Page 51 of Tempting Fate

“I would like that. Do you like Kri?”

“Kri as in kri’ith?” I forced my gaze back to him—not that it was a hardship. The afternoon sun backlit his headspines in a beautiful halo. I took in his full lips, the tusks peeking out. What would they feel like to kiss?

His jaw clenched, and he covered his mouth. “Yes. Kri is the elder god, originator of all gods and all kri’ith. That is the idol from the Dorimisa’s shrine.”

“I didn’t know it had a shrine.”

“It doesn’t.” He bit the words out. “It is so hard, to live my whole life thinking I am kri’ith and to learn it is a lie.”

“Who says you aren’t kri’ith?” I held up my hand, pinning him with a glare. “What is it to be kri’ith? What is it that made you kri’ith?”

He gave me a sullen look. “The form my body takes. The drive to fight. The desire for integrity. Honouring the gods.”

“And have you lost any of those?”

“No, but—”

“Nobody can take your identity from you. Nobody. So you’re a kri’ith who’s also a bit shaa. So? You’re still you. Your culture is still your own. Surely the bigger question is whether you’re Orithian or not. That’s what you’ve been taken from.” I sipped my drink. “You’re not on Orith any more, but you’re still you, and if you choose to identify as kri’ith, not shaa’ith, that is your right.”

His tongue flicked over his lower lip as if he were about to speak, then he blew out a breath. “That sounds like a truth.”

“Of course it’s a damn truth.” I gentled my voice. “You’ve been here, what, a week? It’s so early. You don’t have to decide anything now.”

“I suppose I don’t.” He sank back against the pillows. The flower lizard fluttered towards him and landed on his upturned palm, cooing softly.

“You have plenty of time. I’ll leave you to rest.”

“Wait.” Airida caught his lip with his tusks, the strong column of his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “Would you consider replacing Orukem for my kalidi, even after she has returned?” His eyes searched my face, something vulnerable glistening in those amethyst irises. “She is acceptable, but I like you being here. You make me feel comfortable.”

Comfortable. Yes. Not horny. Didn’t that just flatter a girl? Okay, maybe it did—I was happy I could make this as easy as it possible for him—but I’d do well to remember he didn’t react to it the same way as me. “I’ll have to speak to Daiytak.” If it was okay to stay here longer, I could go to town when I wasn’t needed, and hopefully by the time I’d found somewhere to live, this kalidi thing would be done.

That commanding yet petulant tone came out again. “If you are in agreement, I’ll tell her you’re the only one I want.”

God. That should not have made my stomach do flip flops. He didn’t mean it that way. I didn’t want him to mean it that way.

I should say no. I should get lodgings anywhere I could and get on with my life. He’d be fine with Orukem. He would.

He peeked over the top of his glasses. “Please, Marni?”

Utterly, maddeningly adorable. And how was I supposed to say no to that? “Okay, kitten. You got me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Lithe Hips

Imani

WITH EVERY DAY Orukem wasn’t back, the undercurrent of worry in the village grew. Today would be the third day, but that didn’t stop the bustle or chatter around the fire at breakfast. I was glad of it—anything to help chase away the lingering heat of this morning’s kalidi.

Daiytak handed me a bowl of porridge. “Just checking you’re still okay?”

I didn’t have to ask her what she meant. “Yeah, I’m fine.” The glances Airida and I shared when I touched him, the arousal I couldn’t shake, they were complications, but nothing I couldn’t handle.

“If at any point you feel uncomfortable, tell me. This is shaa’ith business, and while we appreciate your help—”

I squeezed her arm. “I know. And I appreciate it, but I’m good.” The only thing making me uncomfortable was how much I enjoyed not just touching him, but his company.

Daiytak tilted her head to one side, something unreadable in her eyes, then she nodded and turned to the person next to her, joining in an existing conversation.