be considered for noble service. A noble service is the best employment any lesser demon could ask for.”
“And now your brother can’t pay back the debt?”
“I’ve been sending home money, but Riaza has been sent.”
“And Riaza is?”
“A debt collector. A killer. The loan has been called in five years early, and if my brother fails to settle in three days, he will pay with his life.”
Oh, God. “How much?”
“Fifty ichons.”
Was that a lot? It didn’t sound like a lot, but what did I know.
There was a rap on the door, and I looked over to find Mal leaning against the frame. “How was the workout?” he asked.
“Do you have fifty ichons?”
He frowned. “What?”
“Ichons. I need fifty of them now. I’ll pay you back if you tell me what the conversion is.”
His gaze dropped to Iza, and his brow arched. “And what do you need it for?”
“Iza’s brother’s life is in danger. I need it to clear his debt.”
“How do you know she’s telling you the truth?”
Iza visibly bristled, eyes blazing, but then quickly tucked in her chin to hide her reaction. Mal was a Dominus, her superior. She couldn’t defend herself. But I could.
“How do you know she isn’t?”
He opened his mouth to retort, but I held up my hand. “Do you have fifty ichons or not?”
“Of course, I do. I’m a fucking Dominus.”
“Then please send it to Iza’s brother.”
“I’m not your errand boy, Fee.”
He was probably sick of toting me around everywhere and having to watch my back all the time, but that wasn’t my fucking fault. None of this was.
“Then find me a fucking way to do shit for myself. You won’t have to be my ride anymore.”
“So that you can swan off and get yourself killed?”
“This is bullshit, Mal. I’m not an idiot.”
“No, Fee, you’re a sentimental fool who thinks she can help everyone.”
“Not everyone. But, right now, I can help Iza.”
He sighed, and his shoulders dropped a little. “I’ll send the money.”
Iza sagged in relief, looking up at me like I was wreathed in rainbows or glitter or something. “Thank you, Fee. Thank you, Master Malachi.”
“Yes, yes. You can go now.” Mal waved her away.
Iza left before I could stop her.
“You do not get to dismiss my—”
“Servant?”
“Friend. I was about to say friend.”
He walked closer, wrinkled his nose, and swept his emerald gaze up and down my sweaty post-training form. “Want me to help you shower?”
There was no mockery in his tone and no hint of amusement on his face. Was he seriously asking if I wanted him in the shower with me? Naked. My stomach gave a traitorous flip, and my mouth went dry.
I tentatively dropped the shield Azazel had helped me build and tasted Mal’s emotions. Red-hot lust hit me in the solar plexus, shooting straight to the apex of my thighs to tighten with sweet pain.
His eyes flared. “I could touch you, Fee. Bring that ache to its climax.” He leaned in, so his breath kissed my lips. “All you have to do is say the word.”
My blood rushed to the surface of my skin, hot, potent, and wanton as images of his bare torso filled my head. His fingers would slide into me, rubbing, teasing, circling, and … This wasn’t me. It was him in my head. Fuck. I bit back a ragged moan and brought my shield back up. The intensity of desire cut off, but there was no ignoring the latent throb of my body. He’d woken it up in a new way, and now it wanted satisfaction, but I’d be damned if that satisfaction came from Mal.
“No, thanks.” I smiled tightly. “I can do a better job solo.”
Mal blinked slowly, and for a moment, he looked almost lost. Disappointed? But then his eyes narrowed, and a smirk painted his lips. “Nice shield. Azazel has been teaching you well.” He held up his hands and backed up. “We leave in an hour. Don’t eat anything too heavy. I’m the one who has to carry it.”
He turned away, and even though it was childish, I couldn’t help but stick my tongue out at him.
I pulled out my hair tie and headed to the bathroom
“You should have taken him up on his offer,” Cyril said.
I jumped. Shit, for a moment, I’d forgotten he was in the room.
“You want him,” Cyril said. “Your pheromonesss say ssso.”
“That’s just Mal’s ability. He can make you feel things.” I tapped my forehead. “Put suggestions in your head.”
“Oh, I know all about the suggestion,” Cyril said. “But