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break the ice?
Show me yours and I ll show you mine?
Something like that. Weren t you born on Temple-Tuttle? She nodded. Why did
you leave?
The Perrlain elders had my life planned out from the moment of my conception,
but I didn t agree with their plans. I saw no justification for too many of their traditions,
so they banished me.
Just like that? He snapped his fingers.
No. The banishment came after years of rebellion and passionate objections. She
took a deep breath and looked at her hands. Why is this relevant now?
I apologize. I didn t realize you d left under duress.
I was more than ready to leave, but I miss my family.
They re still on Temple-Tuttle?
My brother and middle sister are. My younger sister recently had an epiphany
similar to mine. She seems genuinely happy.
How long have you been in New Shardrake?
Do I get to interrogate you next?
A smile transformed his face. He looked younger and his green eyes shimmered
with subtle warmth. If he smiled more often, he would be devastating.
28
Mystic
I didn t mean for it to feel like an interrogation. I get the impression that you re far
more complicated than your professional persona.
Thank you, I think.
Someone knocked on the door, drawing their attention. Drake rolled his eyes as he
pushed to his feet. Was he annoyed by the interruption or was he not looking forward
to a visit from their host?
Drake checked the security screen inset in the wall before he opened the door.
We ve been expecting you. His deep voice was definitely tinged with annoyance.
A tall broad-shouldered man ambled into the room. His curling dark hair and vivid
green eyes made her glance back at Drake.
Don t pretend you re not happy to see me. We both know you love it here.
With a derisive snort, Drake kicked the door shut and followed the other man
across the room.
I m Jericho James. The visitor lightly clasped her hand and raised it to his lips.
I ll do everything in my power to make your stay enjoyable.
29
Aubrey Ross
Chapter Four
Lopeka inhaled deeply, savoring the sharp scent of fear. Aysha knelt before her,
naked, helpless yet insolent. Her arms were tied behind her back, knees and ankles also
bound. Pink-streaked hair streamed across her face and her breasts quivered with each
contrived sob. Lopeka was unmoved by her beauty and indifferent to her pleas. Vibrant
life emanated from her like the aroma of a long-awaited meal.
Please. I ll do anything you want, Aysha simpered. Just don t hurt me.
And she will, my love, Kwinton Rizaria said. Aysha is nothing if not
accommodating.
Breath hissed out of Aysha s mouth, and she glared at Kwinton through the strands
of her hair. There are no words vile enough to describe you.
His indolent smile was far more provoking than words.
Let s begin again, Lopeka said. What were you doing with Miranda this
morning?
She s my therapist. Her hostile gaze shot to Kwinton and rebelliousness lifted her
chin. Kwinton sent me to spy on her.
But your reports have become vague and infrequent. Kwinton pushed to his feet.
Lopeka warned him back with an upraised hand. This was her interrogation. He
knew better than to interfere.
Have you fallen under the spell of New Shardrake s favorite mystic? he persisted
despite Lopeka s annoyance.
If Kwinton had known how insulting she found the jibe, he would have kept his
mouth shut. She was the most powerful mystic in New Shardrake, and he better never
forget it!
You saw her two days ago. Lopeka used the polished crook of her ebony cane to
raise Aysha s chin. This morning was an unscheduled meeting. What was so
important?
Nicay and I had a fight. I needed someone to talk to.
Emotions rolled across Lopeka s empathic receptors. That s partially true, but I
still sense deception.
I m upset! What do you want from me? Lopeka drew back her cane and genuine
fear widened Aysha s eyes. It was a question, not a complaint. I don t understand
what you want.
30
Mystic
Savoring the intoxicating rush of power, Lopeka slowly lowered the cane and
rested both hands on the elaborate hilt. Kwinton, get Aysha something to drink. I think
she needs a few minutes to consider her options.
He looked confused but went into the adjoining kitchen. Aysha followed his
movements as much as her awkward position allowed. Kwinton assured Lopeka that
each room in the Pleasure Palace was soundproof, but the sprawling city just beyond
the windows made her uncomfortable.
She d come to New Shardrake eleven years before, drawn by the promise of
adventure and the opportunity to hide her activities in the crush of humanity. Nothing
went unnoticed on Temple-Tuttle and the Perrlain Tribe had carelessly cast her out. But
here, she could indulge her desires and gorge on an inexhaustible sea of energy.
What are you going to do with me? Aysha s voice sounded thin and uncertain.
That s entirely up to you. Lopeka sat on the sofa Kwinton had just vacated and
rested her cane across her knees. She stared into Aysha s eyes and opened her mind to
the blonde s emotions. Pride and defiance still simmered behind her tearful façade. She
was waiting for Kwinton to save her, confident in her physical appeal.
A secretive smile curved Lopeka s lips as she broke contact with her captive.
Kwinton returned with a glass of water.
Is there something in that? Aysha looked to Lopeka for the answer. Good. Let her
wonder. Let her analyze every sensation, dreading the onset of some nonexistent
chemical. Aysha had yet to comprehend her true situation. I m not thirsty. I
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