Read Online Tactical Magik (Immortal Ops) by Mandy M. Roth - Free Book Online Page B

this from the old timers?”  
    “Oh yeah, they sit around talking about the good ole days.” He met her gaze. “When you could just toss whoever you wanted in the river and be done with them.”  
    “Glad I missed out on that,” she said.  
    He stared at her for the longest time. “You’re too thin.”
    She knew. It’s not like I can help it.
    “I never said it was your fault,” he said, surprising her.  
    She tipped her head, watching him, wondering if he’d really read her mind.
    “I’m going to get you out of here and then I’m going to feed you.”
    She grinned. “Sounds like a plan. But I did have a banana before you so rudely walked in on me getting cleaned up.”
    He flashed a wicked grin that screamed sex. What was with him? Every action he did in some way made her think naughty thoughts. “I’d say I was sorry but… And I saw your work with that apple. Impressive,” he said.
    She laughed and it felt good to do so after so long of finding little joy in anything. She understood their circumstances were not a laughing matter, but it beat crying her eyes out. That wouldn’t fix anything. As soon as she thought about tears, she found some wanting to come. She looked away, hoping Eadan’s eyesight wasn’t good in the low light.
    He held her hand tighter. “Inara?”
    “Hmm?”
    He caressed her hand with his thumb. “Tell me about your sketches.”
    She froze. He knew about them? How? “I don’t want to talk about them.”
    Eadan kissed the back of her hand and warmth continued to spread throughout her. Now wasn’t the time to develop wet panties for a guy she’d just met. Now was time to hold her shit together, figure a way out, and go to ground again. As Eadan planted another kiss on her hand, she got the feeling she wouldn’t go anywhere without him.
    She pulled on her courage and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I don’t know why I draw you. I just do.”
    “How long have you been doing it?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. Since forever. What does it mean?”
    He said nothing.
    She groaned. “I sold a few. Naked ones.”  
    “There are naked drawings of me out in the world?” he asked.  
    She shrugged and was about to comment but decided against it. Didn’t seem important now considering the mess they were in.
    He put his head to hers and they sat in silence for a while. She was upset he didn’t answer the question, but got the sense she might not like what he had to say if he did, so she left it alone. Besides, it felt good to be near him. She ran her other hand over his shackle. “The lead, it stops you from being able to use your magik?”
    “Yes.”
    “And it burns you, doesn’t it?” she asked, seeing his skin now looked raw where the shackles touched.
    “I’m fine.”
    Guilt assailed her. She opened her mouth and words came flooding out, “When you were out cold, I was petting your chest. I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. You try not touching you.”

Chapter Six
    It took all of Eadan’s control to avoid laughing at Inara’s obviously sincere apology. She’d touched him that way? He was pissed he’d missed it. The very idea of her hands on his body made his cock stir to life again. Eadan had to fight to keep from kissing the back of her hand. It was enough she was permitting him to touch her. He didn’t want to push too far.
    He should stop and look for another way out, yet he couldn’t seem to pull himself from her side. For the moment, he was where he needed to be.  
    “Are you mad?” she asked. The vulnerability in her voice moved him. “That makes me one of those creepy people, doesn’t it?”
    “Tell you what,” he answered, looking for words to set her mind at ease. “Let’s get out of here and you can pet me as much as you want, okay?”
    “Promise?” She blinked. “I mean, um, I’m good. It’s all good.”
    Hell yeah, it was fine with him if she petted him. She could rub him all over. He’d welcome it. But as much as