Magnet Read Online Free Page B

just as attracted as I am.” He brushed his lips across hers with consummate care.
    He wasn’t wrong; she hadn’t been able to look away from him anytime he was in the room, and as he kissed her, the firm touch of his lips caused her to rise on her toes. Her hand in his was the only point of balance as her grip on reality swirled out of control.
    When she felt his hand on her shoulder, pushing her away from him, she opened her eyes and blushed as she took in his amused expression. She backed up and he gripped her shoulder.
    “Not too far. We are on the edge of the cliff.”
    Polly looked back and jerked away from him and back down the path a few steps. “I am sorry.”
    “For what?”
    She scowled. “Didn’t I do something wrong?”
    “No. Of course not. You haven’t met any other W’lyn males, and it would be inappropriate for me to take advantage of you.”
    She touched her lips. “I see.”
    He smiled and stepped toward her, threading a hand through her hair. “Do not get me wrong; I want to take advantage of you, but as we are working together, it is better that you come to me if I am the one that you choose.”
    Polly looked into his eyes and sighed. “Right. I just get the feeling that I have known you longer than I have.”
    Loesh smiled. “I feel the same.”
    He lifted his head and his nostrils flared. “Dinner is just about ready. Wren is an excellent cook and a better caretaker. She has gotten Bebe’s hormones under control and that is a relief to all of us.”
    “Beryl?”
    “Yes, Bebe to her friends.” He steered her back down the pathway and toward the base.
    “She has a hormone issue?”
    He wrinkled his nose. “She got pregnant immediately after mating with Toyo. She had to adapt to the changes in her biology as well as the pregnancy. Her body had its own demands and she got very powerful very quickly. Wren has managed to create a balance of supplements that keeps Bebe on an even keel.”
    “Wow. So, I am guessing I should watch what I eat around here.”
    “Bebe’s cookies and bars are clearly marked. Steer clear of them and you will be fine.”
    His hand was on her back as he walked her toward the base. His sweat had dried, but parts of her felt the distinct dampness that even the light breeze couldn’t take care of. She was wet from the inside out, and it had only been one mind-numbing kiss. She was in over her head.
    Dinner was arranged when they arrived, and they only had to settle in at their places and eat. The afterglow was on every face but hers and Loesh’s. It was a telling expression.
    Beryl smiled, “So, Polly, have you explored the base a little?”
    “I have. There is a little more to discover, but it is a lovely base and charming island.”
    Everyone smiled and ate until Wren asked the fateful question, “So, what did you do before you Volunteered?”
    Polly blotted her lips with a napkin and smiled tightly, “I went from job to job but finally ended up working for a pretend psychic, moving objects around during her readings. I hated it, but it was work close to a Volunteer Centre. It put me where I needed to be.”
    “You were able to practice your magnetic forces there?” Wren asked.
    “Yup. Faking ghosts and waving objects in the air.”
    A distinct ping ran in her ear. “What is that sound?”
    The men got to their feet, and Loesh hauled her up with them. “We are getting a call. We will be briefed on the way.”
    Wren and Beryl said their goodbyes and returned to their meal.
    Loesh and Polly were wearing their suits, so it was up to the others to put some proper clothing on for the mission.
    Polly strapped into a seat, and she waited for the briefing.
    Loesh pulled the file up and he grimaced. “We are being called to the spaceport. Some of the visiting dignitaries don’t want to leave and their visas have expired.”
    “So, we have to get them into their ships and get them off world.”
    “Into their ships will be fine. Currently, they are attacking