Total pages in book: 175
Estimated words: 166095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 830(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 166095 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 830(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
She leans in, giving me a strange look. “Little one?”
“You’re still little compared to me.” She’s a handspan shorter. That counts. Besides, if she’s going to call me “master” I’m going to call her “little one.”
Bethiah makes a face, leaning in closer. She’s still wearing her heavy cloak and her robe, as if she’s fully committed to her ruse. Even in the most somber of garments, though, she’s attractive. It’s more than her lean, strong figure (which is appealing to the eye). It’s the spark of life inside her that’s just the most vibrant thing I’ve ever seen. It’s what draws me to her time and time again, even when I want to strangle her.
Instead, I plant a proprietary hand on her ass and squeeze. When she doesn’t push me away, I start thinking filthy thoughts. Like when she had her mouth on me. Kef, I’m easy to distract. Bethiah continues to press herself against me until Kaatir disappears down the hall and it grows quiet. Then, we’re alone in his dining room, just the two of us. She eyes me thoughtfully.
Uh oh. “Before you say it, we’re not robbing him.”
Bethiah mock-pouts. “That wasn’t what I came in here for.”
“You came in because you…missed me?”
She snorts, but lets one of the hands she has on my neck drift to my hair, and toys with the short locks. “No. I wanted to talk to a head that was more logical than mine because I’m starting to panic.”
Uh oh. I’m both flattered and worried. I give her ass another squeeze to distract her. “Talk to me.”
Bethiah bites her lower lip, then releases it with a subtle pop. “It’s Dora. One of the wives here let me know she’d be welcome here. That they’d protect and take care of her. And this place is secure. And she’d have so many people doting on her. You should have seen the way those women fussed over her, like they’d never seen something cute before. And this end of this particular system isn’t all that trafficked, right? What with the dead planet and all. I’m wondering if maybe this is the best spot for her.”
She must be worried, because I’m all but groping her ass and it’s not fazing her. “And what do you think?”
“My brain says it’s a great idea and my heart says kef no, she’s ours.” She makes a face and regards me. “Which is why I wanted to talk to you. Are we being selfish with her?”
“Did you ask Dora what she wanted?”
Bethiah huffs. “Of course not. I know her answer already. She’d blink those big eyes at us and declare that she wants to stay no matter what. She’s loyal.”
“But you’re not sure if that’s the right thing to do?” When she bites her lip again, I hold her a little tighter. “I think we say kef it and keep her.”
She scrutinizes me. “Gotta admit, I find that surprising coming from you. Don’t you want what’s best for her?”
“Do you think we’re bad for her?”
“Our jobs aren’t the safest.” She looks torn.
It’s surprising to me that Bethiah’s letting her guard down and showing me how vulnerable she is when it comes to Dora. This must really be tormenting her. “And she’s got two of us to look after her. If Dora’s happy, and we’re happy, what’s the problem with us being together?”
She thinks for a moment, and then a wry smile curves her mouth. “If you must know, it feels too easy.”
“You haven’t tried living with the two of us yet. I doubt Dora will think it’s easy.”
Bethiah rolls her eyes, but her smile is a little more relaxed. “I don’t want her to feel like she has to stay for our sakes. I know we don’t rub along well without her.”
“Not yet. But I’m sure we’d manage.” I gaze up at her thoughtfully. “You stop imprisoning me every time I try to flirt with you and I’m sure we’ll get along better.”
She taps a finger on my chin. “It’s called foreplay, you fool.”
Our mouths are surprisingly close together, our breath mingling. “I prefer kissing.”
“We’re not supposed to kiss without our mate’s approval,” Bethiah reminds me, even as she leans in. “But I bet biting is all right.” And she leans in and bites my lower lip gently.
I groan. “Shall we go wake her up and tell her anyhow?”
Bethiah gazes at me thoughtfully. “Nah. Let her sleep.” She gives my cheek a light slap. “Come to bed when you’re ready.”
Backing away yet again, but still progress. I’ll take it.
Fifty-Five
DORA
I wake up with Bethiah’s ponytail in my mouth and Jamef’s cock pressed up against my ass.
I’m pleased, because both of them are in bed with me. It’s not our normal tiny bed but a strange one, rounded like a bowl and filled with pillows. I slide my arms tighter around Bethiah’s waist and hug her close, breathing in her scent. If every morning ended up like this, I’d be the happiest girl in the galaxy, I think.