Talyss of Warlonah had a definite plan for her life. One look at Heath Douglas and everything changed. He thinks she’s a smuggler and her only option to safeguard the truth is to avoid him, but Heath follows her every move.

Captain Heath Douglas of the Rea Cheveyo has always had a curiosity about the feline-like Sheadonn. Spotting the Warlonah’s Glory far off the shipping lanes, he’s immediately caught in a cat and mouse game with that ship’s captain, the beautiful Talyss.

Matching wits, Talyss and Heath dance around the truth of her activities. Matched physically, they explore their passions. Talyss has the right to take Heath as her lover but there is one truth she cannot escape. As a daughter of Warlonah she must produce an heir—and one without human blood.

_*_*_*_

Talyss could do nothing but watch as Heath picked up his drink and carried it to her booth, sliding in across from her. He motioned to the server, and then looked at her.

“Please, order what you like. I owe you that much.”

“You owe me more,” she replied.

“Doubtless you are correct. But let’s start with whatever you’re having to eat.”

“Now you turn agreeable. Did Colonel Dayshaun order you to make friends?”

“No. He suggested I avoid you.” It was a candid admission, and true.

“As captain of the Rea, you should take his advice.”

“I will, for the most part. If he’s satisfied with your manifest and log, I will be, too.”

“The cargo in my holds matches my manifest,” she said flatly.

His face underwent a subtle change. Him being human, she wasn’t sure what it meant.

“I’m sure it does. Now.”

“You would taunt me?” She made a show of examining her deadly nails.

“No, I wouldn’t try that.” He turned his attention to Atticus, who had finally meandered over to their table. “The lady will order now. Please charge it to my account.”

Atticus nodded and looked expectantly at Talyss.

“What’s the most expensive item on your menu?” she asked, holding Heath’s gaze.

Atticus didn’t miss a beat. “Steak, imported from Terra. Sorry, but we’re out of it right now. The special today is soosha with your choice of any of our rice dishes.”

Heath grinned at her. “It’s good. Tastes like Terran pheasant.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Should I be impressed that you’ve tasted Sheadonnyan food? I’m not.”

“One special, Atticus, with ubbar rice. And lemonade for the lady.”

Her annoyance level increased. “I’d like Deneb Delight, please,” she said to Atticus.

The barkeep just nodded and headed for his kitchen. Talyss focused her full attention on the tall male quietly watching her.

“What do you really want, Douglas? They gave you that fancy ship, and now you think you can control whomever you wish?”

“Control is a very subjective thing,” he replied, his voice level. “I really want to know what you were doing out in the middle of nowhere between Adonica and Jericho Bruis.”

“I told you!”

“And I don’t believe you.” He sipped his tea. “I think you’re the smuggler.”

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