“Do you remember how to get to the conference center?”Elemiasked, her tone huffy. “Or do I have to assist you?”
“Thank you,Elemi.” Azazel once again fell into the vivid blue of Toni’s eyes. “But that’s unnecessary. Please tell my brothers we will be there in a few moments.”
“Oh, all right.”Elemisaid exasperated. “But I warn you. Don’t make me come here looking for you again.”
He sensed when the sentient part of the ship withdrew.
“Um—” Toni glanced down at her naked body. “—think we can find some clothes to wear first?”
By the Goddess, what a wonderful naked body she had.Azazel sucked in a breath, doing his best to divert any carnal thoughts creeping in.
“Let’s see what I can do.” He stepped back, still holding her hand as they faced each other. “Imagine what you’d like to have on, and I’ll create it for you.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
Azazel gave her a reassuring nod. “Absolutely. Close your eyes and visualize your favorite outfit.”
It was easy for him to pick up the clean lines and vivid colors she preferred. He created a fitted brown leather jacket over a soft, slightly oversized dark-red blouse tucked into tailored blue jeans. On her feet were low-heeled ankle boots in the same leather as the jacket. To add a brief flair, he added a bold pair of golden earrings she called urban chic.
He ran his palm over her head to smooth out any tangles, leaving her hair sleek and smooth. “You can open your eyes now.” He urged her in a soft tone.
He held her elbow, and his chest tightened, hoping she liked what he’d done. He’d clothed himself in his customary long-sleeved tunic with a high collar in a midnight blue with minimalistic embossed details on the trim, pairing it with loose trousers in the same color. On his wrists, he included a pair of wide leather cuffs the color of deep sepia that matched the shade of his hair. They were a quiet reminder of where he came from as a slave and the strength he’d gained since then.
With an absent thought, he wove his long hair into its customary single braid.
Toni’s squeal of delight after she took in his creation was everything he’d hoped for. She rushed to him with arms wide open, embracing him in a tight hug.
“I’m so glad you approve.” He stroked the soft hair at the top of her head, and her earrings clinked delicately. “Now, we’d better see my brothers before we upsetElemiagain.”
Walking beside Azazel as they headed to the conference room, Toni took in as much of the shipElemias she could. With a joyous sense of freedom, she clasped his hand in hers. Her face warmed at the appreciative glance he gave her as he tightened his hold.
The golden streaks in his brown eyes seemed to widen. “By the way, where’s JR14?”
“Oh, he’s fine.” Toni waved her hand. “He’s with his, um, brothers at the command center. I guess they’re all reporting to their… father?” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m still trying to figure out how a droid has brothers and a father.”
“Yeah.” Azazel chuckled. “It takes some getting used to. Hey—” He smiled at her. “—since I don’t remember coming on board, did the shipElemiintroduce herself to you?”
Tearing her gaze from his, Toni looked around at the shimmering walls that had a translucent sheen.
“Yes and no. Since I met her in her robot form, I feel like I know her already.” She grasped his forearm with her other hand. “Besides, I was so worried about you, I couldn’t pay attention to anything else.”
She frowned at the blurred memory of rushing into the bedchamber. After laying Azazel on his back on the soft mattress, his brother Asmodel grasped his face between his palms and closed his eyes. After a few tense moments, he opened his hazel eyes with a slight grin. He looked at Abalim before focusing on Arakiba.
Struggling not to stomp her foot in frustration, Toni didn’t wait for him to look at her.
“Well?” she demanded, her fists on her hips. “Is he okay?”
“He’s just fine,” came Asmodel’s annoyingly calm announcement. “Like we told you before, shapeshifting, especially for the first time, takes a lot out of a person.” He stood from his kneeling position by the bed. “He just needs to rest to gain his strength.”
With that last tidbit, the three of them left her alone with a sleeping Azazel.
No one had to tell her to take advantage of the downtime. It was hard to say a grateful goodbye to the Sensos suit, but she didn’t want to sleep in it. Once she was naked, she climbed into bed next to the sleeping Azazel. She might not have shapeshifted, but exhaustion claimed her as well.
Now, walking next to her lover, she took the time to notice aspects ofElemishe hadn’t paid attention to before. Each step had the faintest give, like it met and supported her weight. What she liked best was how every footfall made the minute bio-luminescent threads through it flicker as if they danced with each step.
And the air! Toni took in an appreciative breath. A soothing scent of jasmine with an undertone of spicy ylang-ylang graced the cozy atmosphere. Her favorite.
“What do you think they want to talk to us about?” She bit her bottom lip.God, they’d better not try to separate them. No way would she let that happen.
