The Savage King by Michelle M. Pillow Page B

use."
    Ulyssa's eyes automatically dipped down to the bulge between his thighs. She didn't understand him. He was angry, she'd bet her life that he was, and yet he wanted to sleep with her. She swallowed nervously, knowing how easy it would be to bend to his will and let him have his way. Blinking, she stiffened her back and resolve. She forced a look of disinterest to her face and settled her fist along her hips.
    "No thanks." Ulyssa stiffened. "I'm kind of in a hurry and need to get going."
    "Where is it you need to go?" he asked. When she didn't show invitation, he passed by and settled down into one of the comfortable chairs. She rolled her eyes heavenward and made a face before turning to follow him.
    "That's none of your concern." Ulyssa sat across from him, nearly getting swallowed in the chair's folds. She struggled slightly before giving up and relaxing into the comfort of it. Leaning her head to the side, she could see his face clearly. He was studying the barren fireplace.
    "Everything in my kingdom is of my concern." Kirill looked her over. His features fell and she could see a look of distaste come over him, as he admitted, "Besides, you were here with my father. Why do you suddenly need to leave now?"
    "Argh!" she fumed. Sitting forward in the chair to glare at him, she growled, "Let's get this straight. I wasn't here with your father. I've never slept with your father. I don't like your father."
    "Ah, but you were in the harem," Kirill said. "I checked. The women remember you well. They said you were ... moody."
    Ulyssa paled as if he'd slapped her. "I don't care what they think of me, the simpering fools."
    "Ah, yes, I do wonder where they got that impression," he mumbled sarcastically under his breath. She didn't think he was funny.
    "I only met King Attor once." Ulyssa did her best to stay reasonable and calm, but his nearness distracted her. It was almost as if she could smell him on her skin. Her nerves reached out to be with him. Her body begged her to give into his, to let it feel the touch of his incredible hold one more time before she left. How much of a hurry was she in anyway? "And that was when he kidnapped me in the forest with a bunch of blond warrior idiots."
    "If what you say is true, I'm sure my father had his reasons," Kirill said. Her mouth opened, but before she could comment, he added, "What brings you to Qurilixen? Why were you in our forest?"
    Ulyssa didn't readily answer.
    "For all I know, you're a spy to be dealt with." Kirill sat forward to mimic her hard, blank look.
    "I'm not." A tension built between them, snapping through the air with electric fire. "I was brought to the harem about a week ago. I was in the forest camping, minding my own business, trying to get a rescued from this accursed place, when he kidnapped me. Now, all I want is to get back to my campsite. Besides, I could really care less what you and your fellow felines are up to. Your planet is of no concern to me. I mean, in case you haven't noticed, there's a much larger, much more interesting galaxy of planets out there."
    "That doesn't explain what you're doing here," he murmured, refusing to be bated to anger. His lids lowered over his eyes and she got the impression he barely listened to her words. His gaze started roaming to her chest. The edge of his tongue flicked over the corner of his mouth.
    Ulyssa's eyes stayed steady and she gave nothing away. Using all her training, she lied, "I was shipwrecked. I was waiting to be rescued when your father took me. He also took my communicator and I'd like it back."
    "Rescue?" he prompted. His lips stayed parted and she could remember the feel of them on her body. She trembled. She tried to fight him, but couldn't.
    "This is madness!" she thought, trying her best to concentrate. She tore her eyes from him to look around the room. She began to sweat and her limbs shook as she tried to calm her racing pulse. Images assaulted her, fantasies that were best left unknown. She