Page 122 of The Ranger

“Attack.”

She splashed water on her face then blinked some from her eyes. “What?”

He brought his face closer still. “Change your tactic, little one.”

She drew in a shuddering breath. Goodness gracious! Her legs were like jelly, making it hard to stay upright. So, she didn’t. She sank into the water and did the first thing she could think of to topple him. She bit him on the leg.

A loud noise boomed out of him, and even underwater she knew he was laughing! He stepped away, but she grabbed his leg and tried to pull him down. It worked, sort of. She’d done this with Duncan, but he was a lot shorter and lighter than this man.

When she surfaced, he was still laughing, a deep rolling sound that echoed through the canyon. “Well, done, little one!” He headed for the middle of the swimming hole. “You have won the battle.”

“But I didn’t take you down,” she pointed out.

“No, but you did something no one has done in a long time.”

“What’s that?”

He reached for her hand. “You surprised me.” He pulled her to the middle of the swimming hole. Here they would have to either swim or tread water to stay afloat. He did the latter with one hand and held one of hers with the other. “You swim well, Maida.”

“That’s because for years my brother Duncan and I played in the water like we’re doing now. But he always dunks me, and it takes some work to get back at him.”

“By biting his leg?” He gave her a wry smile.

“Well…”

“What was all that noise?” Makama asked surfacing.

Maida gaped at her. Land sakes, how long could the woman hold her breath?

Vale popped up as well. “Great Scott, man. Was that cannon fire or laughter I heard?”

Markhel smiled at them but said nothing.

Maida smiled too when she realized he was happy and having fun. So was she.

She did her best not to ogle him, but it was getting harder and harder. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen and all she could think about was getting closer to him, yet that seemed like it wouldn’t be enough. Oh dear, was she falling in love?

“Would you like to fight again?” he asked, his deep voice caressing her senses. If this kept up, she might drown.

“I don’t know if I can win another battle with you.”

“I could teach you.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Teach me what?”

He pulled her close. “How to defend yourself.” He looked into her eyes and moved a wet lock of hair off her face. They were quiet a moment, as they gazed at each other, and though she knew it was improper being this close to him, she was beginning not to care.

As if reading her thoughts, he put a little distance between them. “I can teach you how to handle a blade.”

“You mean a knife?”

“No, my little one. A sword. You would do well with one.”

She moved toward him. “I would?”

“Yes.” He swam backward again.

She closed the distance.