The Playful Prince Read Online Free PDF

swallowed nervously and prayed no one saw how he disturbed her.
    “All that, naturally, would be in my report, your highness. The HIA will also do a planetary scan. It’s just a precaution and only with your permission, of course. I’ll set up camp with a team of three. You won’t be bothered by us. We’re scientists and won’t cause any trouble. We wish to analyze the cave to make sure we’ve gotten all biological weaponry off the planet that might be missed with a scan. Surely you can see the wisdom in that. At the same time, I’d like to do a concise analysis of the land. If anything, my findings might actually benefit you and your people, making for more viable farmland.”
    “What does your Agency say?” Kirill asked.
    “I don’t work for the Agency. I was contracted for this one job. Their people couldn’t make it here in time.” Tori paused, refusing to look at Quinn though she could feel his eyes on her. “However, if you would rather have government hacks traipsing about your kingdom....” Tori shrugged.
    “Write you proposal, doctor,” Kirill answered, suppressing a grin, but not before she saw it. “Give it to my brother, Prince Quinn. He’ll give it his approval and oversee the project.”
    “But, your highness!” she began, before she could stop the words. She glanced at Quinn. He wasn’t smiling, but the mischief was still in his bright blue gaze. She shivered, wondering how such an aggravating man could have such a profound effect on her. It had to be sleep deprivation. There was no other reasoning for it. Slowly, she nodded, “Thank you.”
    Quinn watched the beautiful scientist walk away, suppressing his grin. He knew he aggravated her, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. There was something about her that made him want, no need , to tease her. When he saw her serious face, he just felt ... playful.
    When they were alone, Kirill said to Quinn, “Approve her plan if you can. We need to have those caves checked out and she’s the only expert I know of on this planet. Besides, she has an honest face. I think we can trust her.”
    Quinn nodded. He was secretly glad someone would be checking out the caves to make sure they were safe. And if the little doctor wanted to play in the mud while she was at it, then he’d just have to make sure he was around to play with her.

    * * * *
    Tori sighed, staring around the metal cabin of the ESC ship. Lifting her pack over her shoulder, she turned to go. After speaking to Franklin, the Var agreed to let her and her team stay without her written proposal. It seemed when the HIA wanted something, they got it. It was just as well. She hated bureaucratic paperwork. Not too many of the ESC scientists were willing to set up camp on the Qurilixen surface with her. Most of them were contracted and couldn’t leave the corporation anyway, even if they had wanted to.
    Dr. Simon Martens, an older gentleman, agreed because of his passionate interest in documenting alien insect species. Simon was a round, balding figure who squinted when he talked and often got distracted from his purpose. However, he had a long solid reputation that would come in handy when it came time to add legitimacy to any project she might wish to fund.
    Dr. Grant and Dr. Vitto were both younger scientists, not as experienced but both likeable enough characters. She’d worked with them both on their last assignments, and many others, so she wasn’t worried. Dr. Grant was blond and tanned, even after spending months away from the sun below the icy surface of Sintaz. Dr. Vitto had short dark brown hair and bold features that bespoke of his old European earth heritage.
    Part of her wanted to kick herself for taking on another project, changing her plans of a much deserved trip of relaxation to spend who knew how many months on a savage planet collecting mud samples for analysis. She’d camped before and she could easily do it again.
    Tori thought of Prince Quinn. He was only too happy