Page 89 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

But something in his posture warned her off. Something closed and distant that made her think he wouldn't welcome the intrusion.

"So," Lachlann said with forced cheer. "That was quite a celebration."

"Aye," Archibald agreed. "Very... eventful."

An uncomfortable silence fell. Everyone remembering the attack. The arrow. The man with the knife at Elinor's throat.

"We should be goin' soon," Euan said finally, breaking the silence. "Long ride back tae MacLeod lands."

"Of course." Elinor found her voice. "Thank you for coming. For—" She stopped, not sure how to finish. For saving her? For being there when David had needed help?

"Nay thanks needed, me lady." Euan's smile was kind. "We're family. That's what family daes."

David said nothing. Just continued staring at his plate, his knuckles white where he gripped his knife.

Elinor's chest tightened. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

"David?" she tried carefully. "Are you alright?"

"Fine." He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against stone. "I need tae check on the guard rotations. Excuse me."

He left without looking at her. Without acknowledging anyone else at the table.

The silence that followed was deafening.

"He's—" Calum started.

"Worryin' himself sick," Euan finished. "And shuttin' everyone out in the process."

"Is he always like this?" Elinor asked quietly. "When something goes wrong?"

The four men exchanged looks.

"Sometimes," Euan said carefully. "When he's afraid. When he feels responsible fer somethin' bad happenin'. He tends tae… withdraw."

"Build walls," Archibald added.

"Push people away," Lachlann said.

"Even when they're tryin' tae help," Calum finished.

Elinor absorbed the information, her mind churning. David was afraid. Of course he was afraid, someone had tried to kidnap her. Had almost succeeded.

But instead of talking to her about it, instead of letting her help, he was pulling away.

Yet, he'd defended her. Protected her. Given her freedoms she'd never had.

His fear making him irrational. Making him see threats everywhere and trust no one.

Even her.

"Give him time," Euan said, as though reading her thoughts. "He'll come around. He just needs tae process."

"Process what?"

"That he nearly lost ye." Euan's expression was serious. "And that he cares about ye more than he's ready tae admit."

The words hit her like a physical blow.