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Teddy said, “Are the ladies going to accept Hebor?”

“The compatibles? Oh, yeah. I just have to meet the guys first so I can make a judgment.”

Rath blinked. “You want to meet single males of Hebor?”

“No. I just want to watch their body language as they meet the ladies.” She patted his hands on her ribs. “You are welcome to wrap yourself around me while I do it.”

“Fine. What is your psychic rating?”

“Natural immunity. Why?”

“All of the Hebor upper class are empaths or telepaths. They will prod at your mind.”

She twisted and placed her hand on her chest, blinking slowly. “Great. Will you protect me?”

He dipped his head and kissed her. She clutched at him as his tongue stroked hers.

Teddy murmured, “Close your eyes, Consort Riley, you look terrified.”

Riley closed her eyes and twisted toward him. He held her against him as she deepened the kiss, knowing about the stinger and the venom. The hand cupping the back of her head was sweet, but the fingers grazing her sex outside her gown were highly distracting.

Her pulse thudded in her ears, and she moved against his fingers and then felt his smile against her lips. She calmed herself externally and nodded. “You are right. I am easy.”

He wrapped both arms around her and murmured, “I like that you respond to me. It isn’t a bad thing.”

Teddy said clearly, “If it makes you feel better, Riley, I have known Lord Rath for five and a half years and have never been tempted to get into that position. You two are simply destined for each other. Deal with it.”

Riley laughed and pressed her forehead to Rath’s collarbone.

“Let’s have dessert in my quarters, Riley.”

“Do I have to look around or stand up?”

“No. I am going to wear you through the ship.”

“I will walk.”

“Oh, no. I am not letting go.” He changed his tone. “Let us know when we get to Hebor.”

“Yes, Overseer.”

“Thank you.” Rath rose to his feet with an arm around her back.

Riley mumbled, “Night, everybody.”

The Daughters of Rath laughed and remained in the dining room. Rath left the room and began the walk through the ship’s hallways. She braced herself for a ten-minute walk, but they were in his room in one hundred sixty-two seconds. He walked faster than she did.

He set her on the bed and removed her boots. “Riley, I am guessing you know what we are about to do.”

“Yes, I have read the pamphlets. I had to explain it to Ranna because I lost a bet.” She shrugged.

He paused. “What?”

“Yeah. We took turns reading mating practices of different species every time we lost a bet.”

“You got Hmrain.”

“Yeah. Ranna picked my penalty.”