The Wizards of Venus Book One: Magic Touch Read Free Page B

who doesn’t want me.” She started to pace back in forth in front of him. A gasp escaped her when she bumped into him.
    When he put his arms out to steady her, she looked up at him. Rand nearly groaned.
    I can’t remember the last time she’s been this close to me. After our near kiss at the Gathering she’s kept her distance. I’d be a fool to pass up this up.
    “Yes, take it.”
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    “Shut up, Ruzac.”
    Lowering his head towards hers, his mouth was within inches of hers when she began to struggle.
    “Stop it, Gracie. We both know I won’t hurt you.” Burying one hand in her hair, he tipped her face up to his.
    “Don’t do this. I don’t know what are you’re trying to prove but...”
    “What are you afraid of? Finding out how hot the fire between us will burn or not being able to control it?” He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. “Because the way I feel right now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control it. I’ve waited too long.”
    “This isn’t funny, Rand.” Real anger showed in her eyes.
    "I know you’re angry with me. In the end it won’t matter because we’re chosens and the prophesy has been fulfilled. I wish you’d recognize it as easily as I do.”
    “And who says I haven’t, Your Highness?” Wrenching free of his hold, she backed away from him. “I don’t know what you did at your damn Gathering to fulfill that damn prophesy but you can undo it. I won’t be forced into this. Not by my father or yours; and certainly not by you or some damn prophesy!”
    “No.”
    “What did you just say?” Her eyes narrowed as she approached him.
    “You heard me.” Grabbing her around the waist, he jerked her against him. “You’re mine and have been for the past ten years.”
    “You won’t want to claim me once I’m done.” Pushing hard against his chest, she broke his hold. Rand cursed while he fought for balance. It turned into a full-fledged shout when she used her power to tumble him into the fountain.
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    Coming up, he sputtered and pulled himself out of the fountain. Vicious little wildcat!
    She’s going to be so much fun to tame.
     
    * * * *
     
    On the far side of the courtyard, two figures watched the Prince pull himself out of the fountain. "What do you think of his new bride?”
    "I don’t think she’ll be a problem. It’s obvious she doesn’t want to be his bride. I’ve checked her out, it’s a royal match. Their fathers negotiated it.”
    “So do you think she could be turned to helping us?”
    “I don't think so. She's one of his best friends along with his security advisor, Jonathan. I’ll keep digging. Maybe I can find something on her to persuade her to our way of thinking.” The figure glanced at his watch. “I have some unfinished business to complete. I’ll report back later.”
    * * * *
     
    Later that night, Grace let herself into her suite. After she had managed to give Rand the slip, she had spent the rest of the afternoon in the palace library, searching for a loophole in the antiquated courtship laws. She was well trained in the laws of her country due to her choice of career, but so far she had not found any. It looked as if Rand had her cornered for the time being. “Why are you fighting him, sweetie?”
    “Not you too, Zara! Please don’t make me fight both of you.”
    “I don’t want to fight you, but you forget my mate is part of your chosen. Do
    you honestly want to sentence me to a life without him?”
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    “Spare me the guilt trip, Zara. I refuse to be bullied into this. Rand has never even shown an inkling of romantic interest in me until his Gathering. Until you and Ruzac reared your little heads and took over.”
    “You keep trying to make us into separate beings, we’re not. We’re just as
    much a part of you as your heart or lungs. We’re here to help guide and protect
    you.”
    She chose to ignore Zara and let herself into her room. “Not only do I have my father trying to foist me off on Rand,