Read Online The Virtual Man [The Virtual Reality 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Nikki Sinclaire - Free Book Online Page A

leave her to her quiet, asexual existence, last night notwithstanding?
    “He’s a widower.”
    “Not that I’m looking, but if I were, I think he’s younger than me and besides, I’m his boss.”
    “Don’t be such a prude. He’s not that much younger than you, he’s 28.”
    “How do you know so much about this guy? What do you do, introduce yourself to men by saying, ‘Hi, my name is Rita, please state your name, age and marital status’.”
    Winking, Rita replied, “No, of course not silly, that would be rude. When I meet a man I first explain to him that I have this friend who’s bound and determined to grow her hymen back like an Ambrosian lizard and that if she doesn’t get laid soon she is going to become a recluse and go live in a cave in the middle of an asteroid belt. Then I ask what his name, age and marital status is.”
    Tiana blushed as she noticed that passersby were overhearing their conversation and beginning to stare.
    “Girl, would you keep your voice down? People are staring.”
    “What did I say?” Rita retorted with a chuckle and an innocence that Tiana knew did not exist within her eccentric friend.
    “Actually, Rita, Marcus is another prime example for not getting involved in a relationship. He probably loved his wife very much and she died on him, leaving him brokenhearted to fend for himself and their two kids. That’s one man that I’ll bet would love to be able to go back in time and do things differently.”
    Rita’s expression grew solemn, same as it had earlier at her suite.
    “Tiana, darlin’, I know Tom hurt you and that he wasn’t worthy of your love, but please don’t let this gut-wrenching, life-challenging experience twist you all up for the rest of your life. When you meet that special someone and the two of you bond, truly, truly join the way men and women were meant to be together since the beginning of time, there is no amount of pain that can ever make you regret the time that you did have together. Tom clearly wasn’t for you, but I’ll bet your life mate is out there somewhere and you will eventually find each other.”
    How dare she!
Tiana felt anger coursing through her veins, and before she knew it her anger had spilled forth from her mouth.
    “Okay, Miss Smarty Pants, Miss Give Me a Jack Daniels Neat, what makes you such an expert on love? If you are so knowledgeable on the subject, then where the hell is your life mate? I haven’t seen you on that rosy garden path. Why aren’t you married?”
    A soft, sad, regretful smile shaped the edges of Rita’s mouth as she quietly answered her friend’s question.
    “What makes you think we never found each other? We were together for a little while. Life ripped him from me, but I tell you, I wouldn’t trade that time with him for eternity with any other man.”
    Ashamed of her tirade, Tiana said, “Rita, I am so sorry. I didn’t know. You never told me.”
    Her breath catching, Rita replied, “I didn’t mention it because it pains me to talk about it, but I treasure that man’s love in my heart. A simple brush of his lips across mine and the ground would shake and the stars would fall from the sky. His smile could warm me better than any bottle of whiskey ever could. Tiana, what I shared with him, the one man who was made and predestined exclusively for me, was precious beyond words. Any pain I feel at no longer having him with me pales when compared to the privilege of having known him and rejoiced in our union. The kind of love that I’m talking about is selfless to the point that even altering time for selfish gain is not an option if it means taking happiness away from the one you love.
    “You ought to talk to Marcus sometime. He might surprise you and dissipate some of your bitterness.”

Chapter 8

Renewed Pursuit
    Several days into the flight, Captain John Maverick was livid. His strong and rugged six-foot-two frame stood straight and imposing. His normally gentle brown eyes focused on his