“Um,” Riley squeaked.
“Stay still, so I don’t nick you.”
“Wait! What are you doing?”
Riley stared at the giant knife, fearing what he planned to do with it.
Cyprian followed Riley’s panicked gaze, then his face split into a smile, as he started to laugh. His eyes crinkled, and his lips quirked up, till a dimple formed in his cheek. The sound was hearty and light. He looked devastatingly handsome. It was disarming.
“You thought I was going to shave you,” he chuckled.
“Uh, yeah. We were just talking about it.” Riley grinned back.
“No. I was planning to shorten this robe, so you don’t trip. However, now that you mention it, I’ll happily lay you out later, and take care of any unwanted hair that is bothering you,” Cyprian growled as his large palm roved up Riley’s thigh.
Riley shivered in response to the disturbingly erotic suggestion.
“I hope you plan to use a smaller knife. Although, I’m partial to waxing over shaving.”
“Waxing?” Cyprian asked as he cut the hem on her hand-me-down cloak.
“It’s used to pull the hair out in one go.”
Cyprian paused and groaned.
“That sounds painful.” He shook his head. “Why do you do these things that cause pain to yourself. Don’t tell me that brings you pleasure.”
It was Riley’s turn to laugh at his concerned expression.
“No,” she giggled. “Besides, you’re one to talk.”
Riley reached out and traced the swirling tattoos that ran over Cyprian’s shoulder. They extended down his back, chest and arm. The dark black design on his blood red skin, added to his savage appearance.
“This is how a Cadi male tells of his life and the people he comes from.” Cyprian pointed to a design circling his left pec. “This tells of my sire’s family line.” He pointed to the other muscle. “And this tells you who my mother’s people are.” He then gestured to his arms and back. “These are all of my accomplishments in battle.”
Riley admired the sheer number of tattoo’s and scars, recalling he had more than his companions.
“You must have quite an impressive record,” she said as her fingers continued their perusal of his warm skin.
“What about you?” Cyprian asked.
“Mine have meaning too.” Riley gestured to her arm, and the thorny roses that trailed up it. “This doesn’t spell out my family history, but it represents them. They were tough to get along with. That’s why it’s a flower with thorns. Over time, I just kept adding blooms.”
“I think I understand the sentiment. My sire was not so easy to get along with either.”
Cyprian finished trimming her sleeves, then retrieved a comb.
“Thanks. I can take care of my hair,” Riley offered, as Cyprian sat down behind her and removed the towel from her head.
“No. It is my job to take care of you,” he said and proceeded to brush out her damp hair.
Cyprian’s comments, and Vintor’s attitude the night before, had Riley questioning the Cadi views on slavery. This didn’t feel like slavery. She felt pampered by the way Cyprian treated her. Riley closed her eyes and let the soothing rhythmic motion work its way into her.
“Well this will have to do till I can buy you better clothes and such,” Cyprian commented as he looked at his handy work.
“Thank you. I’m surprised you didn’t find any wild creatures nesting in my hair.” She cast him a genuine appreciative smile.
“There was one, but it scurried off.” Cyprian teased, making her smile wider.
“Why, General, you do have a sense of humor.” Riley pushed him.
“I have a sense of humor. It’s just most people don’t find it amusing.”
“That’s called being snarky, and I already wear the crown of that kingdom.”
Cyprian leaned in close, his chest inches from her face. Riley took a deep breath noting his compelling scent.
“Little Manx, I am fully aware of how wicked your tongue is,” he whispered into her ear.
Riley’s mouth opened, but it took her a moment to come up with a retort. Cyprian was throwing her off her game.
“No, Cyprian, my tongue can be far more wicked than I’ve let on,” she said as she cast him a coy grin. If he wanted to tease, she could also dish it out.
Cyprian’s hand wrapped in her hair and his lips brushed hers.
“I don’t possibly see how,” he husked, before pulling her full bottom lip into his mouth.
Riley kissed him back, her tongue exploring his mouth. Cyprian tasted spicy sweet, a bit like candied ginger. It made her mouth zing, and goosebumps erupt on her skin. The yummy addictive flavor centered around his long canines. Riley laved one long sharp fang and Cyprian groaned. The sexy deep sound radiated from his chest, vibrating through her. He enjoyed it when she stroked his canines. Riley was a bit of a biter, and enjoyed being bitten too, but her teeth weren’t sensitive.