Page 144 of Primal Bonds

But he hadn’t been able to resist approaching the sexy little earth fada. Something about her drew him, despite the fact she was almost feral, her cougar close to the surface.

Her shaved head showed off her fine features and catlike eyes. Her skin was a smooth honey-brown—Evie had mentioned that the Savonetts' mom had been from Jamaica—and her lean body vibrated with suppressed energy.

His mind filled with erotic pictures. Marjani beneath him, or maybe astride so he could run his hands over that smooth, beautiful skin…absorb her warmth…take some of that vital energy into himself. Kiss those lush lips that seemed made for a man’s mouth.

He saw her hand slide beneath the table, heard the quiet snick as she released the blade. So she had a weapon—probably more than one.

He almost grinned. He was a wayfarer. She might have a shifter’s fast reflexes, but he’d bet he was quicker.

When he promised that he meant her no harm, it was the truth. He was a quarter fae, enough that he couldn’t lie without making himself miserably ill. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t carry news of her to someone who did mean her harm.

Sometimes Fane hated himself.

He gave her a crooked smile and set about coaxing information from her.

“Jani.” He repeated her name, rolling it on his tongue. The short, sassy nickname suited her. “I like it. So what brings you to Iceland?” He expected evasion, and he wasn’t disappointed.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights.”

Summer was the wrong time of year for viewing them, which she had to know. But he played along. “Not much chance of that in July. The peak time is November to February, although I’ve seen them as early as September first. They’re a sight worth seeing.”

“Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

“Maybe you will.” His mouth edged up. Was she flirting with him? But no, she fastened her gaze on her sandwich and took a bite without looking at him.

“So you’re heading north?” he asked, but she didn’t take the bait. Then he took a chance and offered her a ride in his SUV.

He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

“Look.” She settled back in her chair, mirroring him, but with her muscles tight, battle ready. “I don’t know you. If you want to share a table with me, fine. But why I’m here and how I get around is none of your fucking business.”

“You’re right. I’m just making conversation.”

When she scowled, he waved an encouraging hand at her. “Now suppose you ask why I’m here. It’s called small talk—give it a try.”

The corner of her mouth twitched. “Because you live here?”

“Me? No. I visit from time to time, that’s all. I love the hot springs. Did you stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way in from the airport?”

“No.” She sipped her ale. “Maybe when I leave.”

“You have to try the hot springs while you’re here. Best part of visiting Iceland.”

“So I’ve heard.”

He took a bite of fish. “Iceland has the best fish and chips. Even better than the UK.”

“I’ll have to try them.”

The conversation continued in that same impersonal vein. They finished dinner without him learning much more than he already knew.

But he was pretty sure Marjani wasn’t here for Sindre. No, she had another reason.

And he’d bet a handful of diamonds it had something to do with the wolf fada currently being held at the ice fae court in an iron cage.

Marjani paid for her meal and stood up. She jerked her chin at the ladies’ room. “Excuse me.”

Her walk was free and easy, and he got distracted by her round ass as she headed toward the bathrooms at the back of the pub. But something about the set of her shoulders made him throw some bills on the table and slip out the front door.

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