So, Vor had gone into the shower. Under the hot water, he relaxed, scrubbing away the sweat and dirt of battle. But then he saw Lena watching him in the mirror. Once more, that lust rose to block reason. He couldn't stop himself from reaching for his shaft. He wanted her to see how she affected him. Instead, Vor saw how he affected her.
At first, Lena's cry of dismay and huddled form had angered him. Then Vor realized how delicate his woman was. Was he the first man she had seen unclothed? It would explain her fascination with his body. And her embarrassment.
The thought soothed Vor, and then he found it immensely pleasurable. He would be her first lover. First and last. No other man would ever touch her. Turning off the spray, Vor contemplated why this would mean so much to him. He had never cared about a woman's sexual history before. Frankly, he preferred an experienced lover, as most Nethren men did. But with Lena, he felt differently. He wanted to be her only lover. Was this a part of falling in love? Was Lena already changing him? If so, it would only be more proof that Source was leading him.
Vor stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel from the rack. Lena peeked over a forearm at him. He pretended not to notice and set about drying himself. Slowly. While putting his body in poses that best displayed it. Vor had to hide his smile when he heard Lena's soft gasp. Barely one day had passed, and she already desired him. Things were finally going as expected.
Now that he had the right woman.
Wrapping the towel around his waist, Vor went to Lena and reached a hand down to her. “Come, Lena. Our food should be here by now.”
Lena ignored his hand and stood on her own to slip to the side and out of his reach.
Vor unlocked the door and left the bathroom. In the bedroom, he went to the closet. The Fortress Commander's clothing had been removed, and Vor's trunk—packed before thebattle to be brought up after their triumph—sat under the empty rack. Vor opened it and pulled out some fresh clothes. As he dressed, he wondered about his sense of Lena. He knew exactly where she was in the room without looking.
Boots in hand, Vor motioned to the doorway that led into the sitting room. “Join me.” He left the room without looking back, trusting her to follow.
In the sitting room, Vor went around the long wooden table to the right, and over to the only window in the suite. Peering through the glass, Vor got a view of the main courtyard where Nethren soldiers were assembling battle machines. Up on the fortress wall, more soldiers stood watch. Sunset was upon them, and Vor needed to get back to his duties. His army needed him. But before he left, he would enjoy his first meal with his woman.
Vor sat down at the table, sideways on a chair, and put on his boots. Two plates of food, two glasses, and a jug of water waited atop the table. He turned to face the table and motioned at the chair across from him. Without looking, he knew Lena was standing in the bedroom doorway.
“Please join me.” He motioned again, this time at the plate of food across from him. “You need to eat.”
“I'm not hungry,” Lena whispered.
“Yes, you are. We have roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, and fresh bread. Doesn't it smell good?” Vor paused and narrowed his eyes at her. “Do you want me to take a bite of your food first? I promise it's not drugged.”
Lena came up to the table and sat down across from him.
Vor poured her a glass of water and then started to eat. As he pretended to focus on his food, he remained acutely aware of his woman. He knew the moment Lena gave up on denying him and ate. A knot of anxiety eased when she took her first bite. Vor hadn't known it until that very moment, but he had feared she would starve herself.
With a sigh of relief, Vor poured some water for himself and then took a big swig. The cool liquid soothed him further. This wasn't the best way to start a relationship, but it was going well. He glanced up at Lena. She was watching him.
“I'm sorry about the, uh, for punching the wall.” Vor stared at his chicken. “I've never lost control like that.”
Lena kept eating.
He looked up. “I hope I didn't scare you.”
With a huff, she put down her fork. “What are you doing?”
“Excuse me?”
“What are you doing?” Lena motioned at him with an elegant hand. “Is this some kind of technique Nethren employ to break captives?”
“Is what a technique?”
“The way you act concerned about me.”
“I am concerned about you. I told you, Lena, you're important to me. The Source of Technology—”
“Led you to me.” She rolled her eyes. “Sure. First, you wanted my sister, but you took me by mistake, so now I'm the chosen one. Right. Sure.”
“I know this is a lot to accept, and I know it will take time for you to understand. It took me a long time to accept Tech's guidance. Do you think I wanted to be bound to a Medean? Your people put mine underground and forced us to remain there as if we were vermin.”
“Only to protect magic.”
“You saw me pilot that erial. Nethren do not kill magic. It's a lie you've been fed, Lena. I imagine you've been told many lies about us.” With a grimace, Vor pushed his plate away. “We were you once. Do you know that? My ancestors were Medeans.”
