Caress The Dark God [Scions of the Ankh 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free PDF Page A

she’s really sweet.”
    “You seem fond of her. Besides being doctors, why do you believe you’re so much alike?”
    Without thinking, Tessa answered. “We’re alone in this world. She doesn’t have any family and I don’t either. While she never knew hers, mine were killed in a stupid accident.” Tessa shook her head, trying to will away the memories of being seventeen and a disinterested cop telling her that her parents had been in a car with their friends on vacation. One of the friends had been drinking and killed them all by losing control of the vehicle. “It’s hard sometimes living every day without that special connection to family or anyone special.” The words were out before she caught them.
    “But you thought you had that connection once, yes?”
    “Yeah, once.” She looked out the window, desperate to change the subject. “I really could use a bath.” She couldn’t face him. She’d revealed a little more of herself than she’d intended.
    “Very well. I’ll come for you later.” She barely heard his soft words as Roarden came to mind.
    “Thank you,” she managed, the pain still too fresh. She closed her eyes, letting the tears that clouded her vision fall. Roarden had nearly destroyed her, but she’d fought tooth and nail and she would come out stronger. Right now she was too vulnerable, and that meant keeping Torian at arm’s length.
     
    * * * *
     
    A fresh shower, fresh clothes and makeup did wonders for Tessa’s mood. She pulled her hair through the elastic band and was satisfied with the ponytail. There was something about a well-worn pair of jeans and a favorite T-shirt that simply relaxed her. So maybe her plans were askew, but she could adapt. All she had to do was stay away from Torian and she could get out of this unscathed. The dream she’d had of him surfaced in her thoughts and a flush came over her entire body. Yes indeed, staying away from Torian was plan A, getting on the plane without getting hot and sweaty with him was plan B.
    She opened the door to her room to find Torian waiting for her, a single perfect white rose in his hand. “I told you I would come for you,” he reminded as he handed her the rose. He stood there in a dark tailored shirt. Plan A was going to be hard to implement. “Anaise has gone through the trouble of arranging the cooks, to make,” he paused, his accent sounding adorable as he continue, “fettuccine with Alfredo sauce, and mixed greens with tomato and Italian dressing. I’m sure you can smell the homemade banana pudding. Come, I’ll lead you to the dining area.”
    “How in the world did Anaise know I loved those dishes?” Tessa found herself salivating at the thought of the meal waiting for her. “My goodness, it’s as if they were plucked right out of my head.” Her stomach rumbled and she looked at Torian sheepishly. “Sorry about that. I’m starving and the menu is making me ravenous.”
    “I can certainly relate to certain dishes evoking immense desire.” His words, blatantly sexual, made her smile.
    “You never stop, do you?”
    “Going after what I desire? No. How else would I get everything I want?” he asked in mock seriousness.
    “I assumed you to be the type that took what you wanted.” Tessa lifted the rose to her nose as she watched him, waiting for his response.
    “You are right,” he said right before they were about to turn a corner. Without warning, Tessa found herself pushed against the wall. One of his long legs was planted between hers, an arm on either side of her face as he looked down at her. “How about I trade a question for a kiss?” he murmured. Tessa swallowed, trying to will her mouth to say no. He smiled. “You do realize no answer is as good as a yes?” Without giving her time to respond, his lips were on hers, soft but firm. Then his tongue gently probed her lips apart.
    He was an excellent kisser. He made her knees turn into melted rubber. She felt him gently stroking her curls at