Page 19 of Changeling
“Beyond the obvious? No.” Danya leans forward, the line of her cleavage drawing my attention. “I take it you prefer twigs to peaches, then, huh? A pity. You’re awfully good-looking.”
Normally, I would, prefer twigs to peaches, that is, but this odd sensation hits me that has me doubting my preferences. Her lips are plush. They’d be soft. And her breasts too. Welcoming and warm. Maybe I’m missing out. Maybe she’s right. Maybe…
“Danya!” Dominus snarls from behind me.
My mind spins, even as I whirl to face him. I didn’t hear the bottles clink as the door opened or anything. He looks even angrier than usual. I fight the urge to cower, but he strides past, putting himself between Danya and me. I’m relieved his anger is for her, not me.
“Stop that right now,” he orders. Rather harshly, I think. “Sebastian isn’t a client. He’s a guest.”
The strange fascination I held for Danya disappears like a puff of smoke in the wind. I shake my head and step away. What was that?
Her lips form a pout. “Sorry,” she mumbles.
“It’s not only me you owe an apology.” Dominus looks my way.
So does Danya. “My apologies, Sebastian. It was only a little bit of sway. Just for fun.”
I’m still not sure what’s happening, but Dominus won’t want to speak to me, and I suspect Danya isn’t trustworthy. That’s the second timeswayhas been mentioned. Maybe Leonas will explain when next I see him.
Dominus’s giant dinner-plate-sized hand lands on my shoulder. “I’ll escort you to your room.”
I’m torn between shrugging him off because I’m perfectly capable of getting there myself and enjoying the heat seeping from his palm to my back. Easier not to resist. His touch wins.
Without a word, he steers me through both parlors and down the narrow hall, then stops at my door. “I apologize for that. I made it clear to the other incubi you were not to be swayed, but Danya isn't known for her strict adherence to the rules.” A scowl passes over his pretty features, made even prettier with rouge, gloss, and kohl.
He isn’t running off. No better time to posit my theory. “So is sway another form of magic you have? Does it mean you can make someone want you against their will?”
Dominus frowns. “Not exactly. There must be some seed of compatibility and willingness for sway to work.”
That doesn’t make sense. “But I don’t fancy women.”
“No, I imagine you don’t.” His lips pull up into a smile. Against his will, I’d wager. “But you’re a pleaser, are you not? You enjoy earning the approval of others?”
Why does he make that sound dirty? And how does he know that to begin with? I cross my arms and try for casual nonchalance. “So?”
“So you may not have naturally pursued Danya, but she wanted you. And it feels good to be wanted. And you aim to please. So…” He gestures I should intuit the rest. I do. My cheeks flush warmly.
“But I wouldn’t have. Not on my own.”
“Right. Which is why I ordered you off-limits. She was wrong to pursue you, and I’m sorry it happened under my roof. It won’t happen again.” Dominus gives a little bow like he’s about to take his leave.
“Wait.” I gather my thoughts while he stares at me. Something isn’t adding up. “How did you know to come when you did?”
“I didn’t.”
When no further explanation is forthcoming, I ask, “Then why does it seem like you did?”
“It was a fortunate coincidence,” Dominus huffs, placing hands on hips. “I often check on our security myself, and with Leonas off elsewhere, even more so.”
He sounds sincere, but can I believe him? “Where’s Leonas?”
“That’s none of your concern.” His fingers tap a jittery rhythm on his hip bones. “No need to worry.”
What’s that supposed to mean? “Well, I wasn’t worried until you said not to worry. Is he okay?”
“Of course.”
“Then why would you tell me not to worry?”
