Page 82 of Tempting Fate

The post-orgasmic haze carried me through as I took my time cleaning him with a wet cloth and fragrant soap. I tried to keep my touch professional, but his muscles were hot and tight under my hands, and I wanted more.

But I finished, and only faced him again once I was on the other side of the room, dropping the towels in the corner. “Are you okay?”

He gave an arrogant, luxurious stretch. “Very much so.” Then he huffed a laugh, and the smile lighting his features was so full of joy, I ached with the need to kiss him, to taste his happiness. “You’re so beautiful, Imani. Thank you for showing me.”

“My pleasure.”

The room felt too small, the air charged with electricity.

Airida regarded me with a curious, intense expression. “Would you mind fetching Daiytak for me? I need to talk to her about something.”

“Of course. I’ll be back later.” I ducked out of the too-warm room and stopped around the corner, leaning against the outer wall.

Sweet, sweet man, you will kill me.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Possibilities

Airida

DAIYTAK KEPT ME waiting, stewing with my thoughts. More time to think about Imani’s gift to me. The sight of her beautiful cunt. Her breathy pleasure and intoxicating scent.

The door whooshed open, and Daiytak strode into the room. “You wanted to speak with me? Are you well?”

“Well enough. I wish to understand mating.”

She sat with a sigh, keeping an easy distance between us. “What do you want to know?”

“I am—was—Orithian. Matches are arranged, emotion has little to do with it. I know nothing of how things are done in the wider galaxy.” Other than Lovers of Lietan, hardly a reliable source.

“That’s relationships, not mating.”

“On Orith, they are the same thing unless you attend a pleasure house. Formal mates and pleasure houses are the only ways people have liaisons.”

She raised a skeptical brow. “And are you asking about relationships or sex?”

“I suppose… sexual liaisons. And kalidi. Is it… There must be kalidi partners who do more than simply relieve the need.”

She crossed her arms. “I thought this was where you were going. It is sometimes done among consenting partners. But you have to realise, in the colonies, we were not bound by Orithian rules. We were left to our own devices. We formed bonds and enjoyed comforts in each other, even if we had no urge or were unable to physically mate. Kalidi was different for us than I expect it is for you.”

“What are you saying?”

“That you need to tread carefully. Imani is our guest. I don’t know why—”

“Because she likes me! Is that so hard to believe?” I schooled my restless headspines. “She wants me, Daiytak, and I want her. Is it permitted?”

“Permitted? We do not have rules about it, but—”

“Thank you.” I exaggerated a yawn. “I find I am fatigued and must rest.”

A low growl rumbled in her chest. “Do not be blinded by kalidi. Listen to Imani. And by the spines of all the gods, listen to your bones, Airida. Don’t tempt fate.”

I’ve already tempted Aimanei. She wants me.

Daiytak strode across the room and paused at the door. “Do not think I say this to be difficult. I speak from experience.”

I tilted my head in respect, waiting two heartbeats before asking, “What’s a ki’tsi?”