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Chris dropped the perky-teen act "Two guys followed ht I tried to outrun them, and when I couldn’t, I took out their ride, which was the van"

His expression darkened "Were they mortals or Kyn warriors?"

"I think they were tresori" She went and sat down on the edge of the bunk, and rested her elbows on her knees "But one of them had a really creepy tat" After she described thewas too perfect for it to be accidental Would the Brethren have done that to him? Wait, neverhim of his own ordeal

"They have been known to cut off tattoos from captured tresori," he said slowly, "but it would be in their interests to preserve the likeness of any Kyn lord" He sat down beside her "Do not be afraid to speak of anything to me, Christian I a you of the bad old days" She used her shoulder to give his a gentle bu"

Jaot to breathe When he lifted his mouth from hers, he said, "Wear the dress"

"It’s a lecture in a e," she reminded him "But I could model it for you later"

Chapter 13

Lectures at the Miami Maritime Museum ell attended, and Ja chairs provided for the audience filled up Others stood as the museum’s director introduced Professor Charles Gifford, a short, thick-bodied man who looked distinctly ill at ease in his tweed suit

"He looks like a repo guy," Christian murmured

Jamys spotted the scars on his hands and forear," the professor said, and launched ih the ages

Jamys paid close attention to the details Gifford offered about specific ships and captains, but at no ti the next hour did he mention Hollander or the Golden Horde

"Today we apply the label of piracy to any nual audio and video transmission, even unsavory corporate acquisitions," the professor said in his su runners who hijack and kill fishermen for their powerful boats, or lawless Soo ships and ransoes hacked," sohter

Gifford nodded "While the savage nature of any sort of piracy appalls us, it is in reality a seafaring tradition that has existed for thousands of years" He curled his big hands around the edges of the podiuentle as there are ships in the sea, treasures to be coveted, andto kill for them Thank you"

As the audience applauded, Ja of Gifford’s blunt features, and the speed hich he left the podium While the museum’s director took his place to invite the audience to help themselves to refreshments, the professor shook a few hands and then disappeared into an adjoining exhibit room

"Seems like he’s better with history than people," Christian said as she rose fro chair next to his "Time to put uided her around the exodus of people heading for the buffet tables "It is hed "But I think I look geeky enough to pass, while you"--her eyes shifted to the tattered blue jeans she’d asked hi me and every other female under this roof very hot and bothered"

Jaain," he whispered against her ear, and enjoyed the shiver he felt hum down her back "Until you drench ers "Wet and wild later"

They one, and found the professor standing in the