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and his control as it drew an even stronger need in him to let her touch him as she wished
there.
It reminded him of this being a male s favorite game to play with a female, even
as it risked much in frustrating her at the same time. A game Merrick truly enjoyed. The
female would brush the male s hair, inadvertently teasing him as she did. He, in turn,
would play with her to tempt her as she brushed his hair as a precursor to more foreplay
and bed games.
Turning to study the room, Merrick found himself even more curious about his
bedmate. His soon-to-be lover, if he had his way. First though, he had an inane need to
know just who he dealt with in her. And just why she had to be here, with the Hiroke of
all species. It was unheard of for a Feral-born to be here willingly, as long as it appeared
with the look of the room.
Merrick couldn t help his snooping in Dori s chambers as waited for her to return.
His need to know all about her overrode his need to be discreet and truly honorable. So
far, he knew she was somewhat messy with her things as she d left several things lying
about here and there about in her chambers. She was also a creator of sorts and a
decorator. Her mosaic of the Zy-Gan sunset still pleased him as he looked it over and
SHADOW AND BETRAYAL H. M. Harrison Page 46
made him remember spying a few more along the walls as the guards brought him here.
He wished now he paid a little more attention to them. Whether she made her own tiles or
not, Merrick couldn t tell. She was very artistic either way and made him a mite jealous
of her skill when his came up extremely lacking. Clearly, her line to the mosaic makers
was far stronger than his.
The sound of her coming back drew his attention, interrupting his snooping,
forcing him back to where she had left him. It wouldn t do to upset his female by being
caught looking through her things. Well, anymore than she already knew of. She would
have sensed his movements and probably had a few choice words for him about it. He
couldn t wait.
Dori came out of the bath chamber, surprise filling her she found the Zyan exactly
where she left him. As if he hadn t even moved. He was fast. She looked around the
room, but found nothing out of place. He hadn t been going through her things, but she
knew he had been moving about snooping in any case.
A problem? he asked. He wanted to spark an argument from, just how adorable
she would prove in her anger.
Yes, I have a real problem with you. She silenced the thought as soon as it formed
in her mind. She wasn t exactly mad at him, just feeling vulnerable. Both from his poking
about in her room, and his knowing her name while she remained at a disadvantage with
him.
She refrained from reaching into his mind and trying to learn it that way. He
would no doubt sense it and lash out at her for her dare. Something she really didn t need
at the moment. Especially over his name of all things.
She could think of many things to do with him, but fighting with him wasn t
anywhere on her list.
Kazi got your tongue? he teased when she remained silent.
What is your name? Dori asked.
Merrick would have to punish the sweet little female for forgetting so soon.
Have you forgotten already? he scolded, amused.
You never told it to me.
Merrick was surprised. This hadn t ever happened to him before. No matter how
exhausted he had been before, he never forgot to tell his female his name. A clear sign of
just how bad off he d been for this to happen now. It unsettled him. My apologies, he
inclined his head to her. I am called Merrick.
Merrick .
Yes, and my name sounds delicious on your lips. He wondered how it would
sound when deepened by passion.
She shivered, the reaction pleasing him. He then had to suppress a growl when he
felt her suddenly displace that desire. A list of questions then began to fill her mind,
amusing him. Her quick shift in emotions and reactions would have made him dizzy wer
he not use to it. It was a trait of females that male envied as they couldn t do it as easily.
May I have use of your bath chambers? Merrick asked. After upsetting her with
his prying somewhat into her things and her privacy, he refused to further it by appearing
rude and taking advantage of her hospitality. He didn t want to delay her answer quest,
SHADOW AND BETRAYAL H. M. Harrison Page 47
but he couldn t help it. Some things couldn t be ignored.
You may, Dori said. Just no snooping.
As you wish. Merrick gathered up what had been left for him and moved to the
bath chamber. She had a whole host list of questions for him and he could only sense a
handful that were coherent. He wanted to answer them, but they kept getting in each
other s way. It made for an interesting mental struggle to pick up on.
Dori looked around her room again and winced when she saw the clutter of
clothing, along with some other items out she forgot to put up when she finished with
them. She rushed to clean up her mess, hoping Merrick didn t consider her a slob now.
I don t.
The sound of Merrick s amused voice in her mind made Dori jump. As she was
the only one here with psionic ability, she hadn t had much practice with telepathy, other
than scanning for creatures on her visits outside. Having it suddenly used by someone so
casually felt a bit jarring for her.
I have seen far worse, I can assure you.
Well, that made her feel somewhat better. Still, she didn t like that he had been
witness to her messy side.
I happen to enjoy a slightly messy side to a female, the male said as he emerged
from the bath chambers in the new set of clothing. It allows for you to display your
gorgeous little ass to me as you pick your things up later on. He moved to the hamper at
one wall to deposit his discarded clothing.
Dori blushed to the roots of her hair and turned away. Her face burned all the
hotter when she heard him snicker. This day was getting better and better. Where was a
hole to hide in when she really needed one?
What s shadow and betrayal ? Dori asked as she faced Merrick again,
remembering the odd phrase he had said in his sleep to her. It was an unusual question
she knew, but it held the strongest grip in her thoughts at the moment.
He looked at her, curiosity filling his dark eyes. Where did you hear this? he
asked.
You said it when I asked you what had tried to kill you.
He lifted a brow and she knew she only confused him with her question. As he d
been asleep at the time, she didn t think he d remember the odd phrase. She now wished
she d phrased herself better. He looked really confused, and somewhat diturbed by her
query.
You were asleep when you said it. So I figured you must have been having a
most unusual dream to say such to me.
Merrick studied her for a long moment. Perhaps he should have left it at that. No.
She needed to know the truth, but not now. He recalled his dreams and knew what she
spoke of now, though it wasn t a topic he wished to discuss so soon after meeting her.
Something I will discuss with you at another time, all right?
She nodded. Are you in danger, Merrick? He felt the rise in her concern for him
and smiled. It pleased him to sense she so cared about him already.
I ll be fine if I m here. With you.
A smile crossed her face. I m still not going to forgive you.
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