I press my palm against the heavy slab, bracing for resistance, but it gives way with surprising ease. As it swings open, the faint scent of damp earth fills my nose, followed by the unmistakable sound of rushing water echoing from beyond.
Found it.
But when I round the corner, I realize I’m not alone. Garvan failed to mention the washroom is communal. Like the rest of the decor, the large room is made of polished black flooring that extends up the walls. Showers line the walls, each crafted to resemble demonic mouths or curved horns, from which water pours in steaming cascades, filling the room in a gray haze. Sweat gathers at my brow from the hot mist.
Partitions between showers are sparse, made of dark glass that only partially obscures the view, adding an edge of vulnerability. Meaning I seeeverything.
My face heats. I’m in no way a prude, not thinkingtwice about stripping down to shower in front of strangers. I used to do it all the time after long workouts at the gym. The women’s locker room was full of naked women, and no one batted an eye. So, I’m used to seeing many different body types and shapes.
However, what didn’t happen at gym showers, at least not while I was there, was public sex. Very few shower stalls hold a single demon. Most are occupied by two or three. A woman moans from the shower closest to me. She’s not alone. A demon—I can’t decipher male or female—kneels at her feet, one of her legs thrown over their shoulder as the demon eats her out in earnest. Another demon stands behind her, an arm wrapped tightly around her torso while his free hand cups her breast. He thrusts shallowly from behind her, the sound of their fucking not muffled by water or the sounds of others.
It’s not just them. Most shower stalls are full of demons engaging in various sexual acts. In the center of the room, a communal pool bubbles and churns, filled with milky water, surrounded by carved stone benches. A male demon sits on one of the benches while another male bounces on his lap, crude and dirty words leaving his lips.
My body heats up; being surrounded by so much sex creates an aphrodisiac vibe. Ignoring it is almost impossible. A sultry laugh draws my attention to the back of the washing chamber. Three demons take up the center shower. Two sensually wash each other, their hands and fingers lingering in certain places until they draw a moan from the other demon.
The third demon stands a few feet away, his back toward me. Black shoulder-length hair hangs in spirals with dark horns protruding from his head. His golden-brown skin is flawless, back muscles tensed as he lets the water fall upon him. The curve of his ass should be studied, and his strong thighs look deadly enough to suffocate anyone brave enough to go down on him.
Finally, the man turns.
All color leaves my face, a chill going through my body.
Pearly white teeth peek through his amused smile. I don’t mean for my gaze to drift down his body, but like a moth to a light, I can’t seem to look away from the indentation of every muscle, to the curve of his hip bone. His heavy cock bobs between his legs, a slight curve at his tip. It hangs like a heavy sword, a weapon to be used to take down his conquests. Probably the only weapon people would beg to be taken down with.
A low chuckle steals my attention. I snap my head up, but it’s too late. He saw me looking, and the insufferable ass’s giddy smile tells me he’s going to be reprehensible.
“Hello, Kitten. Did my bride sleep well?”
Oziel’s words have a halting effect on the room, as if everyone is tuned into the show that is Oziel and I. Lewd sounds of bodies slapping together and cries of pleasure all stop. I feel eyes all over my body, and despite being the only dressed person in the room, I’ve never felt so exposed. The couple next to Oziel takes the opportunity to move closer to their king, not touching him, but it’s clear they would leap at the chance.
Out of nowhere, a fiery possessive anger takes over my body. How dare these demons feel so comfortable standing this close to Oziel. My anger flares when he does nothing to separate himself from the demons eager to get into his good graces. I’ve never been a jealous person before. Vengeful? Clearly. But jealous?
I hate it.
I steel my resolve, pretending I don’t have the attention of every demon in the room. “Well enough,groom,” I snarl, which only seems to excite him.
His cock twitches in interest, and I hate myself for the way my body responds in kind. I have to remind myself I don’t like this man. I can barely stand him.
You don’t have to like him to fuck him,the unhelpful voice whispers in my mind.
“I did as well,” he says as if I asked him. “I had averyinteresting night.” The words are meant to draw a reaction out of me. Besides my body tensing at the implication, I school my face into one of apathy.
“As did I.” It’s a lie. I did nothing noteworthy, but Oziel doesn’t need to know that. His grin only grows larger, as if he knows I’m lying. I pretend to ignore him as I pull the sleeping gown over my head, discarding it into a neat pile on the floor. I try not to dwell on the fact that I’m completely naked in an orgy shower.
By now, the room has lost interest in us, and many have returned to their lustful activities. Only one set of eyes bores into my naked body. It’s my turn to catch Oziel looking me over. He doesn’t even try to hide it. His gaze sears my flesh, burning me from the inside. There’s only one free shower, and it’s the one next to Oziel.Unlike the others, there’s only a half wall to separate the two.
Figures.
I keep my head held high as I make my way toward him. Oziel doesn’t speak, perhaps the first time I’ve seen him rendered silent. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride as I make my way next to him, reaching out to turn on the water.
Hot water, the kind that burns your skin, but in a good way, cascades down around me. I let it hit my face, shoulders, before rolling down my body. My hair grows heavy, and I’m pleased to find an assortment of bottles that must be shampoo and conditioner.
I reach down for the soap, maybe a little more than necessary. Slowly, I straighten my spine, running the soap across my chest until a nice lather forms. Oziel clears his throat next to me, and I turn just in time to see the spiteful looks from the two demons who tried to get my husband-to-be’s attention.
The demon king steps out of the shower, but he isn’t headed to the door like I thought. No, he does something much worse. Oziel walks out from his stall and moves toward mine.
“What are you doing?” I try to convey my anger, but my question sounds more curious than anything.
“I’m having a conversation with my future queen,” he feigns innocence. It doesn’t work for him. Even naked, strength and danger surround him. He’s an overpowering presence, full of darkness and mystery.
