That was all she needed to hear. AJ filled Sophia in, and the woman swore she’d help in any way she could. She even came up with a twist to AJ’s plan, one that would help guarantee its success.
Kaden didn’t come to the Lyceum that night. Or the next. AJ hoped he was on scouting missions. Once again, the other men left her alone. She was free to observe the other harlots, watching as they moved around the room, flashing seductive smiles at their eager guests.
She caught one of them, the harlot once known as Susannah, giving the miner who yanked on her peacock tail a venomous look before she composed herself and faked a fit of giggles. AJ filed the information away, planning to ask both Dianna and Sister Sophia if she might be a potential ally.
By the third day, she could barely concentrate. She missed him. Missed his smile. His touch. The scent of him. The sound of his voice. She replayed that kiss in her mind constantly. The moment when she’d surrendered her heart. He’d had her body long ago, captured it with the dark intensity of his lovemaking. But now he held her captive emotionally.
That night, she rushed to the Great Hall, late. She’d been detained when Miriam demanded she do a whole list of menial chores on top of her other duties.
She paused at the doorway, scanning the room. Her heart leaped when she caught sight of the back of his head, towering over the other men on the far side of the Great Hall. She started toward him then stopped dead.
Kaden had his arms around another woman, clutching her as though he’d never let her go. AJ crept closer and bit off a strangled cry. The woman was Dianna. Kaden bent his head to kiss her gently on the forehead then whispered in her ear. Dianna nodded, gazing up at him with a radiant smile on her face.
AJ felt a blast of white-hot anger, like nothing she’d ever experienced before. At the same time, pain flooded her chest.Is this what jealousy feels like? Unexpected tears welled up in her eyes. So, there was sadness with it as well. For the first time, she understood why the people of Earth had given up those obsolete forms of affection. If such intense pain and sorrow came along with the indescribable pleasure, the price humans paid for the experience of physical love was too great.
She backed away, unwilling to let either of them catch sight of her. AJ went to Hester, one of the Sacred Sisters on duty that night, and begged to be released, claiming a sudden attack of nausea. Hester took one look at her, pale and shaking.
“No man wants a puking harlot in his bed,” she declared. “Go back to your quarters.”
AJ tossed and turned all night, imagining the two of them together. She knew Kaden, knew what he loved. He’d be holding Dianna, stroking her breasts and ass, demanding that she spread herself so he could lick her pussy before plunging his cock into her. AJ didn’t have to feign sickness. The visions in her head made her physically ill. When she got out of bed the next morning, she couldn’t even hold down her breakfast.
Later, she caught sight of Dianna heading toward her in the garden. The young woman looked happier than AJ had ever seen her. When Dianna tried to pull her aside for a private talk, she ignored her and turned away.
AJ felt a pang of nasty satisfaction at the look of disappointment on Dianna’s face, followed by a wave of guilt. The young woman had no idea she’d spent last night with the man AJ had fallen in love with. She was only doing what she had to do, pleasing a guest to avoid punishment.
She doesn’t have to look so thrilled about doing it,whispered the jealous female who’d taken up residence inside AJ’s head.But it’s Kaden who deserves your anger, not her. He pretended to care for you, yet it was easy for him to find a replacement for his attention when you weren’t available.
AJ tried to feign illness again, but by evening she was feeling much better physically. Apparently she looked better as well because Hester refused to excuse her again, insisting she do her duty.
Her steps slower than usual in the high sandals, AJ headed for the Great Hall. Kaden saw her the moment she walked in and headed straight for her, smiling.
“It’s been a few days,” he murmured, putting an arm around her waist and giving her tail a playful tweak. “Did you miss me as much as I missed you, Tajina?”
“Miss you? I’ve hardly had time. When you’re not around, there are plenty of other men who find me desirable.”
Kaden’s face darkened. “I’ve made it known that you are my property. Do other men dare to put their hands on you?”
AJ tossed her head back and laughed. “Hands? Occasionally. But tongues and cocks…”
She never got to finish. Kaden dragged her from the Great Hall into the first private room they came to. He slammed the door and barred it shut then faced her.
“Names. I want their names,” he growled. “I forgive you. You dared not refuse. But any man who touched you will regret it.”
“Youforgiveme?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “How gracious. And am I to forgive you as well?”
He glared at her. “Forgive me? For what?”
“You said you’ve made it known that I am your property. But it seems you are free to enjoy the company of any harlot who strikes your fancy.”
“What in the name of all the gods are you babbling about?”
“Babbling?” Her voice rose an octave. “Babbling? Enough! I’m through being treated like one of Tok’s inferior females.”
He took one step toward her. “You will not raise your voice to your master.” His voice was cold. Menacing.
AJ held her ground, furious. “Master? Don’t flatter yourself. You are alive today only because of my mercy. I could have killed you a dozen different ways while you were groaning and thrusting your cock in me.” She turned away. “I wish I had,” she muttered under her breath.
The next instant, AJ found herself upended over Kaden’s lap, her tail sticking up, her dress bunched around her waist. When his hand came down on her bare bottom, AJ nearly screamed. She thought she’d experienced a stern spanking from him. But all the prior ones paled in comparison.