Page 28 of A Touch of Flame
“We have different troubles now, mostly with the drug cartels and their stranglehold on Five Bridges. Even with the disaster of thealterserums and being so closely related to the flame drugs, it’s inconceivable to me how people would continue to even get close to the drugs. I’m still iffy about your infuser.”
“I know. But it got the job done. The way I’ve come to see it is that drugs used medicinally can be a good thing. I use an extremely small amount compared to a typical hit of emerald flame. It’s the transport mechanism for my potions, an enhancer only of what’s in the recipe.”
“In future, keep the stuff away from me. I’m deeply prejudiced against it because in Savage, the cartels mass-produce emerald flame and twenty percent of our wolves get hooked on it.”
“I understand and I’ll do my best.”
“I appreciate it.”
She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. He eased himself onto his side. He propped up his head with his hand and looked at her. “You have a beautiful profile.”
She seemed surprised. “Thank you.” She twisted her fingers around one of her tight curls.
He touched her hair again as he had earlier. “It’s really thick.”
“It is. Mostly, it’s a pain. I used to wear it very long when I first arrived. When I went berserk and killed those witches, my hair was like a lion’s main, only curly as hell. Afterward, I cut it all off. It was freeing in a way I can’t explain.”
“I would have liked it long but I don’t blame you for cutting it.”
“I think most men like long hair.”
He’d never thought of it before. Laura had always had long hair. He’d loved it. “Maybe we do.”
She sat up. “Well, that’s enough of that.”
He couldn’t help himself as he laughed out loud. “What do you mean? Chatting here with me? In bed? Some women beg for what I’ve heard referred to as ‘cuddle time’.”
“Look. I don’t know how it is we’ve gotten together here, but there’s something you should know. I’m a real doer. I don’t like sitting idle.” She planted her hand soothingly on his shoulder. “I mean, this has been really nice, but my to-do list is usually the length of one of Veyda’s spells. Also, we need to get after Kiara and get this figured out.”
“Absolutely.”
“Good.” She slapped his shoulder which made him smile, then leaped from bed but turned to face him. He had a great view of her breasts. “I’m going to shower. I won’t take long. Then you can shower, too, if you want. But please don’t join me.”
Now he was curious. “Why not?”
She made a scoffing sound and swept her hand back and forth to encompass his body. “Because I don’t trust myself around you right now. If we were in the shower together, I’d forget all about my list and about trying to locate Veyda’s damn house for real so we can get Kiara out of there. Okay?”
“Sure.” But he chuckled again.
She turned around and headed toward the bathroom which gave him yet another great view of her ass. Only this time, there were no jeans to mar the perfection.
