Page 37 of A Delicate Conquest

“Don’t apologize. This is the body’s natural state. We have no qualms about it. Humans are one of the few races in the Universe that get so worked up about modesty and coverings. If the sight of me pleases you that much, you can have me like that.” A mischievous glint entered his eyes. “But then, what should we do about the human part of the presentation?”

To hell with the presentation,Bea almost said aloud, but she stopped herself. Shewasinterested. The problem was she wanted everything at once.

Him, the anatomy lesson, the Universal secrets about humans and Kordolians, the getting-to-know-you conversation…

She just didn’t know which order to go in anymore.

THIRTEEN

Mavrel quietly wonderedwhich lunatic part of his brain had told him to bring her into the one exhibit that was bound to drive both of them insane.

He’d acted on a spur-of-the-moment desire to impress her.

When she’d asked him to surprise her in that maddeningly suggestive tone, she’d scrambled the remaining circuits of his logic.

The educational anatomy and physiology module was supposed to be reserved for humans who had already accepted their Kordolian mates… and who had expressed curiosity about the biological particulars of their union.

Recklessness made him do this.

He wasn’t usually so reckless.

This was the effect of the Mating Fever.

As soon as they’d stepped inside and the doors had closed, his arousal had kicked up to the extreme.

How could he have been sostupid?

And yet here they were, and she’d just summoned a naked image of him, thanks to the infernal, overeagerSylth.

It was accurate, too, right down to the smallest detail.

Andotherthings, as well.

Fuck.

He wasn’t ready for this.

No. He was more than ready. If he had the option, he would Claim her right now. He’d seen enough to get a sense of her character. She was clever, calm, and easygoing. She took everything in her stride. She followed her instincts and wasn’t afraid to be forward.

She was different from him in so many ways. Where he was dark and sharp-edged, she was smooth and bright, effortlessly charming.

He was floored by her reaction to the naked representation of him.

She gasped. Her full, tantalizing lips formed anOof surprise. Her eyelids fluttered. Her eyes went wide.

The intoxicating scent emanating from her grew richer and evenmoretantalizing.

And somehow, Mavrel discovered the temerity to tease her.

What do you think we should do about the human part of the presentation?

“No. I think you already have an unfair advantage,” she answered after a slight pause. “You don’t have any of the cultural baggage we attach to nudity. You already know exactly how my body works. You know a lot about me, about humans in general. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already picked through whatever data exists about me.”

“I haven’t,” Mavrel protested. “I could have, but I haven’t.”

“Why not?”

“I…”I wasn’t ready for this.“I wanted to form my own impression of you.”

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