As they drove slowly through Alexandria’s afternoon rush hour traffic, Wonder looked out the car’s passenger window. Not a big talker on any given day, she seemed even less inclined than usual to engage in conversation.

Normally, her silence wouldn’t have bothered Anandur, but after the eventful experience in the alley, it worried him. The crease between her brows hadn’t eased since they’d left the place. On the one hand, it was good that another memory had surfaced, but, on the other hand, it had further confused Wonder.

“Let it all out, lass. Tell me what troubles you. Don’t be afraid to hurt my feelings. I can take it.”

It was a lie. He would be crushed if Wonder told him that she still felt love for the guy. Except, that was why they were in Egypt digging for memories. The issue had to be settled one way or another. Hopefully, in Anandur’s favor.

“I don’t think I really loved Esag,” she said, still looking out the window.

Anandur felt like a heavy weight was lifted off his chest.

“I think I was attracted to him,” she said quietly, refusing to meet his eyes. “And he was attracted to me.”

He hated to say it, but it needed to be said. “Mutual attraction is the first step. Love could’ve come later.”

Finally, Wonder turned to look at him. “That’s the thing. I don’t think there was a later. Something happened. Maybe I got injured and fell into a coma before there was a chance for Esag and me to take it any further. Now I’ll never know.”

That was bad.

Now he had to fight not only a ghost but a what if. Those were the worst. An unfulfilled potential that would be like a nagging itch always casting doubts on his and Wonder’s relationship. More than ever, Anandur needed to find the guy and prove to Wonder that what she felt, or could’ve felt, for the guy was not as powerful as what she felt for him.

But what if he was deluding himself?

What if he was overconfident, and the other guy won?

Damn. Him and his overinflated ego.

Anandur had been so sure of himself and of Wonder’s feelings for him that he’d had a big production seduction plan for tonight. After a long texting session with Amanda, he’d thought he had a fail-proof action plan to give Wonder the best first time possible. And after giving it some more thought, he’d decided that he would lead into it with a romantic dinner and telling her that he loved her.

Should he even continue with the plan?

What if she’d changed her mind about wanting him to be her first?

After all, she hadn’t told him she loved him yet. Maybe she didn’t?

Perhaps the best thing for him to do would be to wait for Wonder to initiate. Or at least throw a big fat hint or two that she was still interested.

One of Amanda’s ideas was to surprise Wonder with a pampering session at the hotel’s spa. He’d modified it to something more private, but now that the whole plan was in danger of going up in smoke, maybe he should ask her if she was interested in a massage. As the saying went, presumption was the mother of all fuckups.

“I prepared a surprise for you when we get back to the hotel.”

“A surprise?” She looked more concerned than excited.

“I ordered a masseuse to come give you a massage in our room. But if you prefer to do it in the hotel’s spa, I can call and request a different appointment.”

Wonder grimaced. “Thank you, but I don’t know how I feel about a stranger putting his hands on me.”

As if Anandur would have ever allowed a guy’s hands anywhere near her. Unless it was a medical emergency and there were no female doctors available, no male other than him was going to touch Wonder.

He’d specifically requested a female masseuse. “Her hands, not his. I would never allow another male to touch you unless it was to save your life. But since you’re an immortal with miraculous healing abilities, that’s a remote possibility I don’t need to worry about.”

“Oh, okay. I don’t mind as much if it’s a woman.”

Wonder still didn’t sound enthusiastic about the idea.

“If you don’t like massages, I can cancel the appointment. It’s supposed to be a treat, not a chore.”

Chewing on her lower lip, Wonder wrapped a lock of hair around her finger. “I’ve never gotten a massage before. Is it pleasurable?”

“It feels good. The masseuse usually puts soothing music on, then rubs oil or lotion all over your body while kneading your muscles. It can be very relaxing.” According to Amanda, it was the perfect way to put a girl in the right mood. Especially a virgin who might be a little apprehensive.

Wonder let the lock spring free, then coiled it again around her finger. “It sounds intimate.”

Had he imagined it, or had she sounded a bit breathy? Did Wonder have fantasies about being with another woman?

Some men might have found the idea exciting, but not him. Well, watching mud-wrestling females was fun—he’d had no problem fantasizing about Lana with another woman—but not Wonder. To his surprise, Anandur found out that he was the possessive type. No one other than him, male or female, was going to touch his girl that intimately.

But what if that was what she wanted? Wonder was so inexperienced and naive that she might not have realized that she was attracted to other females.

Nah, it was a stupid notion. She’d just told him that she’d had the hots for that Esag dude. Besides, she hadn’t faked her arousal when they’d had their little snogging session. Hell, the girl orgasmed like a firecracker.

There was no way Wonder was into women.

“It can be very intimate, even arousing.” Unintentionally, his voice dropped by a whole octave.

“Do you know how to give a massage?” She glanced at him from beneath lowered lashes.

Anandur's venom glands began swelling up in tandem with the other part of his anatomy. “I do.”

“I think I’ll enjoy the massage much more if you do it. I like your hands on me.”

The scent of her arousal flared, filling the car’s interior. It took all of Anandur’s willpower to keep his hands on the steering wheel and not to pulverize the thing.

“I’ll cancel the appointment.” He cleared his throat. “I made dinner reservations for later tonight. Should I cancel them as well?” He hazarded a quick glance at Wonder’s flushed face.

“I’d rather dine in the room if you don’t mind.”

Brave girl. Wonder’s cheeks were so red they must’ve felt on fire, but that hadn’t stopped her from telling him what she wanted.

It seemed he’d just gotten his answer, and not as a subtle hint, but as a big-ass billboard painted with bold, neon colors.