Free Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass Page A

rippling beneath while he tossed clothes out onto the bed.
    She attempted to focus on the TV again until she heard his wet towel hit the floor. He padded back into the bathroom to change. A flash of movement in the full-length mirror beside the closet hinted that, if she leaned forward, she’d have a clear view of Kagan in all his naked glory. Mira closed her eyes and fought the battle inside her head.
I will not look. I will not look. I will not look.
It worked for about thirty seconds. Then he began to hum softly and she caved like a mine disaster.
    Mira couldn’t stop staring at his newly revealed manhood jutting from its nest of dark curls, his balls heavy below. She’d never wanted to contemplate a man’s body, not after the abuse. Now, she couldn’t seem to tear herself away.
    The smooth, pink head of his shaft glistened under the vanity lights. Would he tremble if she stroked him? Moisture pooled between her legs, making her squirm on the sofa. Her slow gaze traveled upward. By the time she reached his face, her curious eyes locked with Kagan’s in a heated stare.
Busted. Fuck!
    She opened her mouth to say something, anything, to break the tension. A final glance into the mirror gained her an unfettered view of his tight ass before his jeans slid over the hard curves. He wore nothing underneath.
Lucky jeans!
    Mira took several deep breaths, struggling to gain control of her rioting emotions. She sought refuge in the coffee commercial playing on the TV.
Caffeine! That’s what I need.
She walked to the kitchen and poured a cup.
    “You ready,
piccola
?” The low velvet purr of his voice startled her, his hot breath close to her ear. She jumped, sloshing hot coffee over her hand. Mira brought her scalded flesh to her mouth.
    “
Merda!
Here.” Kagan’s grin disappeared. He turned on the faucet and took her hand, guiding the injured skin under the flow. Kagan directed cool water over the area with his thumb, his concentration centered on his ministrations. His expression was serious, his tone quiet and full of apology. “
Scusa, piccola
. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    Mira blinked, her focus also trained on their joined hands. “It’s okay. I was distracted.”
    “
Si
? Wonder why?” His deep, rich chuckle rumbled through the haze of her emotions, reminding her of his naked form, her arousal. His thumb continued to stroke, to caress. “How’s that feeling?”
    “Um … ” She hesitated, her gaze locking with his. He tugged her forward until she stood a bare wisp away, his warm breath fanning over her face. His head descended. She wasn’t ready for this, was she? His lips brushed hers, withdrew. His pupils dilated, black devouring the blue. His gaze dropped to her lips and his tongue swept out, sheening his mouth with moisture. Mira was lost. She leaned closer, granting him the unspoken permission she’d never granted anyone before. He accepted, his hips pressing to hers and his hand cupping her nape, drawing her closer.
    His ringing phone startled them both back to reality.
    Kagan cursed. His forehead dropped to hers. Mira stared at her toes until he turned away to answer his call, her cheeks heating. She’d violated every rule about handling an unknown threat, and Kagan was the most dangerous peril she’d ever faced. She took a deep breath to calm her frayed nerves, struggling to distance herself from a situation way beyond her experience.
    “Xander,” Kagan said, approaching again and clicking his phone shut. “He and Wyck have new information. If we leave now, we can stop at your apartment and grab the stuff you need before we head over.” Kagan grabbed a fresh coat from the closet then scooped a second one out for her. “The jacket’s big, but warm.”
    Mira slipped the overcoat on and rolled up the sleeves while she waited for him by the front door. Kagan took out his weapons and stowed them as he strode to her. He stepped beside her and she shot him an inquiring look. Kagan ignored