A Kiss of Magic: A Kiss of Magic Book One by Jacquelyn Frank Page A

such complete and utter snobs that they would excommunicate their daughter from their lives just because she showed no potential as a majji? And then to have the utter gall to come to her and brag about themselves and how it was their doing she was so powerful?
    Well, they had been lucky when they had left willingly. As an Aspano he could do quite a lot of damage to a healthy mind. He could literally drive someone crazy. Or all it would take was a single burst blood vessel in the brain and a person could be a vegetable for the rest of their life. Yes. He could do quite a lot of damage if he wanted to.
    But most majji lived by a code. Their ethics kept them from doing certain damage otherwise they would have to face summary judgment by the rest of their house. True, it would take a great deal of effort on the Aspano house’s part to try and punish him for any wrongdoing, seeing as how he was the most powerful of his kind on their continent, but it could be done. Especially if they joined with other houses in a conjoined effort.
    But he was one of the punishers, not the one in need of punishment, and he had no desire to change that at present. But if he was pushed…if he felt the need to protect Yasra…he would do so. She was his, and he would do everything he could to protect her from everyone else…including her own kin.
    He led Yasra into his home and watched her reactions with a careful eye. He wanted her to be pleased with the place. He wanted her to be delighted with what would become her future home. He had designed the place with his future life-partner in mind, making certain it had everything that could possibly please a woman within its walls.
    Pleasure washed over her features as she took in the open airy rooms filled with streaming sunlight. Her beautiful blue eyes with their fringe of black lashes widened every time she saw something new that fascinated her. There were murals painted on the stone of the walls in almost every room. He had paid a heavy price for the artisans to make them just right. The frescos were almost as beautiful as she was.
    He couldn’t believe his fortune. He could have ended up tied to a woman with bad breath, bad skin, and bad temperament, but instead he found himself attached to a young and lovely creature with a sweet tasting mouth, delicious curves, and a sweet nature. Just thinking of the flavor and heat of her kisses had him hard and wanting her.
    “Bess, this is Arya,” he said, introducing a young, barefoot girl who had just entered the room. “She is one of my servants. She will show you to the guest quarters.”
    “That isn’t necessary,” Bess said, looking shy and awkward. “If there is a servant’s room connected to the room that Yasra is staying in, that will be sufficient enough. Plus, it will allow me to be close to her.”
    “I can give you adjoining guest rooms,” Dendri said. “You will be right next door to one another. Arya, take these bags to the south side guest rooms. Bess, you can accompany her so you know where they are. I have some things I need to discuss with your friend.”
    “Of course. If that’s all right with Yasra,” Bess said pointedly. It did her credit that she wasn't willing to let her friend face her unusual and unsure future on her own.
    “I’ll be fine,” Yasra said, color tingeing her cheekbones. She was afraid to be alone with him, afraid of what it might mean. She need not be afraid of him, but she was right if she thought he was going to press every advantage he got with her.
    “Come, let me show you the rest of the villa,” he said.
    They walked slowly through the rest of the house. He showed her every room, gauging her reaction to each. The kitchens were large and full of a flurry of activity as they prepared for the evening meal. The salon was full of sunlight and was prepared for a woman’s pastimes, be they sewing, knitting or, in Yasra’s case he was sure, reading. He took her to the library then, showing her a