a Pleasure Rites, #1 Ines Johnson (rainbow fish read aloud .txt) 📖

an about face to relieve herself. She winced at the soreness between her legs. Lifting her nightdress she saw a bit of redness high up on her thighs. She sighed.

Instead of chasing after Khial last night, she'd run a bath and soaked, as Jian taught her. She hadn’t needed the baths after Jian's lovemaking. The warm water and herbs helped after her tryst with Khial. The ache quieted to a dull throb. When she stood now, she barely noticed it. She wished she could run a bath strong enough to soothe Khial. She'd have to find him first. He said he wouldn't run. Part of the reason she opted for the bath last night instead of chasing after him was to learn if that promise had been the truth.

Chanyn dressed quickly. Brent and Tem were disappointed that she insisted on dressing herself, though she did allow them to shop for her and to do her hair every few days.

Chanyn made her way out of her room and down the hall. When she got to Dain's old bedroom, she knocked and waited. When there was no answer, she knocked once more and held her breath.

"He's not there."

Chanyn's heart pounded into her ears at the sound of that voice. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she rested her head against the bedroom door.

"He hasn't left you," the voice came closer. "He said he had an errand to run and that he'd be back shortly. Chanyn?"

A firm hand rested briefly at the small of her back before moving away quickly.

Chanyn turned slowly, and there he was. The sun shining behind him from the hall window. His bald head gleaming. His slanted eyes hooded as they gazed down at her. His lips parted in that hungry way of his.

They'd moved closer together. She, away from the door and closer to him. Him, away from the hall window and closer to her. Like magnets.

"What are you doing here?"

"I ran into Lord Khial last night."

"He came to the temple?"

Jian hesitated. "No..."

"No?"

His lips pursed. "I came here."

"Why?"

Jian sighed through his nose, his teeth grit. Then his mouth relaxed in defeat. His lips parted.

"You," he said. His hand raised and grazed her cheek. "I was walking and my feet lead me to you. I supposed I sensed you needed me, and so I came." His shrug looked like surrender. "I will always come when you call. Whether your voice or your spirit, I'll hear it and I'll be at your door."

"I don't understand? You took your vows."

"I did."

They stood without a breath between them. His legs mingling with hers. One of his hands resting at the nape of her neck, the other at the small of her back pulling her body closer.

"Lord Khial told me about last night."

Chanyn's face heated. She tried to turn away, but there was nowhere to hide.

"He asked for my help."

Chanyn turned back to Jian, wetting her lips. "You're going to help?"

His mouth ticked up in that seductive grin. "Do you want my help, my lady?"

Chanyn couldn't form words. She only nodded.

"Then, I am at your service."

"But your vow—"

"My vows do not overrule the needs of my heart." He placed his hand over her chest.

A small voice told her to take heed. There was no guarantee to the length of time he'd be here before he left again. But now, just like every other time, she couldn't stay away from him if she tried.

Chanyn reached up to pull him down. When he met her lips, there was no preamble. No sipping or tentative brushes. They delved into each other, getting lost, finding one another. It was a homecoming.

"Ahem."

Only one person would interrupt them on this floor. Chanyn slowly disentangled herself from the man she loved to face the man she'd married.

Khial walked slowly towards them, one hand shoved in his pocket, the other holding a beautifully wrapped package. Watching his powerful legs move in the light cloth of his slacks, Chanyn had trouble recalling the pain of his thrusts. She met his eyes and saw them flare. Jian released his hold on her neck.

Jian's face was impassive but she saw the telltale sign of guilt on his lowered brow. She was sure Khial saw the heat rising off her face and chest. He gave them both an awkward smile. It might have been his normal smile. Chanyn still wasn't used to anything but a scowl when he looked at her.

"Good morning," Khial said.

Jian and Chanyn murmured felicitations back to him.

"How are you feeling this morning, my lady?"

Chanyn heard the weight in the question. How badly did I hurt you? Do you hate me? Will you never let me touch you again?

She stepped toward him. "Khi, I'm fine.

He caught her hands before she could touch him, searching for the lie in those words. Finding none, he swallowed what appeared to be a huge lump caught in his throat. He loosened his grip and stepped into her. His one arm held her stiffly, but his chest felt warm, hopeful, safe.

He stepped back abruptly. "I thought we could try again. Later. With some help." He stretched his hand out to indicate Jian.

Chanyn nodded. "I'd like that."

Khial looked so alone and bereft. Much like she felt weeks ago when he and Dain found her. Her greatest desire had been to be welcomed into their bond. Khial had been hesitant with her. She didn't feel the same hesitancy with him. She wanted to share her heart with him.

Khial handed her the package. "I brought this for you."

From the weight and shape of the package, Chanyn could tell it was a book. No. A stack of books.

"They were my mother's. I have some of her things in storage. Things the Sisterhood found of no value. I thought you would like them."

Chanyn unwrapped the package to find a stack of thin Harlequin romance novels from the twentieth century.

"I used to think books like these were dangerous. That they caused women to pit men against each other. I realize it’s not the