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She glanced at hiive me if I find that hard to believe How could you possibly be so certain when you hardly know me?"

His gaze narrowed,"I think I know you better than you do"

"Really?" Alanna taunted in doubting sarcas nearer to stand in front of hiaze Her heart boat faster Her plan was daring and dangerous "Then why don't I like you?"

"Because you're afraid," Rolt answered easily "You're afraid of m

e and of yourself"

For abriefly in her violet eyes She quickly concealed it, but not before it had been noticed by Rolt

"I'm not afraid of you," she denied, "and I'm certainly not afraid of myself"

"Aren't you?" His

"No"

The gleahed at her answer Alanna breathed in, controlling her anger Then she thoughtfully nibbled on her lower lip, peering at hie, she reached out, letting her fingers touch the opened front of his shirt She felt hih her nerve ends

"I'ers travel up his shirt to the collar

Standing on tiptoe, she lifted her head toward the ruthless line of his htly touched his Alanna swayed closer, her hands curving around the strong column of his neck His own hands settled on the bare curve of her waist, resting there without actually holding her

As the kiss lengthened, Alanna felt his ning reluctance, she disentangled her suddenly tre lips fro his hands reranite solidness of his chest A light blazed darkly in his eyes, sensual and seductive, partially screened by his thick lashes

His head dipped slowly toward her Alanna checked the ainst his ue or force the issue, waiting, the disturbing look not leaving his gaze

"You see, I'th of purpose kept her immune from his male virility For a few seconds more, she kept her eyes blank and expressionless "Do you knohy I kissed you?" Her fingers drifted back to his chest