Belly of the Beast by Warren Thomas (story books for 5 year olds txt) 📕

Raven, so it was unlikely anyone would question her willingness to part with it instead of wearing it herself. The swordsmith would never suspect a thing, and wear it all the time. Perfect.

            “Run if you want,” he said, well-pleased with his cunning as he finished secreting the nail clipping inside a seam of the gambeson’s cloth lining. “But don’t look back, for I’ll be one step behind you.”

            Looking at Raven, waiting patiently on her hands and knees not five paces away, he found his ardor rising yet again.

            “Is my little slave princess still hot for me?” he asked.

            The sight of her Silk Slave tattoo had been another surprise for him. She was full of delightful surprises.

            “Yes,” she said.

            Nizar raised a single brow, surprised to have received a response, much less that answer. Yes, indeed, many delightful surprises.

            “Hop back up on the bed, harlot.”

            Raven obediently complied. He admired her form a moment, wondering if he should take her as a zombie. Would her touch be as deft, as thoroughly delightful? Would she be as sensuously stimulating?

            Not a chance.

            He positioned her exactly as she was when he entranced her. Then he positioned himself and reached out to stroke her cheek just as before.

            Nizar said, “You will not remember anything that happened while entranced. But you will deliver the gambeson I will give you to Tane Kyleson. If anyone asks where you got it, tell them you won it dicing.”

            “I understand.”

            He spoke the prayer that freed her, and kissed her deeply before any confusion set in. Let her believe his passionate kiss caused her momentary disorientation. Maybe she’d even believe it was love.

            The thought amused him.

            “Sweet Lyss, kiss me again!” she gasped, invoking the Goddess of Love and Passion. “And again. And again!”

            Nizar took a fistful of silky soft, glossy black hair, jerking her head back. She gasped, emerald eyes burning with desire, body arched and trembling.

            “You’re such a shameless hedonist,” he said.

            “I know,” she whispered, voice deep and husky, as she slipped off the bed.

            Raven pushed his knees wide, wrapped a hand around his rising member, and when down on him. He buried his hands in her thick, silky hair, and savored his victory.

Chapter 41

            “Well, I for one am through waiting,” Quinn said. “I can forgive almost anything, especially where Raven is concerned, but I detest waiting for anyone. Especially when she almost begged us to meet her here!”

            “Well, I’m sure Raven has a good excuse,” Tane said, hoping she did.

            “Bloody right I do!” Raven said, giving them her most roguish grin. “Behold!”

            Tane jumped in surprised, with brought a wicked little twinkle to her eyes. Quinn just frowned at her.

            “You’re late.”

            “I know,” she responded, but turned a bright smile on Tane.

            Raven produced a chain mail gambeson with a flourish, her grin growing wider. Tane’s trained eyes noted it was a fine example of the armor’s art. She had lost her steal cuirass, so needed some armor. Unfortunately, Tane could see the armor was made for a much heavier, stronger person. He doubted if Quinn could wear it comfortably. But he was sure she could sell it for a hefty sum.

            He idly wondered where she got it, but knew better than ask. Raven would probably conjure up some wild story to explain her newest prize. Most likely she stole it off a passed out drunk.

            “I hope making us wait was worth it,” Quinn grumbled, though Tane noted a hint of interest in the mail armor. “Sweet Mother, we’ve been waiting for you for over three hours! And Tane and I have to report for duty at first light.”

            “Oh,” Raven said, suddenly distressed. “I’m so sorry. I feel terrible. I’m surely unworthy of your friendship. But won’t you forgive me, Quinn? I’ll do anything you ask if you will. Anything.”

            “Strange, you don’t sound sorry,” he said.

            “Doesn’t look too sorry, either,” Tane said, noting the mischievous glint in her eyes.

            “Thanks a lot, Tane. And after I risked life and limb to get this fine padded gambeson for you,” she said. “But does anyone thank me? No. You just ridicule me.” She pulled a dagger and offered it to them, “Go ahead, cut out my heart and stomp on it. It’ll hurt less.”

            Quinn groaned while Tane rolled his eyes. But Tane’s eyes quickly returned to the gambeson.

            “I am ashamed,” Tane said, trying not to laugh. “I am unworthy of your friendship. I beg your forgiveness.”

            “That’s more like it,” she said, then turned on Quinn. “You could learn a thing or two from Tane.”

            “You wouldn’t respect me if I gave up so easily,” Quinn said, and took the gambeson from her hands. “Very impressive. You didn’t steal it, did you?”

            “What! I’m shocked!” she said, snatching it back and handing it to Tane. “I told you, I won it fair and square at dice. For Tane, since he returned Tasheba to me after the battle. I owed him.”

            “Thank you,” Tane said, flattered. In truth, after that first battle, he was afraid to go into battle again without armor. “I don’t know what to say.”

            Quinn gave him an “oh, please” look. Tane just shrugged.

            Well-pleased with herself, Raven said, “I just want all my friends to survive this Godsforsaken war. Besides, I have a birthday coming up in a few months, and I like getting lots of presents.”

            “Not very subtle,” Quinn mumbled. Then he looked around and frowned. “Nothing for me? I lost my armor too, you know.”

            Raven’s smile was pure sensual wickedness.

            “Oh, I have something for you, lover,” she said. She kissed him long and deeply. “Do I ever have something for you?”

Chapter 42

            Sunrise the next morning brought another assault on the walls, just as Quinn had predicted. The attack lasted just over three hours, followed by two hours of the