Page 40 of Shadowing Bright
She hoped Vaia was doing well.It had turned into a very strange evening.
* * * *
Vaia looked over Azreen’sshoulder.“What are you doing?”
“Making an offer on the Grunwald mansion.”
“What?Why?”
“Because it is the largest in the city, barring the mayor’s mansion.If I shift, I need space.If my father shows up, we need space.If my mother shows up, I want to be able to put her in a distant wing.”
Vaia smiled slightly.“If Kremoryn wants to visit and defile some sheets, I want that as far away from me as possible.”
Azreen chuckled.“So, shall we take a nap and then go see the property?”
“We can wait until tomorrow evening.I am just wanting to spend some time asleep without anyone checking my pulse or giving me drugs.”
Azreen looked at the website and nodded.“If that one isn’t available, we can go on to the next one.”
Vaia was on the way to the bedroom.“You are serious about settling here?”
“Of course.This is where my wife lives.I may have to travel occasionally, but that will be few and far between.You will be invited to join me whenever possible.”
She pushed the door open and looked over her shoulder at him.“So, after forgetting about me for years, you suddenly remember me...oh lord.”
She looked at the bed that was wide enough for six, and Azreen laughed as he took in her expression.“It seems that he enjoys company.”
Vaia inhaled slowly and said, “All new sheets, all new sheets.”She looked at him.“Which side do you sleep on?”
“Closest to the door.”
“Okay.I will be in the north quad then.”She walked over to the edge of the bed nearest the window and started to undress.She kicked off her shoes and released the small loop on top of the zipper.It took some fidgeting to get it, and she was tired enough that her fingers slipped.Azreen came over and unzipped her dress, kissing her shoulder.
“Thanks.”
“My pleasure.”He ran his hands down her arms and sighed softly before he turned and went to the other side of the bed.
She got naked and slipped between the sheets.She settled and laughed silently.
Azreen was reaching to turn off the light.“What?”
“It really is a comfortable bed.”
He laughed and turned to her, his eyes glowing softly.“Good night, Vaia.”
“Good night, Azreen.”
She curled into the bedding and closed her eyes.It was such a comfortable bed.
Vaia woke up extremely warm, and her pulse was not centred in her body; it was far lower.Arms held her, and there was a soft sigh as he pulled her close.She breathed in sharply as she figured out that she was on his side of the bed, and he had caught her before she had just crawled over him.She tried to ease away, and he held her tight.
“Stay.Please.”His voice moved over, around, and through her.
“I am sorry.I...at home, I have my bed against a wall and a pile of stuffed animals.”
He laughed softly and slowly caressed her spine.“I will accept anything you want to press against me with a joyous heart.”
She chuckled and shifted her legs.His thigh was between her knees.“You can sleep like this?”
