EvenSeverin, who had knownRavikfor years and had seen him naked many times in showers, medical bays, and battlefield triage chambers, could understand whyCassandra’seyes widened.TheBeastKindredwas impressive in proportion to the rest of him, and even soft his shaft was massive.TheBondingKnotat the base of it was as big as a fist.
The burn, however, was impossible to ignore once one looked past the size of him.Ared mark marred the crown—angry and tender-looking.
“Oh, my—that lookspainful.”
Gently,Cassandrareached out and slipped her fingers around his shaft.
Severin’s fangs cut into his lower lip and he had to bite back a curse.
The sight of her hand aroundRavik’scock was almost too much.Herfingers looked so small against him—so soft and delicate.Ravik’sshaft twitched at the contact, andSeverinsaw his friend’s cloudy eyes sharpen a little more.
“Mate will kiss?”Ravikasked, raising his eyebrows at her.
“Yes,willshe?”Severinheard himself ask.
The words were out before he could stop them but he couldn’t help himself—would she really go so far to heal a male she’d known for only a day?
Cassandra turned her head and looked at him.Hetried to keep his face neutral, but judging by the way her eyes narrowed, he doubted he succeeded.
He hoped his question hadn’t made him sound jealous—or worse, eager.Thiswasn’tsexual, he told himself.Itwas abouthealing.
“I’ll do whatIhave to in order to make him feel better,” she toldSeverin.“Youdon’t have to watch if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s all right.Idon’t mind, er, watching.”Hisvoice came out hoarse.
“Good.”Cassandraput on more of the ointment on her lips and bent to her task.
Severin watched as she guided the broad, plum-shaped head to her mouth and began to kiss the hurt spot.
Ravik groaned, but not in pain—in pleasure.Severinhad heard him with whores and pairing puppets before—he knew what his friend sounded like when he was being sexually serviced.
The sound rolled through the narrow lab like distant thunder andSeverinfelt it in his bones.Cassandralooked up for a moment, her lips still close toRavik’sshaft, her expression gentle and intent rather than wanton.Thatsomehow made the whole thing worse…or better…or both.Severincouldn’t decide.
“I’m so glad you’re feeling better, big guy,”Cassandrasaid gently.Sheexamined the spot.“ButIdon’t think you’re healed just yet.”
“It might work better if you suck him.”
Again, the words escapedSeverinbefore he could stop himself.
Cassandra straightened up and turned to look at him.
“Excuse me?”Shefrowned up at him.“Whatdid you say?”
“I said, if you take the head in your mouth, your lower lip will rub against the burned spot more fully,” he explained, and though the words were technically true, they sounded thin even to his own ears.
His suggestion was scientifically defensible but morally questionable.
It was also extremely arousing.Severinhad to admit, he wanted to see that lush mouth wrapped around his best friend’s cock.
ButCassandraseemed to take his words in stride.
“Oh…okay.”Shenodded slowly.“Ihadn’t thought of that.”
Then,Goddesshelp him, she looked approving.Asthough she believed he was simply putting his big brain to use, finding the best way to heal his friend.
Severin nearly groaned aloud.
She was trusting him—that should have made him feel noble.Instead, it made him want to fall to his knees beside her and beg to taste her while she tastedRavik.
