Page 29 of The Rowan
“I can make you feel so good,” he rasps, stroking my wrist with his finger, subtly pulsing sex magic into the vein on my wrist. “I’m the son of the highest-ranking incubus, and I can make you come a hundred different ways. After you suck my cock and beg, of course.”
I lean down to peer into his eyes, while I grab on to the finger at my wrist. Bending it completely backward, I hold it there. “And I’m the daughter of the executioner. I can kill you a hundred different ways. Want to play?”
His face pales, then he sneers, “You’re not a demon, and definitely not Vargas Karth’s daughter.”
A hand cups my shoulder, and I look up. A blond giant stands behind me, shadows obscuring most of his face, except for his bright blue eyes. Smiling, I lean back. “I’ll let you get acquainted with my brother while I go get your drinks.”
Giving Callyx a kiss on the cheek, I leave him with the smarmy table of incubi. “Make them forget our conversation,” I whisper.
Callyx narrows his eyes and nods. He takes a seat next to the dickhead while I go get their order.
I didn’t realize incubi were such dicks. Astor pops into my mind. Well, except for him. He’s an asshole, but not a dick.
Huh, I guess Astor is growing on me.
When I return, they all stand and bow to me. I motion for them to sit before I set down their drinks. “Will that be all, gentlemen?” I query, emphasizing the gentlemen part.
In unison, they nod their head yes. Callyx gets up and guides me over to his table as his friends wave from the dance floor. I’ve known them all since we were children, so I wave back.
“You should tell his father you saved his life. If he’d ruined my good mood, I’d have stabbed him and maybe cut one of his balls off,” I jokingly tell him. “Enough. Tell me, how are they?” Homesickness wells up in me. I’ve never been away from Solandis and Vargas for this long, and I miss them terribly, and our home. I’ve called them a few times, but given we’re all in hiding, we’ve limited our contact with each other.
Callyx pulls me into a bear hug. “That’s from Dad.” He gives me a kiss on my cheek. “That’s from Mom.” He punches me in the arm. “That’s from me.” He laughs. “They’re good, still in hiding. Dad is pretty pissed he hasn’t figured out who’s trying to assassinate you. Mom is trying to reach the queen to ask for her help. They miss you.”
I laugh and tap him on the chin with my fist. “I miss them.” He looks wounded, and I shrug. “You’re grown up, and you’ve been out of the house for a while. I’m used to seeing them every day.”
“You worried us. I went by your hotel, and they said you’d checked out. Why? Did you find an apartment?” He folds his arms in front of him.
Let the interrogation begin. “Long story, but it was vandalized, and ultimately, too hard to defend. Too many people coming and going to put in a proper ward. Plus, I was going back and forth between here and there for training, then for work. It was crazy. It’s easier now,” I vaguely explain.
“Easier?” He reads between the lines, and anger crosses his face. “You’re living here?”
“Shh, I don’t want the entire world to know. Especially our friendly neighborhood assassins. I’m safer here than any other place. Do you disagree?” I challenge him.
Wiping his hand across his face in irritation, he scowls. “I don’t like it, but I think you’re right. Of course, you have to tell Dad.” He smirks in anticipation.
Groaning, I agree. “I know. I will. Give me a day or three.”
Seeing a silver ponytail flash by, I reach out and grab Meri’s arm. Quick as lightning, she whips around and shifts her weight to the balls of her feet.
Interesting. Fight ready in less than a second.
“Whoa, tiger. I want to introduce you to my family. Callyx, this is my friend, Meri. Meri, meet Callyx, my adopted brother.” I chuckle at the inside joke.
“Ha, I’m not adopted. You’re adopted, remember?” Callyx interjects, turning his charm on Meri. “Hello, Meri. It’s nice to know she’s capable of making friends.”
Meri seems frozen in place for a second, as if a movie is flashing in front of her eyes. She barely shakes his hand. “It’s you—I mean, it’s wonderful to meet you.”
I blink at the expression on her face. She’s mesmerized by him. Turning to Callyx, I realize he’s feeling the same. A voice calls out my name.
“Yep, okay. I’ve got to go take care of my tables. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted…or reacquainted,” I murmur, slipping away.
A few minutes later, I return as Callyx is getting ready to leave. “Are you leaving already?”
“I’ve got to check into something. Why?” he replies, his eyes following Meri.
I bite my lip, debating, but decide to ask him. “If you’re around tomorrow, want to accompany me somewhere? I could use the backup.”
“Sure, text me,” he confirms. After giving me a hard hug, he walks out.
