Page 45 of Merciful Salvation

“I can think of a few words that would better describe his feelings for me.”

“Aye,” Tyr said. “He’s known to be blunt.”

Aaron scratched his chin. “Why didn’t you tell the lass you knew her father?”

“She seemed determined to have her way. Who am I to deny a lovely girl?”

Aaron’s anger vanished. “She’s safer here.”

“I’m glad you can still admit it. Now answer my question, cousin, what do you want with the girl?”

“Everything.”

Kara gazed admiringly at the beautiful woman lounging on the couch in front of her. Rachelle Sigurdsson possessed all the finer qualities her father admired in women. Dressed as she was, Kara not only felt awkward, but now inferior.

“You must be tired after such a long trip,” Rachelle said.

“Aye.” She scanned the room. The bedchamber was even more lavish than the great hall. Several archways opened into numerous subchambers.

“You’re not the first woman to notice. After I married the jarl, heredesigned our suite. He knocked down a few walls. Now it resembles a queen’s apartment, rather than a functional chamber.”

Kara laughed. She’d love to live here. The furniture was large enough to accommodate Tyr’s size, yet feminine enough to appeal to a woman’s taste. The chairs and couch Rachelle reclined on were upholstered in blue linen. She ran her fingers over the nearest chair, so soft. “It’s lovely.”

“Please, sit with me,” Rachelle pointed to a seat.

“I’d prefer to take a bath first, I’m dirty from the voyage.”

“Nonsense.” Rachelle turned to her chambermaid. “Katherine, bring us some refreshments.”

The maid curtsied, then left.

“I overheard some of the commotion downstairs,” Rachelle continued. “You must have made a dramatic entrance.”

“Not by choice,” she assured her. “Aaron McNally tricked me into coming here.”

“I see.” A soft smile spread across her pretty face. “Sigurdsson men aren’t known for diplomacy where women are concerned.”

“But he’s a McNally.”

“I assure you there’s little difference between a McNally and Sigurdsson. Our bloodlines are forever linked.”

Warm sunlight glowed through the high windows. Somehow, Kara wished she was still swimming at the lake with Amelia, that none of this had happened. “Aaron is often unreasonable—angry.”

“If I may be frank.” Rachelle looked her over. “You’re a formidable opponent.”

The half-compliment lightened her spirit. Maybe she could be comfortable here, actually make a lasting friendship. As long as she didn’t have to face Aaron again today, she’d try to be more pleasant. Admittedly, this was her fault. She’d chased the wind—set out to find Aaron without making plans.

“What troubles you?” Rachelle patted her hand.

“I made a terrible mistake.”

“Would discussing it help?”

All the feelings tethered inside of her broke free. Kara didn’t hold anything back. She started with her father’s deception and ended with the confrontation downstairs.

“Men often resort to trickery or violence to protect the people they care most about.”

“You mean lies.”