"Aphrodite's_Flame_009" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kenner _Julie_-_[Protector_04]_-_Aphrodite's_Flame_(V1.0)_[lit](multi-file html))

Chapter Six

Elder Armistand had a stern face and an even sterner voice. Didn’t matter. Even faced with the threat of Armistand’s disapproval, Mordi was completely unable to concentrate on the elder’s words. His attention was too taken by the woman sitting next to him.
It had been a long time since he’d been attracted to a woman. The complications in his life had left little time for romance, and Mordi had learned to simply quit looking. Why risk that tender tug at his heart if there was no way he could follow through?
And how could he? Even now that he was a full Protector, he still carried the stigma of his blood. He wasn’t exactly eligible bachelor material, that was for sure.
This woman, though...
From the moment they’d been introduced, he’d been intrigued. Something about her manner, about the way she held herself. Something suggested to Mordi there was more to Isole Frost than she was letting him—or anyone—see.
Armistand had introduced her as Zoë‘s replacement. And now she sat beside him, looking prim and proper in a white linen suit, her blond hair pulled up into a perfectly coiffed knot. Her face was angular, all shadows and lights, and her piercing blue eyes reflected strength and an innate professionalism.
In sum, she was starkly beautiful and utterly distant. She’d given Mordi a quick glance when she entered, nodded briefly, then taken her own seat across from Armistand. Now she was taking copious notes, showing not the slightest bit of interest in him.
For the best, he supposed. She’d got his attention, that was for sure. But unless she was the world’s best actress, she wasn’t nearly as fascinated as him. Besides, getting involved with any woman would be a mistake. And considering this woman was showing absolutely no interest in him, he supposed that he was in no danger of having to extricate himself from a romantic entanglement.
Too bad.
He must have sighed, because suddenly both Armistand and Isole turned to look at him.
“Are we boring you?” the elder asked from behind the broad expanse of his oak desk.
“Sorry, sir. Something in my throat.” He brushed his neck for effect, and Armistand grunted, then focused again on his notes. In the upholstered guest chair next to Mordi, Isole lifted an eyebrow, her expression suggesting that she saw right through him.
Armistand flipped two pages, grunted again, then looked back up, his gaze landing first on Isole, then moving quickly to Mordi. “So we are clear, then? You understand the role you’re to play?”
Mordi’s stomach twisted, and he had the sudden sensation of being back in boarding school, thrust to the front of the room to work a quadratic equation when he’d spent the entire class trying to surreptitiously levitate a pencil on the schoolmaster’s desk.
“Mr. Black?”
Mordi swallowed. “Of course, sir. The Council—”
“—wants to reassure the mortal representatives that Protectors can be assimilated into mortal culture and that we are no threat,” Isole said, sitting forward slightly and not looking at Mordi. “Because of our heritage as Halflings, Mordichai and I are already somewhat integrated into mortal society. We can provide a good face, if you will, for the Council and, hopefully, smooth the negotiations.”
She sat back then and recrossed her legs. He tried to catch her eye, wanting to signal his thanks, but she studiously avoided him.
Armistand’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you, Ms. Frost. However, I had meant to inquire of Mr. Black.”
Her eyes widened, and she lifted her hand, pressing her fingers lightly over her mouth. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t even think. I was just so excited about being a part of this endeavor that I—”
Armistand cut her off with a wave of a hand, his expression softening. Clearly, he bought what the girl was selling.
For someone who’d just embarrassed herself, though, she had managed to not even raise a hint of blush. Considering how fair she was, that was quite a feat indeed, and Mordi suddenly realized what was going on. She hadn’t jumped in out of excitement. She’d jumped in to save his butt.
Maybe she was a little intrigued by him after all....
“Mr. Black?”
He cleared his throat. “I think Ms. Frost did an excellent job of summarizing our role. I’d only like to add that it’s an honor to be able to assist the Council in this matter.”
Armistand’s face didn’t soften as it had for Isole, but neither did he challenge Mordi again. Not being a fool, Mordi took that as a victory.
“Very well.” Armistand closed his portfolio. Apparently, the meeting was over. “We’ll expect to see you at the next committee meeting. Plan to make a good impression on the mortal representatives. And it would probably be a good idea for you two to meet with the mortal liaisons beforehand. My assistant will make the necessary arrangements and e-mail you the date and location. That will be all.”
Isole stood, and Mordi followed her lead. “Thank you, sir,” he said, then turned to leave, holding the door open so that Isole could precede him through.
He’d expected her to wait for him, but apparently she had other intentions. By the time he pulled the door shut, she was already halfway down the hall, her heels clicking on the polished stone floor.
“Ms. Frost,” he called, picking up his pace so that she wouldn’t reach the elevator and disappear. “Isole!”
She stopped, and he saw her shoulders sag just slightly. Then she turned and faced him, irritation lining her perfect features. “I have an appointment in five minutes,” she said. “Will this take long?”
Taken aback, Mordi stopped cold. “Don’t worry. I won’t take up too much of your precious time.”
“Then I’d suggest you get on with it.”
Mordi grimaced. So much for his fantasy that he might actually connect with this woman. She practically dripped icicles. “I got the impression that you meant what you said to Elder Armistand—that this project was high priority.”
“I did mean it,” she said, apparently unruffled.
“Then perhaps you could demonstrate it,” he said. He gestured to himself. “We’re both working on this project. Perhaps you could eke out a few minutes to discuss our game plan?”
She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think so, Mr. Black. If you’re not interested in paying attention during the Elder’s presentation, I hardly intend to play tutor now.”
He felt his face warm. “I appreciate you covering me in there.”
“Believe me, Mr. Black,” she said, “I acted entirely out of self-interest. If you look like a fool, then so do I. So do all Halflings.”
“All the more reason for us to talk and plan what we’re doing next.”
She licked her lips, the gesture softening her ice-cold demeanor. She avoided his eyes, managing instead to look everywhere else in the hall. For a moment, he thought she would agree. Then she shook her head, looked him straight in the eye, and said with cold clarity, “I don’t think so. We’re just supposed to be our normal, charming, half-mortal selves. I think I can handle that without a game plan,” she said.
“Charm is on the agenda?” he snapped back. “I’m thinking you may need to practice.”
He immediately regretted the words. Not that they seemed to bother her. Isole Frost simply glanced at her wristwatch, then turned away. “My appointment,” she said. And then she was gone.
Leaving Mordi to wonder what the heck had just happened ... and why in Hades he was attracted to such an ice princess in the first place.
It really was a conundrum, and he was frowning, his mind filled with thoughts of Isole Frost, when his holo-pager beeped. He flipped it open, his frown deepening when Phelonium Prigg appeared on the display. Simpering little bureaucrat twit.
Mordi nodded, hoping his disdain didn’t show on his face. “Yes?”
“The High Elder has asked me to inform you of your newest assignment.”
Mordi lifted an eyebrow. “Another assignment?”
Prigg ignored the comment, barreling on with purpose. “You are to assist with re-assimilation assessments. A high-level Outcast has applied, and Zephron believes that you should be involved in the process.”
“That’s really not my field,” Mordi said, thinking he’d rather shove toothpicks under his fingernails. “Who’s the Outcast?”
“I’m sorry, Zephron asked that I not reveal that information at this time. He’s currently in a very important meeting, and asks that you wait for him in his office, where he’ll give you the full overview of the assignment.” At the words “very important,” Prigg stood up straighter and lifted his chin, as if the importance of Zephron’s meetings somehow reflected on him.
“Fine. Whatever.” Mordi didn’t like it, but he could hardly argue. “At least tell me who the counselor is.”
“Isole Frost,” Prigg said.
Mordi stared at the three-dimensional image. “Frost?”
“Yes. Why?”
Suddenly the assignment didn’t seem that terrible after all. “Thanks. I already know Ms. Frost. I’ll head on over there now and meet up with Zephron later.”
“I really don’t think that’s—”
Mordi flipped the case on his holo-pager closed, taking a perverse satisfaction in shutting up the little twerp ... and anticipating the look on Isole Frost’s face when she learned that Mordi was her brand-new assistant.
After being dissed by the girl, he had to say, the afternoon was looking up.

Chapter Six

Elder Armistand had a stern face and an even sterner voice. Didn’t matter. Even faced with the threat of Armistand’s disapproval, Mordi was completely unable to concentrate on the elder’s words. His attention was too taken by the woman sitting next to him.
It had been a long time since he’d been attracted to a woman. The complications in his life had left little time for romance, and Mordi had learned to simply quit looking. Why risk that tender tug at his heart if there was no way he could follow through?
And how could he? Even now that he was a full Protector, he still carried the stigma of his blood. He wasn’t exactly eligible bachelor material, that was for sure.
This woman, though...
From the moment they’d been introduced, he’d been intrigued. Something about her manner, about the way she held herself. Something suggested to Mordi there was more to Isole Frost than she was letting him—or anyone—see.
Armistand had introduced her as Zoë‘s replacement. And now she sat beside him, looking prim and proper in a white linen suit, her blond hair pulled up into a perfectly coiffed knot. Her face was angular, all shadows and lights, and her piercing blue eyes reflected strength and an innate professionalism.
In sum, she was starkly beautiful and utterly distant. She’d given Mordi a quick glance when she entered, nodded briefly, then taken her own seat across from Armistand. Now she was taking copious notes, showing not the slightest bit of interest in him.
For the best, he supposed. She’d got his attention, that was for sure. But unless she was the world’s best actress, she wasn’t nearly as fascinated as him. Besides, getting involved with any woman would be a mistake. And considering this woman was showing absolutely no interest in him, he supposed that he was in no danger of having to extricate himself from a romantic entanglement.
Too bad.
He must have sighed, because suddenly both Armistand and Isole turned to look at him.
“Are we boring you?” the elder asked from behind the broad expanse of his oak desk.
“Sorry, sir. Something in my throat.” He brushed his neck for effect, and Armistand grunted, then focused again on his notes. In the upholstered guest chair next to Mordi, Isole lifted an eyebrow, her expression suggesting that she saw right through him.
Armistand flipped two pages, grunted again, then looked back up, his gaze landing first on Isole, then moving quickly to Mordi. “So we are clear, then? You understand the role you’re to play?”
Mordi’s stomach twisted, and he had the sudden sensation of being back in boarding school, thrust to the front of the room to work a quadratic equation when he’d spent the entire class trying to surreptitiously levitate a pencil on the schoolmaster’s desk.
“Mr. Black?”
Mordi swallowed. “Of course, sir. The Council—”
“—wants to reassure the mortal representatives that Protectors can be assimilated into mortal culture and that we are no threat,” Isole said, sitting forward slightly and not looking at Mordi. “Because of our heritage as Halflings, Mordichai and I are already somewhat integrated into mortal society. We can provide a good face, if you will, for the Council and, hopefully, smooth the negotiations.”
She sat back then and recrossed her legs. He tried to catch her eye, wanting to signal his thanks, but she studiously avoided him.
Armistand’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you, Ms. Frost. However, I had meant to inquire of Mr. Black.”
Her eyes widened, and she lifted her hand, pressing her fingers lightly over her mouth. “Oh, I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t even think. I was just so excited about being a part of this endeavor that I—”
Armistand cut her off with a wave of a hand, his expression softening. Clearly, he bought what the girl was selling.
For someone who’d just embarrassed herself, though, she had managed to not even raise a hint of blush. Considering how fair she was, that was quite a feat indeed, and Mordi suddenly realized what was going on. She hadn’t jumped in out of excitement. She’d jumped in to save his butt.
Maybe she was a little intrigued by him after all....
“Mr. Black?”
He cleared his throat. “I think Ms. Frost did an excellent job of summarizing our role. I’d only like to add that it’s an honor to be able to assist the Council in this matter.”
Armistand’s face didn’t soften as it had for Isole, but neither did he challenge Mordi again. Not being a fool, Mordi took that as a victory.
“Very well.” Armistand closed his portfolio. Apparently, the meeting was over. “We’ll expect to see you at the next committee meeting. Plan to make a good impression on the mortal representatives. And it would probably be a good idea for you two to meet with the mortal liaisons beforehand. My assistant will make the necessary arrangements and e-mail you the date and location. That will be all.”
Isole stood, and Mordi followed her lead. “Thank you, sir,” he said, then turned to leave, holding the door open so that Isole could precede him through.
He’d expected her to wait for him, but apparently she had other intentions. By the time he pulled the door shut, she was already halfway down the hall, her heels clicking on the polished stone floor.
“Ms. Frost,” he called, picking up his pace so that she wouldn’t reach the elevator and disappear. “Isole!”
She stopped, and he saw her shoulders sag just slightly. Then she turned and faced him, irritation lining her perfect features. “I have an appointment in five minutes,” she said. “Will this take long?”
Taken aback, Mordi stopped cold. “Don’t worry. I won’t take up too much of your precious time.”
“Then I’d suggest you get on with it.”
Mordi grimaced. So much for his fantasy that he might actually connect with this woman. She practically dripped icicles. “I got the impression that you meant what you said to Elder Armistand—that this project was high priority.”
“I did mean it,” she said, apparently unruffled.
“Then perhaps you could demonstrate it,” he said. He gestured to himself. “We’re both working on this project. Perhaps you could eke out a few minutes to discuss our game plan?”
She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think so, Mr. Black. If you’re not interested in paying attention during the Elder’s presentation, I hardly intend to play tutor now.”
He felt his face warm. “I appreciate you covering me in there.”
“Believe me, Mr. Black,” she said, “I acted entirely out of self-interest. If you look like a fool, then so do I. So do all Halflings.”
“All the more reason for us to talk and plan what we’re doing next.”
She licked her lips, the gesture softening her ice-cold demeanor. She avoided his eyes, managing instead to look everywhere else in the hall. For a moment, he thought she would agree. Then she shook her head, looked him straight in the eye, and said with cold clarity, “I don’t think so. We’re just supposed to be our normal, charming, half-mortal selves. I think I can handle that without a game plan,” she said.
“Charm is on the agenda?” he snapped back. “I’m thinking you may need to practice.”
He immediately regretted the words. Not that they seemed to bother her. Isole Frost simply glanced at her wristwatch, then turned away. “My appointment,” she said. And then she was gone.
Leaving Mordi to wonder what the heck had just happened ... and why in Hades he was attracted to such an ice princess in the first place.
It really was a conundrum, and he was frowning, his mind filled with thoughts of Isole Frost, when his holo-pager beeped. He flipped it open, his frown deepening when Phelonium Prigg appeared on the display. Simpering little bureaucrat twit.
Mordi nodded, hoping his disdain didn’t show on his face. “Yes?”
“The High Elder has asked me to inform you of your newest assignment.”
Mordi lifted an eyebrow. “Another assignment?”
Prigg ignored the comment, barreling on with purpose. “You are to assist with re-assimilation assessments. A high-level Outcast has applied, and Zephron believes that you should be involved in the process.”
“That’s really not my field,” Mordi said, thinking he’d rather shove toothpicks under his fingernails. “Who’s the Outcast?”
“I’m sorry, Zephron asked that I not reveal that information at this time. He’s currently in a very important meeting, and asks that you wait for him in his office, where he’ll give you the full overview of the assignment.” At the words “very important,” Prigg stood up straighter and lifted his chin, as if the importance of Zephron’s meetings somehow reflected on him.
“Fine. Whatever.” Mordi didn’t like it, but he could hardly argue. “At least tell me who the counselor is.”
“Isole Frost,” Prigg said.
Mordi stared at the three-dimensional image. “Frost?”
“Yes. Why?”
Suddenly the assignment didn’t seem that terrible after all. “Thanks. I already know Ms. Frost. I’ll head on over there now and meet up with Zephron later.”
“I really don’t think that’s—”
Mordi flipped the case on his holo-pager closed, taking a perverse satisfaction in shutting up the little twerp ... and anticipating the look on Isole Frost’s face when she learned that Mordi was her brand-new assistant.
After being dissed by the girl, he had to say, the afternoon was looking up.