Page 27 of Seduction in a Kilt

CHAPTER TWELVE

They called in at the armory to get fitted out with helmets, shields, and protective gear before they strode side by side onto the training ground. They squared up to each other and began their practice, their blades clashing, their shields absorbing the blows. Soon, both were sweating and panting with the effort.

Ivy was enjoying herself. She was pleased that, despite the difference in their sizes and the fact she was a woman, Liam was not making things easy for her. He respected her enough to fight her as he would a man, like the proper opponent she was.

Moreover, all the sweating, panting, grunting, and the inevitable proximity as they hung on each other between blows was stoking a strange fire in her belly. Fighting was as natural as breathing to him, and she could not help admiring the way it showed off his wonderful physique. His expression was fearsome, but to her, he was even more handsome and enticing than ever.

The spar ended when Liam flipped her sword out of her hand and grabbed her by the back of her neck, pulling her close and putting the point his sword to her throat. They stared into each other’s eyes, their breathing hard and ragged, brushing each other’s faces, their lips barely an inch apart.

A tremor ran through Ivy’s body. She could not help staring at his lips, thinking how easy it would be to close that gap between them and put her lips on his. She had never kissed a man that way before, but it was something she suddenly wanted to do very much.

She noticed Liam’s eyes raking her face, and she licked her lips. Was it her imagination or did he bend his head slightly toward her, as though about to kiss her?

The spell broke when he suddenly released her and stepped away.

“I think I win that one,” he told her, lowering his sword and shield to his side. “But I must say, I admire yer fightin’ ability, Ivy. Ye’re very quick and light on yer feet, and ye got in a few nasty wee feints as well. I was lucky nae tae be injured.”

While he was talking, Ivy had managed to compose herself somewhat. “Thank ye. That’s a big compliment comin’ from ye. I think I’m a wee bit out of practice,” she admitted, surprisingly happy to be beaten by him. “Maybe we’ll get the chance tae spar again sometime,” she added. They exchanged a glance which said they both knew that was highly unlikely.

“Hey, ye two, break it up, will ye? We cannae have canoodlin’ out on the trainin’ field,” came a loud voice from behind them. They both turned at the same time, to see Laird Steward and Magnus standing a few yards away, grinning at them. The pair were also rigged out to spar.

“She’s a fine wee fighter, is she nae?” the laird said in wonder.

“Aye, she is,” Liam agreed. He and Ivy sheathed their weapons and slung their shields over their shoulders before going over to join the two men. “She had me on the run a few times all right.”

“I’ve never seen a woman fight afore, but now I’ve seen what ye can dae, Ivy, I must say, I’m very impressed,” the laird told her. His admiring look was deeply satisfying to Ivy.

“Aye, Lady Ivy, ye put up a really tight defense there. I’ve kent many a man who cannae fight like that,” Magnus seconded.

“Why, thank ye gentlemen.” She laughed, secretly flattered by their praise. She favored them with a small bow.

“It turns out Ivy is a trained warrior,” Liam explained on her behalf. “She’s been trainin’ since she was young.”

The two men looked at her curiously. “Well, well, who would have thought such a slight, wee lassie could be so good with a sword, eh?” the laird mused.

“I’ve found ’tis best nae tae make assumptions about anyone until ye get tae

tae ken them, man or woman,” Ivy told him.

“Good advice. I’ll remember that,” the laird said, adding, “Mayhap we’ll have a spar together sometime, me and ye, eh, Ivy?”

“I doubt we’ll get the chance,” she replied, “since ye plan on sendin’ me back tae me braither in exchange fer yer peace.”

The laird looked pained. “Ach, Ivy, I’m sorry, lassie. I wish things were different.”

“Aye, so ye say,” she answered, giving him a small, wry smile.

“Ivy, ye have blood on yer face,” Liam suddenly said, scrutinizing her with a worried expression. “Take off yer helmet, will ye?”

She did as he suggested. He bushed her hair from her forehead. “Aye, ’tis as I thought, ye have a wee cut. He examined it, gently touched it with his finger. When he removed it, Ivy saw it was red with blood.

“I didnae even notice,” she said, surprised.

“It looks deep. I think ye need tae see the healer right away. Ye dinnae wany an infection settin’ in,” Liam told her.

“Liam, ’tis a wee scratch,” she protested.

“Ye’re goin’ tae see the healer. Ye promised tae dae as I say, remember,” he argued.