Page 70 of Infala: The Priest's Temptation
The examination continued for a while with Ella being put through a series of tests and scans, as well as a great deal of old-fashioned visual scrutiny. By the time they’d finished with her, she’d been more or less nude around them for so long that it really didn’t register anymore. Her private bits were covered after the first inspection, but her coverings were skimpy to say the least.
Fortunately, the experience was entirely clinical, and there were no lingering eyes or hands. These were professionals, and she was a remarkable case study, but nothing more.
At long last she was free to continue her day, a marvel to the newcomers, a concern to the locals.
“I see you are finished,” a familiar voice said as she stepped out into the corridor, the deep rumble of it settling her unease in an instant. “I heard you were being examined and thought you might benefit from an outing in the fresh air afterward.”
“I’d love that.” She turned back to the collected medical professionals. “I hope you all enjoy the rest of your stay,” she said by way of farewell, then moved to join her lover, careful to not give in to her impulse to jump into his arms.
Draikis was likewise carefully restrained, but a glimmer of want was clear to her in his beautiful gaze.
None seemed to notice. Not even Elder Soparo, though he did watch the two with interest as they took their leave.
“How was it?” Draikis asked once they were well out of earshot.
“Weird. Clinical. Uncomfortable, but not as much as I would have expected.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there with you. I was only informed of the examination after it had begun.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, I should have been there. I am here to support you, Ella.”
Her heart beat harder, a warm ball of joyful heat in her belly. He cared. Like,reallycared, and not just because they were now having sexytime. He hadalwaystaken care of her, and she knew in her gut he would look after her no matter what. The feeling of secure, safe love that washed over her was intoxicating in a way she could barely find words for.
“It really is okay. You can’t always be there, you know. You have a life too. And this was actually pretty interesting, truth be told.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I got to hear more details of how bad off I really was when I first got here.”
“It was bad, yes.”
“Draikis, it was more than bad. If you hadn’t gotten me to the medical guys so quickly, I would have died.”
His hand brushed hers, longing for more contact but settling for a lingering touch. It was enough; the electric charge between them made both of their Infalas pulse, along with other parts of their bodies. But not here. Not within the walls and under scrutiny of the brotherhood.
Ella spoke first, breaking the tense silence. “They seemed to like me. Do you think there’s actually the possibility of me being accepted here?”
Draikis walked in silence a moment, his thoughts heavy in the air. “You are a specimen to them, Ella. At least, to most. And the brothers are fixed in their ways.” He saw her countenancedarken slightly. “But who knows?” he quickly added. “Time will tell.”
“I guess it will,” she replied, cautiously hopeful. Things were finally going her way. And with this outsider fascination, perhaps her status would change. If she brought some kind of prestige to the Norvalians, maybe, just maybe, they’d warm to her presence.
We’ll just wait and see,she mused, reveling in the radiant warmth of the man walking so close beside her.And in the meantime, life ain’t bad at all.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Draikis and Ella walked calmly through the compound, exiting to the surrounding hills separated by a few paces, seeming to be no more than two individuals casually taking a walk and nothing more.
That changed as soon as they were out of sight, safely around a bend.
They stepped into the trees to enjoy a brief but hot make-out moment and some associated groping before composing themselves enough to continue their walk. The bulge in Draikis’s trousers was pronounced, and Ella could feel her wetness with every step. She wanted him more than she could stand. Fortunately, he was of the same mindset.
“This way,” he said, his voice husky with his barely restrained desire.
The path twisted and turned, passing through trees and fields until they reached a rocky descent. The stones almost formed steps. That was when Ella realized she’d been here before.
“The springs?” she asked as he helped her down the enormous rocks.
