Page 121 of The Ranger

“If I freeze to death, it’s your fault!”

He arched an eyebrow as his mouth quirked into a smile, then splashed her.

“Oh!” She pulled her hand from his and splashed him back.

His smile grew “Do you wish to go to war with me?”

“What?” she squeaked.

He put both hands deep into the water and drenched her. Now her hair was wet!

She wiped water from her eyes. “Oh, I see.”

He laughed then lunged.

Maida screamed as he tackled her, sending them both underwater. Yet she noticed how gently he held her, and he didn’t start dunking her repeatedly like her brother did. Instead, he brought her to the surface quickly, one arm around her waist, and laughed some more. “I have won the battle. Do you wish to fight again?”

“Oh, you!” She wiped water from her eyes and blinked at him. “That wasn’t fair!”

“It was a strategic move,” he pointed out.

She wanted to kick him in the shin, but the water would just slow her foot down so why bother?

“Don’t try to outdo him, Maida,” Vale called. “The best you can do is, well, nothing. Never mind.” He dove and she realized there was no sign of Makama. Was she still underwater?

Thankfully, Vale and his wife both surfaced, laughing, then dove again.

“They’re having fun,” she commented.

Markhel shoved some wet hair from his eyes wearing the same mischievous smile as before. “Oh no you don’t.” She wagged a finger at him. “Don’t you dare!”

He grinned.

She dove.

Not that it did any good. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her to the surface. “Shall we go deeper?”

“And do what? B-battle?” she sputtered.

“Of course. I will even put my hands behind my back. You will then have the freedom to conquer me.”

“What?” She giggled unable to help it.

“Do as you will. Win the day.”

She looked up at him. “How am I supposed to win the day when you’re so... big?”

“You must strategize.” He gave her another smile. “I could also stand on one foot.”

To her delight, he did. Vale and Makama were underwater again. So, she did what would surely scandalize her entire family. She tackled him. Unfortunately, even on one foot, the man kept his balance. She just didn’t have enough weight or strength to do any damage. “This isn’t working!”

He bent to her, his face inches from her own. “No, it is not. Perhaps you should switch tactics.”

“I can’t budge you! This isn’t fair.”

“Change tactics,” he said softly.

She was captured by his gaze and wanted to get closer to him but didn’t dare. His wet skin glistened, and the hard muscles in his chest made her swoon.