Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
The entrance seals behind us, which I presume is Evolet’s doing.
“We’re safe now.” She blows out a sigh. “I’m glad you got here in time.”
“I know the wind patterns,” Aruan says. “I timed our arrival.”
Evolet pats his shoulder. “Did you show Elsie around?”
“Yes, but I’m sure she’d like to explore the surroundings at her leisure later.”
“Is that why we landed on the beach and not in the palace?” I pose the question to Aruan. “Or did you just want to see me covered in snake slime?”
Evolet laughs. “You met the Slitheax. Good. Once they know you’re one of us, they won’t be tempted to crush your bones in a death hug before swallowing you alive.”
I repress another shiver at the memory of their tongues on my face.
“They’re actually a very peaceful species,” my aunt continues. “They only kill to feed.”
Okay. That doesn’t make me feel better.
“Everyone is eager to meet you.” Evolet leads the way, taking us into a maze of underground tunnels that are lit with the same pulsing light stones as in Lona. “But I’ll let you freshen up first.”
She shows us to spacious quarters with stone furniture and murals of dinosaurs, some rising from the water and others flying over the land.
She motions at the bed, which is elevated and not sunken as in the Water Palace. “I took the liberty of setting out some clothes for you.”
I look at the long, white dress and matching shoes. “You didn’t have to.”
“Of course I had to.” She waves a hand. “You can’t exactly travel with a trunk through a portal, can you?”
Oh. I didn’t think about that. There’s a tunic and pants for Aruan too. Something lacy sticking out from under the dress catches my eye. Curious, I go over and pull it out. It’s a type of thong. And something that resembles a strapless bra.
Aware of Aruan’s stare, I tuck the flimsy garments back into place. “You have underwear in Marikanea?”
Evolet shoots me a puzzled look. “Every kingdom on Zerra has underwear.”
My mouth drops open as I turn an accusing gaze on Aruan, who only shrugs with a wicked smile.
Evolet, quick to catch on, says, “Oh, I see.”
I don’t take my eyes off of Aruan. “It seems I still have a lot to learn about Zerra.”
“Well.” Evolet clears her throat. “Take your time to clean up.” She wrinkles her nose. “You have a distinct odor of Slitheax. I’ll wait for you outside.”
I prop my hands on my hips when she’s gone and the archway is sealed. “You deliberately made me walk around naked under my clothes.”
“What can I say?” Aruan crosses his arms. “I like you naked under your clothes.”
I saunter over. “Now that I know, I’m going to get a trunk full of underwear.”
“That could be one way of taking revenge.”
“Oh, absolutely.” I stop toe to toe with him. “Have you ever seen a woman in underwear, Aruan?”
His gaze darkens, predatory intention sparking in his eyes. “There’s only one woman I’m interested in seeing, and that’s you.” He closes the hairbreadth of distance between us, putting our bodies flush together. “Preferably without clothes.”
My growing arousal makes me brave. “There’s a reason underwear is considered sexy.”
He rolls the word off his tongue. “Sexy?”
“Sometimes, hinting at something that’s just out of reach is a more powerful magnet than outright flaunting it.”
“Do you think if you hide your perfect body, I’ll want it more?”
“Maybe,” I tease.
He grips my chin and tilts back my head. “Then you don’t know me very well, mate.”
“Is that so?”
“I always want you. Nothing can make me desire you more.”
“Right answer,” I whisper, going on tiptoes and locking my arms around his neck.
His mouth is on mine before I have time to breathe. I give in to the kiss, just for a moment, and then I pull away, inviting a growl that tears from his chest.
“My aunt is right outside.”
He aims for my lips again, whispering a promise over them. “I’ll be quick.”
“I smell like snake spit.”
“I don’t give a dragon.”
“Aruan,” I exclaim when he grabs my shirt and rips it down the middle.
With one swoop, he lifts me into his arms. “I’ll fix your clothes.”
“That’s not what I meant.” I wrap my legs around his waist. “I do mind.”
“What? This?” He flicks his tongue over my nipple before sucking it into his mouth.
I throw my head back as pleasure coils through my core.
“See?” Wickedly, he nips my contracted nipple before moving to the other one. “There are advantages to not wearing underwear.”
“Wait.” He’s distracting me, making me forget what I wanted to say. “I do need a shower.”
Carrying me to an archway, he says, “And my mate will always get what she wants.”
Our clothes disintegrate on our bodies only to be reassembled on the bed, perfectly clean.
I shift my hips, enjoying his hard length that’s pressed between my legs. “You’re any housewife’s dream.”