Untamable Lover (Worlds of Lemuria: Earth Colony Book 2) by Rosalie Redd Read Free Book Online

the first sign the silver clouds above were about to release a torrent onto the Lemurian landscape. Standing on one of the pathways in the trees, the leaves would provide some protection, but not enough. He increased his pace, scrambling up the stairs and over the top of a riser. His pulse pounded in his temple, bringing on the beginning of one of his headaches. He clenched his jaw—that was not what he needed right now.
    A few stray strands of hair blew against his cheek. Water splashed on his nose and caused him to blink. The drops came faster, hitting him on the back, the shoulders, and the top of his head. He hunched over to protect his shirt as best he could and prayed the droplets wouldn’t leave circular stains on his brand new jacket.
    Janala’s Place was visible between the branches of the Etila trees. Lights bordered the doorway, welcoming patrons in for the evening meal. The restaurant was the place where anyone who was anyone went for an evening out. He loved this place and the opportunity it gave him to mingle with others from his class. 
    An elderly lady took up more than her fair share of space as she walked down the stairs. He pressed past her, knocking her against the bark of the tree. She cried out, but he ignored her. Water dripped onto his shirt, causing a streak to form. He ground his teeth. “Watch where you’re going.”
    Free at last, he crossed the wooden slats connecting the last two trees and arrived at his destination. The scent of baked bread and Monton stew emanated from the eatery. He inhaled and the rich aroma calmed his jittery nerves and battered psyche. A glass of muldoberry wine was exactly what he needed—the best they had.
    “How many tonight, sir?” The waiter clasped his hands behind his back, a practiced, formal smile on his face.
    Zedron raised his chin. “One.” 
     The male gave a slight bow and extended his hand. “Follow me, please.”
    The restaurant was nearly full, many of the tables occupied with the elite members of the Lemurian society—council members, enforcers, and colonizers. He always wore his best attire to dinner—leather shoes, a soft down shirt that accentuated his sleek torso, and the finest woven coat. To be disheveled in any way was an affront to his stylist nature. He buttoned his jacket and ran his hand through his hair. That was the best he could do under the circumstances—damn the rain. 
    The waiter pulled out a chair at a small table near the entrance to the kitchen. “Here, sir. This table is perfect for you.” 
    Zedron furrowed his brow. “Surely, you must have something better.”
    With a quick intake of breath, the attendant blinked. “If this isn’t to your liking, we have another. Of course.” 
    Zedron glanced around the room. A flash of long blond hair from one of the booths in the far corner grabbed his attention. Alora. He’d know his ex-lover anywhere. Her curvaceous body and soft, silky tresses were forever ingrained in his mind. She was with one of her girlfriends, Bellamy. The headache he courted on the way here roared to life behind his eyes.
    “Sir? Did you hear me? This way, please.”
    A lone booth, one big enough for a party of six, was open not far from Alora and her friend.
    “That one.” Zedron pointed at the booth. “That one will be sufficient.”
    The male’s brow pinched together ever so slightly. “I’m sorry, sir. That booth is for a large party.”
    “Not anymore. That booth is for me.”
    “Sir—”
    Zedron raised his hand. “You do know who I am, don’t you?”
    “Ah…” Confusion lined the waiter’s forehead.
    He glared at the male. “Zedron. Colonizer. Son of council member Alcion.” 
    The attendant’s head jerked back, his eye widening. “Oh, Colonizer Zedron. Of course…you may sit anywhere you wish.”
    Zedron headed for the table, his gaze homed in on Alora. Glance at me. Glance at me. If will alone were a strong enough force, she’d have looked his way, but she didn’t.