The Demon Prince by Ann Aguirre

Author:Ann Aguirre [Aguirre, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Paranormal, Fiction
Publisher: Ann Aguirre
Published: 2017-03-22T18:00:00+00:00

16.

Sheyla could tell Alastor believed she was about to call the guard in and suggest a tryst, but he didn’t seem at all shocked. Belatedly, she recalled the bloodlust and its implications for his people. The Golgoth probably didn’t blink over group engagements; three people might qualify as tame for all she knew. Under optimal circumstances, she might be up for an adventure, but it didn’t seem like the right time for such self-indulgent behavior.

“If that’s what you want. The invitation might ease his mind, in fact.”

Does that mean Dedrick is worried about my relationship with the prince?

“I was joking, though I’m not opposed to the notion. But he seems rather disapproving.”

“He thinks I’ll get caught up in you and forget where my responsibilities lie.”

“That’s fair,” Sheyla decided, after a moment’s consideration. “That said, I don’t have the energy to manage both of you tonight.”

Alastor’s brows shot up. “Manage? I’m fascinated as to how you envision such an encounter unfolding.”

Before she could respond, his comm buzzed. From his expression, it must be good news, but she wasn’t prepared for him to pull her into a jubilant hug. The prince spun her until she was dizzy and then he let her read the text.

The ministry has voted in favor of supporting your defense initiative. Please attend the briefing, 11 am tomorrow.

“That’s fantastic,” she said. “It should be easier to persuade that factory owner too.”

Alastor sighed. “He’s the first of many. Fortunately, I don’t have to figure everything out tonight.”

“This is likely to be our last respite for a while. How would you like to spend it?” Sex was the obvious answer, but Sheyla suspected he might have other desires.

“Why don’t we see if we’ll both fit in the bath and go from there?”

“You want me to scrub your back?” The request was endearingly simple and sweet.

“Among other things.”

The vertical tub design was familiar to Sheyla, as they’d had one in the residence hall where she’d occasionally slept. It had a narrow bench where you could perch to wash yourself and a handheld sprayer. She went into the bathroom to start the hot water and set up properly, switching from shower to soak. Alastor came in behind her, naked, all hugging arms and wistful eyes, so she didn’t shoo him out.

“You should show me how to do this. I didn’t even know this was a tub.”

“There’s nothing like this in Golgerra?”

“No, our bath houses are more like yours in Ash Valley, with huge communal hot springs that come up through the stone.”

“Yours are natural then. Ours are a matter of cunning design.” She beckoned. “We should get in and enjoy the steam. Shut the door behind you.”

He did as she asked, and the heat felt exquisite misting on her tired muscles. There wasn’t a ton of room between them, but given how Alastor snuggled, he wasn’t interested in privacy or personal space. As the water rose, he relaxed against her, head on her chest.

His hair was still in braids, so she didn’t touch them.

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