ALEK JERKED BACK, THEN FLUSHED red, turning to stare at Loushka for a moment. I got the idea and bit my lip to keep from laughing. Actually, my head now spun in a rather impressive manner. The awful thumping had vanished and my veins felt like they hummed with desire. I could feel a very silly look develop on my face and glanced down to hide it.

'SORRY.' ALEK THOUGHT SHEEPISHLY.

'Oh I don't mind,' Loushka thought, 'And Cat certainly seems better for it. But next ...