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once close to you, it would be easy to see if the attraction was mutual."
       "Which it was in the first case and probably is in the second." She went back to drumming her fingers on the table.
       "What about the third?" He leaned back to display his bluish grey skin and dark hair. His white-blue eyes had an ever-present amusement that shook her grim, logical outlook the moment that she saw him. His physique certainly was more than acceptable, his chest wide, belly flat and thighs impressively muscled. The only thing that kept her libido under control was the waves of cold coming from him.
       "You are impressive, but I have a little problem with the cold you
    radiate."
    "I am a frost giant. It's what I do."
       "I am a fire elemental. You don't see me scorching folks as I pass." Fen held still and sent a short, sharp stab of inquiry to his mind. She was deflected, but not before she caught a glimpse of his internal heat.
       "Did you just send a mind probe?"
       She cocked her head and glared at him. "I don't know, did you feel one?"
       "I did."
       "Then perhaps I did." Her mother hadn't raised a liar, but her father taught her diplomacy at all times. She always wanted Aleyn and Baileez to be proud of her and she wasn't sure that this man was the right fit for her.
       "You have mental talents?"
       "Of a sort. Nothing like my elder siblings. I am the runt of the litter." She chuckled at the turn of phrase. She was physically the smallest of her brothers and sisters, the royal family of Hickom.
       "I see. Would you consider coming to my home and assessing it for suitability?" He was very forthright.
       "You are being direct. Where is the attempt to weasel me to the surface under false pretences?" She felt her lips twitch in amusement.
       "Time is of the essence. You don't want to leave your business unattended while it is in operation, so this week off is the only time available."
       "Morgarn told you."
       "Of course. He is my cousin, after all."
       "Squealer."
       He chuckled. "You are very controlled for someone whose base is fire."
       She laughed. "In my family, you didn't get too far if you didn't have self-control. Being able to keep my emotions in check enabled me to reach adulthood."
       "So, will you come to the surface with me?"
       She ignored his raised eyebrow and thought about it. Her mind ran through all permutations and combinations, analyzing all possibilities of going down to Jotunheim with this giant that she had just met. Sex, she had no objection to, it was the living among giants
    that gave her pause.
       The Hickom had their own seer and it had told her that she would find a man to cool her fire . It had been very vague, but a frost giant did fit the bill.
       She would have to contact her parents and let them know where she was going, alert the management that the bar would be closed until further notice and pack a bag.
       "I will go but only to check out the accommodations." Yeah, right.
       "As you will, lady."
       "I have a few things to take care of before we leave, so if you will meet me in my quarters in a few hours, we can leave then."
       "I will escort you there and wait for you. The hired thugs are still on the station. Thosnas has not been able to recall them all yet."
       She twisted her lips into a smile. "Just trying to make sure I don't bolt, aren't you?"
       "Perhaps. Shall we begin our journey with a few steps?"
       She stood and shook her head. "I am a little perturbed by your lack of romantic instinct. I always wanted to be swept off my feet."
       "Romance will follow, Fehniel. First, I need to get you in my clutches."
       She chuckled and came around the desk, he stood and Fen took his arm. "I will have to settle for you being in my clutches for now."
       He raised his eyebrow again, but led the way out of Elymyntyl and into the halls of Raven's Rest space station. Fen kept her