Rital of Proof by Dara Joy Read Free Book Online

decide upon its fate. This is what dwells inside me and will not be silent."
    She clasped his strong chin with her hand, turning him to face her more directly. "It is not considered becoming for a man to speak of such strong control. It is expected of a man that he will always defer to his mother or name-giver to decide what is right for him. Men must be cared for, for their own protection. It is not considered healthy for a man to have too many opinions."
    "Do you believe that, Marquelle?" His low voice became husky as he bent toward her.
    "What I believe is of no importance." Her lips covered his.
    A small, rolling sound of pleasure escaped him. It reminded her of the growl of a fierce lexa beast when it resented the tameness that befell it when offered a balum fruit. The lexa could not resist the tempting fruit that grew high on branches, so far out of its reach. So, too, Jorlan Reynard seemed to resent yet revel in his reaction to the press of her mouth.
    Once again, the odd shivering sensation assailed her.
    It was him, she realized. The texture of him. And more.
    The kiss was a powerful catalyst between them. He sighed hotly into her mouth. Green felt the awakening twitches skipping through his trained body. Despite his unorthodox persona, Jorlan had a reputation as a man of the strictest control. Yet with her he was battling himself.
    She smiled slightly against the firm masculine lips, thoroughly enjoying his taste, and that she was the one unnerving him.
    Did he even realize how precarious a situation he was in? With a few expert moves, she could break through every defense he thought he had.
    But she would not do that. She would not go that far. Not just because of what he was—but because of who he was. Green discovered that she liked the Duchene's grandson. Very, very much.
    "Open your lips more for me, Jorlan," she instructed against his mouth.
    With a low moan, he did what she asked. Her tongue slipped sweetly into his mouth, dipping in to sample his nectar. The breath of his desire scorched into her throat, traveling deep inside her, filling her. She closed her eyes to further experience the sensation. To treasure this first, incredible tang of him.
    His hands came up, lifting her hair. His fingers sank into the long strands, sliding into the abundant mass until his hands came together cupping the back of her head. Surprised at his uninhibited action, for men were generally compliant in these matters, especially untried men, she opened her eyes to observe him.
    Deep in concentration of the sensations he was experiencing, Jorlan's eyes were closed. Long, spiky lashes made crescents on his cheekbones, shielding them in a way. A beautiful mysterious shadow. Green thought, just like the man himself.
    She slid her tongue over his. A ragged growl vibrated against her. He was completely submerged in the experience.
    In the pleasure.
    He was a Sensitive!
    Green blinked at the astounding discovery. She glanced up at him only to discover that his eyes were now open and glittering down at her. A sizzling heat emanated from him.
    "What?" he murmured low against her mouth, silken lips playing with the corner of her lips.
    Does he know? Jorlan might have no idea that he is different from most other men. She looked at the beautiful man before her, saw his fire and intelligence, and knew he was not simply different—he was unique.
    The Top Slice might not know that he was a Sensitive, but his other stellar attributes were readily observable—which explained the never-ending round of offers for him.
    What a pity she did not want a name-bearer. She sighed. With Claudine D'anbere causing her no end of trouble and several key issues coming before the Septibunal, she could not even consider such a thing.
    Regretfully, she released him.
    He gave her a quizzical look that was slightly wounded. For all of his mature disposition, he had not yet begun to master the art of concealing his raw emotions. In the jaded society they lived