Lost Roar Read Free

to see what threw Teal off. You are very much the predator, are you not?”
    “I am. It was what I was forced to do, so I have not bothered breaking the habit.” She shrugged.
    “Understandable. Would you like to see your room?”
    “Please. I think I need to dress for the evening. From the research I have done, this is not appropriate attire to snag a male with.”
    Teebie nodded. “That is probably correct. Hunting camo is not a standard clothing choice for seduction.”
    Nicia looked down and then up again. The djinn might have a point. If she was going hunting for a husband, she was going to have to use different bait.
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Wearing a cocktail dress and some heels that Helena had taught her to walk in, she brushed her hair down in a long curtain and then slowly coiled it up and pinned it on her head with jewelled spikes.
    She wasn’t hiding the shiny scars on her neck. They were part of her, and she wore them as a mark of survival. Nicia slipped in two earrings and turned her head from side to side. If one ignored her neck, she looked quite striking.
    The dress was golden lace over a black slip. It showed skin around neck and shoulders, and the lace hem was three inches longer than the black, which would lead the eyes up her legs.
    Seduction was a manoeuvring business, but like any trap, you just had to have the right bait.
    She checked out her butt and nodded when she confirmed that she hadn’t tucked her skirt into anything. With nothing left to do, she headed out to find herself some dinner, and then, she would return to the bar.
    Teebie was working at an antique desk in the entryway when Nicia came down.
    She looked up and her eyes widened. “Oh my. That is certainly a change.”
    Suddenly insecure, Nicia ran her hands down her thighs. “Is it all right?”
    “It is gorgeous. You are gorgeous. I am sorry, I just wasn’t expecting you to turn into something with such grace.”
    Nicia felt a smile fight to the surface again. “Thank you. It takes some getting used to, but I pride myself by not just changing into an animal but another kind of human.”
    “You have done very well. Where are you off to for dinner?”
    “I believe that the café would suit me. My grandparents are footing the bill for this, so I don’t want to tax them.”
    Teebie’s face sobered. “I understand. Well, have fun this evening, and if you run into trouble, don’t be afraid to call for help.”
    “Thank you for your offer of assistance. It is really appreciated though my features may not show it.”
    “I am beginning to understand that. Well, have fun and enjoy yourself. Don’t put pressure on to meet someone right away.”
    “I won’t. Thank you again.”
    Nicia headed out to the café, and she acknowledged that she was drawing attention. She kept her senses on alert and entered the café. She found an empty seat and slid into the narrow booth.
    A form appeared next to her, and she smiled at Braxton. “Hello, again.”
    He blinked, and his mouth opened and closed. “Nicia. I had no idea that you…I mean you look…I mean. Good evening.”
    She laughed again and enjoyed the relaxed feeling it gave her. “Have you eaten?”
    He nodded. “I have, but I would love to join you and keep you company while you eat.”
    “Please.” She gestured for him to sit. Nicia hadn’t heard of that one before; she asked, “Is that common?”
    He sat straight. “I don’t know. I have never before had the urge to wrap a woman in a sheet to keep other eyes from her.”
    She blinked as she realized that he was referring to her. “Why would you want to do that?”
    “Because you look good enough to eat.”
    She stifled another laugh. The idea of being prey was hilarious. “Thank you.”
    She ordered a cheeseburger and salad with a lemonade. He ordered pie and coffee.
    While they waited, she worked on her small talk. “So, Braxton, what do you do in the outside world?”
    “I am a bounty hunter.”
    She perked