Page 82 of Dark Island: Rescue

"That sounds…interesting." Arezoo bit her lip. "But does it have educational value like the first one?"

"Educational?" Drova snorted. "You mean, does it have detailed intimate scenes that might help you feel more comfortable with intimacy?"

"Yes, that."

"Of course, but as I said, they are mild. I believe the term is vanilla. Sweet and lacking in spice."

Arezoo didn't know what she wanted or what was considered spicy. She liked food with a little bite, and vanilla was too bland for her. "Send me the book, and maybe a few others if you have time. Perhaps several different levels of spiciness, so I can get a taste for things other than vanilla."

Drova chuckled. "I'll send you a good selection. It's not like I have much to do. I'm the junior member of theteam, and my only duty is to compel the Russians to keep secrets. My mother and Phinas think that I'm too young for more dangerous operations. It's insulting."

"You are technically a teenager, Drova. You are not eighteen yet."

"I'm almost there. I'm also over six feet tall, I can compel immortals, and I've killed people. I can handle anything an experienced Guardian can."

Drova had been part of the team that had rescued Arezoo, her sisters, and her cousin from the monster. She owed Drova not only gratitude but also respect. A seventeen-year-old with no combat experience had participated in a difficult mission and had gotten injured while saving a bunch of strangers.

"I have no doubt that you can match and surpass most Guardians. You are in a league of your own, Drova."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

"I wish you were here," Arezoo said. "I could use your support when I tell my mother about moving up the wedding date. She's going to have a fit." Arezoo grimaced. "She'll suspect I'm pregnant."

"Oh, no!" Drova pretended shock. "As if you'll get so lucky."

Arezoo had forgotten how highly valued children were in the immortal and Kra-ell societies. Nothing was more important than that.

"My mother is still traditional despite pretending that she is a liberated, modern woman now, and having a child out of wedlock is scandalous to her. But once I assure her that I'm not pregnant, and she stops screamingher head off, she'll get on board with planning the wedding. She likes Ruvon. And she wants me to be happy."

"Good luck," Drova said. "I know you can handle the drama."

"Yeah, I can."

"I should go. Jade is probably wondering where I am. I'll send you those books as soon as I can."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

After the call ended, Arezoo stood in the pantry for another moment, cooling her flushed cheeks with her cold hands. Talking with Drova was always a challenge, but Arezoo welcomed it. The Kra-ell dragged her out of her comfort zone, sometimes kicking and screaming.

She pulled the door open and returned to the clean-up work.

In three months, she'd be married to Ruvon. And shortly after that, she'd be immortal.

The thought filled her with excited anticipation, thanks in large part to a blunt Kra-ell teenager and her reading recommendations.

When her phone buzzed with an incoming message, she pulled it out of her apron pocket and smiled.

It was from Drova.Sending you five books. Start with the cursed warrior one. The others are arranged in order of increasing heat level. The last one is VERY HOT, so maybe save that for after the wedding. Or don't. It's up to you.Enjoy.

Arezoo felt herself blushing again as she quicklyclicked on the links Drova had sent, downloading the books to her reading app.

Her phone buzzed again with another message from Drova.I'm reminding you not to tell anyone where you got these recommendations and books from. If word gets out that I'm reading smutty romance novels, my tough girl reputation will be ruined.

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KIAN