Defender (Battle Born Book 4) by Cyndi Friberg Page A

looked around the room, noticing the still made bed.
    “My mood is too dark for someone so inexperienced.”
    Lust ignited in his gaze as he stalked toward her. “I enjoy your dark moods. The darker the better.”
    She held him off with an upraised hand, still too agitated for physical pleasures. “If Javin is incapacitated, or worse, this might be the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.” She didn’t need to explain the rest to Arrix. Eavesdropping was part of his job.
    Effortlessly switching roles was one of Arrix’s talents. He released a deep breath and became her trusted advisor. “I know you’ve been planning to expand your influence over the other guilds, but—if I may be so bold—this is the Integration Guild. How can anyone hope to control a group of technomages?”
    “Don’t be fooled by their tricks. Behind the smoke and mirrors, they’re businessmen, greedy, power-hungry businessmen.”
    “Did that answer my question?” He smiled, the expression making him appear younger and less ferocious. Problem was, she liked his ferocity better.
    “It’s really quite simple. The IG’s new leader will agree to co-sponsor anything I propose to the steering committee or I’ll unleash chaos like they’ve never seen. My harbingers will look into the future and sabotage every deal they make. Their ventures will fail and their new technologies will find their way into the hands of off-world competitors. Research and development is expensive. And without new technologies, the IG is just a bunch of men playing dress up.”
    “If I’m not mistaken,” he spoke with infinite care, having learned long ago how quickly her mood could change. “The only harbinger with that sort of range is no longer in residence.”
    She glared at him. His brutal honesty was a necessary irritant. He was the only person in her inner circle that didn’t just tell her what she wanted to hear. Right now, however, the trait was particularly annoying. “Chandar’s absence is temporary. Now, I’m tired of talking.”
    In an instant, he was behind her, fingers tangled in her long hair. “Will you give or receive?”
    Excitement tingled down her spine. They both enjoyed being in control and yet they both enjoyed surrendering control to another, which made them ideal sexual partners. If Arrix were organic, their relationship might have become more than physical. Unfortunately, he wasn’t even a harbinger. His bloodline was pure and elite, but all his abilities were courtesy of integrated technology.
    “Give,” she decided and he immediately released her hair and sank to his knees.
    He really was an impressive example of Rodyte masculinity. His thick dark hair fell past his shoulders in gleaming waves and his features were rugged while still retaining a certain grace. Her skin looked particularly pale next to his bronzed flesh. And she frequently found herself lost in his ink-black eyes.
    “Undress,” she directed.
    He remained on his knees, which made the process awkward. She watched him in silent approval, amused by his struggle.
    “May I speak, mistress?”
    “As if I could stop you.” She shook her head. “That’s the one aspect of your role that you’ve never quit mastered.”
    His grin was unapologetic. “My sister is still a member of Javin’s household staff. Shall I make inquiries on your behalf?”
    She’d forgotten about his sister, seldom bothered with the personal lives of her subordinates. “Make inquiries, but not on my behalf. I don’t want those arrogant bastards to know I give a damn.”
    “Understood.”
    He was naked now and she was fully dressed. The contrast made her feel powerful.
    “May I ask a question?”
    Irritation surged at his persistence. She wanted him quiet and still, submissively waiting for whatever she chose to do with him. “Does it relate to Javin?”
    “No, mistress. Completely different subject.”
    “Fine.” She harrumphed.
    “How is Chandar progressing?”
    She tensed.