Page 18 of Bloodguard

I cross my arms and look around. The table seems sturdy. Maybe she’ll want me to take her there.

Standing. Sitting. Crouched. Swinging. I’ll do anything she wants me to do. That meal was superb, and that bath looks heavenly. I just want to get to the fucking part soon—so I can get to the sleeping part even faster. After today’s fight, every inch of my body aches except the ones she plans on using.

The floorboards on the porch creak. Looks like it’s finally time for theladyto grace me with her presence. Her guards will wait outside, I presume, to make certain I don’t kill her.

Her guards, which there’s still no sign of…

Instead, that servant from the garden steps through the door, a basketful of greens under their arm this time. They’re taller than I thought. A lot taller—either an elven woman or a wiry human man. Given the outfit, it’s safe to assume the latter. Good. Easier in a fight.His expression is blank. At least I think it is. It’s hard to tell with that hood covering most of his face.

But then he sees me and jumps, dropping everything, including his jaw, on the floor.

“My, you’re huge up close,” he breathes. “I just might need help taking care of you.”

“I don’t need anyone to ‘take care of me,’” I say. “I’m just waiting for Neela.”

“For Neela?” He cocks his head. “Why?”

“So I can fuck her,” I say, pointing out the obvious.

“What?”the servant shrieks. Yeah,shrieks. I could kill every soul in this place if I wanted—a comforting reminder, actually—and they sent a fucking teenager to watch over me. The dazzling stupidity of the noble class.

I sigh. “Fine, so I can ‘make love’ to her,” I try, using air quotes this time.

“You can’t sleep with Neela…” The boy gives it some thought. “I mean, maybe you could if you’re her type.” He shrugs. “Anyway, at least for the moment, you’re stuck with me.”

“Listen, I’m in no mood to fight with anyone right now.” I fix him with a look that’s sent multiple enemies sprinting far and fast. “Go back to your mistress and tell her I haven’t got all night. I’ve had a real shitter of a day, so I’d like to get on with this and then get some actual rest. Now run along, kid.”

“I amnota kid,” he says, affronted and pulling back his hood. It’s only then I realize he’s a she, and she’s…her.

Strands of hair as rich as mahogany escape her braid to fall against her cheek. She starts to brush them aside but realizes I’m staring at her, and instead she lets her hair partially cover her face.

Her braid slides along her lower back as she turns to place her cloak on the chair, and I follow it to a view of the graciously curved ass that was hidden beneath.

Tan suede breeches cover her long legs, her black boots hitting right below the knee. Her blouse is black, as is the leather corset holding her top in place and emphasizing her womanly physique. Yeah, she’s a woman all right. Nothing gets past me.

“There’s a lot I need to do to you,” she says, then straightens and turns back to me. “Are you ready to start?”

“Start?” I ask.

She nods.

I point. “With you?”

Another nod.

“And not Neela?”

“No, not Neela…” She tilts her chin as if there’s something wrong with me. “Ah, could you get in? This may take all night.”

Yeah. I’ll bet. I follow in the direction she motions and realize she means the tub.

“You want me in the tub?” I ask. Typical royal—she’s expecting me to wash. Hell forbid I soil her body with mine.

There’s that look again. “Where else would we do it?”

“The floor?” I offer.

“How in Old Erth are you still alive?” she asks. “You’re completely irrational.”

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