And yes, she knew she would have to reveal her true identity to Eirik in order to get near him. She just didn’t want it to happen this way—in her birthday suit and in front of so many people. So when the boy’s sword point swung toward her, Reese stood her ground. Even when he jabbed it at her belly several times, she didn’t flinch. Her show of defiance caused the redhead’s companion to laugh. And in turn, the boy turned as red as a beet. “You can’t handle a little thrall?” The dark-haired boy threw down his apple, then wiped his hands down the front of his linen tunic. “Let me show you how it’s done.” He moved to stand behind her, but before either of them could box her in, Reese pivoted at the same time she reached out and grabbed the hilt of his sword, pulling it from the scabbard. Made for a boy, Reese had no problem hefting the broad sword in defense. Planting her feet, she smiled in bravado while they argued back and forth, forgetting her temporarily. Still, she refused to let her guard down.
