Page 40 of The Pleasure Contract

When we reach Az’s building, I have to crane my neck to even try to see the top floor – even then, I can’t do it. The exterior seems to be a mix of the two architectural styles – an organic, almost Art Nouveau frame, but with sleek, shiny reflective windows.

Zek stands in front of us, some of my luggage at his sides in the elevator to Az’s penthouse here in the Capital. It’s unlike any elevator I’ve ever taken. It’s all organic shapes, ornate and flowing structures with decorative polished wood and metalwork – not a sharp straight line in sight.

I try to stay facing forward as we ascend, but I can feel Az’s stare beside me.

When I glance over at him, his face splits into that stupid smile that could charm the moon right out of the sky.

I remember him smiling at me that way when I’d agreed he could keep my panties.

I duck my chin and shake my head – not able to help how my lips start spreading into a smile, too.

The elevator dings and the doors whoosh open.

The space inside is huge, with windows making up one side of the apartment. Zek steps forward first, but then turns to silently gesture to Az with my luggage.

“Lady Lois will take the main suite,” Az supplies, directing Zek to the far side of the apartment.

Inside is dimly lit, but that seems to be a choice, as I see Az fiddle with something on his wrist comm that changes the settings on the window-wall, slowly allowing for more light to come flooding in. The walls look clad in a dark teal blue textured wallpaper. The furniture all matches, but, much like the building, is a mix of styles with leather, chrome, velvets, and glass. This place screams masculine bachelor pad, though, and it’s a weird thought to think that sort of thing can transcend across planets and species.

As I slowly turn, taking in the space, I can feel Az’s gaze on me, drinking me in, here in his domain.

Turning to see him stalking over to me, my pulse starts thumping very loudly in my ears.

“So,” he rasps.

How could he make such a tiny, insignificant word sound so suggestive?

I wet my lips, loving the way his eyes follow the movement. “So.”

Clearing his throat, Az tugs out a tiny scrap of blue silk fabric from his pocket. “These are losing your scent. They’ve been useful to me during the last part of our journey, but now they could be anyone’s.”

I blink up at him. Has he been ‘using’ my panties? And in what context? Biting? Sniffing? Wrapping them around that monster in his pants and-

I shake my head and reach for his pocket. “I could take them-”

Az steps back, evading me. When I look up at him, confused, he simply says, “They are nothing but ripped scraps now.”

Jesus.

I can’t help it – I start giggling. “What did you do to those poor panties?!”

He grins. “What I needed to.”

He steps closer again, hooking a finger beneath my chin. “It is early. We have a whole day to do whatever you wish with,” he says, holding me captive with those pretty pink-flecked eyes. “What do you wish to do, Lois?”

Climb you like a fucking tree.

I swallow down those words pretty damn quickly, and my mind scrambles for some others – preferably words that are infinitely less horny.

“Where do you think I could find Glex today?”

* * *

The Temple of the Four is apparently the main place of worship for the Lords, Ladies, and any other members of the upper echelons of Xaviann society.

“From what I remember, Glex is fairly devout, though his loyalties change like the directions of the winds,” Az supplies as we walk into a vast central room flanked by four enormous sets of double doors. Each set of doors is decorated differently, with carved depictions of flowers, vines, skies, and various scenes of Xavianns engaging in different activities. Everything is carved from some kind of ivory stone; every now and again, other precious stones are used for a flower here, a pattern there. It truly is a stunning piece of architecture.

“What do you mean?” I ask Az as I turn slowly, trying to take in all the beautiful craftsmanship and the meaning behind it.