Page 46 of The Sorcerer's Thief
Julian’s shark smile is back and looking as sexy as ever. “Why, how could we say no?”
I’m in so much trouble.
Chapter 14
Julian
Percival and his brethren are an utter delight, and not just because the entire lot of them are so easy on the eyes. They’re bothinterestingandinterestedcreatures, eager to gain knowledge, just as eager to share their own.
Perfect company for the likes of Cricket and me.
The brothel is in the heart of the city. Through the doors, a wave of perfumed air tickles the nose and disguises the more earthy scent of sex. Everything is lush, soft, and decadent. Each rug, every tapestry, all the furniture.
The den is done in rich jewel tones, colorful and cozy. Plush pillows lie on every surface. Candles light the interior with a warm golden glow that pairs nicely with faerie lights floating along the ceilings.
I’ve given all who wish to learn the basic lessons in shielding, how to enchant an object for protection, and a simple spell to make oneself slightly less noticeable to a passerby. Hopefully, they’ll never need any of it, but I’m glad to have helped if they do.
Afterward, we gather around their parlor with fizzy drinks and an assortment of cakes and treats.
Farsius, who stands out as particularly flirty even in a group of flirty people, casts his piercing blue gaze on Cricket as if he wants my companion for his next snack. When he sees I’ve noticed, he winks and bites his lip. “Don’t suppose one or both of you would like to sample the wears, as it were?”
Percival elbows him. “Leave them be.”
“What? A man has to eat, hasn’t he?”
“You’ve had plenty. We know you kept tabs on a certain soldier who’s stayed in town.”
Farsius ignores him. “And it isn’t as if what I offer is worth nothing. The prices men would pay!”
“Yes, but these are guests, not clients. Not food.”
“Unless”—Farsius licks his painted lips—“theywantto be food.”
Cricket and I look at each other. His eyes sparkle with mirth. And with mischief, which must match my own. We silently dare one another, then burst out laughing at the same time.
“What theywant,” says Percival, gaze darting between us, “is obvious.”
“Each other.” Farsius purses his lips. “Well, if you change your mind, the more, the merrier.”
Cricket looks away, but I can’t take my eyes off him. The incubi are right—I do want him—but I can’t be sure he wants me. Not with the coin’s interference.
“I had been wondering how you’d been handling…you know…since the rebellion,” says Cricket. “Didn’t think I’d have the chance to find out for myself in carnal detail.”
“You know?” I tease him. “If you can’t even say it, you definitely partake. Maybe we’ll let you watch, right, Farsius?” I return his wink.
“You will not, Jules. And I can say it. I’m just not used to discussing it in public.”
“It?” I grin, challenging him.
Cricket groans dramatically. “Sex. I’m not used to talking about sex in a group setting. Or with people I just met.” He arches his brows as he mouths the wordsOr with you.
His cheeks have gone pink. The flush is pretty on him, but then again, Cricket is pretty all the time.
Percival to the rescue. “And here we talk about the beast with two backs so often the topic has grown stale.”
“Speak for yourself,” says Farsius jovially.
They chuckle, and the conversation drifts on easily. With enough alcohol and sugar, Cricket’s likely to be up chattering half the night.
