He frowned for a beat. “No.” He lifted his arm and this time he did touch her on the side of the arm. It was a light brush of the fingers. Everywhere he touched, those cells seemed to spring to life. Her skin warmed. A moan hovered on her lips.

“Don’t.” She shook her head, looking pointedly at his hand.

Torrent dropped his arm back to his side. “I think we are highly compatible. It is a good thing.” He nodded, looking pleased with himself. “I think that going through the motions of making tea will calm you down.”

“Nothing will calm me down. The only thing that would help is if you took me home.”

He shook his head. His jaw tightened. “No can do. I think I will make us some tea now. Would you mind?” He gestured towards the kitchen area, which was situated to the one side of the big open area. It was modern, with gleaming surfaces and stainless steel appliances. It contrasted with the rest of the space but somehow worked.

She shrugged. “Go right ahead.” She choked out a laugh. “I can’t believe you are actually asking my permission.”

He had already begun to make his way towards the kitchen and turned. “I gave you a choice from the word go.”

“Except for the part where I was abducted.” She folded her arms.

“Except for that part.” He put the kettle on and grabbed some mugs. “Can I make you a cup?”

She shrugged. A hot drink sounded good but she didn’t know if she wanted one from him.

He smiled. Good lord, he was even more good looking when he smiled. He was like those models on the covers of men’s magazines about health and exercise only more good looking. It irritated her that she was attracted to him.

Torrent ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll go ahead and make you one.” He threw another teabag into a teapot. Then he turned and folded his arms.

Biceps aside, his forearms were huge. His shoulders were broad and… nope. She wasn’t looking. Candy turned to face the beautiful view. The one that was outside, not inside.

“I’m sorry you were abducted and that you suffered at the hands of those she-dragons. Please know that I have reported the matter to the fire king and the females will be punished.”

“Punished?” She turned back to Torrent.