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“What the fuck happened to your back?” Nadia sucks him her breath.

“A tree accident while I was exercising in the woods,” I tell her. It’s not a lie. I’ve read that sex is a great way to burn calories.

The women clean every inch of me. Thank fuck they give me clothes then some privacy so I can wash my private parts in private.

When I’m finished, I dry myself, declining their offer to do it for me. Enough is enough. I’m helped into a sheer white nightdress and wrapped in a satin robe that clings to my thoroughly dry and scented skin. I smell like a rose bush with a hint of a spice I can’t quite place, but it's an incredible scent.

Someone brushes my hair. Another paints something on my lips that tastes faintly of mint.

The door creaks. Nadia walks in. I frown.

“When did you leave?” I ask her.

“While you were enjoying your bath.” She grins and hands me a porcelain cup filled with some murky liquid. “Drink this.”

“What is it?”

Her grin broadens. “A little something to help you relax and make sure you get the most out of the night.”

I hesitate. Then drink.

The warmth hits instantly, spreading through my chest, down my thighs, between my legs. I grip the arms of the chair to stay upright as a slow burn ignites in my bloodstream.

Nadia leans down. Her mouth is near my ear. “Don’t worry, it will all work out. Everything is going according to plan.”

I freeze.

Those words.

Liddy said them the night I met her. Just like that. Same tone. Same fucking chill.

Before I can ask, the door swings open.

He walks in. The king of his domain. Ruslan. Black shirt, open at the throat, and pants that are slung low. His eyes are cold and hungry.

He doesn't speak at first, just looks at me. Something hot coils in my belly. The tea. That bath.

My body’s already been fluffed and teased and now wants him even while my mind screams a warning.

“She’s ripe,” the oldest of the women tells him. “Tonight is a good night for the ceremonial union.”

What am I now? A fucking fruit!

“Just, we won’t be needing any witnesses,” Ruslan tells her.

“But Eleder, the tradition dictates…” The woman starts to argue.

“Uh… wh… what?” I splutter. “Someone has to watch us having sex?”

“No.” Ruslan shakes his head and barks. “Everyone out!”

The women, including Nadia, who grabs Liddy’s wheelchair, scatter and scurry out the door. I’m not too sure if I should follow, but even if I wanted to, my path is blocked as Ruslan steps up to me, his eyes caressing me.

“Take off the robe,” he says, voice gravel against silk.

I stand slowly, untie the robe, and let it fall.

His gaze slides down my body, taking everything in. The sheer fabric hides nothing. My nipples pebble. My clit throbs.