Page 32 of Instinct for Disaster

Cassandra nodded, and she pulled her boots off. “You are correct. Not a problem.”

She set her boots down neatly, removed her weapons, and pulled off her leggings. “Are you staying to watch?”

“May I?”

She shrugged. “Sure.” She folded her leggings.

She pulled her tunic over her head and folded it. All she was wearing now was the tracking cuff.

She got up, turned, and flipped the bedding back. “What are you going to be doing while I am out?”

“Making grooming appointments for you.”

She tucked herself under the sheet and turned on her side to face him. “Why are you doing that? I am free, right?”

He crouched next to the bed and stroked her cheek. “Because I have designs on your body, and I want it in the best condition. So, a spa day with your friend will be just the thing, I think.”

“Nessa will enjoy that.”

“Why do you have so many weapons?”

“I am never going to be caught off guard again. The universe is a dangerous place. I need to be ready.”

He nodded. “You will be, kit. Get some rest.” He kissed her forehead and left her to rest in his bed.

Chapter Six

Cassandra woke up to food smells. She caught the hint of citrus and sat up, holding the sheet to her chest. The world was dark, and it had the feel of after midnight.

Softly glowing crystals around the room were in domed bowls that had an opening in their tops to let the light out.

Yasku was working at the desk and glanced at her. “Feel rested?”

“Yes, Overseer.”

He gave her a dark look. “You are the one person allowed just to call me by my name. You might want to abuse the privilege.”

She wrinkled her nose and went looking for the food. “Sure, but I am being polite. Every time I thinkYasku, my brain suggestsbutthead.”

He got up. “That is a little too disrespectful.”

Cassandra blinked and realized that she probably shouldn’t have taunted him while naked.

He slid an arm behind her back and lifted her against his chest. “So, you wake quickly. Good to know.”

Yasku’s kiss was slow, and she hoped her breath wasn’t terrible. If it were, it didn’t slow him down.

The kiss was surprisingly fun, considering his fangs. Cassandra kept one hand on the sheet but held onto his shoulder with the other. His tongue teased at hers, and the slow rhythm that he started was sending echoes down her body. They were localizing around her sex, and she began getting slick.

Her nails clenched on his shoulder, and she pushed at him. He grinned and slowly pulled his head back. “Is my tongue too rough?”

“No. Yes. Maybe.” She blinked.

“So, one kiss gets you this hot? I am impressed. Your species with companion ratings are spectacular. I understand why the bond prices are cascading upward.”

“Good thing I am free.”

He rubbed his cheek against hers. “That makes you priceless. Good thing I have all the funds in the world and a few others. What do you want for your consort agreement?”

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