Page 68 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"I've nay decided."

He surprised her when he broke eye contact first, strode to the window, and stared out. His broad shoulders were tense beneath the ivory linen shirt, his muscles straining the sleeves. His long, midnight hair lay against his collar and upper back.

Why would he turn his back on her if he didn't trust her? He well knew she carried two sgian dubh knives. He probably figured they were too small to inflict damage.

The longer she studied him in his stillness, the more she yearned to touch him, place her hands on his shoulders and massage the hard muscles like she used to.

He was her warrior, was he not? Nay, not anymore. He was far beyond her reach.

To have someone you loved beyond life itself despise you with such profound vehemence.... She could barely fathom it.

When he turned abruptly to face her, she moved to the table, trying to rein in her feelings. She could show no weakness before him, for he backed down when she stood strong.

"I want you to go with me and my men out on the galley and find the castle the knave is using for his operations. He could be holding the females in the dungeon."

"Alright." She forced her voice to remain steady.

"There are many castles along the coast to the north. Did you catch the name of it?"

"Nay." She cleared her throat, trying to alleviate the tightness. "He told me he owns five castles."

"Greedy bastard," Brodie grated.

"He said the names, but I cannot remember them now. Anyway, I'll help you find it." She turned to face him. "What if he's still there with his men? He travels with a large force."

"All you need to do is point it out. I'll return with the selkie men at night and investigate it. They won't even ken we're there."

She nodded.

"Another thing," he said. "I heard you were besotted with one of your brother's guards."

She ground her teeth. Did he have to keep flinging arrows? "Where did you hear that?" She glared at him.

"Cat told Torr. They visited you at Kincreag, aye?"

"If you must know, I was infatuated with the man, then Cat gave me some sort of magical love potion which caused... lust. Did Torr tell you that?"

"Nay."

"My brother sent the guard away after that, and I'm glad."

Brodie smirked. "An earl is preferable to a guard, aye?"

She wished she could punch him. "Do you enjoy being an arse?"

"If it means getting to the truth."

"You're the one bedding a witch!"

Chapter 13

After Brodie slammed the door on his way out, Elsea clenched her teeth. She refused to stay here!

She yanked the door open and stormed into the corridor. "I wish to speak to Lady MacCain," she told the first maid she encountered, one she hadn't met before.

The maid curtsied. "She is in her bedchamber, m'lady."

"Oh, 'tis early. I forgot." That dampened her mood.