Page 112 of Dark Shaman: Love Found
She nodded and then smiled. "Speaking of getting close, could Elias stay until evening? And could you send a car for Tony? Tula is frantic." That was a slight exaggeration. Tula was worried, but far from frantic.
Navuh's expression shifted to amusement. "I'm in a generous mood after my victory," he said, walking over to his desk to pick up his phone. "I'll have someone get Tony." He paused, his smile turning wicked. "Will Tamira and Tula take turns with their paramours in that bed in the basement?"
Areana couldn't help but laugh. "You know about that?"
"My darling, I know about everything that happens in my domain. I was informed of the lovers' nest that had been created there."
"Won't that be problematic for you? You were so worried about appearances."
He walked around the desk and sat down in his chair. "The head butler is under the impression that I've been using that bed with my ladies. He might even suspect that I enjoy watching them with others."
Areana laughed. "That's so wicked."
"I know."
Areana walked over to him and deposited herself in his lap. "Speaking of wicked, I'm in the mood to play. When will you come to bed to celebrate your victory?"
His eyes darkened with desire as his hands tightened possessively on her waist. "Soon," he promised, his voice rough. "I still have a few matters to attend to."
"How long?"
"An hour. Two at most."
She pulled back to look him in the eye. "Two hours maximum. If you're not in our chambers by then, I'm coming to get you. I don't care if you're meeting with every general on the island."
He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "That's my goddess—beautiful and demanding."
"You love me like that."
"Yes," he agreed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I do." He released her reluctantly. "Go, soak in a bath until I can join you. Let the warm water absorb the tension."
"Sounds like a plan." She pulled out of his arms and walked over to the door.
She paused with her hand on the handle and turned to look at him over her shoulder. "I love you."
His expression softened in a way it only ever did for her. "I know, though I'm still baffled why, even after five thousand years."
40
ELUHEED
The mansion had settled into an exhausted quiet, the kind that follows an event so stressful that even the walls seem to need rest. Most of the debris had been cleared from the main areas, the broken glass swept away, the fallen plaster removed. The servants had retired to their quarters hours ago, grateful for Lady Areana's mercy in allowing them to rest rather than work through the night.
After Tony had been brought over from the hotel, he and Tula had claimed the basement first, disappearing down the stairs with a promise to make it quick.
It had taken them over an hour, and when they emerged with two large throw pillows and a bed cover to bring to Tula's room, they looked more relaxed and happier.
"Those will need laundering," Tula said. "They are covered in dust, but they are so pretty that I intend to take them with me when we return to the harem."
The items were a sloppy attempt at providing an excuse for Tony and Tula to be alone in the basement, but since none of the staff was around to witness Tula's act, Eluheed wondered why she was bothering.
"I didn't think about collecting items to take with me," Tamira said. "Now that you have given me the idea, I need to do a proper scavenger hunt down there."
Tula grinned. "Good luck."
"Thank you." Tamira reached for Eluheed's hand, remembering at the last moment that she shouldn't hold it. "Let's do it." She smiled at him instead.
She'd bathed and changed into one of her flowing gowns, and his knowing that she was naked underneath was making it hard for him to think coherently. Her dark hair was clean and styled, falling in loose waves around her shoulders, and her face was free of makeup.
