The Wizards of Venus Book One: Magic Touch Read Online Free PDF Page A

me when you call me that.”
    “The unfinished business?” At her reminder, he was tempted to bend her over his knee or kiss her senseless.
    “Ah, yes, this unfinished business. It seems you think you’re going to find a way to make me call off the betrothal. I’m here to tell you, it isn’t going to happen.”
    “We’ll see. I’ve changed a lot in the past ten years but my stubbornness hasn’t.”
    “And I’ve wanted you just as long. Go ahead pit your stubbornness against my desire to make you mine and we’ll see who wins.” Rand pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth with his. Sparks flew on the physic plane as their lips mated. With a deep groan ringing in his chest, he pulled her tighter against him; and she answered with a soft, low moan. When her lips parted, he aggressively thrust his tongue into her mouth to meet hers, claiming everything she had to offer. He was about to bring his 33

    hand up to caress her breast when she suddenly disappeared from his mind. She had broken the dream merge and fled!
    * * * *
     
    “Dammit! She ran again!” Rand slapped his hand against his desk, ignoring the tented front of his pants. Reaching for the communications console, he pressed the button. As it rang, he vowed her running days were over. She’d started this battle but damned if he wasn’t going to finish it.
    * * * *
     
    Gracie lay back against her pillows, breathing raggedly; it’d been the most intense experience she’d ever had. It was so good – so passionate - that she had lost her focus and had slipped out of the dream merge. Not that I’ll ever admit it. The communications console rang by her bedside once again; only this time she knew it would be him. Picking up the remote receiver, she held it to her ear.
    “Why did you run, Gracie?” Rand ‘s voice was tight.
    “I didn’t.”
    “Do you really want to do this, Gracie?”
    “Do what?”
    “Challenge me like this. You want me just as much as I want you.”
    “Attraction or not, I'm still not going to marry you. I'll find a loophole in the royal marriage laws somewhere.”
    “Keep looking -- when you realize there is no way out, I’ll be waiting for you and be more than happy to accept your surrender.”
    * * * *
     
    34
    The man in the communications room smiled at the exchange he’d just heard between Rand and Gracie. The woman was very resistant to Rand’s advances; perhaps he could use this to his advantage. But the question was; what would lure the staid, calm beauty away from the prince. She’d sounded quite sincere about not wanting to marry Rand. He’d just have to be patient and a solution would eventually present itself.

    35
     

Chapter Two
    Gracie woke feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world, despite the erotic dreams which had plagued her though the night. Rolling over, she came face to face with a single orchid lying on the pillow next to her head. Pleasure filled her as she lifted the bloom off the pillow. Examining it, she briefly wondered where it came from.
    “Dare I hope that smile is for me?”
    Shooting straight up in bed, Gracie saw Rand leaning against the open French doors.
    “How did you get in here?” Shoving the covers off her, she scrambled for her robe, very aware of the fact she was only wearing a thin tunic. Before she reached her goal she found herself pinned across her bed with a very satisfied betrothed on top of her.
    “It was easy, Wildcat. I simply walked along the balcony and slipped into your room while you slept. You really ought to lock your doors unless you want me to consider it an open invitation to join you.”
    “It isn’t. I wasn’t aware I shared a balcony with you or I’d have locked the blessed doors.”
    He leaned in and nuzzled her neck.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Saying good morning to my chosen.” His mouth slid up her throat to tug on her earlobe. His eyes closed with pleasure when he heard the purr which escaped her.
    She’s every inch the