Discovery (Hybrid Book 1) by Emma Jaye Page A

flirting.
    Shooting him an exasperated look, she moved to the main door. She had no desire to hear the ‘word’ Connor wanted to have with her self-assured escort for the evening. Just for once, it would be nice to be considered a desirable woman, rather than an asset or a child who needed protection.
    ––––––––
    C onnor certainly looked menacing as he walked over to the Kalzirian Lord. Chesara thought he was probably a few years younger than Tenset, but he was a solid four inches taller. As much as she hated seeing conflict, she was curious about how this interaction would play out. She’d watched Connor work out for years, and he knew he could handle himself, but Tenset was definitely an unknown quantity. Tenset could certainly talk the talk with her, but would it work on Connor?
    Her best friend was making the most of his height advantage as he leaned in close to Tenset. The Kalzirian lost his grin and took a half step back. Tenset wasn’t nearly as appealing as he backed down to her friend. Her mouth dropped open slightly as she heard Connor speak.
    “If any harm comes to her, physically, mentally or emotionally, I’ll shove your head so far up your ass you’ll be tasting shit for the next couple of years, understand?” Then he favoured the dandy with a broad smile totally devoid of warmth.
    Her mouth dropped open even further when Tenset laughed. Connor seemed equally shocked at his reaction; most people he threatened took it seriously.
    “Mr. Temple is it? If any harm comes to Chesara under my care, I’d be glad put myself at your disposal.” Tenset replied, and then Kalzirian’s face lost all traces of humour.
    “And if you ever threaten me again, you’d better be prepared to follow up. I don’t take kindly to threats.”
    Tenset pushed past Connor, physically rocking him and walked towards her. She looked to Connor to make a decision, security was his call, and if he didn’t think she would be safe with this man, there was no way she was going anywhere.
    A slight nod from him had her swallowing the lump in her throat at the thought that Lord Tenset wasn’t the dandy he appeared to be.
    “Just a moment,” Chesara told Tenset as he came towards her. Moving quickly over to Connor, she stood on her tiptoes, and pulled him down so she could peck him on the cheek.
    “Are you sure this is a good idea?” she whispered in his ear.”
    “Positive. He won’t let any harm come to you. He knows local etiquette and he’s bold enough not to let anyone intimidate him.”
    “I’m not too bad at taking care of myself either. I’ll see you later, don’t wait up.” She gave him a brief hug and walked back to her escort.
    Taking his proffered arm, they walked out of the building, leaving Connor staring after them.
    “I don’t think your friend trusts me,” Tenset murmured.
    She leaned over and whispered in his ear. “He doesn’t, and he eats people that piss him off for breakfast, so behave yourself.”
    Ignoring his slight chuckle, she made her way out into the humid evening. The insects provided a natural orchestral accompaniment that she preferred to the sterile sounds on board ship.
    An ornate green and silver carriage pulled by a pair of jet-black horses in jingling silver harness waited for them on the gravelled driveway.
    “Oh they’re so beautiful” she exclaimed and moved towards the animals, oblivious to the fact that her long steps revealed most of her legs.
    “Lady Chesara,” he teased her gently. “I would have thought you’d have seen many more engaging forms of transport on your travels than horses.”
    “Erm... oh yes. Of course I have, but these are some of the most magnificent I’ve seen. Kalzir can certainly consider itself galaxy class in terms of its horses.” Chesara hastily bluffed.
    Hopefully, the sickly sweet flattery of his planet would conceal the gawping naive tourist she’d just shown him, rather than the sophisticated traveller she was supposed to