Chapter 1: A Lesson in Manners
"You want me to describe the sexiest outfit I've ever worn in every detail do you?" asked Conina, arching one eyebrow suggestively. "Well... let's just say there were portions of my body left uncovered."
She sat cross-legged upon the luxurious feather-bed in her room, watching with amusement as Captain Cassenenzu struggled to maintain eye contact while fidgeting nervously. He looked as if he would rather be anywhere else. Even in the middle of a particularly nasty battle against orcs. And judging by his expression, even the thought of such violence might hold more appeal than whatever was going through his mind right now. Which probably involved sheep. Or possibly goats. Maybe both. In fluffy huddles together.
"Look, all I said to the guy at the bar is that 'I bet she's worn less before' and I didn't know you were right behind me!" He looked terrified. She had struck him from behind and dragged him upstairs to the 'chambers' where women with negotiable affection 'speak' with men. No one was dumb enough to stop her.
"But I did hear you, didn't I?" she purred. "And so we can talk about it, if you prefer..." Her eyes glinted wickedly. "...or act it out."
Captain Cassenenzu swallowed audibly. This wasn't part of the plan. Not at all. But then again, sometimes plans went awry, especially when dealing with someone like Conina. Still, he had an image to uphold, dammit!
He cleared his throat. "Perhaps we could discuss it first? Get to know each other better?"
Conina laughed softly. "Fair enough," she said, stretching languidly upon the bed. "Then let us commence our conversation...I won't kill you in exchange for...let's say services, shall we?" She grinned lasciviously. "Unless, of course, you object?"
The Captain blushed crimson. He really shouldn't have taken that last drink. His hands fidgeted beneath the rope binding his wrists. "Well, um..." he stammered.
She rolled off the bed and padded across the room toward him, gracefully sinuous despite her revealing clothing. "Come now, captain," she whispered seductively, running a finger down his cheek. "We both know why you're really here. And so do I." Her voice dropped even lower, until only he could barely hear her words. "So tell me, Captain Cassenenzu...am I wearing too much right now?"
She was wearing a red ribbon tied around one bare shoulder, leaving one breast completely exposed; silver bangles jangled lightly on slim wrists. Her hips thrust forward slightly, drawing attention to where they joined impossibly long legs, and hinting at secrets yet unseen. Around her waist floated a gauzy skirt which billowed out behind her every time she moved, emphasizing the sinuousness of her movements and the smooth strength of her body. Even though Conina stood motionless, Captain Cassenenzu felt hot breath blow through his hair, smelling faintly of smoke and exotic spices. When their eyes met again, hers glittered with amusement. But there was hunger lurking just below the surface. Hunger and something else entirely. Something primal. Never had prey felt so helpless outside the trap a mouse had triggered as a cat turned the corner in time to hear the snap.
Captain Cassenenzu swallowed hard. A faint scent of exotic perfume tickled his senses. Even if he hadn't known who she was, even if he hadn't heard about her reputation, he would still have found it impossible to resist her advances. But he knew who she was, and he did know her reputation. Conina the Red, daughter of Cohen, temple dancer and assassin extraordinaire.