Page 9 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
She checked Argent, whose pupils were now blown wide. His breaths came in quick pants, and something was definitely happening. She could sensemorenow—bitterness, regret, and impotent fury. But strongest of all, she felt a desperate, clawing hunger.
Murmuring a final string of meaningless syllables, Michael intoned, “Here is your mistress. Will you accept her?”
Argent bent close, his breath fanning against her cheek as Tsumiko shied away.
But Michael prevented her escape. “Let him. It’s part of the bonding.”
Warm lips covered hers, and she froze.
“Relax, miss. It’s only this once, but he needs to get a taste.” Michael’s hand remained on her back, rubbing small circles. “The Amaranthine have a complex culture, and they’re a visceral, tactile people, with heightened senses and basic instincts reminiscent of animals. Their pacts and pledges almost always involve taste or touch. A kiss offers both.”
Tsumiko focused on Michael’s voice and forced herself to relax. A kiss to seal a pact. She could accept that on an intellectual level. But when Argent changed his angle of attack and lapped at her lips, she couldn’t help squeaking.
“Take it slow, Argent. Let her adjust.”
Her heart nearly stopped when her butler growled.
“He needs a taste, miss.” Michael cleared his throat. “If you could … open your mouth?”
SEVEN
First Kiss
Tsumiko rolled her eyes to the side.
Michael was there, gnawing worriedly at his lip. He tapped Argent’s shoulder, triggering another low growl. “Gently, friend.” And to her, “Please, let him satisfy the requirements of the bond.”
Really. She should be mortified that her first kiss was a chaperoned affair. Then again, this strange, inhuman creature wasn’t making love. To live, Argent needed to remake the bond he’d lost when Lady Eimi died.
This was his kiss of life, almost like the resuscitation technique she’d learned at school. But instead of feeding him air, she’d give up a little piece of her soul. It occurred to her then—albeit fleetingly—that this was an exchange. What had her predecessors bought with their kisses?
She opened her mouth, and he sighed against her lips.
Tentative flicks shifted into bolder exploration, which sent Tsumiko’s heart racing. Argent brought a hand up to cup her cheek, and the growl was back. Not the warning growl he’d given Michael, but a deeper rumble. Satisfaction?
Tsumiko liked that approval vastly more than Argent’s previous disdain, so she searched for a way to feed it. Focusing on the way his appetite collided with her awareness, she did her best to be hospitable. She caught hold of his clawing need and drew him closer, welcoming him in, unlocking her stores, inviting him to feast.
She went up on tiptoe, placing both hands over his blaze. Argent groaned, and his arms slipped around her, cradling her close. Distantly, Tsumiko heard Michael’s voice.
“That’s probably enough.”
Was she kissing him back? No, that wasn’t possible. This wasn’t a kiss.
Michael’s hand gripped her shoulder. “Push him away, miss. He’ll obey.”
But how could they stop? He was still so empty.
“Argent!” Michael said sharply. “You’redeepeningthe bond!”
Her butler dragged his lips from hers with obvious reluctance, straightening and averting his gaze.
Tsumiko could feel the frustration pouring off him, and she shared it. “He needs more! Can’t you see how shriveled he is?”
Michael grimaced. “Yes, miss. But you’re giving him too much, too fast.”
Argent stepped back, and Michael caught her arm, replacing the bracelet that would keep her soul under wraps. She rubbed at the heavy beads on her wrist. “Argent, am I wrong?”
Her butler turned away and began buttoning his shirt.
