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

wildcat I’ve named her.
    36

    “I am not your Wildcat!” Pushing against his chest, Gracie’s ire once more had been pricked. With ease, he used his natural strength to pin her hands next to her head.
    Deliberately, he spoke telepathically again.
    “Now, isn’t this an interesting development, Wildcat?”
    “What are you talking about? Get off of me you arrogant…”
    “ Now, don’t be calling him names, sweetheart.”
    “What the hell is he talking about, Zara?”
    “Since you’re touching, you can receive his thoughts.”
    Wonderful!
    “Zara, huh? When did you name your sentient power, Gracie? About the same time I named mine?”
    “What? You want to talk about naming our sentient powers? Get off of me, you lug!”
    The clearing of a throat let Rand and Gracie know they were no longer alone.
    Turning his head, he greeted Emma, one of his family’s personal assistants.
    “Good morning, Emma. I see Mom decided to only send the best to take care of my Wildcat.” Turning his attention back to Gracie, he slid a hand deep into her tangled hair to hold her in place. She didn’t even have time to protest when he sealed his mouth over hers.
    Gracie could feel Zara’s pleasure and it only increased her own. Am I being a fool with my resistance? Or should I simply give in?
    “Not a fool, Wildcat, just be yourself and eventually you’ll give in. I’ll accept nothing less.”
    37
     
    “Like hell!” Goaded beyond her control at his smug arrogance in her eventual surrender she nipped at his lower lip.
    He pulled back with a snarl. “You’ll pay for that, Wildcat.” Rolling off the bed, he stormed out of the room.
    “I dare say, Lady Gracie, his royal highness left here in a mood.”
    Gracie shook her head at the girl’s obvious understatement. “Why not speak the truth, Emma? He was pissed off. But not nearly as pissed as he will be.”
    “Mistress?” The question was more than evident.
    “Never mind. I suppose Queen Aria has a full schedule for me today?”
    “Of course, Lady Gracie.”
    “Well then lazing around in bed isn’t going to get it accomplished. Give me thirty minutes to shower and we’ll go join Mr. Pissy downstairs for breakfast.”
    Emma had to cover her mouth to stifle her laugh.
    Batting her eyes at the girl, Gracie couldn’t help but add, “After all, since he’s the one who’s insisting on this farce of marriage, I think he’s going to have to hold the hand of his “helpless” new bride. I’m sure we’ve got tons of invitations that need to be licked.”
    Unable to control her laughter any longer, Emma let loose.
    * * * *
     
    Rand was sitting at the breakfast table when Gracie joined him. Rising from his seat, he waited for her to be seated. As the servant poured her a cup of coffee, he watched her spread her napkin across her lap. He waited for her to speak to him. After her earlier response it was odd but she seemed content to sip her coffee and nibble on her toast in silence. 38

    Sipping at his own coffee, he winced at the sting of the hot brew against the swollen area where she’d nipped him.
    “Do something, Rand. I like it not.”
    “And you’re not the one with the sore mouth. The last time I listened to you, I ended up in the fountain.”
    “Which my Zara will answer for once we’re completely bonded.”
    Finally he could handle the silence no longer. “Nothing to say, Wildcat? Or are you afraid I’m going to retaliate for earlier?”
    “Retaliate? No, I know you’d never hurt me. Jonathan always did say you were like a big pussycat when it came to me. All roar but no bite.” Blotting her mouth with her napkin, she continued as if she hadn’t just insulted him. “Now, I do believe Emma said something about invitations that needed my attention. So if you’ll excuse me, unless you plan on licking the envelopes, I’ve got a meeting with your mother.” Pushing back from the table, she turned to leave the room. As she reached the door it swung shut in