Page 38 of Hers to Keep

“That everything was as it should be.”

Ashdei’s face broke into a grin.“That sounds like she agrees with my plan.”

“Getting under my skirt isn’t a plan.”

“Are you trying to avoid having sex with me for a particular reason?Based on what I’ve seen, you don’t seem like a prude, so I’m genuinely curious.”

“I don’t make a habit of sleeping with random strangers.”

“Ahh.”Ashdei waved his hand, and a chair from across the room moved to take up position across from her.

She eyed him with suspicion as he sat.“What are you doing?”

“Letting you get to know me.”He crossed his legs at the knee.“Where would you like to start?”

“That’s it?I just ask, and you answer?You don’t want to know anything about me?”

The corners of his lips lifted again.“I know everything I need to know, duckling.You’re going to be the next Prince of Earth, and I’ll be privileged enough to be your consort, if you’ll have me.I don’t have the hangups you do about sex as a business transaction.”

“See, that’s the problem right there.I don’t think it should be a transaction.”

He tilted his head.“Isn’t it?I please you.You please me.Transaction.”

Dohal snorted, but didn’t interject.

“There should be some emotion involved too.”

Ashdei considered what she said for a long moment.“Is desire not an emotion?”

Mari blinked at him.“Well, yes.”

“Good, then I have all that’s required.”He leaned forward, clearly pleased with himself.“Now, what do you need from me?”

She let out an exasperated breath.“This isn’t how I do things.I’m not just going to make boxes for you to check.”

“At the risk of speaking out of turn,” Dohal said, looking to Mari for permission before proceeding.“I do think you’re being a little unfair to him.”

Of all the things she had expected from this interaction, it wasn’t that Dohal would takehisside.“How do you mean?”

“What he’s done to get in your good graces is not unlike what I did.I came to your rescue when you needed me, and then when I wanted you, I pursued you.”

She stared for a few seconds before she could respond, “There’s a world of difference, Dohal.”

“I fail to see how.”

“Because you weren’t being manipulative about it.”

“But I was.I invaded your thoughts, your dreams.”

“You said I invited you.”

“You did.”He shook his head.“But the same is true of him.The goddess called him to you.”

Mari looked Ashdei over again.As much as she hated to admit it, he made a lot of sense.“Why do you need my protection?”

“Like any powerful creature, I have enemies.Were I to claim the Prince of Earth title as I intended, they would come for me.The pact was a preventative measure.”

“More dangerous enemies than the Old One?”

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