In this scene, Senth Antonello and NarrAy Jorlan have just met. She's considering whether to hire the professional thief to steal back the designs for a prototype her murdered parents designed. Because NarrAy is a Better, an enhanced human with addictive pheromones, she's not permitted to touch anyone skin-to-skin. Senth puts on gloves and prepares to shake her hand. All her life, she's been isolated from touch, so to risk touching is dangerous for them both.
Gentleman
NarrAy offered her hand. She'd practiced this with her father as a girl. "A gentleman doesn't try to overpower a lady's hand, NarrAy. But he isn't afraid to be firm either."
She held his gloved hand between both of hers. "I can see you're a gentleman, Mr. Antonello."
His cheeks reddened. "Just Senth, ma'am."
She squeezed Senth's hand. "And I'm NarrAy. Never Ms. Jorlan, nor ma'am. Not on this job. Understood?"
He met her gaze. "Does that mean you want me?" He blushed again and glanced down at their still-joined hands. "For the job, I mean."
She bit back a laugh. What an innocent. "So long as we're clear on who's in charge."
"When it comes to theft, I am. For everything else, you are, in every way."
He had no idea. But he had never once looked at her body. Maybe this red dress would be okay after all.
"Come sit." She gestured toward an adjacent room. "Let's talk business."
Welcome to Book Hooks!
great snippet, tension-filled!
I love these characters. They were so much fun to write. 🙂
This is one I haven’t read…. yet!
Great excerpt.
Thank you. It was my first book, and this version is a much more polished edition. 😉
Have a holly jolly Christmas!
You too, Becky!