What’s Up?
Delores
The middle trainis what I’ve pictured ‘business’ trains people take to work being like. We had a nice private compartment, but it was just seats and racks where we all sat together while we did various things to pass the couple of hours. Nothing exciting, though I’m sure the ‘regular’ pred compartments would have been a lot smaller and less calm. Felix led us off quickly in Budapest, and I looked around the big station wistfully as I imagined all the pretty things outside we don’t have time to look at.
We are definitely taking sight-seeing trips all over the world once this Fae bullshit is over.
As we board theGolden Eagle Danube, I smile to myself. This might be the most luxurious one yet, and while Ishouldcomplain, I’m also touched that the guys went to this much trouble to ensure that we could all travel without being jammed into tiny seats and beds. The staff helps us with our bags and I almost squeal when we arrived at the adjoining ‘Superior Deluxe Class’ cabins. They have their own en suites, with daytime seating that is turned into king-sized beds at night. Felix bristlesa little at the thought of people in our space, but the safe and Fitz’s subtle nod make him relax, eventually.
“These are amazing,” I whisper to Chess. “I wish we were taking the six-day tour instead of jumping ship on day two.”
The cheetah smiles as he reaches up to brush a hair out of my face. “We’ll either do it on the way home via boarding in Istanbul or come back when things settle down, Angel. Our return trips won’t get booked until we see how long we need to remain with the clutch.”
Sighing, I look at the little guide the valet gave me. “It has a bar and lounge car with a piano playeranda restaurant car with gourmet food. This is beyond spoiling me, and I shudder to imagine what it cost.”
Renard reaches over, grabbing my hand to raise to his lips. “Don’t fret over it,ma petite. We can most certainly afford it, and the increased security and comfort are worth it to us. I know you’ve been trained by your parents to ‘earn’ whatever they spent on you, but that is not how our family works.”
“Good, because I can’t imagine what the hell I’d have to do to work this shit off,” I joke, as I give him a crooked smile. “Much less that damn tiara Aubrey likes me to wear.”
Aubrey harrumphs as he tilts his head at their cabin door. “Come, lunchable. You’re with us on this leg, and I suspect it will be extremely entertaining. Kiss the kitties goodbye so we can settle in, then we’ll meet up once the train is moving to explore the lounge if you wish.”
Giggling, I let go so I can get a kiss from each of the Khans, including the poutiest Fitz ever. My hands cup his face as I smilefondly. “You know how to share, baby. Don’t be a puffy-lipped whiner. We’ll be together in the bar before you know it.”
“Plus, I can keep you entertained,” Chess says with a wink.
Felix groans, clapping his hand over eyes. “Not in the middle of the day, you won’t. Fitz, let go of the princess so we can get our shit inside.”
The younger tiger kisses me again and lets go, so I turn back to the dragon and gargoyle with a rueful look. His voice is full of sexy rasp when he adds, “Oh, Baby Girl… you know I hate to see you go…”
“…but you love to watch me leave. I know, baby.” I call over my shoulder as the winged mythicals tug me into our cabin quickly. As I look at the space, I shake my head. “It’s no ritzy hotel, but I bet it’s one of the best train compartments we could have. It’ll do for two days.”
“It’s suitable, yes,” Aubrey replies as he lays the cases flat on the ground to pull out a change of clothes for himself and Rennie. “I prefer to let the wrinkles fall out for the next day, but as you love to point out, I’m a bit fussy.”
I snort. “That’s putting it lightly. But I’m used to you and Frenchie McSonnet over there, babe. You don’t have to explain your quirks.”
The dragon flushes, and Rennie winks at me. “I suppose it’s a reflex that’s hard to ditch, isn’t it,lapin?”
“For real,” I mutter in agreement. “I still apologize for stuff you and our friends don’t mind because Lucille made everything I did a crime against preds worldwide. Nothing was ever good enough, and I couldn’t perform to her specs to save my life.”
The gargoyle walks over and sweeps me off of my feet, setting me on the couch with him gently. “Delores Diamond Drew, no one is perfect. But if they were? You would be the epitome of perfection for us. The Khans think so, too, so youneverhave to worry that we find anything you do less than adorable—including the flatulence you were so blushy about in the first station.”
I swat his chest, nose wrinkling as I scowl. “Renard Laveaux! There is nothing weird about thinking it’s inappropriate to discuss bodily functions in loud tones in public places. Of course, I know that ‘everybody poops’ or farts or pees or vomits—that doesn’t mean I want to subject the entire world to a discussion about it.”
“Not going to be one of your kinks, hmmm?” Aubrey smirks and my eyes widen.
“Absolutelynot, Aubrey Draconis!” I can’t even fathom what a pile of dragon shit would look like in real life—though the dinosaur poo scene fromJurassic Parkflits to mind immediately—and I sure asfuckwill not think about iton me. “You—You… you’re going to make me kink shame and that’s bad.”
Renard laughs as he tweaks my nose playfully. “Drawing boundaries about what you find attractive isn’t kink shaming,petite. Judging people whodolike that sort of thing is what you’d have to do. And I think your revulsion is based on your desires, not anyone else’s.”
I don’t know what to say, so I just sputter incoherently.
These men are going to give me an aneurism at twenty-one, I swear to fuck.
Once the trainhas been on its way for a bit, Aubrey stands and holds his hand out. “Time to get the cats so we can wander a little, snack size.”
I grin broadly, dropping my tablet on the couch as I spring to my feet. “Yay! I’m curious to see what happens on this fancy ass line when they have mixed cars. It might help to hear what’s being said from the non-preds, you know?”
“We know the prey animals are concerned. That is what the Captain found out from the tribal leader.” Rennie stretches lazily, his lithe body sprawled where we were sitting. “That should be enough,non?”
