Page 38 of Kiss of Fire

“Okay, okay. I get it. But when we’re alone, you have to stop shouting at me.”

“By the gods, are all humans as argumentative as you?”

“What’s wrong with arguing? This isn’t some weird backwards world where women aren’t allowed to speak, is it? Because if it is, I’m out of here. I’ve already spent ten years being told what to do.”

“Women can live as they please. But astonishing as it might seem, the women in my life trynotto anger me.”

“Clearly you haven’t met the right woman yet.”

“On that, halfling, we are agreed. For now, we will settle for a crash course in protocol. And…” his eyes flickered over her clothing, “…some more appropriate attire.”

Raya’s cheeks reddened. She knew she looked like shit, but he didn’t have to make it so obvious.

“Fine. Where are we going?”

His wings flared as he turned his face to the south.

“Home.”

Sixteen

‘Home’ was a massive stone castle perched at the top of a hill. One side was built right to the edge of a sheer drop. Hundreds of metres below, a river thundered through a valley like a rafter’s white water dream.

There was a platform jutting out over the abyss and this was where Shade alighted. He set Raya down, the shadow bonds melting from her immediately. She peeked over the side nervously. There were no guard-rails. One wrong step and it was instant death.

She scooted after Shade as he strode into the room beyond. A bedroom, she saw. Strike that.Hisbedroom. At least, she assumed it was his bedroom because there was a half-naked woman lying languidly on the bed among tangled silken sheets.

Shade stopped.

“Leona. What are you doing here?”

“My Lord, you said I could stay as long as I wanted.” The red-haired beauty ran her eyes over Raya. “I did not realise you would be bringing company back.”

She slid out of bed, not bothering to cover herself. She wore nothing but a sheer chemise through which her body was clearly visible.

So this was Leona. No wonder Shade dreamed about her.

Raya tried to look anywhere but at the woman’s breasts. They were magnificent. Shade didn’t seem to notice. He was obviously used to half-naked women wandering about his bedroom.

“Leona, this is Raya. The one I told you about.”

“Nice to meet you, Raya.”

Leona’s bright green eyes examined her with frank curiosity and Raya was embarrassed at how she must look.

“Hi. Um, sorry to disturb you.”

“Not at all. I’ll leave you both together. No doubt you have things to discuss.”

“Actually I could use your help, Leona.” Shade gestured at Raya. “With this. Clothes and such.”

“It may take some work, my Lord.” Leona’s tone was doubtful.

“I need her tolooklike a Vulcani, even if she can’tactlike one. Yet.”

“Hey, I’m standing right here!”

Shade ignored her.

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