Soul of Eon (Eon Warriors #8) - Anna Hackett Page 0,23

through her, and pulsed between her legs.

She wanted this man so much, but it wasn’t fair to take things any further between them, not when it would mean far more to him.

Some young women whirled around her. She looked back, and Thane was gone.

When the song ended, Kaira finished dancing. Aurelai appeared, holding two glasses in her hand. She handed one to Kaira.

“You dance well, Kaira.”

“Thank you.” She sipped her drink. “It’s been a long time.” And it felt good. She’d missed it. She looked around. Where had Thane gone?

Aurelai smiled. “Your man is in the room over there.” She pointed. “He asked for a private space. Sleep well, Kaira of Earth.”

Kaira headed toward the room and noted two women hovering in the doorway, peering in. She saw interest on their faces. When she looked through the doorway, she saw Thane, still shirtless, moving through some sort of routine. He lunged, and thrust his arms forward. It looked like a warrior version of tai chi.

The female Mollai watched him intently, and one licked her lips.

Kaira felt a twist inside her. She glared at them.

One elbowed the other, and they withdrew.

She entered and closed the door behind her. She continued to watch Thane move, admiring the entrancing flex of his strong muscles.

Finally, he stopped and turned to her. “Finished dancing?”

“Yes, I won’t lie, it felt good, but I’m asleep on my feet.”

“We both need sleep. Tomorrow, Lennar will take us to the surface.” Thane’s face turned serious. “Then we need to find a way into the Kantos base.”

She nodded. “What were you doing before?”

“Dura. An ancient form of meditation and training. A way to center a warrior’s mind and body.”

“You’re easy to watch.”

“Like watching you dance. You looked like starlight on water.”

She felt heat in her cheeks and felt so confused by the wild mix of emotions inside her.

“I’d better find my room.” She forced the words out, even though she was reluctant to leave.

Thane grabbed her arm. “Stay. We both need sleep. The Mollai have been nothing but kind, but I’d prefer you close.”

She wasn’t sure that was a good idea, but she couldn’t say no.

They settled on the large sleeping cushion. It had a silky-smooth cover and as soon as they lay down, the glow of the plants around them automatically dimmed.

Thane lay flat on his back beside her and pulled the thin sheet over them both.

“Good night, Thane.”

“Rest well, Kaira.”

She thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but she drifted off, knowing that Thane was right beside her.

She woke at some point, her heart in her throat, not sure where she was.

Then she felt the large body wrapped around her. Thane was pressed against her back, one strong arm tucked under her breasts, one heavy leg pinning hers. The warmth of him engulfed her.

Safe.

She snuggled deeper into his hard body and fell back to sleep.

When she woke again, she felt Thane moving restlessly. He was really hot. He groaned and she opened her eyes. She saw golden skin right in front of her and realized she was pressed to his front, her face nestled into his neck.

Something was wrong with him. He was still asleep, but heat was pumping off his body and he was unsettled.

Then she felt the hard erection against her thigh.

Oh. God.

He groaned again like he was in pain. His skin was covered in a light sheen of sweat.

Was this the mating fever?

Kaira shifted and his arms tightened on her. Desire pulsed in her belly. She bit her lip and stroked her hand down his chest. She wanted to touch, soothe…

“Kaira.”

She glanced up, but he wasn’t awake. His eyes were still closed. He moved against her, shifting their bodies until his cock rested against her belly.

She bit back a moan. She didn’t let herself think, she just followed the instincts inside her.

She reached down and stroked the bulge in his gray pants.

Another masculine groan, and he pushed into her hand.

Oh, boy. She squeezed him.

Another harsh sound, and his hips pumped forward. Then his body tensed. “Kaira?”

She looked up. He was awake now, his brow creased.

“Cren, I’m sorry, I—”

“Don’t be.” Her voice was husky. “Thane, can I touch you?”

He inhaled harshly. “Yes. No. Wait.” His body shuddered. “Only if you want to… Cren.”

“I want to.” She pushed his trousers down and his cock bounced free. She circled the thick length with her hand.

He gave a long groan. “Kaira.”

His erection was huge. Desire licked her insides and she stroked him harder, her fingers running over the veined