She Blinded Me With Science Read Online Free PDF Page A

been set aside for him on the
day he was born, he almost missed the two Enclave Hunters standing by the back doors of the
ballroom.
    Panic and decades of survival training fought. Kevyn wanted to run, but Enclave
Hunters were like dinosaurs--they wouldn't see him as long as he stood still. Or in this case,
acted like he didn't sense them. He dubbed them Larry and Curly and was thankful there was no
Moe or Shemp to have to deal with. Sophie's presence had partially masked the presence of the
Hunters. Could he use her as a shield, in reverse?
    Only one way to find out.
    When Sophie appeared in the back hallway among all the other groupies, Kevyn nearly
crowed with delight.
    "Hey, Sophie, I was hoping to see you again," he said, and sidled past four bimbettes to
get to her. Kevyn almost felt sorry for the girls, probably just middle-schoolers, with their
woebegone little faces. Almost felt sorry for them. His continued freedom had first
place.
    To be honest, getting to know Sophie had a pretty high ranking, too.
    Sophie said nothing about the way Kevyn had freaked out last night. That worried him,
but not enough to stop him from linking his arm through hers and suggesting they escape the
hotel.
    She suggested the steakhouse two doors down. That was crowded and noisy, with
lighting dim enough to hide him and the Enclave Hunters. Much as Kevyn liked the
idea of vanishing with her, lost and yet intimate among the throngs, it didn't suit. He pointed out
the upscale seafood restaurant four doors farther down, and laughed aloud when she reacted in
surprise.
    "What's wrong?" he had to ask as they walked down the sidewalk to the restaurant.
"Don't you like seafood?"
    "Love it. But that's kind of a romantic style of restaurant. Quiet and elegant." She
shrugged.
    "Expense doesn't mean anything to me, if that's what you're worried about." He thought
about the few things he had learned about her. She was probably one of those penniless
academics.
    Kevyn decided he admired Sophie. He had never really pursued anything in his life,
except his freedom. Being the baby of his family, he never had a chance to fight for anything he
really wanted. Everything was always decided for him, or his older brothers had already fought
the battles before he was born. And what was the sport in that?
    "No, not the expense." She actually blushed, and that charmed him. "Private. I mean, it's
not like we're on a real date."
    "Who says?" He laughed again when she blushed darker. "Sophie, what do your
boyfriends do on dates?"
    "I don't date."
    "Religious abhorrence?" He tightened his grip at a sudden vision of Sophie bolting. Just
when he needed her most.
    "Nobody ever asked me out. No boyfriends." She shrugged, which was a little difficult
when they were linked together. He liked the warmth of her soft arm rubbing against his.
    "Well, that's a mistake on a cosmic scale." Kevyn quickened their pace as they
approached the door of the restaurant.
    "Don't feel sorry for me, please." She started to tug her arm free, so he held on tighter.
"I'd much rather we just stay friends, okay?"
    "Whatever Madame wishes, Madame gets." He let her free her arm, but caught hold of
her hand to press a kiss against her palm. While she stood there, stunned and wide-eyed, he
bowed and swept the door open before them.
    The restaurant was a mistake. It was definitely upscale and romantic--and run by snobs.
The hostess wore a long, sweeping black dress and the waiters all wore black pants, shoes and
vests and white shirts with lace at the collar. The hostess started towards them, horror starting to
cross her face. Kevyn snapped his fingers, casting a glamour over their jeans, sneakers and
sweatshirts.
    The illusion of their upscale outfits earned them a shadowed, circular booth lit with
scented candles, within sight and sound of a trickling fountain. Sophie didn't protest when Kevyn
ordered a carafe of expensive wine for them. He choked on his ice water when, the second time
the water came