Katia's first thought was to push him away.
Her hands pressed against his chest, and she was startled to feel his powerful, steady heartbeat beneath her palms. Suddenly, her hands felt like they were on fire.
This was more intimate than any contact she'd ever had with Xandar.
In that instant, Katia forgot about Xandar, forgot about fear, and gave herself completely to the man before her—her fated mate.
Cahir's lips were unexpectedly gentle, carrying a faint mint scent. Katia clumsily responded to his kiss as he nibbled softly on her lower lip, like he was savoring something precious.
The kiss didn't hurt her. Instead, it brought a warmth she'd never experienced before.
But then, when Cahir's hand slowly slid to her throat—
Katia went rigid, her whole body locking up
