Page 73 of Valour

Hester let out a relieved breath. “Fine. A month when the expedition is over.”

Odette slid from the throne and prowled towards Hester. “Wonderful. You know…I can feel the sexual frustration coming from you. I could release it.” She approached, closer and closer still. Hester could not move, transfixed by the woman. Odette brushed her nose against Hester’s, her lips a hair’s breadth away. Hester’s pulse quickened, her core melting with heat. Oh, she was sure Odette could well banish her frustrations.

“You have always been curious about a woman’s touch?” Odette purred.

Hester swallowed. How Odette knew, she had no idea.

The siren continued, “But you’re sweet on the man outside, aren’t you?”

Hester stiffened.

“He could join us. I promise not to eat him afterwards.”

Hester could barely think through the fog of desire. “No.”

Odette cocked her head and stroked a finger across Hester’s cheek. “I changed my mind.”

Hester’s pulse thudded in her ears. Changed her mind? This was not good.

Odette’s black eye lit up. “I want a month after the expedition for you to teach me. But I want one night with you now. A little deposit, if you will.”

Hester choked out, “A night?”

“You’ve got me all heated up. And if I cannot eat your men…well. I need to release my frustrations.”

Another wave of desire swept through Hester, the siren’s magic heating her blood. “Fine. One night now.” Good Lord. Was she really agreeing to this? A night with a squid who had killed two of their men? “But you have to let Mei and Charlotte go, and no more eating our men.” Hell, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, and if Odette would leave them alone, she would pay any price.

Odette clapped her hands. “It’s a deal! Come with me.” She offered Hester her hand, pale and elegant. Hester reached forwards.

Mei cleared her throat and slapped Hester’s hand out of the way. “I’ll do the night.”

Hester whipped her head to Mei. What was Mei thinking?

Odette cocked her head and fixed her eye on Mei appraisingly. “A night with you, my love? Hmm. I could accept that, I suppose.” She tapped a finger to her lips.

Mei shrugged and said to Hester, “If someone has to do this, it should be me. She’s more my type than yours.”

“Your type is giant squid siren women, is it?”

Mei smiled coyly. “Redheads.”

Hester’s jaw dropped, and she shot Mei the most incredulous look she could muster. “You’re sure about this?”

Odette chuckled and lifted the eyepatch, showing a milky blue eye underneath. “Are you truly sure, Mei, my love?”

Mei reached out and pulled the eyepatch down again. “I’m sure.” She rolled her eyes at Hester, who was still gaping. “What? It’s been a while.”

Odette turned fully to Mei, her face eager. “Tentacles, or no?”

Mei shrugged. “What’s that saying? When in Rome?”

Hester bent over laughing. “When in Rome!” She laughed so hard that tears sprang to her eyes. Well, it was laugh or cry. “We have a bargain, then. We get to keep our men, and you get one night with Mei, and a month of me teaching you when this expedition is over.” No need to mention that the expedition might end in failure and death. And no need to worry about how the Hell she’d teach a squid woman to garner love.

Odette held out a hand, which Hester shook.

“Have…fun?” Hester said, patting Mei on the shoulder.

“Oh, she will,” Odette said, looping her arm through Mei’s and steering her away. “I’ll take very good care of her, don’t you worry. She’ll be back in the morning.”