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man made such a splendid picture standing there—sleekly muscled and completely nude, with tawny golden skin and magnificent hair, which was slightly tousled—she was inclined to let his assumption rest until she had a chance to clarify her position.
    Jenise smiled slowly. At least she would have the pleasure of looking at him during this portion of her adventure, especially if he continued to go about without clothes on.
    Her eyes traveled the length of him. He was, to say the least, extraordinary. A surge of unbidden desire startled her. Was it because of what they had just done or not done?
    She gathered her wits about her. “No, they do not open the door. I am supposed to call to the guards.” Retrieving her garment and cloak, she quickly donned them. A lingering tremor assailed her; she would think about what had occurred in this room at a later, safer time. For now they must focus on escape.
    Gian’s green/gold eyes flashed in secret knowledge. He knew exactly how she had been looking at him. And why. “How many guards are out there?”
    “Three.”
    “Good.” He placed himself behind the door. “Now scream, woman who seeks no pleasure.”
    He was going to be difficult, of that she was certain. Jenise rolled her eyes and screamed as loudly as she could.
    The guards came rushing in.
    In the blink of an eye the Familiar took all three down. He moved so fast, she couldn’t even distinguish the individual motions. Never had she seen anyone move in such a way, with deadly accuracy and feline grace.
    Impressed, she raised an eyebrow as she caught his eye.
    Nonchalantly, he held the door open for her. As if he hadn’t just rendered three highly trained men unconscious without ruffling a hair on his gorgeous head!
    As she strolled through the door, Gian took the opportunity to run his palm over her cloaked backside.
    Stopping short, Jenise gasped. Up until a short time ago, she was the heir apparent. Men did not do such things to women who had that kind of power.
    He gave her an innocent look. “I never said I would not seduce you.”
    Jenise snorted. “You certainly can try, Familiar.”
    A roguish dimple curved his cheek. “Same thing.”
    Chuckling at her outraged expression, he took her hand and led her through a maze of corridors, his innate tracking ability serving him well. Nothing felt as good as the taste of freedom! He looked over at his companion. Well, almost nothing.
    “How do you know the way out?”
    “I am a Familiar.” He glanced down at her out of the corner of his eye. “You had best remember that, taja.”
    She was too excited by the prospect of finally gaining her freedom to be annoyed with the arrogant thing.
    “Quickly, this way.” He pulled her into an alcove just as a contingent of guards passed.
    “I did not even hear them approaching! I cannot believe—”
    His mouth seized hers in a sizzling kiss. “I am Gian,” he purred against her lips. “Remember that, too, Creamcat.”
    Before she could respond, he grabbed her hand once more and darted down another hidden corridor.

Chapter Three
    The Familiar stopped so abruptly that Jenise bumped into him. His arm came out to steady her as he pulled her back against the wall of the corridor.
    “What is it?” she asked worriedly. “Why have we stopped?”
    He placed a tapered finger against her lips, warning her to be silent. Then he cocked his head to one side, listening for something Jenise could not hear.
    “There is a male guard up ahead, around this corner. He is alone…not so tall as I am, but of a size. I may be able to utilize his garments.” His voice was very, very focused. “I will take him down.”
    “How do you know all of this?” she whispered back.
    “My senses tell me. By his footfall I can ascertain his size… He is not very alert at the moment—that I can tell by the rate of his breathing. He is relaxed, almost bored.”
    “That is amazing; I am impressed, Familiar.”
    He gave her a crooked grin. “You