Page 69 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Why—huh…Who?” She rubbed her face. “Why areyounot that drunk?” Ava pointed her finger at Quinn.
Quinn lifted a shoulder. “It seems humans can’t hold their alcohol.”
Ava giggled as she reached for her glass, but Fanya swiped it away. “I’m cutting you off. Thorne will kill us if you drink yourself to death.”
Ava groaned. “…more whiskey…”
“No.” Quinn looked at her across the table. “What’s the deal with you and Cas?”
Fanya gasped. “Cas? Oh…do tell us!”
Ava chewed on her lip. “There’s nothing. I…uh…he’s…what was the question?”
“Are you two sleeping together?” Quinn raisedan eyebrow.
Ava pointed in between Quinn and Fanya. “Areyoutwo sleeping together?” Then burst into laughter.
“No, but Quinnissleeping with your brother,” said Fanya.
“What?” Ava straightened.
“It’s not a big deal. We have fun sometimes, that’s all. He’s quite good in bed.”
“Eww.” Ava shook her head. “I mean…good for you.”
“So, about Cas,” said Fanya.
“Uh—no.” She tapped her fingers on the table. “We are not…have…not…done the sex. We haven’t even kissed. But…he was getting all kissy on my neck on that damn horse.”
“Sothat’swhy you were acting weird,” said Quinn. “And nothing’s happened since?”
Ava flopped her arm on the table. “No. He’s a gentleman or something…Oh…look at me…” Ava sat up and crossed her arms in poor imitation of Casimir. “I’m the honorable gen—general. I’m waiting for the right time…or whatever. Oh…Ava wants me to throw her on the bed and fuck her brains out? No no no.” She waggled her finger. “Can’t do that. She’s the princess.”
Fanya burst out laughing.
Quinn gave her a naughty grin. “I’m telling him you said that.”
“Oh…no. Please don’t.” She shook her head. “Why did you ask about him? Did he say something?”
“No.” Quinn said. “But the way he looks at you when you aren’t paying attention…”
“How?” interrupted Fanya.
“Hegazes.”
“He does…does not gaze,” slurred Ava.
Quinn gave her a flat look. “I’ve known him since we were children. I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that.”
“Well.” Ava giggled as the alcohol coursed through herbody. “He needs to gaze all over my naked body.” She was laughing so hard she almost fell out of her seat.
“I don’t even know what that means,” said Fanya as she brushed her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder, shaking her head.
“Me neither,” said Ava.
Quinn stood and grabbed Ava under her arm. “This is pathetic. I’m taking you back to the castle now.”
“No! More! We—need more…whiskey.”
