dabbling in genetic manipulation.”
She stared up at him, gaze no longer hungry, but she wasn’t nearly as afraid as she should be. “What’s a Rodyte?”
“Rodymia is a planet in the same star system as Ontariese. A highly placed Rodyte is financing the Shadow Assassins, which makes them even more dangerous.”
She nodded though her lack of curiosity made it highly unlikely she’d accepted the information as fact. “Do I have time to take a shower before Lor gets here? I’m hot and grimy and still in yesterday’s clothes.”
It was a reasonable request, but he still couldn’t help thinking she was up to something. “Use the hall bath and leave the door unlocked.”
“Why? Are you going to spy on me?” In an instant she was back in seductress mode. “I’m not shy. You can shower with me if you like.” She tugged the ends of the shirt out from inside her jeans and began unfastening the buttons.
“Stop it.” He caught her wrists and pulled her hands away from her chest. “I will not be distracted by your…amazing body. I’m here to protect, not satisfy you.” Besides, he had no doubt she’d wait until he was diverted by his physical needs then bash him on the head with something heavy.
“Can’t you do both?” She tilted her head back and pressed her teeth into her lower lip. “I think you’re really hot.”
He took her by the wrist and led her from the kitchen. “Gather what you’ll need before you get started. I do not want you parading around in a towel.”
She groaned and snatched her hand from his grasp. “You don’t have to be such a jerk about it. If you don’t want to play, that’s fine. Just say no.”
“No.”
She made a rather childish face then rushed into Tori’s bedroom. Blayne sighed. Had he misread the situation? If her attraction was genuine, he should have been more tactful with his rejection. He had to remember all she’d been through in the past few weeks. Maybe she just…
Angie came strolling out of Tori’s bedroom and Blayne’s thoughts scattered. The jeans were gone, as were her boots. She still wore the masculine shirt, but she’d freed all the buttons, revealing the inner swell of her breasts and her toned abdomen, even her tiny black panties.
Lust slammed into his gut, instantly hardening his cock and freeing his aggressive nature. He shoved her against the wall, pinning her hands above her head as his mouth took possession of hers. Her lips parted and their tongues dueled, her aggression easily matching his. He parted her thighs with his knee, lifting her to the balls of her feet.
For one blissful moment he allowed himself to enjoy the frenzy, then he reined in his lust and went in search of her true motivation. Most Mystics could intercept thoughts, though they were taught that it was unethical to enter someone’s mind without permission. This was different. Angie’s antics were putting her in danger and he needed to know what she hoped to accomplish.
She rubbed against his thigh and arched until her breasts touched his chest. He’d love to believe she was just naturally uninhibited, but her seduction didn’t make sense with the danger they faced. Keeping his eyes tightly closed , he stubbornly tuned out the softness of her flesh and the promised pleasure in every move she made.
He gently sank into her mind, keeping his scan light and superficial. Desire blasted into his mind and his own need surged. She might be using this as a distraction to mask her true purpose, but her sexual hunger wasn’t feigned. She would eagerly accommodate his desire and revel in every touch. He shifted her wrists into one hand, freeing his other to explore. Her skin was velvety soft and warm, beckoning him onward. He touched her face, then curved his fingers around the back of her neck, all the while enjoying the sensual slide of lips and tongues.
He slowly sank deeper, absorbing her chaotic thoughts along with more emotion. Fear and determination twisted around
Massimo Carlotto, Anthony Shugaar