Steam Heat Read Online Free Page A

doesn’t need to see that a part of me wants to belong to one person. I did try it once. It didn’t end well. He and I may share a soul, but that will only carry us so far.
    “I don’t want to die, and despite your cranky attitude, I think you are a good person. Also, it didn’t seem like I had such a hard time keeping up earlier, did it? In fact, I think I almost wore you out.” The heat simmering in Ian’s eyes is intense as he dares me to contradict him.
    “That was one session. And you only think I am a good person because you haven’t gotten laid in a while. Once you get out and away from your laboratory, you will find more desirable women. I guarantee it. I can also promise you that I am not a good person. I have survived by killing, stealing and fucking whomever and whatever. Don’t ever underestimate me.”
    Ian’s hand grabs my wrist as he pulls me up and close to him. Our hearts are beating in time, echoing through our chests until they become one. “I don’t give a damn about your past.”
    His mouth crushes into mine, his lips hot and hungry. Unable to stop myself, my tongue tangles with his in a duel of passion. Ian’s large hand palms the back of my head, holding it still so he can explore the deepest recesses of my mouth. Each time we touch or kiss, I feel a little more alive. It is intoxicating.
    The metallic clatter of a coin hitting the wooden planks of the steamer platform pulls me away from Ian’s lips.
    “I figured I should pay for the privilege of watching you grope each other in public. I am pretty sure you gave that old man over there smoking his pipe a heart attack.”
    A rare smile springs to my lips as I see the petite form of the closest thing to a constant lover I have. Clad in tight leather, with a pair of goggles shoved up on her forehead, she looks every inch the sassy steam engineer she is. “Jez! Aren’t you sight for sore eyes.” I leave the warmth of Ian’s embrace and wrap my arms around her slender figure before planting a kiss on her soft, sweet lips. “Thanks for coming.”
    “Anytime, darling. You know I can’t resist you and the wicked things you do,” Jez moves a strand of hair away from my face in a familiar gesture.
    Ian is looking slightly dismayed and a little turned-on by the familiarity between Jez and I. “Ian, this is the enigmatic steam engineer, Jez. She will get us to the crystal as fast as her steamer can get us there. And trust me, it will be fast.”
    Ian holds out a hand. “Nice to meet you Jez.”
    Jez ignores his hand and moves in, planting a kiss on his lips. “You are a handsome one! You have permission to board my steamer.” With a wink, Jez turns on her booted heels and, with a sassy sway of her hips, heads back to her vehicle. “Get a move on, you two, or I’m leaving without you,” she says over her shoulder as she steps aboard.

 

    Chapter Eight
     
    “So what is between you and Jezebel? You seemed like slightly more than mere friends.” Ian pauses to down some of the sickeningly strong coffee Jez has provided us with. “When you saw her, I saw the first real smile I’ve seen on you.”
    “Jez and I go way back. We look out for each other. I suppose she is the closest thing to an actual lover I have. She is also my only real friend. It’s complicated.” I am not sure how Ian feels about my having a female lover. With a muffled giggle that turns into more of a snort, I pull a flask out of my jacket pocket and pour a healthy dose into Ian’s coffee.
    “I don’t count as your lover?” Ian snatches the flask from my hand and takes a long pull.
    “I am pretty sure you are even more complicated than Jez. I mean, until yesterday, we were lovers only in dreams. You are a decent lay, though. If you knock off all your chest-pounding, male-chauvinist ways, I might consider you.”
    “I never pound my chest, I’m far too dignified for such behavior.”
    My eyebrows arch practically into my hairline. “I have yet to see