Page 36 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“But they’re…” he trails off, his lips pursed.

“Kissing,” I say. “They’re kissing.”

“You shouldn’t be watching something like this,” he grumbles. With a snap of his fingers, he stops the movie.

My eyes widen in outrage.

“Why did you do that?”

It was just getting to the most interesting part, too!

Casablancais one of the most explicit movies I’ve seen so far—and I’ve seen tens of them. I was looking forward to getting more information about what couples do in the intimacy of their home. Of course Kai had to come and ruin my fun.

“It’s also inappropriate for an unmated lady such as yourself.”

I narrow my eyes at him.

“Is it? Don’t people in Aperion kiss too?” I ask him.

Heat travels up his neck.

“Kissing. That is what they call it here?” He clears his throat.

That confirms it. Aperites kiss, too. And I have to wonder how my brother knows about it.

“So it does exist in Aperion, too,” I remark drily.

“It is something only mated couples engage in. These humans are far too free with their attentions,” he mutters under his breath.

“Then how would you know about it?” I ask as I watch him intently.

He shrugs.

“I will remind you I am three thousand years older than you,” he mentions.

“And you’re still unmated. So how would you know? Who have you been kissing, Kai?” I ask accusingly.

“Just becauseyouhaven’t seen it doesn’t mean I haven’t,” he replies lazily as he leans back in his seat.

I study his features for any sign of deceit. Then again, my brotherisa stickler for rules. I do not see him going around kissing anyone without the benefit of marriage. And who would he even kiss? Highborn ladies are just as sheltered as me in that regard. The only other option would be one of those bawdy houses that I’ve heard so many rumors about.

I shake my head at the thought.

Kai would never step foot inside a bawdy house.

“Well, nowIwant to see it, and you are disturbing me. Please see yourself out and let me finish the movie. It was already hard enough to get a showing without all those humans loudly yapping around.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” He takes a deep breath. “You need to come with me,” he says and grabs my hand.

“What? Where?”

The words are barely out of my mouth when he teleports us to a vacant building. I don’t recognize the location, but based on the architecture and the steel appliances abandoned in a corner, I am certain we have not left England yet.

“What’s the meaning of this?” I demand sharply as I pull my hand from his grasp.

“General Molokai. And Lady Minerva,” someone says. The owner of the voice steps out from the shadows and my eyes widen.

He’s garbed in a long, pearlescent gown tied around the waist with a wide red belt. I recognize the uniform immediately and what this means.

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