopped directly in front of her, close enough that she could see the sweat beading on his chest, could smell leather and salt and something distinctlyhim. "Did ye like what ye saw?"
Ada's mouth went dry. "Well, ye're very skilled."
"At fightin'?"
"Aye. At fightin'."
"Just at fightin'?" Magnus's mouth twitched. "Because ye cannae seem to look me in the eye."
"That's because ye're nae wearin' a shirt!"
"Daes that bother ye?"
"Nay! I mean it's nae proper."
"We're married. I can be as improper as I want." Magnus stepped closer. "In fact, ye've seen me without a shirt before. When ye tended me wounds. Why is this different?"
Because then she'd been focused on healing him. On being professional and competent and not thinking about the way his skin felt under her fingers or the way his muscles shifted when he moved.
"It's nae different," Ada managed.
"Liar." Magnus reached out, tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her cheek. "Ye're blushin' so hard I could warm me hands on yer face."
"Magnus."
"Were ye thinkin' improper thoughts, wife? Watchin' me fight?" His voice dropped lower. "Because I'd be happy tae give ye a private demonstration. Without Torvald's runnin' commentary."
Behind him, Torvald laughed. "I'm standin' right here!"
"Then leave," Magnus said without looking away from Ada.
"Gladly. This is gettin' uncomfortable tae watch." Torvald's footsteps retreated.
They were alone now. Just Ada and Magnus and the charged air between them.
"I really should go," Ada said weakly.
"Should ye?" Magnus's thumb traced her jaw. "Or dae ye want tae stay and keep watchin' me?"
"Ye're insufferable."
"Ye like it."
