“Subtlety was never your strong suit,” Neyu said, a dig that hit Saer in his ribs.
“Nor yours,” he shot back.
The two stared at one another, then turned towards Kalia who unleashed a startled, high-pitched laugh.“I’m here to help, not come up with ideas.”
Neyu sighed and pushed her hair back from her face.“Seems as though it’s up to you and I.”
“Yes,” Saer replied with wariness.“It seems so.”He turned away from the pair, hand trailing off the edge of the table.“We can think about it.The day just started.I recommend the two of you stay inconspicuous, but explore as you must and pick up more of the language.”
“If you don’t mind—” Kalia’s words cut off with her yawn.
“There are smaller quarters of mine several paces towards the lake,” Saer said, not bothering to hide his irritation.“You’ll see a bush blooming with purple flowers outside the door.”He gave Neyu a pointed glance.“You and Neyu will rest there.”
Neyu paused, then squared her shoulders.“Of course.”She stood.“Go on Kalia, I’ll roam the village.Saer, I don’t suppose you’d like to join me?”
Saer clenched his jaw and shook his head.Neyu smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes, then took Kalia’s arm and pulled out of the hut.
The moment his match left his sight, Saer released a harsh breath and slumped against the table.
Hells help me.
16
“WhatinfrenziedHellsfirewere you thinking?”
Neyu needn’t have told Saer about her comings and goings the night prior while he planned and plotted in his hut.
Unfortunately for Saer, she seemed to enjoy provoking him, especially after his dismissal of her.Neyu shared every detail, second for second of her and Ahraan—conversing as they walked through the village, seen together by many.Bitterness and betrayal washed over him.
“He refers to us as cousins, did you know?”
He curled his lip, refusing to be needled.“Where is Kalia?”
“Asleep still.”
Saer made a disapproving noise.“Asleep.There’s enough heat in this desert sun to avoid sleep for days if not weeks.”
“You could do with a little more rest.We all could.”Neyu lowered herself to the edge of Saer’s bed and laid back, stretching out with a quiet groan.
She had to know the effect it would have.Saer fought to ignore it, but only found himself staring harder.This damnable, irresistible—
“I know him.”
His traitorous thoughts screeched to a halt.“What?”
Neyu blinked her eyes open and met Saer’s gaze with a shrewd one of her own.“Ahraan.We’ve known one another since before this village.”
The implication of her words, the thought of another man with her drove him to the breaking point.“So help me—”
Neyu sat and put her palm against Saer’s chest.He hadn’t even realized he’d approached her.The touch burned through him, and while she didn’t use her strength, he stopped nonetheless.Eyes locked, Lust shook her head, her voice quiet.“That’s enough.It’s time to think clearly again.”
Snarling, Saer pulled away from her, raking a hand through his hair.“Then for the sake of the Hells, tone it down!”
Neyu’s expression sobered.“I don’t want to play games anymore.”
“This coming from the Queen of Want.”
“Don’t be unbearable when I’m trying like you asked.”
