Page 55 of Xerxes Ascendant
“I really don’t trust you will,” she said dismissively. “You’ll stay in this room where my men can keep an eye on you, and if you attempt to escape, you’ll be given much less pleasant accommodations.” Perfect white teeth flashed bluntly in the light. “I will not hesitate to throw a venerated House Masterinto a small, disgusting cell if that’s what it takes to prove my sincerity.”
“We have homes,” Kyle protested. “And responsibilities!”
Well, Akira did. But the point stood.
“Which you’ll see tomorrow, assuming you succeed on your mission.” Sinead’s voice sharpened. “Don’t test me, dear.”
“Can we at least have our runepads back?”
“No. You might call for help.”
“I don’t even know where we are,” Kyle protested.
Sinead was unmoved. Jerking her head towards Akira, she spoke the words with precise accusation. “He does.”
The gleam in the Master’s eye confirmed the suspicion. “Your men didn’t take nearly enough precautions to disguise our route.”
“I’ll have them render you unconscious next time.” Sinead crossed to the door and rapped elegantly on it with her knuckles. It opened immediately. “You’ll be provided with food and entertainment during your stay with us,” she said graciously as if this really was a hotel and she hadn’t just threatened them in the same breath, and then turned to speak to whoever was on the other side of the door. From Kyle’s position in the chair where he was still bound, he couldn’t see through the open doorway. “Justoneof you. Master Epsilon lost his privileges when he abused our hospitality by escaping his restraints.”
“How inconsiderate of you,” Kyle whispered to Akira, who flashed him an amused look.
A man that Misha would call over-dressed – meaning he was wearing a pair of boxers, a bow tie around his neck, and nothing else – stepped into the room and dipped his head to Sinead.
“This is Sandie,” Sinead declared, reaching up to ruffle the dusky blonde hair of the man that suggested it was a nickname only. He blinked owlishly at Kyle, sultry eyelashes fluttering. “He’s all yours for the day, Mr. Randall. And fully paid for,” sheadded. The wicked, daring smile she shot in Akira’s direction said she was looking to get a rise out of him, but he just smiled mildly back at her.
“Be good, boys,” cooed Sinead, and evidently disappointed that she hadn’t provoked a Coterie Master into berating her for extending her claws into prohibited sex work, left the room without a backwards glance.
Sandie licked his lips and then dropped to his knees.
Kyle
What animal am I?
Akira
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Kyle
You know, if I was an animal
What would I be
You're a cat. Emotionally selective, social on your own schedule, tend to lash out when things get overwhelming, and you wear that what-the-fuck-do-you-think-you're-doing glare all the time
You're also super cuddly when you're in the mood
Bet you prefer pressure when you're being petted as it helps you relax more, don't you?
So what am I?
Akira
A golden retriever.
Kyle
:) Awww, that's a dog, right? Why??
