Now that I’m feeling a little better, I’m able to keep my patented scowl in place.
Zhang steps out wrapped in a red robe with his wet red hair undone. It feels like I’m witnessing something intimate even though he’s fully covered except for his feet and the bottoms of his legs. I’m sure he’s imposing to someone, but I can’t take him seriously without all his war gear.
“Better?”
“Much,” I say.
“How did this happen? If you say you tried to skip palace curfew so help me?—”
“I tried to skip palace curfew. I tried to kick the shit out of several men who were bigger and stronger than me. Oh, also, who had more weapons than me. I need a weapon, Zhang.”
“You won’t be getting a weapon, and if I can’t trust you to return by curfew, you won’t be leaving the palace either.”
“Bullshit, Zhang. Them fighting back was warranted but tossing me in the dungeon was too far.”
“I would say the whole thing was too far. I’ll be dealing with them. Right now, we’re dealing with your part. Drink that,” he says, using his head to direct me to the cup of tea on the nightstand.
I want to tell him, no, just to prove I don’t have to do everything he says, but the truth is, obeying him calms me. Especially since I know I’m about to be read the human equivalent of the Riot Act. I pick up the tea, for once hoping I look as pathetic as I feel so he’ll go easy on me.
“Being home by curfew is non-negotiable, even for me. It helps keep everyone safe.”
“What if I’m staying at my parents’ house?”
“Then you will have gained the appropriate permission—from me—and it won’t be an issue.”
“Oh fine.” I shift a little because of the muted pain and a little because of this conversation. “Are there other rules I should observe?”
“We will follow standard Pleiadian domestic protocol, which is a tad stricter for us because of the royal thing.” He adjusts his robe.
I quirk an accusing brow. “Problem, Centaurus?”
“No.”
I remember what I said earlier. “Knew you were hard.”
“I have a beautiful star in my bed.”
Is it hot in here? Suddenly, it’s too hot, and I can’t stare at him directly. I do the only thing that could possibly ease the sexual tension: talk more about sex. “I’m sure you’ve had plenty of beautiful stars in your bed.”
“No. You’re the first.”
“I see. You have a special sex room I should know about?”
He shakes his head as I sip my tea and contemplate that.
It dawns on me. Oh dear, Gods.No.What I’m thinking can’t be true. “You’re a virgin.”
“Depends on your definition. When I was human, I had a partner, but that was technically another lifetime. As a star, yes.”
I flip out. “I am not a blushing virgin, Centaurus.” Hell, when I fell, I fucked my way through half the male population on Earth. Before that there was Merrick. We were exhibitionists is all I’m saying.
“I’m well aware.” This time it’s his jaw that’s grinding.
“You can’t be pissed at me for that. How was I supposed to know I’d be framed for fake murder and forced to repent by marrying a purist wannabe angel?”
“I’m not pissed atyou. Anyway, the past doesn’t matter. You’re mine now.”
I consider what he could mean by that. “You can’t expect monogamy from me, Zhang. That’s not … I’m not?—”
