Dangerous by Jacquelyn Frank Page B

know—”
    â€œI’ve been through this before.” He ground his teeth as he recalled those days of horror, but the damage to his leg had been much worse and he’d been clawed in multiple places that time.
    â€œYes, but . . .”
    â€œWe’re home,” Inez called back to them.
    â€œI want you to go right into the house where it’s safe, got it?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDevon!”
    â€œDon’t you yell at me! You’re my bodyguard, not my father!” she snapped right back at him. “I’m not going into the house leaving you out here like . . .” she stumbled awkwardly over her words and he saw her glance self-consciously over her shoulder toward Inez and Colin, “ . . . like nothing has happened,” she finished in a softer tone, though it was still fiercely meant by the look in her eyes and the tightness of her jaw.
    â€œOkay, okay,” he said with less impatience, as he tried to figure out whom she was trying to spare with her concealment of their kisses—him or herself? “Let Colin and Inez help me inside.” He paused as pain burned over his back this time, the venom spreading. He cursed mightily between his teeth as she leaned against his arching body to hold him safely in place. “Then,” he panted out as rivers of sweat began to roll off of him, “you can change and so can I. We can meet in the middle.”
    Devon sighed. Either he thought she was an idiot, or he really was deluding himself. He’d be lucky to make it into a bed, never mind a change of clothes. Then a fact from her blended cultures, both Morphate and human, settled into her awareness. Morphate men and human men could be equally as proud and stubborn when it came to showing weakness. She could actually respect that. She hadn’t at all enjoyed being injured in front of others. It was an infuriating experience. So when the limo stopped, she nodded in acquiescence to him and climbed out the minute Colin opened the door for her.

Chapter Six
    Alda rolled over in bed, stretching and yawning with provocative exaggeration. Her long, nude body with its dark skin, red wine tipped breasts, and taut curves drew her lover’s instant attention, even though he’d already had her twice in the past few hours. He was dressing, however, and didn’t wish to be sidetracked, even if it was by his divinely sexy mistress. Alda had the sexual appetite of a cat perpetually in heat. All Morphates did, really. If he catered to their every sexual whim or need, he’d never get anything done. Luckily, Alda also had an appetite for variety. They both did. That understanding, combined with a shared bloodthirsty nature, made her the perfect mate for the ruler of Dark Phoenix.
    At least, for the time being, Ambrose amended mentally as he buttoned the cuffs of a blue velvet shirt.
    â€œCome, pet, and dress yourself. By now our assassin will have made her presence known. I wish to be ready to receive her when she arrives.”
    Alda sighed with exaggerated boredom. “Provided she has done any better than the others. If not, a gaseous cloud has no stories to tell.” Alda sat up, her hair tumbling in thick, springy black curls around her face and shoulders. Her beautiful mouth flashed a white smile that was just as pronounced as the unusual sea-green brightness of her eyes. Her striking looks still fascinated him. Their type of Morphate, Morphates that had been derived from Dr. Paulson’s reptilian experiments, could alter their appearance if they wanted to in minor ways, like forcing a change of eye color or simple skin pigmentation. But there was a natural state they reverted to when at rest. Alda’s natural state was unique from the usual stock that filled Ambrose’s Morphate ranks. It was what had attracted him to her to begin with. That and her other special talents.
    â€œSo you’ve no faith in my latest choice?” he asked her