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“What?”
“Don’t hit me. Don’t tie me to anything.”
“Bastet’s whiskers! What sort of a Felid do you think I—”
“Shh. I don’t care if you don’t want to do those things. I tell you the things I don’t want, then you agree that you won’t do them. Then, you tell me your requirements.”
Ardol’s jaw snapped shut, and he nodded again.
“Nothing public. Keep your teeth and claws out of the action. And... And don’t try to get in my head. Don’t try to get to know me or make me talk about what happened before you met me. I’ll talk about things if and when I want.”
The words ended, and her eyes refocused. Jade felt as though she had slipped out of her body during her little speech, and now she was back in possession of herself.
Haven’t had to go over my non-negotiables in a long time.
And to be fair, her list with Ardol was very short.
I do feel somewhat safe with him.
“I said I would protect and treasure you. I would never harm you.”
“Some people like that kind of play, loving people, even. I don’t. I can’t—I can’t do that stuff. It has nothing to do with how much you love or treasure people. Some people enjoy it. I don’t. The end.”
Ardol scratched his head. “If you say so. In the Leopardine System, a Knight or King who does anything to endanger the welfare of his Queen is censured in every area of life—especially now. I agree to your terms.”
“What are yours?”
Jade was surprised at how quickly the tall, rangy Felid spoke, startled by the harsh snarl in his normally smooth, rich voice.
“Don’t lie to me. Don’t take a lover. I cannot tolerate those things.”
“Trust me, I won’t be making love to anyone but you. And speaking of lovemaking... shall we?”
He’ll take me up on it now. No man can resist such a plainspoken offer.
Ardol hesitated. “No. No, I’ll wait. That is the Leopardine custom. Good night, Jade.”
Having her sexual offers rejected wasn’t something Jade could relate to—or even understand.
You’re scaring him off. Pushing him away.
He said it’s customary.
And a man has never lied to you before? Don’t care if he’s built like a furry god or if he’s a potbellied jeweler from New Marseille—all men lie.
“In human customs, it’s traditional to kiss your partner goodnight.” Jade sashayed over to the Leopardine, eyes roving over him. Golden fur with spots. A silky waistcoat that had come open during the course of the night. Taller and broader than any human she’d ever seen, and a good bit taller than most Lynxians, but shorter than his hulking, massive Tigerite crewmate.
Her gaze wasn’t simply to learn his features. She was also watching the way he responded to her. She already knew he was fascinated with her hips and legs. She would have to wear skirts whenever possible, to keep those hungry looks coming her way. He liked the way she moved. His nostrils were constantly twitching as if attempting to capture an elusive smell.
Lotion or perfume. She should find out what scents appealed to Leopardines.
“I like that custom. It is the same in most Felid cultures, too.” Ardol waited until she reached him, then placed his paws on either side of her waist, squeezing slightly.
God, he’s huge. One flex of his digits, and he could break me in half.
His tail weaved around her ankle and up her calf, stroking.
Jade waited to see if a thrill of sexual desire would spark, but nothing even flickered.
