Lenore pulled Jenna into an enthusiastic hug and Jenna felt tears burn in the back of her throat. She’d only been gone one night, but so much had happened. She felt like an entirely different person. The shuttle had landed in Central Park and Drex looked around curiously as they walked the nine blocks to the brownstone Jenna shared with her mother. She had no idea how the Upper Westside of Manhattan compared to the city where he’d grown up, but he certainly seemed interested in her neighborhood.

“And who is this?” Lenore asked as she released Jenna.

Her mother knew damn well who Drex was, but Jenna obliged her. “This is Drexel Kaen, though he prefers Drex to Drexel.” She motioned toward her mother. “Drex, this is my mother, Lenore.”

Drex set down his overnight bag. They hadn’t been sure how long the visit would last, so Drex brought a couple spare outfits and toiletries just in case. He shook Lenore’s hand as he said, “It’s nice to meet you. Your home is lovely.” He looked around the elegant foyer and sunlight accented his angular features and the brilliant blue phitons in his eyes. He looked strong and handsome, but the power suit didn’t disguise the fact that he was Rodyte. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to update your security team on some of the more recent developments.” He motioned toward the small bag. “What should I do with this?”

Jenna held out her hand. “I’ll take care of it.”

After handing Jenna the bag, he shifted his gaze to Lenore. “Who heads the security team?”

“Just ask for Foster. He’s out there somewhere.”

“I won’t be long.” He started to bend down and kiss Jenna, then apparently thought better of it. The more cautious approach was probably wise. Jenna wasn’t at all sure how her mother was going to react to the new romance.

The front door had barely closed behind Drex when Lenore blurted, “Did he claim you last night?”

“No.” Jenna cringed at the defensiveness in her own tone.

“But you slept with him.” It wasn’t really a question. Her mother knew her too well not to see the change in her demeanor.

Jenna paused, trying to better control her inflexions. She didn’t bother with denial. “It’s not really any of your business.”

Too agitated to remain still, Lenore walked into the sunny front room. Jenna set down the overnight bag by the main stairs then followed her mother.

“I knew this would happen,” Lenore said as Jenna entered the room. “As soon as you told me how much you disliked him, I knew you were doomed.”

“And if I don’t feel ‘doomed’?” Jenna lightly challenged. “Will you be able to accept my relationship, if he makes me happy?”

“Oh, I was ecstatic with your father during our first few months. He was passionate and attentive, flattered me in ways I still can’t believe. He was the perfect lover, the perfect companion, until it was time to breed.”

Jenna had expected this reaction. Given her mother’s past, it would have been shocking if she’d responded any other way, but foreknowledge didn’t make Lenore’s misgivings any easier to overcome. “Drex is not battle born. He already has access to his abilities.”

Lenore liked to internalize conflicts, creating outward calm. Her emotions didn’t subside. She just appeared to be over it, so others relaxed and became less defensive. Lenore used the strategy so often, Jenna found herself emulating it.

“Your father wasn’t battle born either,” Lenore pointed out. “Drex is a Rodyte male. He wants to claim you, bond with you, bind you to him forever.”

Jenna licked her lips, not sure she was ready to admit her true feelings to herself, much less her mother. “Maybe that’s what I want too.”

Lenore closed her eyes, likely counting to ten in her mind. “You’re drunk on his pheromones.” Her eyes opened again, compassion and worry now burning in her gaze. “You don’t know what you want.”

The thought had crossed Jenna’s mind more than once, which was one of the reasons she hadn’t allowed Drex to claim her. If this was all some hormonal high, would she still love him once the pull subsided? All of this had happened so quickly. It seemed impossible. And yet, what they shared was so perfect, so real, she refused to dismiss it entirely. “He created a transfer link. I can sense his emotions, even some of his thoughts. His affection is genuine. He is not like my father.”

With a dramatic harrumph, Lenore sat in her favorite chair. “I’ve tried very hard not to judge their entire race by the actions of a few. Even among the Tandori there are honest, honorable people. But this situation isn’t helping my objectivity.”

“Spend some time with him.” Jenna sat, also in her favorite chair. “Get to know him before you reject him. He’s really very sweet.”

Lenore narrowed her gaze, but all she said was, “You haven’t left me a lot of choice, now have you?”

“I suppose not.” Jenna sighed. Lenore hadn’t thrown her out or refused to allow Drex past the front door, so Jenna would call that a win. Still, they had a long way to go if they hoped to win Lenore’s approval. The news was out. It was probably better to give her mother some time to process the development. “So what’s this about Thea Cline? Why couldn’t you just explain it over the phone or audio-com, whatever Drex used to call you?”

“She’s here and I want you to meet her, but I thought I’d fill you in before I bring her down.”

“Thea is here, now? In this house?” Why had Foster allowed a RF member into their house, for the second time? The answer was obvious. Her mother must have insisted.

Lenore quickly filled her in on Thea’s apparent change of heart. “She’s really torn up, and I don’t think it’s an act to gain my sympathy. She’s completely alone. Everyone she knew and loved was wiped out by that damn ship.”

“That’s how the RF leaders got their claws in her.” Still, Jenna was wary. “This could also be a clever trap, set by a skilled operative.”

Lenore shook her head. “Thea’s passionate about what she believes in, but she’s not slick and manipulative like a professional spy. I think she was just searching for meaning after a devastating loss and the Resistance Force gave that to her.”

“Has she let anyone know about her change of heart?” If Thea could still set up a meeting with Abaddon, it might be the perfect opportunity for the battle born to spring a trap.

“I don’t think so, but asking to see her cell phone will probably not help us earn her trust.”

“Her cell phone?” Jenna cried. “You left her alone in one of the guest rooms with her cell phone?”

“They clearly know where we live.” A bit of an edge crept into Lenore’s tone. “What are you afraid she’ll tell them even if she does call? Which I don’t think she will.”

Jenna just shook her head. There was no reason to fight over details. She needed to stay focused on the endgame. “This could be an amazing opportunity if Thea’s conversion is real, but that’s one gigantic if.”

“You can’t always sense when someone is lying. Can Drex? You said he has access to his abilities. What are they?”

Jenna thought back on what he’d told her about his abilities. “He’s empathic, but I don’t know how well he can interpret the emotions he senses. I’ll ask.”

“Before we plan our next few steps around anything Thea does or says, we need to know if we can trust her.”

Jenna nodded. “I agree.”

Drex was escorted back into the house a few minutes later by Foster. The two males chatted and laughed together, clearly enjoying each other’s company. Foster nodded to each of the females, then returned to his post. Drex moved to one of the open chairs and sat, his expression relaxed yet watchful.

Never one to mince words, Jenna came right to the point. “Can you use your empathic abilities to determine if someone is lying?”

He tensed, and Jenna felt his anxiety spike. “It requires scanning a person’s mind without their knowledge or permission. I prefer not to cross that line.”

Jenna glanced at her mother. Lenore was deep in thought, so Jenna tried to find a compromise with Drex. “What if I tell her you’re going to do it? Many government agencies require polygraph tests for all new hires. This is basically the same thing.”

“I presume we’re talking about Thea.” Jenna nodded. “If she’s aware and has no objection, I have no problem performing the scan.”

“And if she objects?” Challenge put an even sharper edge on Lenore’s tone. Apparently, she’d been following the conversation after all. “Do we toss her out into the street?”

“Most humans broadcast their emotions when they’re anxious or upset. Detecting these pulses doesn’t require an invasive scan. I should be able to learn enough from the emotions she broadcasts to determine if she’s a threat. Whether or not we can trust her to help us is a much more complicated question. I’ll only scan her mind if she agrees to help.”

“Did she indicate that she wants to help us, or was she just done with the Resistance Force?” Jenna asked her mother.

Lenore fiddled with the hem of her blouse, looking less comfortable with each new question. “I pointed out the holes in their story, but that’s about as far as the conversion went before she broke down. The poor girl hasn’t begun to deal with the loss of her family. She lost her husband and children, her mother and sister. I’m not sure she’s emotionally stable enough to do anything but grieve.”

Jenna nodded. Five weeks wasn’t a lot of time to process something so devastating. Still, Lenore had set this scene in motion, and she didn’t generally act without considering all the possible outcomes. “Thea must have some sort of potential or you wouldn’t have suggested we meet.”

“Oh, she’s brimming with potential. I just feel guilty for wanting to exploit it.” With an audible sigh, Lenore pushed to her feet. “I suppose there’s only one way to find out how she’ll react to any of this. I’ll go see if she’s ready for visitors.”

Lenore left the room and Jenna turned to Drex. “When my mother sees anyone in need, be they a vagabond or stray animal, she can’t help wanting to save them. She’s always been that way.”

“It’s a wonderful quality. I just hope she isn’t hurt by her heroic instincts. Crawling out on a limb for a stray kitten can put the rescuer in a precarious situation.”

When Lenore returned a short time later, Thea trailed a step behind. She looked younger than Jenna remembered, more little girl lost than rebellious radical. Her long blonde hair was clean, though tousled, and she wore jeans and a blouse Jenna was pretty sure she recognized. Lenore motioned toward the last empty chair before returning to her seat. Thea sat and looked at Jenna, then Drex, uncertainty clear in her big, dark eyes.

“Before you say anything,” Jenna began, not nearly as convinced by Thea’s demeanor as Lenore. “I feel it’s only fair to warn you that Drex is empathic. He can tell if you’re lying or manipulating the facts. We won’t lie to you, but we expect honesty in return.”

Thea’s gaze shot to Drex as fear and mistrust reshaped her expression. “I didn’t realize a Rodyte would be here. I wouldn’t have come down if I’d known.”

“Fair enough.” Jenna crossed her legs and pressed back into her chair. “You’re free to leave whenever you like, but I think we can help each other.”

“How? RF leaders want to use me. Now the battle born want the same. How are you any different from Abaddon and his minions?”

Jenna smiled, tempted to drop the bombshell right from the start.

Don’t push too hard, Drex warned. You’ll scare her off.

She glanced at him, acknowledging his suggestion without agreeing to accept it. “One last order of business before we chat. Did you make any calls while you were upstairs?” She avoided looking at her mother, knowing she’d be angry.

“Seriously?” Thea pulled her cell out of her pocket and held it out with an indignant look. “Go on, check the call log. I called my grandmother’s apartment twice and the front desk at her complex once. That’s it.”

“Why did you call the front desk?” Lenore wanted to know. “Is everything all right?”

Thea looked at the older woman and her resentment eased just a little. “I called to find out where the hell my grandmother is because she’s never gone this long unless she has a doctor’s appointment or something.”

“And did she?” Jenna asked, hoping beyond hope that it was a false alarm. The last thing Thea needed was more loss in her life.

“They’re ‘not sure’ where she is, but they’re ‘confident’ nothing has happened to her.” She used finger quotes to accent the receptionist’s excuses. “One of the attendants remembers seeing her at breakfast, but whoever took her out of the building neglected to sign her out. There are several offsite activities running today and they ‘believe’ she’s participating in one of them.”

“Is that unusual for your grandmother?” Lenore’s tone and expression were compassionate, but worry shadowed her eyes. So much for calming Thea down.

“You don’t think… They couldn’t have,” Thea said firmly, yet it was obvious she didn’t believe it. “None of the RF leaders know about my grandmother. I’ve made sure of it.”

Interesting. Thea couldn’t trust her comrades completely if she was keeping secrets from them.

“You’re probably right.” Lenore’s response sounded and looked convincing, but Jenna knew her mother too well. Lenore was worried, and so was Jenna. True coincidences were few and far between. Was Abaddon cruel enough to use an elderly woman as collateral to control one of his spies? Unfortunately, she was pretty sure she knew the answer.

“If you give me her name and address, I can ask my people to check into it.” Drex offered as the women slipped into tense silence.

Thea’s chin raised and her shoulders squared. “Why would they bother? My grandmother is far beyond childbearing years.”

“Let him help,” Lenore insisted. “Rodyte technology is exactly what we need to locate her. If she’s out on one of these activities, the battle born should be able to tell you in a matter of minutes.”

With obvious reluctance, Lenore gave him the information.

There wasn’t much more they could do until they had more information, so Jenna changed tactics. “I want you to understand exactly who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish. Then you can decide for yourself if you’re willing to help us. Cards on the table. We’ll never mislead you, never pretend to be something we’re not.”

Thea nodded, but doubt still thinned her lips.

“Rodytes have been here much longer than most humans realize,” Lenore began when Jenna didn’t immediately launch her explanation. “I met a young man named Fiezor when I was just nineteen. He was gallant and mysterious, shrewdly intelligent, and I fell head over heels in love with him. We became lovers and things got serious. He wanted me to meet his family. On the way out to their secluded complex, he told me the most outlandish tale. At first I thought he was teasing me, seeing how far he could take the story before I called him on it. Then we arrived at the settlement and my understanding of the universe was transformed.”

Thea didn’t react to the revelation. Apparently, she’d already known. She looked from Lenore to Jenna and back. “Am I supposed to be shocked? Abaddon already told me that your daughter is a half breed.”

“We prefer hybrid,” Jenna stressed. “I’m a human/Rodyte hybrid.”

“Which is why you could read my mind,” Thea mused. “If you’re half alien, you probably don’t consider yourself a traitor to the human race. So what are you trying to do?”

“You’re jumping ahead,” Jenna commented. “You’ve heard how my parents met, not how they parted. My father was a liar and a fraud. He held my mother captive and gave her an injection that allowed him to get her pregnant even though he knew she wasn’t ready for a child.”

“And this is supposed to convince me to help them?” A bit of Thea’s spirit returned. Her cheeks flushed and emotion smoldered in her eyes. “They claim the ‘volunteers’ are willing too. How do we know what’s really going on up there.”

Jenna shook her head, irritation starting to take hold. “You keep rushing to the finish line. Do you want to hear this or not?”

Thea thought for a minute then sighed. “Go on. I’ll try not to interrupt again.”

“Needless to say, by the time my mother escaped the compound and returned to New York, with a newborn she didn’t really want in tow, she—”

“Jenna, that’s not true,” her mother cut in. “I had always wanted children. I just wasn’t ready for them when your father decided it was time. I was horrified by what he was willing to do to have his own way. I love you with all my heart, and never regretted bringing you into this world.”

“Shall I come back when you’ve worked out the story?”

Jenna turned on Thea, eyes flashing. “We’re trying to help you. There is no reason for your shitty attitude.”

“She’s trying to help me,” she pointed to Lenore. “You want to recruit me for a rebellion to which I’m diametrically opposed. The RF leaders might have secrets and ulterior motives, but I still believe in the cause. Earth for humans! It’s not just a slogan. It’s a battle cry.”

“I hated them too,” Jenna told her, but felt the opportunity slipping away. “That’s the point I was trying to make. I lived my entire life believing Rodytes were self-serving villains who forced their will on others. Then I actually met one.”

They stared at each other for a long, silent moment, then Jenna shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mom. I don’t see it. Until she’s ready to let go and move on, we can’t help her.” Without giving Thea an opportunity to respond, Jenna stood and walked from the room.

* * * * *

Arton the Heretic lowered his cowl as he sat down beside Torrin Havier. They were on a commuter shuttle headed back to the Triumphant from Outpost L.A. Arton’s features and fingertips were altered by holo-masks, allowing him to move about in battle born territory. He didn’t consider the battle born his enemies, but he wasn’t sure they would feel the same. He’d been watching Torrin for several hours, assessing his attitude and personality as he went about the mundane. Commuter travel, even on faster-than-light shuttles, was tedious and frustrating. Luckily for Arton, he seldom bothered with conventional forms of transportation.

“So what did you decide?” Torrin asked as the shuttle lunged into motion. The seats were small and both men were broad-shouldered, obliterating anything resembling personal space.

“Pardon me?” Arton looked at him with a blank expression.

“You’ve been following me all morning. Did you decide whatever it is you’re supposed to decide? Or are you just keeping track of me.”

Arton was shocked that Torrin was aware of him. He’d been careful. Much of the time Arton had been shielded, invisible to biological sight. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Torrin scoffed. “Right.” He closed his eyes and leaned his head against his seat back, clearly meaning to ignore Arton.

Rex Dravon had reported a favorable assessment of Torrin. The smuggler found Torrin likable and ripe for recruitment. So Arton decided to take a closer look. He just hadn’t expected Torrin to realize he was being watched.

Fascinated by the development, Arton lowered his voice. “When did you spot me?”

“At the café.” Torrin opened his eyes but maintained his bored expression. “The place was packed. They asked everyone who was dining alone to move to the counter, but the waitress avoided you like a pestilence. She was clearly afraid, so I asked her who you were and why you deserved special treatment. She said, ‘That’s Arton the Heretic,’ like that should have explained everything.”

Arton tensed. This was only the third time he’d used this appearance. How had the waitress figured out who he was? He hadn’t bothered with a voice modulator. Had she recognized his voice? He shook away the distraction. The Outcasts were on their way out of this star system anyway. Soon secrecy would be unnecessary. “Don’t believe everything you hear about me. My reputation has evolved over many years.”

Torrin finally turned his head, brow raised. “I can say the same. Once I’d noticed you, I kept seeing you. It didn’t take me long to realize you were tailing me.”

“And to answer your original question,” Arton said, already sensing a kindred spirit, “I’m not sure what to make of you.”

A faint smile curved Torrin’s lips as he faced forward again. “Likewise.” Arton thought the conversation ended, then Torrin asked, “Did you send Rex Dravon, or did the overlord send you both?”

“We thought our interest might come better from one of the brotherhood. You don’t seem the type to respond well to authority figures.”

A half-laugh rumbled in Torrin’s chest. “You’ve got me all figured out.”

Arton stared at Torrin’s profile for a moment. His features were bold, rugged lines and slashing angles. Even from the side, he looked dangerous. “If you’re satisfied with your current situation, we’ll back off. But we honestly feel we have more to offer than the battle born.”

Torrin glanced at him, smoky-green eyes swirling for a split second. “I’m always interested in new opportunities. I’ve yet to hear what you’re offering.”

“We’re offering the freedom to shape the future anyway you like.”

Torrin shrugged. “I have that now.”

“Do you? I happen to know General Lux better than most. Freedom is not something he offers those under his command.”

“I work with Sedrik Lux, not for him.”

Arton arched his brows. “Does he know that?”

Torrin searched his gaze, speculation clear in his expression. “Did you abandon your post, soldier? I’ve heard that many of the Outcasts are deserters.”

He was right about deserters joining the Outcast ranks, but it was one of the few accusations that didn’t apply to Arton. “Try again. You’re not even close. I was never in the military.”

“Then why do you know so much about General Lux?” Challenge replaced the lazy playfulness in Torrin’s voice.

“He’s my brother.”

“Really?” He clearly had Torrin’s attention now. “Is that why General Lux hasn’t driven the Outcasts out of Earth-space? They easily have the firepower to overtake you.”

Arton tensed. Unsure if he liked the implications in Torrin’s deep tone. “The battle born have other concerns at the moment. Are you interested or not?”

“I’m interested in a more detailed conversation. I don’t yet have enough information for any sort of decision. My arrangement with the battle born is stable. That’s a quality not easily found in my line of work.”

Arton accepted the statement with a stiff nod. His opinion of Torrin was less positive than it had been when the conversation started. The assassin was certainly a cocky son of a bitch. And you’re not? his inner voice challenged. If he were honest, all of the Outcasts were arrogant. It was part of their charm. “If the overlord is interested in a sit down, are you willing to hear him out?”

“Sure. I’d like to meet your mysterious overlord. The stories I’ve heard about him are even more interesting than the stories I’ve heard about you.”

And Arton was back to liking him again. He inwardly shook his head. Outwardly, he nodded. “We’ll be in touch.” He didn’t bother explaining what he intended. He released his safety restraints and walked to the tiny lavatory in the back of the shuttle. Unwilling to subject himself to conventional transportation any longer than necessary, Arton deactivated the holo-mask and bio-streamed off the shuttle.

* * * * *

Much later that afternoon, Drex and Jenna strolled through Central Park hand in hand. He was fascinated by the towering trees and well-tended footpaths. Humans in exercise clothing or on strange manually propelled conveyances frequently sped past because of their leisurely pace. Drex refused to rush. His life was often crammed full of activities, and he had no doubt external demands would soon have them rushing again. But for this one day, he intended to enjoy his mate’s homeworld to the fullest.

Jenna quickly noticed his interest in their surroundings. “I thought you’d been to Earth before.”

“I have, numerous times in fact. Twice my mission took place in the Bunker and the other assignments were completed in much smaller cities. Discretion has been a focus for decades. It really limited our exposure to human cultures.”

“New York is unique. It’s a patchwork quilt of global influences. I don’t think there’s a truer reflection of what America is all about.” Pride shone through in her expression. She clearly loved her hometown. “Are the cities on Rodymia so very different?”

“Rodymia is much smaller than Earth, so the inhabitable areas are more densely populated.” He motioned to the open area surrounding them. “This would be considered wasted space.”

“That would be intolerable to me. I’ve lived in Manhattan my entire life, but the city can still become claustrophobic. Without a place to step out into the open and hear the birds sing, I’d be miserable.”

“We’re not encumbered by transportation,” Drex reminded. “There are wildlife reserves and wilderness parks mere minutes away from any of our cities. They’re just separate from our urban developments. Besides, VR simulators create environments every bit as visceral as this in the privacy of our living rooms. If we were in my home right now, I’d undress you and give you pleasure right here in the sun-bathed grass.”

She shivered and color climbed up her neck. “A very appealing thought, but we’d be arrested for it here.”

They continued to stroll through the park, their conversation light and easy. Now that she’d allowed herself to think of a future together, much of the earlier tension had dissipated. He was disappointed that she hadn’t surrendered completely, but he was relatively certain it was just a matter of time. As she’d told Thea, Jenna had spent most of her life hating Rodytes. Prejudice couldn’t be overcome in the blink of an eye.

It was nearly dark by the time they returned to the brownstone. Lenore and Thea were nowhere in sight. They’d either retired to their bedrooms, or left the building. The first possibility was much more probable.

He’d contacted Sedrik and Morgan earlier in the day, asking each to investigate Grandma Helen’s disappearance. He’d yet to hear how the investigations went, so he took a moment to check in again.

Morgan answered first, informing him that her team quickly confirmed that Helen had not been on any of the activities, nor had she returned to the assisted living community. Morgan assured him she would keep digging, that each possible lead was being pursued. Unfortunately, Sedrik’s report was basically the same. His men had determined Helen was actually missing, but they had no idea about her current location. Her DNA pattern was not on record with any human source, so even Rodyte scanners were useless. Still, they would keep searching.

“Any news?” Jenna asked, easily guessing what his sudden silence meant.

He shook his head. “Helen is definitely missing. Neither the battle born nor Morgan’s agents have turned up anything yet. They’re at the complex interviewing residents.” He glanced at the main stairs, wondering if they should update Thea.

Jenna saw the direction of his stare and shook her head. “If Thea asks, we’ll tell her. But there’s nothing we can do right now. If she managed to fall asleep, bad news can wait until morning. She’s clearly exhausted.”

She was right. Everything that could be done was being done. So Drex agreed to wait until morning to inform Thea that her last living relative was more than likely in the hands of RF leadership. No doubt, she’d be devastated—again.

Drex knew neither he nor Jenna would be able to set the incident aside entirely, but worrying accomplished nothing. Trained investigators and Rodyte hunters were scouring the area for clues. Two concerned lawyers would just be in the way if they went to Florida.

Determined to focus on his mate as much as possible, he followed Jenna into the spacious kitchen. The rest of the house had a formal elegance, while the kitchen was warm and welcoming. It was easy to picture Jenna growing up here, standing at the counter with long pigtails, mixing cookie dough or stirring a stew pot. Of course, her teacher would have been a servant not her mother. Children of the upper classes were generally reared by staff.

He pushed away the past with a sigh. Their relationship was at an important stage right now. One wrong move could send Jenna scurrying back behind her emotional barricade. Another night of tender intimacy and free-flowing emotions, however, would help stabilize their situation considerably.

They’d eaten lunch late in the afternoon, so neither was particularly hungry. Instead, Jenna prepared an edible treat called popcorn and they snuggled up on the wide leather couch to enjoy an entertainment vid filled with improbable action and profanity. She was clearly engrossed by the silliness, but Drex was more interested in her and the strange snack she’d offered him.

Not wanting to hurt her feelings, he tentatively placed one of the fluffy white pieces in his mouth. She was happily munching the stuff, so he began to chew. As the morsel broke down, rich saltiness spread across his tongue, leaving annoying flecks stuck in his teeth. The entire experience was very strange, but he took another piece and then another. Soon he was munching the snack as enthusiastically as she, but he couldn’t explain why.

“What is in the coating?” He licked the slick substance off his fingers and barely suppressed a moan. “I’m pretty sure it’s addictive.”

She laughed. “It’s just salt and butter, but I agree. When the two combine, it’s highly addictive.”

They finished the bowl of popcorn and washed it down with glasses of wine. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his side. Without the distraction of the addictive snack, his attention quickly focused on her. He peeled the sweeter down her arm so he could touch her skin. She shivered and glanced at him, but turned back to the entertainment vid.

He wasn’t sure if her interest in the “movie” was real, or if she was subtly challenging him. Either way he was more than ready to vanquish the competition. Keeping his head low, he moved off the sofa and knelt on the floor in front of her.

“What are you doing?” The amusement in her voice and the hot gleam in her eyes assured him she knew exactly what he had in mind. “The movie’s not over.”

“Ignore me.” He infused the words with challenge. “Watch your movie.”

She grinned, but her gaze shifted back to the large display across the room.

Her feet were bare as she’d left her sandals by the front door when they returned from the park. He picked up one dainty foot and massaged it, paying special attention to the arch. She moaned and her eyelids drooped as his thumb circled the pressure point.

“Do that and I’ll fall asleep,” she cautioned.

“I don’t want that.” He moved his hands to her ankle and then her calf, loving the feel of her smooth skin beneath his fingers. Her body was soft and warm, so different from his. He was fascinated by the contrast. She began to squirm when his hand skated over her knee, but he didn’t continue his ascent. Instead, he switched sides and worked his way back down.

“Drex.” She sounded breathless and needy, yet he’d barely begun to touch her. “Let’s go upstairs.”

“But the movie isn’t over.” He slid both hands up along the outside of her legs, circled her knees, then ventured higher. Her eyes widened, growing unfocused though she stared past him. He caught the sides of her panties and tugged. “Lift up, love,” he whispered. “I want to touch you.”

“You are touching me.” Her voice trembled, but she obediently raised her hips.

He slid her panties down and then off, setting them in plain sight so they wouldn’t forget them when they went to her bedroom. She glanced at him, smiled, then looked past him again. Stubborn female. Accepting the challenge, he eased her legs apart without raising her skirt. The illusion of modesty made his exploration even naughtier. If he heard someone approaching, he’d simply move his hands and sit down.

His fingers teased her inner thighs, savoring the silky texture of her skin, thrilled that he finally had permission to touch her. She shifted restlessly on the couch and the scent of her arousal rose. He inhaled deeply, soothed by the unique combination of her grooming products and aroused female. Her scent soothed him, yet excited him, the contradiction dizzying.

She fisted her hands on the sofa, her breasts rising and falling with each rapid breath. Needing to understand exactly what she was feeling, he lowered his mental shields. Her emotions trickled across their connection, the link needed to be fed on a regular basis or it would dissolve. He’d been so distracted by the conflicts surrounding them that he’d forgotten about the link. He quickly channeled energy into the connection and her emotions grew stronger, more easily identified. She was surprisingly aroused considering that he’d yet to touch her sex. Yet conflict still restrained her responses. She felt guilty for wanting him, as if her desire were some sort of betrayal.

A bit of his playfulness evaporated. Did they need to talk this out, or would debate only focus her attention on the emotional obstacles?

“Are you losing interest in the game?” She sounded disappointed.

He looked up and found her gazing at him, confusion creasing her brow. Rather than clutter the moment with a bunch of unnecessary words, he eased his thumbs higher and brushed her damp folds. She inhaled sharply and moved her gaze back to the screen.

Freed by her reaction, he rotated his hand and traced her slit with the tip of one finger. Her body was so responsive, so eager for the same things for which he burned. He watched her face, fascinated by the play of emotions so obvious on her features. Their link echoed what his eyes perceived, making the progression even more evocative.

Her folds parted for him, welcoming his touch with a soft, wet embrace. He fought back a groan, not wanting to distract her from the sensations. Her body was so hot, so ready for him. He pushed deeper, right into the very core of her body. She was snug and wet, tightening on his fingers as she’d soon tighten around his cock.

The thought catapulted his desire, making it almost impossible not to take her right then and there. But this was too important. She needed to learn to trust him with her pleasure, even when the situation was a little bit dangerous.

He slid his fingers in and out of her passage, loving the sounds and smell of her desire. His thumb settled over her clit, accenting each smooth stroke. Every gasp and moan flowed like music through his senses, and her expressions were as beautiful as fine art. He could watch her forever, bringing her to peak after peak as she writhed helplessly before him.

Her hips began to roll, increasing the pressure of his thumb and the depth of his fingers. She was close. He could feel it, smell it, and sense it. She surrendered to the moment, open physically and emotionally. She was so damn beautiful in her pleasure that it made his entire body ache.

Wanting to prolong the moment, he lifted his thumb, but she caught his wrist with a breathless, “Please.”

How could he deny such a pretty plea? He caressed her clit as he filled her core, giving her exactly what she needed.

She came with a throaty cry, her fingernails digging into his arm. Her inner muscles rippled and pleasure surged across their link, nearly triggering his own climax. He fought back his orgasm with frantic stubbornness as he watched her float back to reality.

She blinked, looking dazed and sleepy as reality refocused around her. “Now it’s your turn,” she pointed out with a wicked smile. “Do you want it here or upstairs in my bed?”