Page 70 of The Scot’s Secret

“Do you think I’d ever harm you?”

“Nay, of course not,” she said, and knew it to be true. “But Gilbert. . .”

“Is no longer here to protect you. But I am.”

“For how long?” she asked.

“For as long as you need me.”

Clara leaned forward, wanting very much to reach out to him.

Alex seemed to understand and took her hand.

“I cannot put you in danger—”

“Clara,” he said and then lowered his voice. Though their conversation was private, neither could see around the corner. “I am in danger, you are in danger—every single person who travels or lives along the border is constantly in danger. But no more so than a woman travelling in disguise from tournament to tournament. You are competent, capable, and stronger than any woman I know. But someday the wrong person will learn your secret, someone stronger than you. You needn’t be alone any longer.”

She wanted to tell him. To trust him.

“Not here,” she said. “’Tis too exposed.”

“I will come to you tonight.”

Her heart leapt, but she couldn’t tell whether it was alarm at the thought of revealing her secret to him or excitement at the thought of being alone with Alex once more.

“Tell me of your journey,” she said.

He sighed and sat back, crossing his legs in front of him.

“She was nowhere to be found. Either the merchant was mistaken or Elkview is not

where she calls home.”

“So what will you do?”

He grinned, but Clara had learned to distinguish Alex’s genuine smiles from the ones he presented to the world to convince them he was truly happy.

“Geoffrey believes we should stay here for at least a few days. That someone will respond to our inquiries. But I’m not as sure.” He looked at her. “What do you think, lass?”

“Do you still want to find her?”

He looked thoughtful. “I don’t know,” he finally said, and Clara knew it was the most honest answer he could give her.

“You’ve said Toren and Reid have everything under control at Brockburg.”

“If Reid starts a war in my stead at the Day of Truce, we’ll get word of it soon enough,” he joked.

“Then mayhap you should stay.”

He lowered his chin, staring at her with intent eyes. “We should stay.”

She didn’t answer immediately.

“Clara?”

“Aye,” she agreed. For now. Maybe she would have to leave him, but she wasn’t ready yet.

“Then it’s settled.” He stood and took her hand, leading her back to the hall, but not before he leaned in close and whispered, “Tonight.”