Page 96 of By the Horns
“So much studying,” Raptor agrees, tracing a finger on the coverlet.
“Oh gods, we need to get out of here quick, Kipp.” Arrod makes a gagging sound like he’s a twelve-year-old and not twenty-seven. Kipp races for the double doors, and Arrod is two steps behind him.
I arch a brow at Raptor. I’m not sure why he’s implying that we’re going to fuck, because there’s no time alone. Marta is sweeping the hall, and Master Jay is moping in his study. I haven’t felt neglected, though. He holds me close every night, stroking my arm and snuggling me against his larger form. He constantly reassures me that he won’t let anything happen to me.
“I’ll burn the city down myself before I let them touch a hair on your head,” he told me last night as he caressed my cheek.
I don’t know how I managed to resist him for so long. Pure foolishness, I suppose. Now he’s my own personal obsession. I’m starting to crave his knot, and I ache inside every time he looks at me.
When the others are gone, I sit on the edge of the bed and give him a curious look. “You were quick to get rid of them.”
He grins up at me. “They don’t need to go where we’re going today.”
He has a plan. Interesting. “And wherearewe going today, hmm?”
“You and I are heading to visit a friend.” He sits up on the bed, swinging his legs over the side.
I’m a little disappointed we aren’t going to take this moment to indulge in horny fantasies. I suppose it’s not appropriate, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want it. “What sort of friend?”
“A potion maker.”
Of all the things I thought he’d say, that isn’t one. “What do you mean, a potion maker?”
“I mean she makes potions.”
I wrinkle my nose. Potion makers are charlatans who pop up in every town and village, peddling herbal remedies that never do what they claim. “Why would we do that?”
Raptor eyes me curiously. “I thought you’d be interested in how she manages her magic.”
Now he’s got me. “She hasmagic?”
“Well, aye. What kind of potion maker did you think we were going to visit?”
“I don’t know, some old coot who tells you to drink a bottle of stagnant water with an herb floating in it or tells you to rub lemon rinds on your feet and charges you out the arse for their expertise. That kind.”
He waves a hand at that. “Those are fakes. This one makes real potions.”
“How, exactly?”
“That’s what we’re going to find out. You want to go or not?”
“I want to go. Absolutely. This person freely works as a mancer?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say freely. She’s quite expensive.” He chuckles. “I’ve been known to imbibe a few of her potions. They’re all that’s kept me sane over the last few years.”
“Potions? You? What for?” I’m surprised. Raptor seems to be brimming with health. He’s the most virile male I’ve ever met.
He grins at my incredulousness. “Such flattery. You know what it’s for.”
And he pats his groin.
Oh.
“For yourknot?” Why is that so scandalous? Why am I so titillated?
“Aye. It keeps me in a…heightened state, which is not beneficial during longer digs. I get cranky and impulsive and moody to be around. So…potions. I’ve been a customer of hers for many years.”
“What happens if you take one of her potions?”
