“That sucks,” he said flatly when she was finished. “You mean her adopted parents shipped her off here just because they didn’t want her with their son?”
“Apparently it’s a huge stigma there,” Nadiah said. “The fact that they were living in the same household and from the same clan.”
“But they weren’t related by blood,” Rast protested.
Nadiah nodded. “That’s what I kept saying too. But apparently Lissa’s people look on it the same as if she had actually fallen in love with her own flesh and blood older brother.”
Rast made a face. “That would be sick.”
“Exactly. Which is why she was forced to renounce her true love and was exiled here to First World.”
“I hope you told her she was doing a good job and that we still think she’s perfect as high priestess,” Rast said.
Nadiah smiled. “Of course I did. But she asked me to talk to you, so I thought I’d better get your opinion too.”
“You know how I feel.” Rast smiled at her. “Lissa seems like a very sweet girl and I think she’ll grow into her new job as she goes. I would definitely know about that,” he added dryly, flexing his wings.
“Of course,” Nadiah said as the soft, iridescent feathers ruffled around her.
“And even if she’s a little inexperienced, she’s still a hell of a lot better than the old high priestess—uh…”
“Minverna,” Nadiah said. “I didn’t know her name either. I don’t think she went by it much.”
“No, she was all about the title and the power,” Rast said, frowning. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her since the Goddess kicked her out of the temple.”
“Lissa says she only comes out at night.” Nadiah shook her head. “I told her that has to stop. I don’t like the idea of her creeping around when we’re all asleep.”
“I don’t like it much, either.” Rast frowned. “Do you want me to go say something to her?”
“Lissa said she’d do it herself, though I got the idea she’s not exactly looking forward to it.”
“Who would?” Rast muttered.
“No one,” Nadiah said grimly. “Even without her priestess powers, Minverna is still a formidable woman.”
“Well, that’s a nice way to put it. A lot nicer than what I would have said.” He chuckled. “But anyway, tell Lissa, if she has any problems, to let me know. I’m the Councilor—that’s what I’m here for.”
“I will.” Nadiah pressed closer so that their pelvises were touching and felt something hot and hard brush against her thigh. “But who helps you with your problems, Councilor?” she asked, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.
“What problems?” Rast growled playfully. “You mean like the one you give me by being so Goddamn gorgeous and naked?”
Nadiah smiled and nudged his stiff shaft again with her thigh. “Exactly.”
“Well, since you’re the one who gave me the problem, I think you should be the one to solve it.” Rast captured her mouth in a long breathless kiss. “What do you say?” he murmured when they finally broke apart.
“I say I’d be happy to help.” With a naughty little grin, Nadiah ducked her head and placed a warm, wet kiss on his muscular abdomen. “Just hold still, Councilor. I’ll fix this problem right…now.”
Chapter Eleven
Merrick set the cruiser’s auto controls with care, putting the little ship on a direct intersect for Rageron and making sure they wouldn’t overshoot. He checked everything twice just to be sure and was about to check a third time when he realized what he was doing—he was procrastinating. Putting off the moment when he’d have to go down the ship’s corridor and share his bed with Elise. And it wasn’t because he didn’t want to touch her.
It was because he wanted to touch her too damn much.
His hands itched to caress her smooth, silky skin and his shaft hardened in his flight pants at the thought of holding her small, perfectly formed body next to his. Though he knew the feelings came from their artificial bond, he couldn’t help himself—they felt real. And all he wanted to do was lay her down on the bed and stroke and kiss and caress her until she came, over and over, with his name on her lips.
Shouldn’t feel this way. We’re barely talking to each other, and this fucking bond between us is fake.
But it didn’t matter. Or rather, Merrick couldn’t make it matter, even though he tried. Tried like a son-of-a-bitch.
“This is stupid,” he muttered to himself. “Just fucking get in there and give her what she needs—whatever it is.” Which would probably amount to another topless hug in which case he was going to have to be very fucking careful they didn’t touch below the waist. From the fear in Elise’s brown eyes when they’d talked about the sleeping arrangements, the feel of his hard shaft pressed against her was not going to go over well. Or course, he could always try to keep from getting hard when he touched her…