Free Aphrodite's Flame by Julie Kenner Page A

softening. Clearly, he bought what the girl was selling.
    For someone who’d just embarrassed herself, though, she had managed to not even raise a hint of blush. Considering how fair she was, that was quite a feat indeed, and Mordi suddenly realized what was going on. She hadn’t jumped in out of excitement. She’d jumped in to save his butt.
    Maybe she was a little intrigued by him after all....
    “Mr. Black?”
    He cleared his throat. “I think Ms. Frost did an excellent job of summarizing our role. I’d only like to add that it’s an honor to be able to assist the Council in this matter.”
    Armistand’s face didn’t soften as it had for Isole, but neither did he challenge Mordi again. Not being a fool, Mordi took that as a victory.
    “Very well.” Armistand closed his portfolio. Apparently, the meeting was over. “We’ll expect to see you at the next committee meeting. Plan to make a good impression on the mortal representatives. And it would probably be a good idea for you two to meet with the mortal liaisons beforehand. My assistant will make the necessary arrangements and e-mail you the date and location. That will be all.”
    Isole stood, and Mordi followed her lead. “Thank you, sir,” he said, then turned to leave, holding the door open so that Isole could precede him through.
    He’d expected her to wait for him, but apparently she had other intentions. By the time he pulled the door shut, she was already halfway down the hall, her heels clicking on the polished stone floor.
    “Ms. Frost,” he called, picking up his pace so that she wouldn’t reach the elevator and disappear. “Isole!”
    She stopped, and he saw her shoulders sag just slightly. Then she turned and faced him, irritation lining her perfect features. “I have an appointment in five minutes,” she said. “Will this take long?”
    Taken aback, Mordi stopped cold. “Don’t worry. I won’t take up too much of your precious time.”
    “Then I’d suggest you get on with it.”
    Mordi grimaced. So much for his fantasy that he might actually connect with this woman. She practically dripped icicles. “I got the impression that you meant what you said to Elder Armistand—that this project was high priority.”
    “I did mean it,” she said, apparently unruffled.
    “Then perhaps you could demonstrate it,” he said. He gestured to himself. “We’re both working on this project. Perhaps you could eke out a few minutes to discuss our game plan?”
    She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think so, Mr. Black. If you’re not interested in paying attention during the Elder’s presentation, I hardly intend to play tutor now.”
    He felt his face warm. “I appreciate you covering me in there.”
    “Believe me, Mr. Black,” she said, “I acted entirely out of self-interest. If you look like a fool, then so do I. So do all Halflings.”
    “All the more reason for us to talk and plan what we’re doing next.”
    She licked her lips, the gesture softening her ice-cold demeanor. She avoided his eyes, managing instead to look everywhere else in the hall. For a moment, he thought she would agree. Then she shook her head, looked him straight in the eye, and said with cold clarity, “I don’t think so. We’re just supposed to be our normal, charming, half-mortal selves. I think I can handle that without a game plan,” she said.
    “Charm is on the agenda?” he snapped back. “I’m thinking you may need to practice.”
    He immediately regretted the words. Not that they seemed to bother her. Isole Frost simply glanced at her wristwatch, then turned away. “My appointment,” she said. And then she was gone.
    Leaving Mordi to wonder what the heck had just happened ... and why in Hades he was attracted to such an ice princess in the first place.
    It really was a conundrum, and he was frowning, his mind filled with thoughts of Isole Frost, when his holo-pager beeped. He flipped it open, his frown deepening when Phelonium Prigg appeared on