Read Online aHunter4Saken (aHunter4Hire) by Cynthia Clement - Free Book Online Page B

wanted.
    “I
suppose it was perfect on Cygnus.”
    Niail
leaned back in his chair. “If it had been perfect, there would have been no
need of Hunters.”
    “How
was it different?”
    “Women
rule on Cygnus.”
    Kimi’s
eyes widened. “What about men?”
    “They
serve women.” Niail’s face was expressionless.
    “Seriously?”
Kimi didn’t bother to hide her shock.
    “Women
make all the decisions. Men do their bidding. Men still have jobs and careers,
but everything is directed by women.”
    “Do
they get married?”
    Niail
shook his head. “Women change their partners frequently. There are no permanent
relationships.”
    “But
they still have children.”
    “Children
are born outside of women. They are reared in schools until they are old enough
to take their position in society.”
    “That’s
horrible.” Kimi didn’t hide her disgust. “It sounds so cold and unemotional.”
    “I
do not believe they find it that way.” Niail held her gaze. “You can understand
why a Hunter’s desire to bond would not suit the Kaladin, though.”
    “You
don’t think all women are like them?”
    “Since
I’ve been on earth, I realize that there are differences.” Niail’s voice was
dry.
    “I’m
sorry.” Kimi gave him a rueful smile. “That was a dumb question. It’s just so
different.”
    Niail
leaned toward her. His mouth softened into a smile. For a second she wondered
if he were going to kiss her again. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation as
she felt his breath against her cheek.
    She
longed to taste him again.
    Desire
flickered in his eyes.
    It
was as if he could read her thoughts. Niail’s hands cradled her head as his
thumbs caressed her cheeks. His gaze never left her face. He leaned closer and
brushed his mouth against hers. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the
sensations his touch aroused.
    His
tongue stroked the crease of her lips until she opened for him and then he dove
in. Swirls of pleasure skittered across her body as her tongue dueled with his.
Passion built and time was lost, as they embraced in a world where only the two
of them existed.
    His
hands moved down her back and pulled her from her chair. He held her on his
lap, his fingers feathering across her neck and down her chest. A jolt of need settled
in her womb as he cupped her breast, letting his thumb stroke across her
nipple. A thrill of exquisite pleasure throbbed through her.
    With
a sob she pulled away. She was crazy to be doing this. What kind of mother
would allow a stranger to make love to her while her children were sleeping
nearby? Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
    “I
shouldn’t have let that happen.” She leaned her forehead against his. “I’m not
like those women from your planet. I don’t sleep around.”
    “We
were not sleeping.” Niail’s voice was dry.
    She
shook her head. “I’ve only ever been with one man, Sam.”
    “He
is no longer with you.” Niail brushed her hair from her face. “Do you still
desire him?”
    Kimi
shook her head. “No, but I need to love the man I go to bed with. He needs to
love me and my children.”
    “And
you do not want that with me?” Niail sighed.
    “I
don’t know what I feel for you.” Kimi put her hand on his chest. She could feel
the rapid beat of his heart. He had been as affected by their kiss as her.
    “Everything
is happening too fast for me.”
    “Bonding
can be like that.”
    Kimi
moved off Niail’s lap and stood. Her legs were shaky so she held onto the
table. She didn’t know if her feelings were real or just a reaction to the
nearness of Niail. Until she could sort things out she needed to keep her
distance, though.
    “I
think it’s best if we both go to bed. You’re still recovering and you need your
rest.”
    Niail
looked at her for several seconds before nodding his head. “I will not rush
you.”
    Kimi
smiled. “Thank you.”
    “I
could never do anything that would bring you despair.” Niail stood. He brushed
a finger