Cyprian took Riley’s hand and pulled her up from her seat, then goaded her through the row of potted trees.
“I’m getting Feroze’s handheld, and finishing this bullshit. So, if you’d be so kind as to get lost, my date will be coming back soon.”
A growl rolled through Cyprian’s chest, as he backed Riley into one of the trees.
“I don’t like what you’re up to,” he snarled.
“Well, since you aren’t my master, you don’t have a say,” Riley bit out.
“You are so damn stubborn. Will you stop for one minute with the sarcasm and just listen to me?”
“Save it.”
Riley attempted to pull away, but Cyprian gripped her wrist. Before she knew it, he brought it to his mouth and nicked her skin. Riley gasped as the insidious heat from his drugged bite worked its way through her bloodstream, making every sense stand at attention.
“How dare you,” she hissed.
“Find me when you’re willing to listen. I’ll be the one shadowing your every move.”
Cyprian released her then disappeared through the foliage.
Riley returned to the table and sat. The heat from Cyprian’s bite was doing wicked things, like it did when he fucked her. Except this time there was no relief. Riley’s nipples hardened to painful stiff little buds, and her clit throbbed mercilessly. Just the brush of fabric against her inflamed flesh sent every nerve screaming. A stream of moisture leaked down her thigh, making her shift uncomfortably in her seat. Riley looked through the crowd to see Cyprian staring at her with a smug look on his face.
The bastard knew exactly what he was doing when he bit me.
Riley seethed at the way Cyprian thought he could yank her chain. What she couldn’t understand was why?
I can play dirty too.
She looked to see Feroze standing off on his own, talking on his handheld. Riley strode toward him, with an exaggerated sway in her hips, meant for Cyprian.
“I understand. I’m glad you managed to land. You have my location,” Feroze said, as she approached.
Riley paused hearing the odd statement.
When Riley circled around Feroze, he halted his conversation. His eyes narrowed on her, as he hung up and dropped his communicator in his jacket.
“I imagine an important man like you always has business to attend to,” Riley said, as she stepped into Feroze’s personal space.
Feroze’s pinched expression softened as he eyed her. Being this close to him, made her want to retch. The regent was positively repellant. The pheromone Cyprian injected her with made the sensation worse, but Riley pressed on.
“I bet being a regent is hard work,” Riley whispered close to his chest. “I could show you ways to relax.” Riley ran her hands over Feroze’s arms and down his sides. She pulled the handheld from his pocket, as her arms circled his waist. “Let’s get those drinks and see if we can find someplace a little less crowded.”
“I agree, exotic one.”
As Riley pulled back, she shifted, tucking the handheld in the folds of her shawl. Feroze led Riley to the beverage table, where Riley saw June and Tytus talking with other guests. Riley approached the couple.
“I am going to go for a little walk. It’s a bit overwhelming with all these people,” Riley said loud enough for Feroze to hear. As Riley gave June a hug, she passed her shawl to her friend. “I overheard him talking to someone who just landed. He said something about this location. I’ll see what else I can learn,” Riley whispered in June’s ear before breaking away.
“They probably won’t start serving mid-meal for half an hour. Try to take a break,” June replied sounding sympathetic to Riley’s fabricated excuse.
I got it. Half an hour and you come looking for me, Riley smiled and nodded in understanding.
Tytus looked slightly confused as he glanced from June to Riley and Feroze. Then his expression shifted. Obviously, June hadn’t mentioned what they were doing. Before Tytus could say anything, Riley walked away.
“You are very affectionate,” Feroze commented as he took her arm, then maneuvered her away from the crowd.
“I am,” Riley agreed as she cast the regent a salacious grin. Meanwhile her skin crawled where is arm touched hers.
“I thought the rumors about human females and their affection was exaggerated. I’m beginning to see that they are not,” Feroze purred with a gleam in his eyes.
Dream on asshole!
Cyprian de Praefectus
“Just keep touching her, so I can rip your arm off, and beat you to death with it,” Cyprian threatened Feroze under his breath, as he watched the traitor escort Riley away from the refreshment table.
His mood went from grim to feral when the two didn’t go back to their table, but headed out of the courtyard instead.