“I still want the answers to my earlier questions.”
Cyprian quirked his brow at Riley. He needed to know if the human colony was at risk. He also didn’t like the idea that Aculus was still a threat. If the male attempted to take Riley once, he could try again. Cyprian knew that if their roles were reversed he wouldn’t give Riley up so easily.
“You’re worse than a dog with a bone,” Riley replied with a shake of her head. “I won’t say anything about Adeoda. I didn’t like that guy. He gave me the creeps.”
“On that we agree.”
Cyprian believed that Riley wouldn’t say a word. He wished she’d tell him the rest. He didn’t know much more now, than when this absurd interlude started. But there was one thing that had become painfully clear; Riley wasn’t just being stubborn. She truly didn’t feel she could tell him whatever it was that she knew. And there was no way he’d be able to make her set aside her conviction, not without disclosing the details of his mission. Cyprian wanted to tell Riley she wasn’t his slave, but he refused to put her in danger. She’d been through enough. If Mave discovered Riley had a part in this deception, he would do more than hurt her.
This will be over soon, Cyprian promised. He was now more determined than ever to conclude this mission, and bring everyone home safe.
“You talked about battle, when you were telling me about your tattoos. I’m guessing, considering your bossy attitude, general is not just a nickname,” Riley said pulling Cyprian from his thoughts.
“Bossy, huh?” Cyprian smiled.
Riley nodded with a grin.
“You are correct. I am the High General of the Anzac Guard, commanding the most elite regional army.”
“Well isn’t that a fancy title.”
Cyprian chuckled at Riley’s response. His title impressed many on Cadi, and earned him a level of respect that bordered on fearful reverence. But not with Riley. It was apparent she wasn’t into hero worship. It was a refreshing change.
“What was your occupation, Little Manx?” Cyprian knew enough about human females to know that many of them held jobs outside the home.
“I wanted to be a professional photographer.”
“Photographer?” Cyprian quirked his head in confusion.
“It’s a person who makes a living by taking pictures.”
“This sounds like an artistic pursuit. I admire craftsman. They create instead of destroy.”
“That’s a good way to put it. I loved taking shots of beautiful or compelling scenery,” Riley smiled as she thought about her occupation. “Unfortunately, I had to supplement my income working in a sex shop.”
“Repeat that.” Cyprian frowned as an unpleasant picture formed in his mind.
“I didn’t sell sexual favors,” Riley laughed. “I worked in a shop that sold toys used during sex.”
Cyprian was relieved, but still not happy.
“This is not an appropriate job for a female,” Cyprian insisted with a scowl.
“Oh really? Why?”
“I assume males entered this business, with thoughts of mounting a female. Then they see a female in the shop. You can see where I’m going. It is not acceptable.” He shook his head.
“Have you met my grandfather? Because you both made the same argument,” Riley asked with an amused smile.
“Again, wise male.”
“I’ll admit there were quite a few perverts that tried to proposition me, but I shut them down.”
“Good,” Cyprian growled. “Why did you not seek other employment?”
“I don’t look traditional. That made it a little hard to find a job.” Riley pointed to her hair and warrior’s ink. She was colorful compared to the other human’s he’d met. “Plus, it was entertaining working there. I actually learned a few things,” Riley demurred.
She ran her soapy slick hand up Cyprian’s thigh, then traced the muscles of his stomach. His abs quivered in response to Riley’s gentle touch. He couldn’t believe she was stroking him after his recent performance.
“What sort of things did you learn?” Cyprian husked as his shaft stirred.
“That’s another secret. If you’re a good master, maybe I’ll show you.”
Riley licked her lips seductively, making Cyprian groan.
Riley frustrated him, but Cyprian also felt pride when he considered his wild little manx. The more Cyprian learned about Riley, the more she resembled the venerable goddess, Kali. Not only did Riley have the spirit of a warrior, but she was also the embodiment of femininity with her lush hips and pert breast.
“You keep touching me like that, and I’m going to do dishonorable things to your body again.”