Runaway Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

to make her more uncomfortable. She was probably afraid of saying too much for fear that he would take her back. He would just have to prove to his little runaway that she could trust him completely.
    A chime sounded, alerting Jaren that someone was at the door of his quarters. He knew his crew would not interrupt him right now unless it was important.
    “Come.” The door slid open to reveal Jaxson, looking apologetic for having to disturb him.
    Jaren heard Kari’s gasp when she saw the man standing in the doorway. She quickly glanced at Jaren then back to Jaxson. Jaren assumed she was startled by their similarity in appearance, since they still wore the same costumes and looked like they could be identical twins, if not for Jaxson’s brown hair.
    “I apologize for the interruption. We left so quickly that the refueling process was incomplete. We need to dock at a space station soon in order to have sufficient fuel to make it home. I thought it prudent to ask if there was a preference as to which station we select.” Jaxson glanced quickly at Kari before returning his gaze back to Jaren, his eyebrows raised in a silent question. Jaren knew he was asking if there was a location they should stay away from, considering Kari’s desperation before they departed Montore.
    Jaren looked at Kari and motioned his hand toward the other man. “Kari, I would like to introduce you to my brother Jaxson.”
    Jaxson bowed formally at the waist before addressing her directly. “It is my sincere honor and pleasure to meet you, My Lady.”
    Jaren felt Kari stiffen and wondered what had caused her sudden wariness. “Kari, my brother asks this because he wishes to ensure that we do not dock somewhere that could put you in danger. Do you know of any locations we should avoid?” Jaren saw Kari’s body relax slightly and the fear fade from her eyes, though Jaren could detect a slightly pungent odor indicating that she remained concerned.
    “No, nowhere specific,” she responded. “I just want to get as far away from Montore before they find out—” Kari stopped suddenly.
    Jaren did not feel it wise to push for the rest of her answer. He addressed Jaxson without taking his eyes off of Kari. “Get as far away as possible before we stop, but avoid Bandal.”
    Jaren knew that Jaxson would understand his instructions. If Kari happened to be running from slave traders, showing up on a station built around that trade would not help matters. Jaxson bowed formally again and turned back down the corridor, the door sliding soundlessly closed behind him.

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Chapter Six
     
    With the two of them alone again, Jaren wanted nothing more than to wrap his sha-lia in his arms and make love to her until she was as joined to him as he already was to her. He had a strong suspicion she was an innocent, despite her provocative attire. He would have to confirm that before they joined, since it would affect his approach. While he would worship her beautiful body just as thoroughly either way, he knew a female’s first time with a male could be painful. He would do everything in his power to distract her from that momentary suffering when the time came for them to physically join.
    He wanted every moment in his bed to be pure enjoyment for both of them. He longed to teach her how to pleasure his body and how to receive pleasure. He desperately needed to get up off this bed before he lost his mind completely and took her right now.
    Resisting his primal urges, Jaren stood up and walked to the food dispenser. He didn’t know if his sha-lia had eaten recently, but he knew fainting could be a sign that she needed food. He ordered an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and bread, along with two cups of caf. He set the plate on the desk next to the bed and handed her one of the cups, then returned to the other side of the room with his own cup and leaned against the wall. Keeping some distance between them was necessary if he were going to retain any control over