“I really don’t know why you care, since you’re awfully buddy buddy with the scaly bastards who kidnapped me and my friend.”
“Some of my business partners aren’t so honorable. That’s why you need to listen to me.” He made the only excuse he could.
“Honor. Right,” Riley said incredulously.
Cyprian closed his eyes in frustration. He hated feeling Riley pull away from him, as well as her condemnation. But he couldn’t ease her fears about him.
“Take down your attitude a notch, and stop questioning my honor. I told you I don’t condone what happened to your friend. And no one is ever to touch you but me. Now go use the washroom. We have someplace to be.”
“Fine,” Riley replied tersely as she glared at him. She was pissed, but he could live with that. It was better than her tears.
Riley got up and strode to the washroom gloriously naked. Cyprian admired the colorful ink running down her back, and the way her full hips swayed hypnotically. If she had a cauda trailing behind her, he had no doubt it would be flicking in agitation. For some twisted reason, her ire incited him. A rumble moved through his chest, as thoughts of throwing Riley down on the bed, teased him. The door slamming shut, pulled Cyprian out of his less than honorable thoughts.
Goddess, I’m a bastard.
Riley
Riley took a long leisurely shower. It felt so good waking up in Cyprians arms, after the dreams she’d been having. Then he opened his mouth and ruined the moment.
You’re delusional. What do you expect? You’re lucky he doesn’t make you sleep on the floor, like a damn dog.
Riley pulled in several relaxing, deep breaths. She needed to stop getting aggravated at Cyprian. And she needed to stop ticking him off, if she was going to get on his good side. That was the only way he’d let her see June and Ion when they got back to his world.
“I’m screwed. He’s going to be perpetually pissed at me,” Riley huffed as she turned off the shower.
Her default state was irreverent and sarcastic. She cussed like a sailor and had a wild streak that could get her in trouble if she didn’t put a lid on it. She had all the qualities that made for a bad slave.
“Cyprian bought himself a lemon. He should demand his money back.”
Riley found her lacey purple bra on the floor and put it on, but her panties were nowhere to be found. She secured a towel around her chest, then wrapped another around her damp hair. Riley exited the bathroom to find Cyprian standing impatiently by the bed. Riley attempted to not look amused that she made him wait. Although his smirk was kind of funny.
And a tad sexy.
The general was dressed again in his leather kilt, and leg armor. The man looked like a mercenary armed for war, with all the weapons strapped to his chest.
“Come here,” he said as he held out a giant robe.
Well at least I won’t be naked. That was a relief.
Riley walked over to Cyprian. Unabashed, she dropped her towel and held her arms out at her sides, silently demanding he dress her. Cyprian’s left brow rose, but he slipped the cloak on her anyway. Riley repressed another ornery smile.
“I don’t like this garment,” Cyprian commented as he fingered the strap on her bra.
“Well it keeps these puppies from bouncing around. I know they’re not put-your-eye-out big, but they still get in the way sometimes.”
“Compared to a Cadi female, your breasts are rather large,” Cyprian commented as he admired her chest. “But, I think they are just right.”
It was nice to know he found them appealing.
Riley looked down at herself as they discussed her boobs. Her eyes drifted lower and she groaned. She hadn’t been able to groom herself in a while.
Cyprian’s brow arched quizzically, seeing the smirk on her face.
“I’m fine.”
“Tell me what is bothering you? It is my duty to see to your needs,” Cyprian said with genuine concern.
Riley paused hearing Cyprian’s comment. It was sweet and slightly disturbing at the same time.
“I need to shave. I don’t know how hairy you get, but I like to keep my armpits, legs, and everything in between smooth,” Riley admitted as she gestured to her beaver.
“Ah. I can grow hair on my face, and this will get longer if I don’t cut it,” he said as he tugged on the short unruly crop of hair on his crown. “But everything else stays naturally short.”
Riley recalled the fine hair below his belt. It was thicker at his crotch, but hardly a burden.
“Must be nice,” she commented.
Her eyes widened when Cyprian pulled a knife from the strap on his chest, and got down on his knees. He was eye level with her disorderly lady business.