Page 26 of Tamed By Her Touch

“They grow better when you talk to them,” Clair told him.

“There is no scientific evidence supporting that assertion.”

“There are studies.”

“Poorly controlled studies.”

“Don't listen to him, sweetheart,” Clair told the plant. “He's just jealous because I don't talk to him as nicely as I talk to you.”

“I am not jealous of a plant,” Kaelus growled.

“Of course not, honey.”

Clair blew him a kiss and reached toward the access port.

“Wait!” Kaelus said sharply.

She paused, frowning.

“What is it?”

He was already coming toward her.

“I don't like the structure of those leaves.”

Clair looked at the plant.

“What are you talking about? They're gorgeous.”

“They are edged with rigid fibers,” he pointed out.

“They're probably just structural.” Clair waved one hand dismissively.

“Or defensive,” Kaelus said, frowning.

“Oh, don't be such a worrywart,” Clair said. “I have gloves.”

She reached toward the plant again, but Kaelus moved faster. One moment Clair was reaching through the access port and the next his large hand shot past hers, pushing her wrist gently but firmly aside.

“I said wait,” he growled.

At that exact moment, the plant moved.

The violet leaves snapped inward with startling speed and a long silver barb shot from between them.

Kaelus jerked and let out a muffled curse in the Kindred language.

“Kaelus!” Clair exclaimed, worried. “What happened?”

“Exactly what I was afraid would happen.”

He pulled his hand back and she saw a gleaming purple thorn nearly three inches long was buried in the center of his palm.

“Oh my God!” she gasped.

“It is nothing,” Kaelus said dismissively, but he was grimacing in pain.

“Nothing?” Clair demanded. “You have a three-inch purple thorn sticking out of your hand!”