Page 132 of My Brave Highlander

"'Tis my great pleasure to meet you, Lady Jessie." Torrin held out his hand, waiting for Jessie to place her hand in his. When she did, he bowed in a courtly manner and kissed the backs of her fingers.

Though she didn't smile, Jessie flushed pink, as she curtseyed. "'Tis an honor to meet you, m'laird." She quickly pulled away and clasped her hands in front of her.

"Dirk's sister, hmm?" Torrin said. "I would've never imagined he would have such a lovely sister."

Isobel bit her lip to keep from snickering, while Jessie merely blushed ever brighter.

"I thank you, m'laird."

Isobel switched her gaze back and forth between them, trying to figure out what was going on. Clearly Torrin found Jessie incredibly attractive with her coppery hair and sky-blue eyes. He was paying her far more attention than he'd ever paid Isobel when they'd been betrothed. But Jessie seemed extremely tense.

"Pray pardon," Jessie said with another curtsy. "I must see if Cook has the tarts baked yet."

With a frown, Torrin watched her flee the room, then looked to Isobel.

She shrugged.

"Don't be thinking you'll steal Isobel back from me," Dirk said, placing his arm protectively around her shoulders.

Isobel flushed all over as she glanced up at Dirk and relished the way his big warm hand caressed her shoulder. A slight smile quirked his lips.

"Och, nay," Torrin said. "I wish the two of you happy." He shook Dirk's hand and ambled away.

"Hmph. He took it well that I stole his bride," Dirk said.

Isobel gave him a tight smile for she was still annoyed and confused about why he hadn't told her about their marriage arrangements. Being the bride and one of the last to know was humiliating.

"Could I have a word?" Dirk murmured, his breath warming and tickling her ear.

"Aye." So now he was going to tell her, after everyone knew?

She followed Dirk's gesture to precede him toward the corridor leading to the library. It must have been his favorite room.

Once they were inside, he closed the door.

"Are you cross with me again?" Dirk asked. "I couldn't help but notice those glares you threw my way after Cyrus made the announcement."

"You could've told me, at least," she said.

"What?"

Could he truly be so daft? She blew out an exasperated breath. "'Tis humiliating to learn, along with the rest of your clan, about our upcoming nuptials. Neither you nor my brother would take a minute to tell me what you were arranging."

Dirk frowned. "I'm sorry. I thought you'd be pleased."

"About what? That no one bothered to ask me who I wanted to marry?"

He gave her a long, dark look. "I'm not senseless, Isobel, and neither is Cyrus. We both ken you want to marry me instead of Torrin."

She bit her lip, refusing to look at him. So he was right. That wasn't the point. She supposed she should be grateful her brother wasn't marrying her off to a wizened old coot this time.

Dirk drew her close. "Isobel?" He tipped her chin up. "Look at me."

Trying to maintain her ire despite how good he felt, she stared at his stubbly chin, but then his sensual lips distracted her. She wanted them on her.

"Your brother was going to call you in here and find out your opinion on the matter," Dirk said. "But we had to go out and deal with the MacLeods."

She shrugged. "He has no concern about my opinion. Nor do you."