Page 41 of Tis the Season for Tentacles
He shakes his head. “Doubtful. And I wouldn’t recommend trying to go outside again tonight anyway. It’s quite dangerous when the weather gets like this.”
Najar forces a smile. “We’ll be fine. Thank you. We’re very grateful to have such a… lovely room to stay in.”
The innkeeper’s eyes sparkle. “Oh good! I know you’ll love it if you give it a chance. Trust me. You won’t regret it. This room is fully stocked with anything you might need.” He gestures tothe ledge by the hot tub. “There are aphrodisiac oils for your pleasure and several types of lubricant to suit your taste. Oh, and all our sexual aids are all properly sterilized between guests and free for you to enjoy as well.”
“Uh…” is all I manage as I stare at the three rows of shelves lined with toys.
The innkeeper claps his hands together decisively. “I’ll let you get settled. Dinner will continue to be served in the tavern for another two hours, so come down at your leisure.” He winks. “Or feel free to order room service if you don’t want to leave your love nest.”
Whistling to himself, he retreats down the hall, and we’re left alone in our very own alien sex room.
I dart a quick glance at Najar, who’s calmly unbuttoning his thermal suit like the campy porn set we’ve walked into is totally normal.
Damn him.
“How are we going to make this work?” I ask.
He shrugs out of the suit and goes to hang it up in a wardrobe, where I also spy pajamas along with bathrobes and slippers.
And some leather and lace items I’m going to ignore.
“It’ll be fine,” Najar says dismissively. “The bed’s huge. We can share it easily.”
“B-but…” I sputter.
He turns and frowns. “What’s the problem?”
Evidently, he’s not remotely bothered by this situation.
Talk about a kick to the balls of my ego.So much for my meager sexual allure.
“Never mind,” I mumble.
Najar’s frown deepens. “I can sleep on the floor if the idea of sharing a bed with me is so repellent.”
Okay, now I’m just acting like a jackass.
“No. Ignore me. We can share the bed.”
I focus on undoing my thermal suit and once I’m free of the bulky garment, I hang it up in the wardrobe beside Najar’s and retreat into the bathroom and give myself a minute to calm down.
After all, Najar and I can totally share a sex-dungeon bed as platonic pals, no problem.
Right?
Chapter Nine
Chronicles of Chaos: An Informal Record of Life Aboard the Sleigh Belle
Stardate: 78391.9
Origin: Glacius Major
Status: Grounded due to weather
The crew of the Sleigh Belle is currently taking refuge in Glaciala, a town on Glacius Major, due to an unexpected snow squall that descended with fast and ferocious intent.
Fortunately, we were able to secure the last available lodging at a local inn that appears to be well prepared to deal with the weather. From what we’ve been told, such storms are common occurrences on Glacius Major and the residents here are appropriately equipped to withstand days of being stuck inside until such weather passes.
