Talent For Trouble Read Free Page B

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    “I’m not getting a very good impression of my new brother-in-law.” Her voice was purposely haughty, but it didn’t appear to affect Darak in the least. He winked at her, and she sniffed and turned her head.
    “My point is that Micah wanted to give her the experiences we all grew up taking for granted. We’ve shared pleasure in many different and varied ways. I’ve seen and done enough to know that when I saw Micah and Jeri together, I was witnessing something almost sacred.” Now, Darak looked away from her as if he didn’t want her to see too closely. “Micah knew he loved Jeri, almost from the moment he found her. But he was afraid, I think, that because she’d never been with anyone but him, she didn’t really know her own heart. He let her fly free. He gave her the experiences that all young women on our worlds usually have and stood by her, sharing in her pleasure, showing by example that his love made every moment they had together more special than a mere joining of bodies and sharing of pleasure. What they share is love in its purest form.”
    Silence reigned a long, long moment. She didn’t think he’d meant to say so much. He refused to look at her, apparently lost in thought, but she could feel discomfort coming off him in waves. She was empathic enough, even without focusing her Talent, to know that he was uncomfortable with the revelations he’d just made. She let the moment pass, saying nothing.
    “It was my honor to join with Jeri and Micah, and normally, I wouldn’t entertain questions about my activities, but you have a right to know.” His eyes met hers steadily. “I want the air clear between us. I joined with your sister, but I doubt I will ever be invited to do so again.”
    Her eyes narrowed. He was trying to convey something to her, but she didn’t quite understand what lay beneath his words.
    “Would you? If you were asked now?”
    Slowly, he shook his head.
    “No. Not now.” His hand covered hers, resting atop her upper thigh. “Not ever again.”
    Could he mean…? No. No way. Even she could see this man was a playboy. He went from woman to woman like bees went from flower to flower. So, maybe he wouldn’t sleep with Jeri again, but there was no way he’d give up his wanton ways. Every other woman was fair game. Including, it seemed, she herself.
    His hand stroked her fingers, warming her from the inside out. It made her uncomfortable, but she could hardly object. He wasn’t overstepping the bounds of propriety. Yet.
    But she knew he would. It was in his nature. This man liked to push the envelope in all ways, and she feared he would push her as far as she’d go. It was up to her to push back.
    Her experiences with men were nothing but bad, traumatic memories. She wouldn’t be tempted to let this rogue into her pants anytime soon.
    She hoped.
    But he had a way about him…
     
    “You’re thinking too hard, Jana.” Darak tapped her temple lightly then wrapped his palm around the nape of her neck in a gesture of comfort. “Give it time.”
    There was so much more he wanted to say to her. Things that had been rattling around in his brain since almost the first moment he’d touched her. She’d been so badly injured and near death after that last battle. Uncomfortable things surfaced in his mind that had him questioning his own sanity, his feelings, his future.
    He was starting to think that she was his future. And that scared him spitless. But he tried to follow the same advice he’d just given her. He was letting things happen and leaving a lot up to fate. He didn’t know where these startling new feelings were coming from, and he didn’t know where they’d lead, but he wanted to find out. No, he needed to find out.
    He had to feel her body against his again, just for a moment. Darak pulled her as gently as he could into his arms. She didn’t protest; though, at first, she was a bit stiff as he rubbed comforting circles on her back.
    “Just relax, Jana.