Page 79 of Decadence

“…should not go this way, Sir.”

Ikriss ignored him.

He saw figures in the distance; two male, two female.

Rykal. Arin.

Jeral in the background.

Her.

The tiny voice of sanity in the logical part of his brain was relieved that Rykal was here. All the First Division warriors that were currently on Silence—Tarak, Jeral, Lodan, Nythian, and Rykal—had been briefed on Ikriss’s condition.

They’d all reached out through the comm to offer him brief words of support. If anyone knew what it was like to be subject to arcane medical experiments, it was the warriors of the First Division.

As Ikriss neared, Rykal moved protectively in front of the human women, giving Ikriss an appraising look. He might seem easygoing on the surface, but Rykal could identify and dissect any potential threat in a heartbeat. “Damn, brother,” the warrior called out in Kordolian, a sly smile hovering on his lips. “This is sloppy. Not our usual style. Nobody thought to check that we wouldn’t cross paths?”

“Crossing paths is one thing,” Ikriss said, his voice escaping as a low, hoarse rumble. “Walking blindly into an ambush is another. How do I know that you did not allow for the probability of an accidental encounter, Ry?” Deep down, Ikriss had to admit that the possibility had occurred to him as well.

The warrior’s expression remained suspiciously innocent. “Do you think I’m the type to leave things to chance, ‘Kriss?”

Ikriss’s gaze narrowed. Rykal could be as calculating as the rest of them, he just didn’t show it as much.

What in the cursed hells are they playing at?

“What do you think you’re doing, soldier?” Unable to restrain himself any longer, Ikriss allowed his gaze to flick toward Sienna.

She was watching him intensely.

She was utterly gorgeous.

Rykal chuckled softly. “Nothing can happen while I’m here. You’re no match for me in this condition.”

“Hm.” Ikriss suppressed a growl as he took a step forward, diverting his attention toward Sienna. “Then get the fuck out of my way.”

Rykal inclined his head and graciously moved to one side, amusement flickering across his lips.

Ikriss vowed to make the warrior pay later in the training room.

Once he was intact again…

“Sienna,” he rasped as he stopped just a hand’s breadth from her—so close he could just lean in and kiss her. He stared down into crystal-clear eyes that were filled with surprise and concern and desire.

Her golden hair was arranged in a messy topknot, with delicate wisps escaping around her ears. A pink flush suffused her cheeks. She wore a tight grey top with long sleeves and a scooping neckline that revealed a tantalizing glimpse of her perfectly rounded breasts.

Tight black leggings hugged her hips and ass and thighs, leaving little to the imagination. He’d never seen her in such revealing attire before. His gaze traveled down her body, taking in her perfect proportions; curves and lines and sensual fullness, and a hint of soft skin here and there.

His nostrils flared.

Her scent invaded his consciousness; sweet, soft, feminine musk that instantly turned him into little more than a beast-like predator.

All he had left were his instincts, and his instincts were telling him to take her.

“Wh-what are you doing here, Ikriss?” she said softly, pulling him back from the brink. “I take it this is some sort of weird coincidental encounter.” Her eyes crinkled slightly at the edges, conveying gentle humor.

“I don’t know anymore,” he rasped. “The coincidence defies probability. Supposedly, we are not supposed to meet, but Rykal has decided to act as your chaperone. He won’t allow any harm to come to you—or me.”

“But you wouldn’t hurt me, Ikriss.” Her calm acceptance anchored him in reality again. “I’m not scared of this Mating Fever or whatever it’s called. I trust you.”

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