Her wide, amber eyes watched him with keen interest. Morbidly, he wondered what they would look like if he were to announce himself as the feared, unholy Nemesis.
But then, he knew all too well what her reaction would be. Her eyes would grow wide in panic, she would no doubt scream in terror, and beg for her life.
He breathed a weary sigh.
Her gaze drifted over him, and his body imm ediately reacted as if she had caressed him with her hands.
She was the only woman he had wanted in many years. It took all his self-control not to yield to his torturous desire to kiss her and find out how it felt to have her slender arms wrapped tightly about him while he buried himself deep within her. He also felt another need he couldn't quite nam e.
Kiara's heart raced. The man was tall, dressed all in black. Even through the sheer veil separating them, the silver inlays on his boots and gun-belt shimm ered in the light. A thin, black coat trailed to his ankles, pulled back on the left side to show the presence of a holstered blaster.
The first three buttons of his silk shirt were left undone, displaying the prom ise of a tanned, well-muscled body. A deep scar ran from the base of his throat along his collarbone, disappearing under the shirt. She had a strong desire to investigate where that scar led.
Even though the top half of his face was covered by dark opaque glasses, she could tell he was extremely handsome. His face, tanned and clean-shaven, held a look of steeled determination. His long, almost white blond hair was braided down his back. By that, she knew he was a warrior of superb skill.
An aura of power and danger emanated from him, intoxicating her. She could almost feel the strength of his body.
"I assume Mira has gone for clothing," he said in an accent she couldn't quite place and a deep-tim bred voice that sent shivers along her body.
"You're Andarion," she said, noting his teeth. She was slightly afraid at the revelation.
Nykyrian opened his mouth and ran his tongue over his long, canine teeth. "Don't worry, I don't eat humans," he replied.
Kiara was relieved. "Are you the one who will take me home?" she asked as he came forward to lean against the tall bedpost.
"If you prefer, I can find a human to deliver you."
She considered him for a moment. Maybe it would be safer to have a human escort.
Kiara lowered her gaze down his body, adm iring the casual pose. His tight, leather pants emphasized the muscled thighs beneath. Her blood ignited. Never had she been so attracted to a man. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she decided she could tolerate him long enough to return her.
"No, I trust you." Kiara smiled.
"Not wise. I'm not trustworthy," he cautioned, sending a wave of apprehension and curiosity over her.
Their exchange was curtailed as Mira returned, the battlesuit draped over her shoulder.
"Oh Nykyrian," she said in startled alarm. "I didn't know you were here."
Kiara noted Mira's obvious discomfort.
"I'll wait outside," he said, moving to the door.
Mira's frown followed him.
As soon as he was gone, Kiara drew the bed veil to one side and stepped from the bed.
Her toes curled away from the chilly floor. "You don't like him?" she asked.
Mira jumped as if she had stepped on her foot. "No," she said in a rush. "It's not that. It's just . . . He's just ... a little odd, I guess." Mira handed her the suit.
Kiara adm itted there was som ething about him that unsettled her as well. "Who is he?"
"Nykyrian ..." Mira paused, her brows knitted. "I have forgotten his last name, very few ever use it. He has a dislike for it."
"How peculiar."
"Yes it is." Mira leaned closer and whispered, "He's a renegade League Assassin."
Kiara's heart stilled. "I didn't think the League allowed their assassins to leave."
Mira shook her head gravely. "They don't. Nykyrian's the only one to ever leave who managed to live beyond a week. I've heard it whispered he was som e kind of decorated hero."
Kiara frowned. A hero? "Why did he leave?"
Mira shook her head. "No one knows for sure. He keeps to himself, almost never speaks even when spoken to." Mira sighed. "Actually, most people around here tend to avoid him because he's hybrid."
Kiara's frown deepened. "Hybrid what?"
"Half human, half Andarion."
"How odd."
"Hmmm ," Mira mumbled. "I'm sure you'll be fine alone with him. He's the best scout the OMG has."
Kiara digested Mira's gossip as she toyed with the sleeve of her battlesuit. "He doesn't kill anymore?"
"No, at least not to my knowledge." Mira held her hand out to Kiara. "Enough gossip.
It's been a great pleasure meeting you, Miss Biardi. I wish you success with your new show."
Smiling, Kiara took Mira's warm, velvety hand and gave a short, smart shake. "It's been an honor to meet you, Mira. Thank you for your kindness. If you ever want to come to the new show, just give me a call and I'll leave you a pass at the door."