Page 13 of Tasteful Anarchy and Tangled Auras
“Can you get dressed, please?” She gestures to the bundle on the table and continues. “Next month, for Mabon.”
I eye the bundle but don’t move. “Did you not want to consummate our consort bond?”
She blinks in confusion. “Aren’t you angry?”
“Oh, definitely, but that can make for some great sex.”
Sighing, she pulls a chair up to the bed and sits. “Look, I’m sorry. I was hurt. I shouldn’t have trapped you here with no clothes.”
My eyebrows rise. A female—a royal one at that—apologizing? I sit up, crossing my legs.
“I did some thinking,” she continues. “And some research. I was wrong. I do want to learn more about your...group.”
I blink at her, glass of whiskey frozen halfway to my mouth. Honestly, I could have been knocked over with a feather. Sheapologizedandadmitted she was wronganddid something to make up for things by both bringing me clothes and “researching,” whatever that means. Between that, her fantastic library, her delightful sarcasm, her sensitive nipples, and the little snores she makes while sleeping, I might say I am falling for her.
How the actual fuck did I get here? This was not in the plan. Not even in Plan B.
She glares, grey eyes hard, then throws the clothes directly at me. “Fine. Be an obstinate ass. It’s not surprising, really.”
Before I even think of responding to her apology, she has already stormed out of the bedroom and into the bathroom.
How am I fucking this up six ways from Sunday?
I stand but hesitate. She is obviously still upset. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that she has come to the conclusion that I was only trying to get into her pants in order to get her to agree to meet with some of the other EA leaders. I run a hand through my hair and pull on the pants she had brought me. Leaving them unbuttoned, I head towards the sound of the water.
“Adi...,” I start tentatively, “I accept your apology.” I love the sound of her nickname coming from my mouth.
“Phenomenal,” she dryly replies from the shower.
I bite back a smile. “I’d love to tell you more about Elfin Anarchists, if you’re willing to hear it. And I’m dressed, by the way.”
“I’m shocked you figured out how to put them on all by yourself.”
Damn, she is in a mood. I chuckle as I retreat to the bedroom, grab my book and whiskey, and head to the library. Before I sit, I pour her a whiskey and put it near a chair next to mine. Then I plunk down, drain my drink, and try to figure out how to get back on her good side. Assuming she has one, feisty little cat.
WHEN ADI FINALLY COMESinto the library, I am sealing an envelope. “Would you show me your summoning space? I need a servant to deliver this.”
“Can’t bring it yourself?” She raises an eyebrow as she flops into the chair and picks up the whiskey I had poured her. I feel my heart hitch, seeing her accepting the drink. She is wearing a high-necked teal sweater that barely reaches her gorgeous, ample ass, which is covered in black leggings. She throws a leg over the arm of the chair and shoots the whiskey. “Who is it to?”
I get up to retrieve the bottle and refill her glass. “My mother. A request for my things, since I’ll be moving in here. And just enough innuendo about how busy I am to get the Court gossips’ tongues wagging about wheremytongue is wagging.”
She purses her lips. “For someone who wants to dismantle the monarchy, you sure know a lot about how the Court works.”
“Just because I don’t give a fuck about the game doesn’t mean I don’t understand how it’s played.” I sit with a fresh whiskey for myself. “Are we going to tonight’s ball?”
“Would you like to?” she asks, surprised.
“I’d rather be flayed and tossed into the ocean, but if it pleases you, Priestess, I shall attend. I am at your command.”
“Now you’re teasing again.” She pulls a face. It’s adorable. I want to press my thumbs into her little worry lines and massage them away.
I cock my head. “I am not teasing. If you wish to go show off your consort, or otherwise be seen by the Court, I shall go with you.”
She shakes her head adamantly, curls flying. “I certainly don’t want to go. I can just hear my aunts now.” She grimaces. “Besides, I think tonight, at least, we have a good excuse.”
“We let them think we were too busy to leave the bed?”
Her face falls a fraction, but she quickly says, “Exactly.”
