Chapter 6

Since the time that Sly held her during the mission involving the ball, Mayura had never felt so protected—and in Rajan's arms to further her astonishment. After he had embraced her all of the girl's strength seemed to vanish and the tiger was being so gentle it was painful.

" Why..." Mayura mumbled," I came to fight you and..."

Rajan gave a thoughtful nod and headed towards a room down the hall," Because, Ms. Mayura, there is something about you...something I can't quite place my finger on." His response only caused more tears to form in her eyes." You will find everything you need here, should you want to leave no one will stop you Ms.—"

" Mayura..." She said clearly." Just...call me Mayura..."

" Mayura," spoke the tiger gently putting her on her feet." Then I will require that you call me Rajan, no more...no less. And, Mayura, I know you may want a bath and you will find it just behind that door. I will return after you are finished, I shall have a servant bring you clothes so do not think about putting back on that muddy outfit. I won't have it."

" Y-yessir!"

Clutching her hands to her chest the wolf watched as he left the room and instantly felt like crumbling to the floor and crying. However the better part of her kept her from doing just that, she'd take that bath and calm down to think about what to do. Slowly she made her way towards the door and stepped inside, it wasn't as lavished as that in the guestroom's near the palace but it wasn't exactly lacking either. Heaving a sigh she fumbled with the knobs until she found the right temperature for the water and slipped out of her mud covered clothes. A simple pair of jeans and a blouse, man how casual she dressed.

Looking at herself in the mirror all the hatred she felt for her strange appearance came back—this made her beautiful? Rajan had said that at the ball, how silly...

Strange how his mood lifted, before Mayura came demanding a fight, he had been so enraged that he could barely think straight. But now...now she was within his keep and safe from further heartache. Odd how protective he had become of her.

Rising Rajan headed out the door and towards Mayura's room, an hour had nearly passed since she began her bath—surely she was out and properly dressed. He had ordered one of his most trusted men to see to it that she had clean clothes before she came out of the bath.

Opening the door the tiger froze and Mayura screamed, all but leaping under the blankets of the bed. He felt as embarrassed as she looked, he'd mortified her—by the Gods she was supposed to have fresh clothes!

" Forgive me Mayura, I had assumed—"

" N-no..." she squeaked, her face flushed the brightest red imaginable." I-I was going to get the clothes w-when you walked in..."

Rajan followed where her finger pointed, on the table were the clothes that he'd ordered be sent to her room. Not only was she mortified so was he, the spice lord was in such a hurry to see her that he didn't even knock on the door. Bowing he opened the door," When you are fully dressed call for me, I will be right outside your door, Mayura."

When the door closed he leaned against it, he hadn't imagined seeing her draped in nothing but a mere towel, but the picture was burned into his brain for sure now. No telling what she'd look like when she was—forcing the thought from his head, his brain took all the mental power in the world. She was unlike anything he'd seen, beautiful but completely exotic—long legs and slender arms...there he went again! Rajan was ready to punch himself when he voice came from the other side of the door, after which he straightened and strode in.

Navy blue silk went so well with her eyes, thought the tiger with a smile, he'd taken a liking to it once he saw her at the palace. A low v-neck collar that was just above showing any cleavage—not that it mattered whether it did or not to him! Slits up both sides of the dress, stopping just above her thighs. Oh what a sight she was for longing eyes!

Her tail swishing back and forth nervously Mayura watched as something sparked in the tiger's eyes, something she'd never seen—or at least directed towards her. Was that lust she saw in his gold eyes? No, she must have thought she saw it, she wasn't desirable...at least she thought not.

" Erm..." Rajan coughed to clear his throat." That dress suits you, Mayura."

" It reminds me of the dress I wore at the ball..." She barely spoke above a whisper, probably still embarrassed from what had happened." Thank you for saying so..."

Stepping forward the tiger smiled warmly," When a compliment is due it is spoken, I do not lie about such things." His heart tightened when she smiled, so tender and trusting...and it was all directed at him." Are you hungry Mayura? If so dinner will be served in just a few minutes...would you care to join me?"

" Of course...how could I refuse?"

" It will be a lovely change to dine with someone...I'm accustomed to eating alone."

Mayura's heart went out to him," How lonely...I always had my brother there for me."

It was a start that would lead to friendship that would last forever, Rajan was sure of that, but he was certain that he would not want her a friend for long...he wanted her for more than a good listener and to give him company...much more.

I promise my story won't get that out of hand but this is my first try in a year at writing a cute romance, don't look for the extremely extreme though! I always get cold feet right before I start writing... Personally I've written a few stories like that...thinks Yeah, one or two but I have them locked away somewhere in my private folder!

I bet, by the 5th chapter you guys caught on, maybe before—Mayura-chan is heading towards a 'friendship' with Rajan. lol I'm telling you, Rajan rocks, he's such a cute kitty! You'd never believe but I had actually dreamed this story and started writing it the following day! Funny how dreams lead to inspiration!

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