Add in a childhood where her keepers found such things to be a hindrance to their training, and Kira had long since been conditioned not to care.
At least that was what she'd always thought right up until the moment she caught Graydon watching her like a hawk who’d just spotted a juicy rabbit.
There was a dark awareness in his eyes. A sensual decadence that made her chest get tight and her breathing a little heavier.
It was as if the very molecules that formed the epidermis of her skin could sense his presence and were doing their own tango of delight.
Why? Why was it this man out of all the rest?
Kira had had partners before. They were rare and always consisted of one-night stands. She'd never been willing to make herself vulnerable to another in an emotional way.
After seeing what happened to Raider and Elise, she was even more determined.
Yet, here she stood.
Danger circling.
Not the type to steal her life. No, it just wanted her soul.
"Aren't you going to sit?" Graydon asked when she remained standing.
Kira didn't mistake the challenge in those words that were nothing short of a dare.
Never one to back down, Kira took a seat next to him, turning from him to give him access to her hair.
He tugged at a lock, the gentle pulling sensation sending tingles rocketing through her.
Get a hold of yourself, Forrest. He's just a man. A potent, alluring man, but a man, nevertheless.
Even as Kira scolded herself, she knew it wasn't that simple.
Graydon was like a drug, tempting her into addiction.
Maybe if there hadn't been admiration mixed into this craving, Kira would have had a hope of resisting.
She knew better now the trials Graydon dealt with on a regular basis. The Houses weren't easy to control. They were rife with infighting capable of toppling the Tuann if allowed to go unchecked.
Only someone like Graydon could keep the balance without turning into a tyrant.
He was harsh when protecting what he loved, but Kira didn't see cruelty in him.
All she needed to do was look at the oshota around him. They loved him. They would die for him.
Not just anyone could engender that type of loyalty in another.
"Was it you who got Elena out of the audience?" Kira asked.
Graydon hummed as he prodded at another stiff chunk of hair.
"Why?"
With his duties, she would have thought he wouldn't have the time to safeguard her niece.
"She's important to you."
Such a simple answer.
Yet the words felt emblazoned on her soul.
