Page 54 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

Startled, Brodie hadn't even realized his foster brother was standing beside him.

"Torr told me Lady Elsea had caught your eye," Gavin went on.

"Why the devil is he gossiping?"

Gavin chuckled.

"Do you know her?" Brodie asked.

"I met her once. Last year, or the year before." He shrugged. "Watch her. She's armed to the teeth."

Brodie scowled. "What? Armed?"

"Her brothers trained her in Highland knife fighting. Torr watched her practice once. She's skilled."

"How interesting." His gaze dropped to the sheathed, bejeweled dirk hanging from her belt. Narrowing his eyes, he examined her closely, looking for knives hidden beneath her elegant gown. The sleeves on the inside of her forearms did indeed look a bit too bulky.

"Why?" Brodie asked, dodging guests as they packed into the great hall.

"Self-defense, I suppose. Her father insists on it. But keep it to yourself, because few people know about it."

"'Tis unusual."

"Aye, unladylike, some would say."

"Hmph." Brodie didn't think so at all. That made her even more interesting.

Across the room, Torr was talking to her and motioning toward Brodie. Her shy gaze met his again, and color burnished her cheeks.

"Damn him," Brodie muttered.

Gavin snickered. "Come now, you ken you wish to talk to her."

Torr escorted her toward Brodie, kicking his heart rate up a notch. Hell, lasses never made him nervous.

A smirking grin on his face, Torr did the introductions.

"A pleasure, Lady Elsea." Brodie bowed, then took her hand and kissed the back. Her skin was silken and scented with rose petals. Intoxicating.

"Chief MacCain." She curtsied.

"Please, call me Brodie."

"But... you're a chief. I could nay possibly...."

"I insist."

Her rosy blush intensified, and she gave a tight smile. "Very well. Brodie. Call me Elsea."

Torr and Gavin wandered away in opposite directions, deserting him.

Brodie had never had a problem with small talk when it came to ladies. What was wrong with him now?

The only topic he could think of sprang to mind. "I understand you're trained in knife fighting."

Eyes flaring, she blanched. "Who told you?" she whispered.

"Torr told Gavin. 'Tis intriguing. I've never known a lady who is skilled with knives."