Page 31 of Bride of Ice
With one hand on the door, she murmured, “My thanks.”
He shrugged. “I vowed I’d hurt none o’ your clansmen.”
“So you did. But you wouldn’t be the first man to break a vow.”
“Fair enough. But may I give ye a piece of advice?”
She bristled. What possible advice could he have?
His eyes smoldered with humor. “The next time ye want to rescue a wee lad from a brawny foe, ye might want to bring a blade.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. Being unarmedhadbeen a tactical mistake on her part. But she wasn’t about to admit it.
She gave him a grim smile. “I assure you I’m just as deadly with my bare hands.”
Then she ducked out the door before he could test that lie.
Chapter 10
Hallie was glad the Highlander couldn’t see her as she paced outside the door, fuming. It was completely unlike her to charge into a possible conflict without her sword. Hell, it was completely unlike her to be fuming.
What was wrong with her? What was it about the Highlander that made her feel off-guard? Off-balance? And out of sorts?
Hallie prided herself on ruling with an even temper. While others panicked around her, she cultivated an air of composure. It was the key to good judgment.
As a leader, she was efficient. Fair. Diplomatic. She never let emotions interfere with her decisions.
She had experience beyond her years. It was part of her training to be laird. She’d solved disputes. Issued orders. Taken prisoners. Fought in battle. All with an uncluttered mind and a steady hand.
But this hostage was ruffling her unruffled calm.
What was it about Colban an Curaidh? His courteous manner? His trickster’s tongue? Those deep brown eyes that danced when he spoke? His inexplicable kindness? The charming lilt of his words? His tragic past that tugged at her heart? Or the impressive cut of his figure that disrupted her senses?
She whirled and sent her skirts swirling like a violent squall around her. And then she stopped, closing her eyes, willing the storm to quiet.
Surely it was none of those things.
One man could not affect her so profoundly.
She was only concerned for the welfare of the clan. Aware of the danger and the high stakes of her choices. Wary of making an incorrect decision when the entire responsibility rested on her shoulders.
Calmer now, she was still relieved when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Rauve was returning to take up his post. And he would have had the foresight to bring a weapon.
When she turned, however, it wasn’t Rauve who appeared, but her conniving sister with a platter of food.
“What are you doing here?” Hallie demanded.
“I’ve brought dinner for Colban….unless…” Her wide and innocent eyes filmed over with ridicule. “You don’t mean to starve him until he bends to your will, do you?”
“Isabel,” Hallie bit out in warning.
“’Tis rather cruel. But ’tis no worse than your beating him, I suppose.”
“Once and for all, I didn’t beat him, Isabel.” She took a step forward, wagging her finger in Isabel’s face. “And I gave you direct orders not to fraternize with the prisoner.”
“I don’t know what that means.” Isabel shrugged. “Besides, I’m not going to…frat-whatever with him. I’m only bringing him food. Ian told me you were going to dine with him.”
“What?”
