Page 43 of Instinct for Disaster

She was pressed against the woven leather shirt that he preferred with his leather leggings. “The leather is nice, but I miss the feel of you.”

The kiss was sudden, and she was pulled up against him while he expressed a little of the mood he was in.

His palm covered her mostly naked back, and he paused. “Cassandra?”

“Yes, Yasku?”

“Do you have wing buds?”

She paused. “No. Why?”

“Because you have wing buds.” He said, “I have a scanner.”

He walked off and took her away. She lazily kicked her legs as she called out, “Sorry, Nessa.”

They headed to a corner of the palace, and Yasku kicked everyone out. He set her in the scanner, and it started to hum around her.Wing buds? Wtf?

* * * *

Nessa looked at Kiddel. “So, should I creep to the kitchen or something?”

Two of the Hmrain at the table looked her over, and one of them surprised her. She knew that face and the study in greys. She was wearing that silver bastard on her back. “Yeah, I am going to head to the kitchen.”

A familiar voice called out to her. “Hey, Nessa, right?” Two tall human women walked into the light. They had been tucked in the shadows.

“Harwin?” Nessa grinned and walked over to grip the woman’s forearm. “And you would be Kris?”

“I am. Sorry. We are still on duty.”

The green-scaled woman called out. “Girls, please, enjoy yourselves. It isn’t often you have a chance to speak to one of your own.”

Nessa smiled. “I thank you, Lady.”

“Merchant, child. Address me as merchant.”

“Yes, Merchant.” Nessa smiled.

Harwin moved them into a corner of the room while keeping an eye on all the doors.

Nessa asked, “You are bodyguards?”

Kris nodded. “Yes. Madam Yorness was very happy to find a matched set of us. She likes the idea of matching bodyguards.”

Nessa grinned, and they started chatting. Harwin looked behind Nessa, and she said, “My lord? Is there a reason that you are staring at my friend?”

“It appears that she has a portrait on her back. A portrait of my trading partner.”

Nessa didn’t turn around. She spoke over her shoulder. “Ah, I am a big fan.”

Harwin laughed.

The second Hmrain was moving and said, “What in the hells?”

Nessa said, “If it offends you, don’t look, my lord.”

Harwin was snickering.

Nessa felt a curious finger stroke the tattoo exposed by the dress. “My lord, I am a free woman and not here to be pawed.”

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