Page 57 of Of Steel and Scale

I nodded. “I take it, then, that you are able to bring the roof down?”

“Wouldn’t have suggested it if I couldn’t.”

I glanced at the tunnel for a second. “Will it take much energy?”

Amusement glimmered in his bright eyes. “Worried I won’t have the strength to rise to the occasion later on?”

I grinned. “From what I’ve witnessed over the years, a man could be three-quarters dead and still be erect and ready to go if opportunity arises.”

“If it was your luscious body they were reacting to, I am not surprised.”

“Luscious? Perhaps you need to get your eyes tested, husband, because I’m as far from luscious as you can get, especially in the breast department.”

“Your breasts are small, granted, but they are perfectly formed. And more than a handful is a waste?—”

“Said no man ever,” I cut in dryly, even as desire stirred. My breasts had been called many things—pimples, stone fruit, a waste of time—but never had anyone called them perfect. “And there’s no need to sweet-talk me—I have already decided to taste your wares.”

“And I do like a good tasting.” His slow smile was decidedly sexy, and my pulse skipped up several beats. “Rest assured I will return the favor.”

“Excellent.” It came out a little husky, and the heat in his gaze increased. I cleared my throat and did my best to ignore it. My pulse nevertheless skipped along in happy abandon, no doubt anticipating what was, at best, hours away. “Why I asked is—I was wondering if you could create some sort of barrier shield on the two internal entry points into the old aerie. Gria won’t be able to fly for a few days yet, and I’m worried about these invaders—or someone from Esan—randomly finding their way in.”

Eat if docame Kaia’s thought.

Eating isn’t the answer to every problem.

Is when men come hunt.

Have you ever eaten anyone?

Too gristly, no tastecame the response.Better to bite and drop.

I smothered a laugh.Seriously?

Yes. No meat on bones.

“I gather Kaia is commenting on the proposal?” Damon said, voice dry again.

“More on how gristly people are as a meal. Why?”

“Because you get this very distracted expression when you’re listening to her.” He paused, frowning. “She really said we’re gristly?”

“Too gristly, no taste, and no meat on our bones, apparently.”

“I’m not sure whether to be worried by that comment or amused.”

“You’re safe from being taste tested,” I said with a grin. “And she’s promised to make Gria leave you alone.”

“Hmmm,” he said, in a gravelly, surprisingly sexy way.

But I suspected I’d find anything he did sexy right now. Rahtee—the goddess of lust, passion, and sexual pleasure—might have spent too many years overlooking my needs, but she’d definitely decided to hit me with the desire stick hard and heavy now.

I only hoped reality could live up to imagination. I suspected it would, but I’d been disappointed before far too many times.

“So, youcanraise the barrier?”

“Yes, although my blood alone will not be enough.”

“I could ask Kaia if she could bring in a capra.”

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