Page 10 of Locking Down Qetesh

"They don't really flaunt it," I said.

"And you?"

"I've not slept with Aine, if that's what you're asking."

"It wasn't," he responded. "But I suppose it is good to know that you haven't slept with the boss."

"Would it change anything if I had?" I asked curiously.

"No. I don't spend very much time thinking about other people's sex lives."

I paused for a moment, not really knowing what to say in response. If I was true to myself, then there was a way I'd want to take the conversation, but I wasn't sure if I could say the words out loud.

"Qetesh?" he prompted.

I cleared my throat. "You can call me Tesha if you prefer," I said.

"Tesha," he said softly. I liked the way he said my name, it made me feel as if I could trust him. "Did I say something wrong? You went quiet."

"No, it's not you," I promised. "It's...complicated."

"I can get Ella..."

"No," I blurted out. "Don't get Ella."

"All right then, maybe we should talk of something safer. What's your favourite flavour of ice cream?"

"What?" I asked with a laugh.

"Your favourite kind of ice cream," he said. "What is it?"

"Praline. What about yours?"

"Banana cream."

I wrinkled my nose. "Really?"

He laughed. "It reminds me of being a kid."

"I suppose that's a nice reason to have a favourite ice cream."

"I wouldn't make anyone else eat it," he promised. "I might like it, but I know that not everyone else does."

"So a bit like sex, then."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, sex goddess," I murmured.

He gave me a curious look, like he'd figured out one of my biggest secrets despite the fact I'd never told anyone about it. "I thought you weren't a sex goddess."

"It's complicated," I murmured.

"Well, if you want to talk about it, then I can listen."

"You barely know me," I pointed out.

"Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone who is almost a stranger. Though if I listen to my little sister, you're already part of the family."

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