Page 16 of The Lost Art of Seducing a Mage Warrior

“Why I’m here? I mean, I’m sureeveryonedoesn’t know, but…”

He couldn’t quite figure out how to phrase it.

Brannal only laughed.

“Oh, trust me, between Molun and Cormal, everyone does probably know. But their knowledge doesn’t really impact me one way or the other.”

All right, then.

Brannal eyed him. “Why, does it bother you?”

“That an incredibly attractive Mage Warrior wants to sleep with me? Of course not.”

Brannal laughed, but there was still something like caution in his eyes. “That everyone knows? You weren’t exactly expecting an interrogation this morning.”

“If I hadn’t wanted everyone to know, I wouldn’t have mentioned last night.”

“That wasn’t just you losing your temper?”

Perian’s lips tipped up, and he offered a half nod to concede the point. “Well, maybe a little. But I’ve never seen the point in hiding where I get my pleasure. I mean, I might not normally announce it in the hallway to all and sundry, but it’s not a secret.” Perian shrugged. “And I suppose sometimes that means that people make assumptions about me, but I’ve never really understood why assuming I like pleasure is actually a bad thing, you know? It’s only if someone gets, uh, presumptuous that there’s a problem.”

His father had been both liberal and open, and he’d said that pleasure and such urges were a natural part of life, and it was important to understand those feelings.

Brannal’s voice had grown deeper and firmer. “If anyone gives you any trouble here, tell me immediately.”

“Oh, uh, yes, of course.”

Full consent between involved parties was definitely of paramount importance, and his father had taught him that from the beginning, too.

“I mean it,” Brannal said.

“I’m agreeing with you,” Perian pointed out.

Brannal squinted at him. “I thought you might argue more.”

Perian stiffened. “If you think Ilikedwhat happened in the street, then you can—”

Brannal grabbed his arm and squeezed gently. “No! Of course not! I only thought you might resent my insisting on getting involved.”

Perian considered this and finally relaxed. “If anyone is a bit presumptuous but I can easily get rid of them, then I’m going to do so. If anyone is giving me a hard time and doesn’t understand my explanation that no means no, then I will be happy to involve you and all your lovely muscles.”

For a moment, it looked as though Brannal was going to allow himself to be distracted, but alas, it didn’t work.

“Exactly how often are people… presumptuous?”

Perian made a face. “I haven’t actually counted?”

Brannal offered a very unimpressed expression that made Perian laugh. Brannal tried to keep looking stern, but his lips twitched up.

“I’ll have you know that this expression has been known to make people cry.”

Perian couldn’t help but grin at him. “Is that right?”

Brannal nodded.

“Well, either I’m made of much sterner stuff than those others, or perhaps spending time in your bed confers immunity.”

Brannal let out a crack of laughter. “Well, then, I guess there’s plenty of benefits for both of us.”

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