Page 96 of The Outcast
“Have you had sex?”
Linea’s smile fell a little. “I live in the Motherlands.”
“Yes, but despite what you just said, I know people still have sex in the Motherlands. There are sex clubs, I heard, and couples like Mila and Jonah or Shelly and Marco.”
“I’ve studied the subject intensely, but… hmm, it’s complicated.” She broke eye contact and stepped to the window while I sat up.
“Is there anyone that you like?”
Slowly Linea turned. “I’m like you in that way, Sparrow.”
“What do you mean?”
“I haven’t found anyone in my country that I fancy.”
With a cheeky smile, I teased, “And what about your father’s country? Have you found a big bad Nman that tickles your fancy?”
She shook her head. “How could I? I never come here.”
“But many of us visit your family. What about Jones? He’s certainly as handsome as his brother.”
“You’re right. Indiana and Jones are handsome men, but one is married, and the other is too young.”
“Too young? Jones is two and a half years older than you.”
“He’s a young soul and we have nothing in common,” she argued. “Besides, Christina told me that he’s in love with someone called Astrid. She’s a little worried that Astrid is more interested in Jones for his family’s money than for his personality.”
“Then what about my brothers? Ryder and Aspen are both older than you as well. You know that they are wonderful men.”
Linea gave me a patient smile. “You’re right. They are good men, but I’m not attracted to them in a romantic way. I’m not sure why you mentioned Ryder since I’m sure you’re aware that he’s gay.”
I shrugged. “Could be that he’s bi.”
“Sure, but sadly my taste in men is like my ego; it’s a part of myself that I’m finding it hard to reconcile with.”
“What do you mean?”
Linea closed her eyes and rolled her neck. “It just means that I feel a sexual attraction to a man whom I would never want to be with outside the bedroom. It’s the same with my ego. It takes me places my heart doesn’t want to go.”
My curiosity was piqued. “Who is it?”
Linea shook her head with a dismissive smile.
“Is he a Northlander?”
She laughed. “I’m not telling, and you should focus on your own love life.”
“Is he French?”
“Maybe, but you’ll never know.”
I moved to the edge of my bed. “What if I tickle you until you answer me?”
Linea’s thick red hair waved as she walked to the door. “Why spend your energy on me when you have a hungry man heading your way? I would get ready if I were you. I could feel Banni’s energy when he spoke to you. He’s about to release a tsunami of pent-up lust.”
“But my burns?” I lifted my hand to my scalp where patches of tilapia spray still lingered.
“Are you in pain?”
