Free Electus (Regnum Series Book 1) by K.M. Link Page A

utter another thought, he stands and walks toward her. Tia is frozen in her chair, wondering what this strange man is going to do to her next.
    “It’s okay, Tia,” he states, sensing her fear. “You can trust me.”
    He extends his hand to help her out of her seat. She stands, much closer to his height with the heels he bought her.
    “I actually did have something in mind for us, other than dinner, this evening,” he whispers, his face inches from hers. His scent tickles her nose, an intoxicating cologne mixed with a hint of mint. Tia is now shaking, thinking of ways to escape if he tries to hurt her. Then, he turns on the stereo.
    “You need to learn how to dance, properly, my dear.”
    Tia exhales and walks with him to an open area of the room. He places his one hand around her waist and the other in hers.
    “Do you think this is wise with heels on and alcohol in my system?” she asks, nervously. She feels like jelly in his arms.
    “I won’t let you fall,” his eyes are piercing through her again.
    They start to dance, Tia watching her footing and counting as they go.
    “Remember, Tia, to follow the music. You are too tense. It’s difficult to let yourself shine when you are worried about making mistakes.”
    She decides to let him lead. She follows, without thinking, just feeling the beat as she moves.
    “There you go,” he breathes. Tia’s pulse is beating in her fingers, toes, even her ears. She finds it hard to concentrate on anything but his hand around her body, his eyes calmly staring at hers. She must start talking, to keep her mind off of his mouth.
    “How old are you, Javan?”
    “Why do you ask?” His eyes move to her lips.
    “You just seem rather young to be leading a city, and to have traveled so much.” She now turns her attention to his ear. Nothing tempting about an ear, she thinks
    “I’m twenty-three,” he divulges, moving his gaze back to her eyes.
    “Really?” she responds, feeling less guilty about how attractive she finds him at the moment. “You are so much more accomplished than I expected anyone to be, at that age.” Her mouth is agape, still in disbelief of his words.
    “It’s easy, when you are bread your whole life for it.” His lips are un-readable, but Tia swears she sees a hint of unrest in his eyes. Javan takes a deep breath and closes them.
    “I suppose I should get you back to the hotel,” he exhales, releasing Tia’s hand, and waist. Javan walks over to the stereo and turns it off, then turns out the fire. Tia stands still, waiting for him to make his next move. I don’t want to leave , she thinks briefly, then shakes her head.
    He approaches Tia, again, inches away from her body. “It has been such a pleasure sharing your company, this evening.” Staring down at her lips, he whispers, “Tia.” They stand for a moment, neither knowing what move to make next. Javan breaks the tension. “Come on, I’ll ride back with you to your hotel.”
    They travel back in silence, except when they arrive. Tia turns and imparts, “Thank you, Javan. I had a great time.” She then exits the limo and walks toward the doors. The limo does not pull away, until Tia is inside the lobby, where she finds Quade, waiting in a chair.
    “Quade, what are you doing here? I thought you were going out with Dan.” She studies him. He appears tipsy. His hair is a little messy and he seems annoyed.
    “Where were you?” He looks her up and down. “It’s two in the morning. After coming back from the bar with Dan, I went to your room, to see if you wanted to hang out. You weren’t there. I know you wouldn’t have gone out with someone!” Tia is taken aback by the outburst from Quade. She never expected him to become so upset about her heading out for the evening.
    “Because I don’t have any friends, but you, right?” she sputters.
    “Well, no. It’s just not like you to take off. Especially dressed like that!” He motions to her outfit. “Are those heels?”
    “Yes,