Of course, I say none of that.
Instead, I lean in closer once more, and say, “Tonight, my dear, I’m whoever you want me to be.”
Noblewoman Genji exhales a long breath through her parted lips, which are moist and rosy as a rose petal in the early morning.
I drive the last nail in the coffin. “Nobleman Uringi’s estate is beautiful. An architectural masterpiece. You think he may be open to offering a tour?”
Noblewoman Genji places her palm in the middle of my naked chest. “No need for Uringi, Mr. Kregger. I can give you a private tour of his estate. You see, me and my husband, we own the company that designed and built Uringi’s estate. I know it intimately.” She pauses and wets her lips. A hot wave of desire washes through me. I can’t help it. “It has some exquisite features, like the custom hot spring in one of the private back gardens.”
“Sounds fascinating,” I say, voice full of lust. I don’t even need to fake it. “Lead the way, noblewoman.”
Noblewoman Genji is a darling. We walk the corridors deeper into the manor, away from the noise of the party. They’re filled with luxury, gold and rubies. My head spins.
The noblewoman pauses a couple of times to tell me stories about artwork that hangs on the walls, or to explain the origin of the timber that covers the floors.
I barely pay attention to any of it. What I do instead, while she walks me through Uringi’s estate, is map out the rooms and note any secret entrances.
Lucky me, the rest of the estate looks abandoned. All the servants are catering the party.
Vera really knows what she’s doing. I’m beyond impressed.
“Here we are,” Noblewoman Genji says, pushing the eight-panel glass door that leads outside. “This particular garden is my favorite. What do you think?”
I survey the view in front of me. A large stone hot spring rests in the middle of a wild paradise, the long, full branches of a cherry tree hanging over the water.
I feel as if we’re not in Jaakii anymore. We have traveled to the world beyond ours.
“There are birds singing,” I say, unable to hide awe in my voice. “How are there birds singing in the middle of the night?”
“It’s a very rare species called amami shrike. These birds only gather in the savage lands of Ekios, where they can hide in thick greenery you can see growing around this garden,” she says, proud. “We created an environment for them here to call home that’s familiar. Luckily, we were successful, and the birds have taken up residence all year round. This oasis is one of our biggest business achievements.”
I nod, impressed to no end. Maybe I underestimate the nobles. Well, at least some of them.
“Shall we get inside?” Noblewoman Genji asks slyly.
I flash her my most dazzling smile. “I thought you’d never ask, darling.”
Laughing and giggling, we shed clothes and settle inside the hot spring. The warm water relaxes my tense muscles.
I pass the noblewoman her glass and finish the rest of my plum wine. It’s thick and sweet as it slides down my throat.
Noblewoman Genji’s desire for me is obvious even to a blind man. But she restrains herself.
She wants to be seduced. Pursued. Courted.
Predictable, of course.
And that so happens to be my specialty.
I do enjoy a good hunt. Even if my prey is so obviously willing to surrender.
I wade closer to her through the warm water. She watches me over the rim of her glass.
“Tell me, Noblewoman, why are you not fond of the Talbots?” My voice is light. I brush a few loose strands away from her face.
“Can I trust you, Mr. Kregger?” she asks after a brief pause. “The fact that you’re Talbot’s friend makes me not want to. But I trust Vera D’Argent with my life, which makes me want to trust you, too.”
Light as a whisper, I caress her cheek. Trace the line of her jaw. She shivers under my touch.
