Page 66 of Warrior's Captive
“Females armed with knowledge are dangerous,” he muttered.
“Why are you stalling? You know I’m going to have to learn about everything they entail eventually.”
Tai’ri smiled. “Maybe I just don’t want you to know yet exactly how deep I am in your thrall.”
But she felt there was something else he was keeping from her, something about—ah. “Tai’ri—are we fully, officially bonded? I thought we had to . . . consummate the bond before it was complete.”
His voice deepened. “We do.”
“Out of curiosity, what happens if we don’t? Will the marks go away?”
He narrowed his eyes, straightening slowly from his relaxed slouch, and began to answer when a male entered, dressed in a sleek jumpsuit that managed to look stylish even thought it was a uniform.
“I’m Kaidell,” he said, gaze stuck on Vivian as his eyes widened. “I’m ecstatic to serve you today.”
Vivian shifted, a little uncomfortable by his regard. Other than Tai’ri and Vykhan, she hadn’t interacted with any men since her time in the pens. Her breathing quickened, but she forced herself to remain calm, trying to mitigate the unexpected stress response.
“I requested a female,” Tai’ri said softly.
The masseuse bowed. “Our apologies. There was a scheduling conflict this morning and because of our cancellation policy . . . .”
“I should have been informed. Vivian?” His arm rose to her shoulders, fingers tightening around her upper arm almost possessively.
Vivian didn’t speak at first, waiting until she was certain her voice would sound normal. “I’m sorry, Tai’ri. I don’t think—would a cancellation be too much trouble?”
“I completed a tutorial in human physiology this morning,” the masseuse said earnestly. “There are few structural differences between Yadeshi females and Earth females. I assure you—”
Tai’ri cut him off. “I’m certain you’re well qualified. But I requested a female, or if none is available, we’ll use the room until our time is up.”
The male’s eyes widened. Vivian’s panic receded a bit as she watched a violet stain on his cheeks. “Well, our facility isn’t licensed for services beyond those listed on our menu.”
“We’ll simply relax and enjoy the refreshments,” Tai’ri said, voice dry.
Vivian blinked. “Oh. He thinks—” she shut her mouth, amused as well as embarrassed. “I see.”
“We happen to have a whirlpool available right now,” the masseuse said. “Might I offer that as an alternative?”
“A whirlpool?” She glanced at Tai’ri. “We did have an impromptu massage last night—” she stopped, blushed, then gathered her composure. “I wouldn’t mind floating around in a pool.”
Tai’ri gave her a vulpine smile; slight, charming, and utterly male. “Whateveryada’amiwants.”
“Then it’s settled,” the masseuse said brightly. “This way. No bathing suits are required.”
“I was, in fact, counting on that,” Tai’ri said.
* * *
The pool was set into the floor, the tiles a warm, textured stone. The sky light continued into this room as well, sun rays bouncing off more strategically placed crystals. Birds chirped, and a gentle breeze scented with sand and sea wafted through the air. The masseuse excused himself after giving them a tour of the discreet wall panel with options to program temperature, scents, sound and water pressure.
She fled to one of the discreet stalls for a quick solar shower, then changed out of the fluffy robe into a silky summer one. Walking to the edge of the pool, she dipped her big toe in, then looked around. Tai’ri wasn’t back yet, and the clear water offered little in way of coverage. She couldn’t enter the pool in the robe; that would only betray the depth of her nervousness and make her look silly.
Taking a deep breath, she allowed the fabric to drop down to the ground and stepped forward.
“Let me help you.”
She jumped, startled, but Tai’ri’s hands on her shoulders kept her steady. “You don’t makeanynoise.”
“Bare feet.” His voice was warm with amusement, and something else. “Stone floors.”
