Page 47 of The Satyr's Guilt
He drew upright, following her through theexit. His strategy with the female was to resist his naturalinclination to protect her.
Big pat on the back.
So far, he was doing well. By the end of thenight, he might be rocking a headache or sore muscles fromrestraining himself, but he was determined to treat her like afemale Firebrand.
And no feeding. Stellar plans. I’ve ruledout sex, too.
“You’re angry. You must agree a relationshipwill complicate our working together. Plus, I’m sorry I reported toKole. Just stop trying to protect me. Let me do my job.”
“I am. I was an ass before. Would you likeflowers as an apology?”
“I’d rather have a gun. Nothing says sorrybetter than a firearm. You know, I wasn’t asking to be in charge.You’re the mission leader. You get to make the tough calls.”
“Thanks.”
“Be sure those decisions don’t start withprotecting the weak human chick.”
Fine lines.
Ram reached out with his senses again.Nothing. “I won’t overstep my authority.”
Lie. I will.
Her shoulders rose and fell with a big sigh.“Look. I want a partner. Not a bodyguard. Not a minion either.”
Before he piped off about his superiorskills, he rethought his words, going with “I’m doing the best Ican.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Can I still hit on you?”
Denim laughed. He loved the joyoussound.
“Not now. Maybe later.”
“I’m holding you to it.”
She was walking ahead of him, her human assa spectacular display, a tempting sway to her hips despite the factshe wore trousers designed for a state patrolman. Her functionalboots didn’t make a sound on the cobblestone alley.
Denim glanced over her shoulder, herponytail swishing side-to-side, giving Ram ideas.
“You can walk alongside me.”
“No. I’m great here.” Theview was better. Besides, he’d make sure no one slipped up behindthem. Of course, he didn’t say that to Denim.
****
She didn’t buy the satyr’s big personalityswitch for a minute. Chauvinists did not change their spots anymore than leopards did. Maybe she should have argued stronger for adifferent partner.No. She didn’t want a different partner.The contradiction made her head swim.
She was attracted to Ram. Taken in by hotlooks, a fantastic body with rock-hard muscle, a kissable mouth,massive amounts of charm, beautiful hair, and a big dick. Whatwasn’t to like about him?Oh, yeah. His philandering eyes.He wasn’t relationship material. Still, she wasn’t in the marketfor a boyfriend.
Right?Headache.
Near a small dead-end street leading to aportal they’d been assigned to check out, Ram grabbed her elbow,bringing a finger to his lips.
She put her back against the wall, mimickinghis move. He turned, sliding his body in front of her, chest tochest, letting a dense fog encase them. He pushed tighter againsther.
His arm circled her waist. The other restedhigh on her back.
