“Over my dead body, I thought. Yes, even immortals use that phrase. It has extra oomph for us.”

“Yes. Reyn is our resident horse master. He has an excellent seat."I grinned. "I've noticed."Reyn's face tightened and Nell flushed, looking embarrassed. "It's an equestrian term.""Really? I thought you were talking about his ass.”

“Oh my God, can you see me? I thought I was wearing my invisibility cloak.”

“He gave a hard smile and the oxygen in my lungs evaporated. “Weboth know I’m not a gentleman.”“Yeah. Okay, let me out. I’m tired.”“There’s something else,” he said, and I groaned.“What now?”“This.” He stepped closer to me, so close that the containers weresandwiched between us. His eyeslooked down into mine, intent and golden, like a lion.“Oh, no, you don’t!” I hissed, dropping everything. I pushed hardagainst his chest; it was like shovinga tree.“Yes,” he said very softly, leaning down. “Yes, I do.”

“My sister thought about it for a few moments. "Well, that's boring," she said finally. "Why can't you read porn of something fun that I could borrow?"I laughed. "Maybe later.”

“You went to all that trouble just for my body?" I said, amazed and so grateful.Reyn looked up, irritation on his face. "Yeah. We were going to have you stuffed, as an example to future students."I grinned, "You could put me on wheels, move me from room to room.”

“Better stupid and safe that smart and dead.”