He smiled because he felt secure in the knowledge that her tale could not be as sordid as his. And if it was...? Well, he'd rather not imagine this grand, impressive creature killing her first man before the age of thirteen or learning to fear the birch switch in a foundling home. He wanted to imagine her youth and rebellion as...adventurous. Close to peril -- tasting it, perhaps -- but never in the flames.

"You're young yet, lass. And still rebelling, from the looks of it."