Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) by Sky Purington Page A

shoulder and eyed him. “How long do you intend to believe such, my laird ?”
    It seemed she thought the same as Shamus. Scotland was his if he'd only have her. While even a day ago he would've shunned the idea of ruling the country, Edgar's vicious attack had sparked a revolt in the Sinclair's heart. Alexander offered her no answer but said, "Give me your dagger, lass.”
    Iosbail shook her head. “Nay.”
    “’Tis a beautiful morn and I mean to bathe without a dagger in my back.” He held out his hand. “Give it to me.”
    “But weren’t you just worried about your clansmen?”
    He grinned, suddenly quite happy by the startled, cautious look in her eyes. “And I still am. But you make a good point, most are probably asleep and I guarantee that those who are not are indeed my clanmen and willnae hurt me.”
    Iosbail contemplated this for several long seconds before she handed over her dagger. Could it be she believed some of his men still loyal? As Alexander started to unclothe he figured it was something altogether different. The first, she had a longing to see him nude. The second, she had another means to take him down, most likely that small utensil knife she carried in her cleavage.
    No matter, he was ready to both be clean and draw her out some.
    A quiet, subservient Broun was always a Broun worth watching closely.
    With that thought in mind, he stripped down, climbed onto a nearby boulder and dove into the pool of water at her feet.

Chapter Five
     
    Iosbail had watched where he put her blade and his. She was, as always, one step ahead of a man. That he chose to strip down and swim in front of her was nothing new. In her long time on Earth, she’d seen many men do such. What she didn’t expect was him to climb up in front of her and stand in such a position that a lass would have to possess the power of a thousand goddesses not to see what one god had blessed this mortal man with.
    Bloody Sinclairs!
    It was impossible to look away as his long, lithe body disappeared beneath the water. Eyes narrowed, Iosbail could think of only one means of revenge. Purposefully waiting until he resurfaced she began to undress. Did he glance her way? Nay! Regardless, the cool air felt scrumptious so she removed the last of her clothing and dove in.
    When she surfaced it was to Alexander’s grinning face. “I’m proud of you.”
    “Misplaced,” Iosbail replied and coasted on her back giving him a full eyeful of her breasts.
    “Nay.” He did the same, giving her a full view of his chest, hips, cock and long, muscled legs. Despite the cold water the Sinclair had nothing to be embarrassed about.
    “You’ll never get us there alive, you do realize that?”
    Alexander relaxed and closed his eyes. “When I set to do something, I see it through. Have no doubt.”
    “You and Shamus put too much in the idea that Adlin will welcome you because you’re with me.”
    The Sinclair said nothing but turned and swam. Iosbail scrubbed at her body and scowled. How dare they ! Yet what a thing to find herself in these circumstances. Again she wondered how much her brother knew.
    Iosbail floated and contemplated.
    Shamus. It was really Shamus. That young boy from so long ago.
    It was hard to imagine that the beginning of her life would resurface now, so very, very many years later. She’d lived what most would consider eighteen lifetimes only to have the lifetime that mattered most return.
    Did it surprise her? Yes and no. Iosbail understood that magic and time-travel could easily change all a person thought they knew about themselves. To date, it had never happened to her like this. Nobody had ever traveled back nor forward to seek her out… to remind her how much they cared.
    While her rage was a thorough thing so too was her sense of adventure.
    Iosbail understood that she still had so much to learn but that she'd embarked on something far more exciting than anticipated. There was still plenty of time to have her revenge.