Page 96 of Ruthless, But for Her

He watched the papers burn.

Tomorrow, they would return to the Reach, slaughter more men, hope to stay alive and return here, where Ashton could either sit on the same bed with memories of her everywhere…or return to Tam’s and deal with even more memories he wished his mind could erase.

Knowing them was too painful.

When he closed his eyes, Ashton could see her. Feel her. It was as if she hadn’t left. But of course, she had. He had made it happen.

Fool that he was.

Shooting up from the bed, he reached for the half-filled mug and slammed it into the hearth, the metal clang against stone not as satisfying as he’d hoped. That was precisely why Ashton so rarely let emotion rule him.

It did little good, and often, only caused more harm. Thankfully, tonight, the only thing harmed was the mug that he’d so rarely used. Her papers were ash now.

Ashton ignored the knock at his door. He had little wish to speak to anyone. Not Margot. Not even Ryker or Sorren. They’d attempted to lift his spirits to no avail.

“Ashton.”

That was one voice he would not ignore.

Opening the door, the massive Orcadian, or Norseman to some, filled the frame.

“Whatever you tossed could be heard in the Map room.”

He didn’t doubt it.

“Why are you in the Map room at such an hour?”

Leif leaned against the side of the doorway.

“McGarron sent word.”

That got his attention.

“De Grey’s moving supplies north from Alnwick. Timber. Rope. Enough provisions for more men than he’s sent against the Reach yet.”

Ashton stared at him.

“And McGarron’s man saw carts carrying shields and ladders.”

The mug was forgotten.

“Ryker and Sorren?”

“Already in the Map room.”

Ashton reached for his boots, intending to follow him. But Leif hadn’t moved.

“Ryker was coming for you when we heard the noise. I told him I would fetch you instead.”

Ashton froze in place. He waited.

Leif said nothing.

Ashton had learned not to fill silences. It was something he was good at.

But Leif was better.

“Say it.”