11. Raia
RAIA
Thessaly opens our door, ushering in his lover for the night—a male I’ve met a few times before. Stepping inside, Thessaly turns to face Lucen and me. “It was lovely meeting you.”
Lucen smiles, offering a genteel bow. “And you. Raia spoke wonders of you.”
Thessaly waves a dismissive hand. “Lies, I assure you. I am a scoundrel of the highest order. If she had a cock, I’d have thoroughly corrupted her by now.”
I scoff, swatting at him. “Go inside before I decide to poison you with hirtoro root after all!”
Thessaly gives me a cheeky grin. “If you aren’t inside in five minutes?—”
An unmistakable caw of agreement sounds from above, and I twist to look up and find Horus watching from the curling decorative arm of a nearby gas lamp.
I scoff, rolling my eyes. Placing two palms on Thessaly’s chest, I push him beyond the door frame. “Goodnight.”
I turn towards Horus. “Both of you.”
Horus croaks and clicks.
Thessaly purses his lips. “You tell her, Horus.” His eyes narrow at Lucen. “In all seriousness, that little submissive act earlier was only mildly impressive. You have to be gentle with her; she’s never even had?—”
“Thessaly!”
My cheeks burn with hot-faced shame as I swiftly slam the door.
Drawing in a deep breath, I muster the courage to face Lucen.
He smiles, even at Horus. His new archnemesis.
“It’s beautiful you have so many people,” he pauses on a huffed laugh before correcting himself, “beings who care so much about you.”
My throat works. “Indeed, I do.”
Lucen nods appreciatively as silence descends between us.
“Do you have people—beings—that care as much for your well-being?”
“More or less.”
Lucen’s smile tightens in a way that suggests less.
My heart sinks, and I hesitate around uncertain words. Before I can formulate a reply, he takes my hands in his. His words are a soft rumble.
“Can I see you again?”
Gods, yes.
“I might find that... acceptable.”
Lucen chuckles, thumbs caressing the backs of my hands for a moment before he pulls me against him and lowers his face to within an inch of mine. “Tomorrow?”
I nod. Our lips brush against one another.
“You’re... not at all what I expected.” The whispered words take me by surprise.
“What did you expect?”
He huffs a laugh. “I don’t know. Not for you to be so... sweet.”
I draw back a few inches, eyes narrowing. “I am not sweet.”
His grin widens, as dazzling as it is disarming. “You are sweet. Unexpectedly and refreshingly so.”
I scowl. “That just may be the gravest insult I have ever received.”
Lucen leans forward, hovering his lips over mine. “It makes me want to protect you... and do the most deplorable things to you.”
My core clenches with need. “Please do.”
He presses a swift kiss to my lips. “What time do you finish with work?”
“Sunset.”
Lucen nods, straightening as he reaches behind me and opens the door, guiding me inside while remaining at the threshold.
“I’ll pick you up, then.”
With one final kiss, he folds away.
Breathless, I shut the door behind me and lean against it.
Oh, sweet fuck.
All thoughts of my father’s betrayal are gone.
Replaced by the fantasy of Lucen.