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Isla gave a snort of conte blood”

“Perhaps not” Ivana inclined her head graciously “But when one deals with adversity with an air of elegance and poise, it conveys great strength of character”

“Now get this dazzling beauty down yer necks,” Douglas said In his eagerness to boast as to the quality of the beverage, he sounded h seas The old lasses of whisky “There’s nothing as fine this side of the border”

Lachlan swirled the a a nip The heat instantly warmed his cheeks, and he sucked in a short, sharp breath “I hope this is less potent that Boyd’s latest concoction”

“Ah, yer las said as he relaxed back in the chair “And ye should know better than to drink so eyes by a bunch of slovenly fools”

Leo gave a satisfied hum as he sed dohat some referred to as the water of life “There is a certain smokiness to it that is quite irresistible”

Ivana’s sudden splutter and cough captured their attention and revealed her lack of experience when it calass at her husband “As you seem so enamoured with it, you are more than welcome to drink mine”

“It arht such as this, my lady”

Ivana visibly shuddered “Please do not be offended Mr Douglas, but I would rather drink a teacup full of blood than take another sip”

The mere mention of blood drew Lachlan’s attention to the lady at his side Isla had sat silently throughout the lively exchange He glanced covertly at the teacup, noting with soaze travelled up to the full lips tinged a burgundy red, his heart skipped a beat Not because he found the sight of blood on her lips abhorrent More that they looked red and swollen as though a reat deal of time and effort to ravish her sweet mouth

She looked up at him, shrank lower in the chair The luscious lips he adn that she felt sha whilst in company

“Shall I take your cup?” Lachlan held out his hand It was a gesture of support, of acceptance and he hoped she read it that way

A weak smile touched her lips as she handed hiers brushed, only for a second, but the tug in his chest made him want to take her in his arms and soothe her fears From the soulful look in her eyes, he wondered if she was atte to use her talent to read his mind

Did he really want her to knohat he was thinking?

I ere alone together on the banks of the burn I would take your hand in mine and tell you not to worry I would love you as I once proain