Page 36 of A Delicate Conquest

“Anatomy and physiology?”

“In a moment, I will activate the holo—a virtual and interactive module that explains the anatomical, physiological, and genetic differences and similarities between our two species—or, by definition,onespecies—and the likely origins of both our peoples.”

Bea gasped, her mouth forming anOof surprise. “This is… highly privileged information.”

Mavrel shrugged. “It’s scientific fact. There isn’t anything to hide.”

Stiffness had crept back into his demeanor. There was a hint of tension in his expression—she didn’t know why.

Trapped in this seemingly doorless, windowless room, Bea could have felt scared and claustrophobic.

But all she wanted to do was destroy this barrier that existed between them.

That was her instinct.

She’d always been this way.

“I would love for you to guide me through this, Mavrel.” She took hold of his arm and dragged him toward the couch.

He obliged.

“But promise me that I’ll be allowed to ask questions along the way.”

“Anything.”

Bea sat down on the soft, seamless couch. Mavrel took a seat next to her, his attention focused on the dome above. He issued a command in Kordolian.

Suddenly, Bea was looking at a perfectly lifelike image of a Kordolian.

He was naked.

It wasn’t any Kordolian in particular—just a default-looking Kordolian with a default-looking face and a default-looking body. The sort of generic model one might see in an anatomy class. His features were bland—so different from the Kordolians Bea had seen in real life.

“This is about anatomy, right?” Bea had a devious idea. “Before we start the lesson, can we change the guy so that he looks like you?”

“That won’t be?—”

Before Mavrel could finish his protest, the machine-thing obliged, and the holo of the default Kordolian guy flickered and changed into Mavrel.

NakedMavrel.

Oops. What the hell have I just done?

Bea wasnotprepared for the intensity of her body’s reaction to the sight of virtual naked Mavrel.

And with the amount of heat that rushed into her face, she might as well have been a tomato underneath her melanin.

“Mavrel, I’m sorry,” she gasped. “It was just a joke. I thought the damn computer only responded toyourcommands. I didn’t think it would… I mean, not that I mind this at all, but… is that actually…you?”

His arms, chest, and abs were nice, but her gaze was magnetically drawn to the fact that Mavrel wasverynicely endowed.

Holy crap.

“The computer appears to have a mind of her own,” Mavrel said dryly.

He looked at her, eyes narrowed dangerously.

She squirmed as a tender ache developed right between her thighs. “Y-you can change it back if it’s weird for you. I’m sorry.”

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