"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 09 - Mayenne" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

"May I join you?"

"Certainly. A moment and I will summon the steward to bring more glasses."

"That will not be necessary." She stooped over the table, ignoring Chom's
lascivious eyes, the inhaled breath of Hera's disapproval, and lifted Dumarest's
goblet. She drank and replaced it, the mark of her lips clear against the crystal.
"Thank you."

It was a simple approach, and, from experience, predictable. He would now lift
the glass and drink and make some remark as to how sweet her lips had made the
wine. Casual banter without real meaning, but which could lead to other things. She
would sit beside him and they would talk, and, later perhaps, she would no longer be
bored.

The prospect excited her, his masculinity triggering her overdeveloped sexual
characteristics so that she felt the biological reaction begin to take command.
Watching, Hera felt a quick disgust. Couldn't the stupid young fool recognize the
difference between men? Did she think that Dumarest would react as, say, the
entrepreneur would in similar circumstances? Across the girl's shoulder she met his
eyes, and relaxed as she saw the quiet amusement There was no danger here.

Chom said, "Sit, my lady. Your presence sweetens the wine and, should you care
to drink from my glass, my happiness would be complete."

She looked at Dumarest. "And yours?"

"Happiness is not such a simple thing nor is it so easily obtained. If you would
care to finish the wine, my lady?"

He rose and offered her his chair. "I have drunk enough. You will excuse me?"

It was rejection and she felt a surge of anger so intense as to make her feel
physically ill. Hera's smile made things no better, but the time for revenge was not
yet. Later she would think of a way, but, for now, it was important to salvage her
pride.

"I had no intention of staying," she said coldly. "You presume to think otherwise.
I will see you later, Daroca, when you have more congenial company. In the
meantime I have other things to do." To Bitola she called, "You were going to show
me something in the hold. How long must I wait?"
***

Harg Branst riffled the cards, cut and dealt sliding each across the table. He said,
"You have made an enemy, Earl. If I were you I should be careful. That guard of
hers is an ugly customer."

Mari Analoch scowled at her hand, rings flashing on her wrinkled fingers. "She's
a stupid, oversexed bitch, and that kind are always trouble. I should know. In my