Seducing the Dragon: Part Three Read Free Page A

her, another part was embarrassed. The Scottish leader didn’t need to know how broken she was. Deep down, she wanted to experience a fresh start with someone who hadn’t coddled her over the past decade. That was part of the reason why she’d agreed to be in charge of tech security with the Scottish clan.
    Curious to see how the Lochguard male reacted to her, she glanced over at the blond Scottish dragonman. She steeled herself for pity, but was surprised to see only curiosity.  
    His look solidified her decision. Looking back to Bram, she said, “You have a lot to do. Introduce us, and as long as we stay in this main hall, I should be able to survive answering his tech questions and requirements.”
    “Are you sure?”
    She nodded. “Setting up the future teleconferences is part of my job for the clan. I’ll find a way to make it work.” Her clan leader studied her and she resisted the urge to lash out. She wouldn’t make Bram appear weak in front of the other leader. “I can handle it.”
    With a nod, Bram ushered her over to the Scottish leader. Up close, he was taller than she’d thought. She had to look up to see his eyes, which were an interesting mixture of brown with gold flecks. The curiosity from before lingered, and she couldn’t make out an ounce of pity, making her uneasy.
    Then he grinned and Ara drew in a breath. It took everything she had to focus on his words as he said, “Bram said his tech expert was a female, but he forgot to mention she had beautiful brown eyes, the exact color of dark chocolate.”
    Bram growled at her side. “Finlay.”
    Finn grinned wider. “You said honesty was the best policy. I won’t lie about her eyes.”
    Arabella blinked. She couldn’t remember the last time a male had praised her. She knew she should scowl and tell him to stop it, but she resisted.  
    Instead, she said, “My eyes have little to do with my brain. The sooner you ask your questions and tell me your requirements, the sooner you can go flirt with the ‘lasses’ as you Scots say.”
    The Scot winked at her. “I like a lass with bite.”
    Ara felt a flush coming on. Fuck, I won’t let this flirt affect me. Think of your work.  
    Her mind filled with security protocols and encryption sequences, and her mind calmed once more. Right, now stop acting like a schoolgirl and carry on.
    She arched an eyebrow. “If listing all of your female preferences in one go will help you focus, you have thirty seconds. Go.”
    Finn laughed. “Direct and to the point, I like it.” Crossing her arms over her chest, she raised her other eyebrow. Finally, Finn put his hands up. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” He leaned in a few inches closer. “For now.”
    Standing so close, she could see even more gold flecks in his eyes. His spicy male scent also surrounded her; woods with a hint of peat.
    With any other strange male, she had little doubt she would be in a complete panic. However, one second ticked by and then another, but if anything, she felt a sense of peace.
    Bram cleared his throat and pushed Finn away from her. “Talk, Stewart, or be on your way. Our alliance agreement doesn’t include you flirting with every female on my land.”
    The Scot held her eyes for a few more seconds before looking to Bram. “Aye, well, I’ve always found humor makes everyone feel better. They say it’s the best medicine.”
    Ara raised her chin a fraction. “Right, then. The thirty seconds I offered you have more than passed. Start talking business or I will insist Bram find someone else in your clan to reach out to me.”
    Amusement flashed in Finn’s eyes. “Oh, aye? And here I thought Bram was the clan leader.”
    Shit. She hadn’t meant to overstep her bounds. Because Bram had been friends with her brother since childhood, Bram often let her get away with more than he’d allow other clan members. She needed to fix this situation. “Bram is the leader. He and I discussed the terms earlier. I’m sure with all your