Page 57 of Stars At Dusk

He waggled his eyebrows, and she laughed at his brazen moxie. ‘I may love to shop, but I will never buy your bull spit. Please show me the rooftop, Sable. Now.’

‘My absolute pleasure.’

He grinned and gestured that she step before him.

She slid past him, and he immediately placed his warm hand on her bare back. Gently leading her. She knew he’d drop it if she insisted, but as his heat warmed her, she welcomed it.Traitor,she told her body, leaning into it. His chest vibrated beside her as he chuckled in triumph.

He led towards the clubhouse situated at the edge of the building, in full view of the breathtaking cityscape.

He pointed towards a dark room. ‘This is the cinema wing for those who like to catch up on the latest holos or sports events on the biggest screens.’

‘Beyond is our spa - dry and wet, plus massage and recovery rooms.’

‘Recovery? What would you need recovery from? Don’t your metanoids do all the work?’

‘Can’t overtax them,kara. Gotta give them all the chance possible by being healthy and fit. Trust me; they were fully utilised during our time on Dunia.’

He went on. ‘On the far side is our fitness centre with cardio, a weight room and a martial arts studio. It’s where you’ll find me most days.’

‘Then there’s the clubhouse.’

He strolled towards the luxurious cabana, where his friends stood around a table weighed down with delicious food.

The group was chatting away, most with drinks in their hands. Selene held a wine glass, and she toasted Harlow as the pair approached.

Kage grinned and moved to place his hands on Harlow’s shoulders. ‘These are the Riders. Everyone, this is Harlow.’

To her surprise, Zane and Kainan stepped forward and gave her a chaste kiss on each cheek. Unused to the brotherly affection, she reacted by freezing up, relaxing only when she stepped back into the warm hand on her back.

She shot Kage a look of wonder, and he gave her a slight nod, instantly comprehending.

‘Take it slow, brothers. I know it’s our Kwavi tradition, but be gentle with her,’ he told them to her great appreciation.

Standing with the group were two other men. The first was also tall, with angular dark-skinned features, a roughly shaven jaw, a beard and penetrating eyes with hazel irises ringed with glowing sapphire flecks.

He reached out a hand to greet her. ‘Xion,’ he nodded with a grin.

‘Hi,’ she said, returning his welcoming smile.

The other man sported a magnificent sheathe of dead straight white and silver hair that fell to his back in a long, smooth sheet with a braid to one side. His skin was pale, and so were his white, irised, ghostly eyes.

He was devastatingly handsome, and she blinked as he jerked his chin to her, his pale eyes flicking coolly over her face.

‘Riv,’ he said, his voice clipped, his expression reserved.

She decided right there and then that she would never want to be caught on this man’s wrong side.

‘Pleased to meet you,’ she breathed.

‘Don’t let His Ghoulishness intimidate you,’ Kage breathed into her ear. ‘He’s harmless. Besides, he’d never hurt anyone precious to me.’

She felt every nuance of his words right to her core.

Kainan saved the day. ‘Drink Harlow?’ he offered.

Harlow jumped for the chance to escape the tormentor of her desires. ‘Oh yes, please.’

‘Follow me,’ the Riders’ leader grinned. ‘Kage can’t be trusted to look after a woman.’

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