Page 17 of Ironheart

"That wasn't a real date," he replied, his voice dropping deeper. "You need toearnthe dick pic, sweet puppy."

Zori's lady parts clenched, completely onboard. "Oh? And how am I meant to do that from way over here?"

"You can start by trying to eat something to make up for what you have thrown up. You're going to need your strength in the coming days."

Zori sighed dramatically. "Here I thought it was going to be something fun and sexy."

"Fun and sexy can happen later. You need to take care of yourself until I can do it for you."

"Alas, in more ways than one," Zori replied. Vladik growled something low. "Sorry, I don't speak gargoyle."

"When you touch yourself tonight, think of me," he purred, turning her insides liquid. "And then tell me all about it tomorrow."

Zori hummed, unable to help being a brat. "No, I think I'll make you earn it. You can start taking care of yourself and eat something."

"Oh, when I get my claws on you again, I'll be eating something all right," Vladik snarled, making goosebumps rise on her skin. The thought of his claws digging into her soft thighs made her whole body turn hot. Zori laughed, the flirting making the heaviness in her ease a little.

"I'll see what I can do about that map tomorrow, Iron Heart," she said and blew him a kiss before hanging up.

Despite the teasing, Zori still went to the fridge to see what snacks were in there. She was sickened by Maxim's trophies, but Vladik was right. She needed to be strong to get through whatever dark, bloody rabbit hole she was about to fall down next.

10

Zori knew she would raise suspicion if she changed up her routine too much, so she studied, did her workout in the gym, and played her heavy metal too loud as per usual.

She had a rough night trying to sleep, and in the end, she really had taken matters into her own hands. She had come with Vladik's name on her lips, and the burning need for him grew even more. She had never had a reaction to anyone like him before.

Maybe it was a magic swan wives and gargoyles thing? She wished she knew more about the myth, but there was nothing she could find about it.

Her grandmother would know. She was the high priestess after all.

Zori tried to imagine what she would be like. Would she like Zori? She hadn't had any women around her that weren't nurses and had no idea how to act around them.

Don't worry about it now, she scolded herself. She had bigger things to think about—how to get a map of the building for starters. Luckily, a visit from Anton gave her the perfect idea.

"Maxim asked me to look in on you and make sure you're settling in okay," he said, staring about the apartment.

"That's nice of him." Zori forced herself to smile and not think of the cape of feathers in his office. "I have been having bad dreams about the building burning down. I was wondering if there's an evacuation plan of the tower. It might help me feel a bit safer and put my mind at ease if I know how to get out."

Anton chuckled. "I think you already know how to get out, and the security would make you a priority if that happened. If it will help you sleep better while being here, then I'll email you one."

"Thank you so much. I thought I'd be having nightmares about my mother while we were here, not fires. Did you ever meet her?" she asked, making her eyes go wide with innocence. She couldn't remember a time when Anton hadn't been around.

Anton shook his head. "Sorry, Zoria, I didn't. I know Maxim was very upset over her loss and fired my predecessor over it."

"It's a shame. Sometimes I wish I knew more about her, that's all," she replied with a shrug. It wasn't a lie.

"Maxim knew her best. Maybe ask him when he comes home. I know he wants to take you out and spend some quality time with you." Anton patted her on the shoulder. "I'll send you through the fire plan, okay? No more bad dreams."

"Thanks, Anton. I appreciate it," she said, giving him her biggest smile. She was sure Vladik would appreciate it as well.

After Anton had left, Zori noticed that her gargoyle was back on the building opposite her.

Hello, handsome,Zori thought, grinning at him.

Hey back. Vladik's voice rolled through her mind, making her jump.Don't be frightened, Zori. That poison you were taking must be out of your system enough to allow me to reach you telepathically.

That could be dangerous. I don't know if I want you knowing my thoughts, she replied, hoping she was doing it right.

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