Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 134898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 674(@200wpm)___ 540(@250wpm)___ 450(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 674(@200wpm)___ 540(@250wpm)___ 450(@300wpm)
Five hells, if it weren’t for the fact that I’m already half in love with the missing Sarya, I’d say this one is just my type. I can’t stop eyeing that delectable backside of hers. Good thing I’m here only to flirt and get to know everyone. I want to save myself for Sarya, to show her that I’m committed, but I can’t seem to find her, no matter how hard I search. I don’t want to give up, but I’m getting discouraged. I suppose in the meantime I can devote myself to the guild’s secret plan. I can toy with a pretty female, get her to spill her guts…but that’s as far as it can go.
As I approach, I hear Hawk speaking to the pair. “If it were up to me, you know the two of you would be my first choice,” he’s saying, and I’ve never seen the bull look so damned uncomfortable. “But Head Guild Master Rooster has asked that I take on an entirely different roster this year. It’s my first time as a master and he wants me to prove myself. You understand.”
“Of course we do,” the woman says, her tone all business. “Can you recommend anyone in particular that we should approach? Given that we’re”—she gestures at herself, and then at her slitherskin companion—“a bit out of the ordinary?”
Hawk tugs on his nose ring. “I’m sorry. I’m not allowed to steer potential candidates. I’m happy to put in a good word for both of you with any master who shows interest, though.”
“Right.” Her tone is brisk again, without showing a hint of disappointment. I catch an almost imperceptible tightening of her shoulders from behind, as if she’s bracing herself for the future. For disaster.
Time to make myself known.
I stride forward through the crowd—which always seems to part when a Taurian is on the move—and stand behind her. Her scent drifts through the air, sweet and clean and oddly familiar, but I can’t place it. I lean forward, looping a casual arm over her shoulders, and rap my knuckles on the slitherskin’s shell. “Looks like we rejects have to stick together this year.”
Half expecting the woman to jump, I’m impressed when she simply looks over her shoulder at me. A flush on her cheeks and the dilation of her pupils are the only giveaways that my nearness has affected her. She flicks her gaze over me and arches a brow of disdain. I feel as if I’ve been caught by a maid after I’ve dared to touch a particularly pricey lamp at the master’s house.
I love it. Makes me feel naughty.
I grin at her, leaning in and ignoring the scowl Kipp sends my way. “I couldn’t help but overhear the two of you.”
“Of course you couldn’t,” she replies, her voice tart. “You’re standing practically on my arse.”
Is Hawk paying attention to this? When I glance over to catch his eye, he’s gone, though. He cuts through the row of statues to go and talk to a particularly sweaty and nervous-looking younger man.
“But it’s a very nice arse,” I offer, turning back to the woman. When she snorts, dismissing me, I try another tactic. “You’re here for recruitment day, aren’t you?”
Her eyes widen, just a fraction, as if she’s surprised by my words. Why do they surprise her, I wonder? The woman’s gaze flicks back to the nearness of my chest as if she’s debating my too-comfortable approach. Then, with a delicate pinch of her fingers, she plucks my hand off her shoulder and slithers out of my grasp. “I’m not telling you anything. What with you having no manners and all.”
Clutching at my chest, I pretend to stagger. “I’m wounded, lady. Truly wounded. Here I thought I’d spotted two kindred souls.” I flick my black repeater sash. “Given that we’re all in the same situation.”
Her gaze flicks to the guild sash that marks me as a repeater, and then she glances down at Kipp. His mouth is flat and he licks his eyelid, which could mean anything. But she looks over at me again and lifts her chin in that pert way of hers. “Kipp says you’re a rude shit.”
“He said all that, eh?” I cross my arms over my chest in the classic Taurian intimidation move, enjoying myself immensely. I love it when a woman isn’t afraid of my size. “What else did he say?”
“I can’t presume to speak for him,” she continues in that no-nonsense sassy voice, and for a moment she sounds just as bold as Sarya. “But I imagine he’d tell you to muck off so we can get on with our business.”
“You’re looking for a teacher, aren’t you? So am I.” I twirl a finger, indicating the three of us. “Thought we might stay together, seeing as how we three stick out a bit with this crowd.”