Page 65 of Kiss of Fire

Raya ran after him.

“Wait. We haven’t finished practicing yet.”

“You don’t need me for that. You’ve found your power, now you have to hone it.”

He left the forge, and Raya stood at the door watching him walk away. She cursed herself for kissing him. It was only his cheek, but for all she knew that was foreplay here in Nush’aldaam.

Then she remembered she was supposed to be engaged to Shade. She groaned inwardly. If Shade was right, and Tor was a Vulcani spy, then she’d just undermined the whole betrothal charade.

She became aware she was being watched. Turning, she caught a flash of red hair and an impressive cleavage.

“Leona. How long have you been there?”

The si’lat smiled.

“Long enough. He’s a handsome one, isn’t he?” She glanced in the direction Tor had gone. “Does Shadeed know you’re spending time with him?”

“It’s not like that,” Raya said irritably. “He was helping me with something.”

“Your uptightness? I hear Sylvans are very good with their hands.”

“Not everything’s about sex, you know.”

“I know, it’s disappointing, isn’t it?” Leona looked the other woman up and down. “What in the skies are you wearing?”

“Normal clothes. You should try it sometime. Why are you here?”

“Lord Shadeed asked me to fetch you.” Was it her imagination, or was there a spark of jealousy in those impossibly green eyes?

“I’m not a dog,” Raya said irritably. “Anyway, I’m in the middle of something. I’ll come when I’m ready.”

“He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“He doesn’t like anything, as far as I can tell.”

“I could tell you ten things right now that he likes.”

“Are we back to sex again?

“He’s more sensitive than you give him credit for.”

Raya snorted.

“He’s the worst-tempered person I’ve ever met. And I spent half my life in a loony bin.”

“You should be more understanding. He’s under a lot of pressure.”

“Just as well he’s got you to relieve it then.”

Leona’s eyes flashed.

“Not anymore. He says we must end our liaisons to make your betrothal more believable.”

Raya was taken aback.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect him to do that.”

Leona shrugged dismissively.

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