Page 55 of Trove’s Purpose

“Welcome,” she purred, her voice as low and seductive as the room around her.

None of the males to Chee’s sides responded. Right, because she was the one meant to talk. She was all the more grateful now she hadn’t come before this sex goddess wearing her baggy clothes. At least she felt like she was on some kind of even footing as she took a step forward and, as politely as possible, lowered her head to her briefly.

“Hello,” she said. “I assume you are Rinnicks?”

“You assume correctly,” she purred, a grin pulling at her lips, a thin trail of smoke still leaking out the highest corner. “I’d ask what I can do for you, but,” she looked Chee up and down, “I don’t think you can afford my services.”

“I am not looking for you for myself. I’m the representative of someone else.”

“Who?”

“Hyde.”

“Never heard of them.”

“He’s a very private person.”

Rinnicks hummed, her gaze traveling, moving on to investigate the males beside her. Already losing interest in her. She made a face at Tanin but looked intrigued at Sorbet and Tebros. However, it was Trove that she lingered on.

Chee’s jaw clenched, but a long career of customer service kept her focused and polite.

“Hyde is interested in purchasing something that you have in your collection.”

“Which would be?” Rinnicks leaned back, dragging on her pipe again.

“A cup.”

“A cup?” Rinnicks paused. Then frowned, sitting up straight. “My cup?”

Chee hesitated. “Yes.”

“He’s trying to buy my cup?”

“I believe so,” she nodded. “He didn’t specify what cup, only that you would know-”

“Of course, I know!” Rinnicks roared, jumping to her feet, silk dropping off her lap and pooling around her feet.

Chee considered herself a consummate professional that her gaze didn’t dip down at all. This female was standing there, pussy out, and she kept her expression straight. She deserved some kind of award for that.

“That cup is not for sale,” Rinnicks growled, the rumble coming from deep her in chest. “I am insulted he would even ask. I went through a great deal to obtain that cup. There is nothing he can offer that would convince me to-”

“The Crimson Moon.”

Rinnicks stopped dead. Went totally still, her eyes wide. Her square pupils tightened before blowing out again in unconcealed excitement.

“The Crimson Moon?” She whispered. “He’s offering me the Crimson Moon?”

Chee nodded. “It will be yours. Totally free and clear. The entire moon and all of the resources that exist on it.”

“He…” Rinnicks fell back a step and looked Chee up and down again. This time with eyes narrowed with suspicion that didn’t quite conceal her burning greed. “How is it that your master managed to obtain ownership of the Crimson Moon?”

“That’s not really relevant, is it?” Chee asked, shaking her head. “He has the moon. He knows you want it. He’s willing to trade for that cup.”

Rinnicks’ toe was tapping quickly on the ground, her lips pursed as she bit her own tongue. Like she was fighting against the urge to agree immediately. Desire and hunger and caution battled in her face for a long minute before, slowly, she sat back down. In crossing her legs, she showed off her pussy like it was nothing but, again, Chee kept her eyes on hers.

“You certainly know how to make a good offer,” she purred, voice once again back to its low, sultry hum. Behind her, the naked males, awakened by her movement, had begun kissing each other. Chee chose not to pay any attention to that either.

“Hyde is very invested in obtaining that cup,” she said instead.