Succubus Revealed Chapter 10

In centuries? I eyeshot that was kind of an exaggeration. But I wasnt going to argue whatsoever further with him, not when he had that zealous look in his eyes. It was adept I knew all similarly well, which in its mildest form resulted in recipe experiment and in its severest led to immortal cleanup position sprees.With all the schools on winter vacation out correctly, Santa was no longer average doing evening duty at the mall. I had drawn a day shift for Monday and in the end left papistic for bed so that I could get along an early start. He ac turn inledged my nifty night with a nod, disoriented in his stimulate brooding. Despite how hard hed grilled me, I knew he was cyphering close to the same question Id demanded of him why would Hell compliments me out of Seattle so badly that they were willing to create a dream scenario for me?I had no answers for it that night or the next morning. I arrived at the mall bright and early, in my foil dress, notwithstanding to find a mob of parents and kids al souricious lined up t here(predicate) waiting for us to open shop. Walter-Santa, I was enchantd to see, was actually drinking straight c asideee this morning, with no mention of alcohol. Of course, he was or so likely getting rid of a hangover from last night, and I didnt doubt that the requests for something harder would start by noon.Santa wishes his pavilion wasnt under the malls skylight, he remarked, furthering my hangover suspicions. He settled himself into his chair much to the equanimous childrens delight and winced unhappily up at the sunlight spilling through the latticed roof of the holiday gazebo. He turned back to me and bad-tempered. I dont suppose we could get a tarp for that?Grumpy and I exchanged looks. I dont think they sell tarps at this mall, Walt Santa, I told him. But maybe on my break I sens score some sheets from Pottery Barn for you.Yeah, verbalize Grumpy, repressing an eye bike. Im sure we can find something ver y tasteful.Santa nodded solemnly. Santa is grateful to accept such(prenominal) dutiful elves.We opened the floodgates. I was feating right next to Santa today, corresponding I got a front row seat for some of the more rural requests. I was also the one who got to remove screaming children, patronage parental protests and pleadings to save keep her there until I get the picture All the small-arm, I unploughed thinking that instead of doing this, I could be in Las Vegas right now, working through Matthiass routines and listening to Phoebes jokes along the way.Of course, that isnt to say I was entirely disrespectful of the whole experience. I liked Christmas, and I liked children. I wouldnt have signed on for this job if either of those werent true. But in watching these families oddly little girls with their mothers I respectable couldnt shake my worries for the Mortensens. If I thought too much more or less them, I started to tear up. So . . . yeah. Cynicism was prefera ble at cartridge clips. It kept me from getting lost in my own despair.When my shift ended later in the day, I discovered I wasnt the only one going domicile. Grumpy put up a SANTA ON 10-MINUTE BREAK sign, much to the dismay of those waiting in line, and Walter followed me as I headed out to the mall offices. It was hard not to smile at the reaction of kids who just happened to be out shopping with parents and hadnt come to specifically see Santa. Children came to a stand exempt, sasss gaping and fingers pointing.Youve been pretty right(a) today, I told Walter.Its easier when Santa knows he can go out for a drink at dinnertime, he told me.I frowned. Are you going home? Oh. Of course you are. Youve been here as long as me. Elves had always moved in and out of shifts, solely Santa had stayed constant. Now, with us pulling longer hours, Walter couldnt be on the measure all the time. Do you have a replacement?He put a finger to his lips and winked at me, refusing to say anything whi le we were in public. Once we were out of sight, in the administrative offices, I got my answer when we found another Santa sitting in a chair, leafing through a Victorias Secret catalog. He looked up at our burn up and set the magazine down.Is it time?Walter nodded and turned to me. Vixen, do we look the same?Of course, I said. Youre twain men in red suits and white beards.Look closely, he scolded. The other Santa rose, and they stood side by side. Details matter. Anything a child waiting in line competency notice when Bob goes out to take my place. face fungus alignment, glasses, fit of the coat . . . it all matters. One small expand is all it takes for those kids to realize theyve been played, that there are two of us.And if they realize that, added Bob, using the same British accent Walter always did, so the illusion is over. Theyll know theyve been tricked, that there is no one, true Santa.Wow, you guys take this seriously, I said, a little astonished. So, I did a envelo ping(prenominal) assessment, making a few minor adjustments. I straightened Bobs hat and fixed the way some of his beards curls were arranged. At last, I nodded. Youre intimately to go.Bob looked at Walter expectantly. Walter took off his hat, beard, and glasses, revealing an ordinary-looking man with thinning salt-and-pepper hair. Only one Santa can exist outside this room, explained Walter mysteriously, watching Bob go. Its expound of the magic.This was kind of sweet, I remarked. Off the clock now, Walter immediately produced a flask from his locker and began guzzling it. I wondered if the two Santas shared the same addiction. Creepy, but sweet.After a wardrobe change of my own and a brief stop home, I eventually wanton my way to Burts Bowling Alley. Roman had chosen it for our immortal league practice. It was also the site of a date he and I had had way back when, during our ill-fated romance. Living with him day to day, coping with the mundane absurdities of roommate life, it was easy to forget about that part of our history. There had been a time when I thought I was falling in love with Roman, though eventually my feelings for band had won out. Learning Romans true nature and about his plot to kill Carter hadnt helped our fledgling relationship. Hed given all that up, thank climby, but there were times I wondered just how much Roman appease cared for me.There was no sign of our illustrious teacher yet, but Seth was already there, along with Cody, whoreson, and Hugh. Seeing me enter, Seth shot me a desperate, grateful look. I could only imagine what conversation hed been subjected to while trapped with them. As I approached, the four guys apparels instantly caught my eye. Seth was wearing a Say Anything T-shirt. That was typical of him. What wasnt so typical was that my three immortal friends were all wearing identical light blue shirts. Before I could get a good look at them, Cody leaped up and poking a folded-up blue shirt toward me.Here, he s aid. I cant wait to see what all four of us look like unneurotic in these.The shirt was a standard bowling style, short-sleeved and button-down. My name was embroidered on the front. Flipping it over, I found THE UNHOLY ROLLERS done in elaborate, flaming letters. I flex an eyebrow.Really? I said. This is what were going with?Its clever on so many levels, Peter said excitedly. Its a take on holy rollers, and then when you think about the situation that were rolling balls Yeah, yeah, I said, putting the bowling shirt on over my turtleneck. The size was off a little, and I shape-shifted to adjust it. I know what the definition of a pun is, Peter. I just didnt realize we were going with something so . . . blatant.It was either that or the Sinsationals, said Hugh.I made a face and settled into the crook of Seths arm. I think you went with the right choice. And at least theyre in a tasteful color.Hugh and Cody exchanged pleased, triumphant looks. Peter scowled.Theres cipher impose o n _or_ oppress with pink, he said. I think it would have made a statement.Yeah, said Hugh. A statement that were pansy-asses that Nanettes team could clean the floor with.Peter gave a long-suffering sigh. wherefore must you be so insecure about your masculinity? If Georgina had been around when we voted, I bet she wouldve gone with pink too.At once, his manner of speaking reminded all of them of why Id been gone. Their faces fell. Is it true then? said Cody. Youre leaving?Afraid so, I told him, attempting cheerfulness I didnt feel. Next month, Im Vegas-bound.But thats not fair, Cody protested. We subscribe to you here.Hugh gave him a rueful smile. You havent been in this business long enough, kid. Fair doesnt enter into it.Cody didnt like the reference to his lack of experience, but Hugh was right. Cody hadnt been immortal long enough to go through a transfer or the organizational machinations of HR. Peter and Hugh had, and while they qualification be sad at the thought of leavi ng me, they also knew that there were some things you just cant fight.Dont feel too bad for me, I said breezily. Bastiens working there now. And Ive already got a job as a dancer.You cant even get a job here, pointed out Peter. alike a top slight dancer? asked Hugh.No, I said. But scantily clad in sequins.Hugh nodded in approval. Thatll work.Cody was still wearing his life on his sleeve. His gaze fell on Seth. Well. I guess one good thing is that with your job, you can live anywhere. Easy enough relocation.I didnt know what Seths thoughts on that were exactly, but he managed a brave smile. Well see. Suddenly all I could think about was my last conversation with Andrea, when we were talking about Seth. Hes the gem supporting us all right now.An un poufably warm feeling spread over me, tinged with the scent of brimstone. The other immortals and I looked up as Jerome entered, trailed by a pensive-looking Roman. I sawing machine my surprise mirrored on my friends faces.I didnt know y ou were coming, I said to Jerome, when the father-and-son duo reached us. I thought youd made it dismiss you werent part of the team.Im not, he said, eyeing the worn leather chairs with disgust. But seeing as my honor is riding on this so-called team, I figured Id best make up sure youre on the right track.Thanks for the vote of confidence in my abilities, said Roman, entering our names into the lanes computer.I dont doubt your abilities, said Jerome, deigning to sit at last. But I also know a little encouragement can sometimes go a long way in furthering success.I assume by encouragement, youre referring to your extreme displeasure if we fail, I noted.Jeromes lips twitched. Exactly, Georgie. Besides, I also precious to hear Jerome fell silent as his gaze rested on Seths T-shirt, depicting John Cusacks iconic stance with the boom box over his head.Nice shirt, said Jerome at last.Um, thanks, said Seth.Jerome turned back to me, like aught had happened. As I was saying, I wanted to hear about your Las Vegas weekend.How considerate, I said. Beside me, I felt Seth shift restlessly. I knew my other immortal friends made him uncomfortable in just a weird sort of way, but Jerome unnerved Seth in a whole other way. No, it was more than unnerving. Jerome stimulate Seth, which made sense because half the time, Jerome scared us too. Im sure you have enough eyes and ears to tell you exactly how my weekend went.True, said Jerome. But that doesnt mean I dont enjoy getting your insight.Right, I said. Because my happiness means so much to you.Roman crossed his arms over his chest and fixed us with an irritated look. Sorry to interrupt, but do you want to practice or not? He gave no indication that hed grilled me on every detail of the aforementioned weekend. From his expression now, youd think that was the last thing on his mind.Certainly, said Jerome magnanimously. He gesture toward the lane, like some monarch kicking off a celebration. Begin.Roman rolled his eyes and th en turned to us Unholy Rollers. Okay, first, lets see what level youre all at.Romans lessons hadnt stuck with me over the last year, though I pronounce myself well with six pins on my first roll and two on the next. Cody surprised everyone with a spare, and Hugh, after first rolling a gutter ball, matched my eight. Peter created a perfect split on his first roll and hit vigour on the second. Seth, in a rare moment of bravery, leaned toward Jerome.Are there going to be handicaps in this tournament?That, said Jerome, dark eyes on the gaping hole Peter had made, is an excellent question.Even Roman seemed a little surprised at how all over the map we were. He jumped into his role as coach, helping each of us with our own specific problems. Cody was the only one of us who needed little assistance and threw strikes and spares pretty regularly. I proved surprisingly correctable and was soon breaking spares about two-thirds of the time, which I thought was a decent rate. No amount of ins truction seemed to help Peter, whose rolls were increasingly bizarre and erratic. Hugh improved slightly but still had a tendency to always support right, which he just couldnt shake.Here, said Seth, standing up as Hugh was about to finish a frame. Can I do it? I used to roll exactly like you do.Hugh relinquished the ball willingly, and Seth stepped up to the line. I sat up with interest, never having seen Seth bowl. He showed Hugh his technique first, miming a throw that curved slightly left. Then Seth threw for real, releasing a fast, neat ball that cleaned up Hughs leftover pins.Jesus Christ, said Jerome in disgust. Im going to have to see if Nanette will let me put mortals on the team. Its the only way Im going to save face.Hey, said Roman. Give them a fall out. I can work miracles in a week.Jerome stood up. Miracles generally arent in our repertoire. Ive seen all I need to. Im going to go drink now in a futile grounds to wipe away the memory of this debacle. When I show up f or your next practice, I expect to see significant improvement in all of you. If I dont, youre all going to learn a new definition of teamwork through your shared misery and suffering. He turned abruptly on his heels and nearly ran into a waitress approaching us. She yelped in surprise when she saw the furious look on his face. Do not serve them alcohol, he warned her. We cant risk any chance of this getting worse not that thats probably possible.We watched them both hurry away. Once Jerome left the bowling alley, Roman exhaled in relief and sat down with us. Okay, now that hes gone, can we dispense with this bowling nonsense and get down to business? Cody, we need to talk to you about Milton.Whoa, whoa, said Peter. Was I the only one who comprehend that part about shared misery and suffering? We need to practice.Roman waved a dismissive hand. Well get back to that.What about Milton? asked Cody, looking puzzled for any number of reasons.You told him, said Hugh. Shit.Whatd you exp ect? I asked. You had to have known Id do something about it.Miltons a hit man for Hell, said Roman.Milton . . . not Milton that asshole vampire that was here a while ago? asked Peter incredulously. A hit man? Come on. He was a fashion nightmare, but thats about it.We have good reason to think he really is an assassin, I said slowly. He travels a lot, and when hes in town . . . people die. Like Erik.Erik was killed by a robber, said Cody. There was no sign of a vampire.Well, of course not, said Roman. Hell doesnt want its murders to look obvious.Yeah, said Peter, but that implies Hell had a reason for killing Erik.Hell did, said Roman. He nodded toward me. Her. Erik was investigating Georginas contract when he was killed.I swallowed, taking a moment to find my voice. There was a small, small comfort in thinking there was a reason for Eriks death and not just some random chance of the universe. But that comfort was negated by the fact that I was the reason.Roman thinks theres some ne farious explanation for me being transferred. Some larger plot. And that Eriks death was part of it, I said at last.Seth regardd at me in astonishment. I thought you said this was routine.I shrugged, unable to meet his eyes. I dont know. Maybe it is. Maybe it isnt.It isnt, said Roman fiercely. There are too many things going on, too many things that dont add up. Erik got too close to something, and Hell got rid of him. Which brings me back to my original point. Cody. You and Gabrielle followed Milton around, right?I . . . yeah . . . Cody was still in shock. But I mean, we didnt see him kill Erik We didnt see anything like that.Did you ever see him in Lake City? I asked. That was where Eriks store had been.Cody shook his head. never that far out. We just followed him mostly to some clubs. It was a game, thats all. She wanted to see a vampire, so we watched him for a while. We never followed him outside of downtown.I did.Everyone turned to stare at Peter.Why are you looking at me lik e that? he demanded.I didnt know about that, said Cody. Why did you follow him?Peter snorted. Why do you think? He was in our territory. I was seeing if he was really just on vacation like he claimed. I had to make sure he wasnt out hunting victims.I grew so complacent sometimes with the idea of my silly, laid-back friends that it was easy to forget their true natures. Peter and Cody were the most deceptive of all sometimes. They were goofy and absurd in most of their normal living, but at the end of the day, they were vampires.And? asked Roman, getting that zealous look again. Did you see him in Lake City?No. I followed him once to the Eastside and once to West Seattle.A vibration ran down my spine. West Seattle? What was he doing there?Nothing, said Peter. He drove though some neighborhoods, sat in his car for a while. I figured he was stalking prey but saw me and gave up. Which he was smart to do.He might very well have been stalking prey, I murmured. Erik lived in West Seattle. Do you remember the neighborhood?If I saw it, maybe, said Peter. But I couldnt lead you back there. Im sorry.It doesnt matter, said Roman. This is all we need. This is enough proof.Its circumstantial at best, argued Hugh. Which I told Georgina initially. And it doesnt explain why Hell would want him killed especially after he helped Jerome. I know, I know. Both Roman and I had started to protest, and Hugh held up a silencing hand. The contract. But remember, Kristin checked it for you. She said there was nothing wrong with your contract.Kristin was an imp who worked in Vancouver. Id done her a favor, and in return, shed dared to look in Hells archives and review my contract for me, back when Id clung to the bank that there might be an error. The imp whod brokered my contract, Niphon, had been in town behaving suspiciously, and Id been certain wed learn that the contract was faulty. Kristin had come back with disappointing news everything was in order.Erik said it wasnt mine that was the problem, though. He said it was a different one, I said.What other contract? And how is this connected to your transfer? asked Hugh. When none of us had an answer, he sighed. Look, sweetie. Im as much for a good caper as any of you, but not at the expense of being stupid. He glared at Roman. Youve been around for a while, Ill give you credit for that, but you havent lived our lives. You havent had to answer to the system. We do. Dont fuck things up for her with some far-fetched, crazy-ass theory.What if its more than a theory? asked Roman. What if its true?Hugh met his gaze squarely. Then make damned sure uncovering it is expense the consequences.Silence fell over us. At long last, Cody said, How much do you think Jerome scared that waitress? Because I could really use a drink.Roman resumed his coaching, but a weird mood had descended upon us in the wake of the Milton and Erik revelation. We went through the motions, but it was clear no ones heart was really in bowling. Whe n we finally called it a night, Roman declared that wed all improved but were still in need of more practice. Since that wasnt a mystery to any of us, we set up a schedule for the rest of the week before dispersing. Roman caught a hold of my arm as I was walking out.I wont be home tonight, he said. Ive got some . . . things to do.Things that are going to get you in trouble? I asked warily.No more than I already am. Just figured Id let you know in case . . . He glanced at Seth, then me. You know, just in case you wanted to know.Thanks, I said. Taking the hint, I turned to Seth once we were alone in the parking lot. What do you think? Do you want to come have a sleepover? Or do you have to go back to Terrys?Seth put his hands around my waist and drew me close. Actually, I have the night off. Andrea was having a good day today.I remembered yesterday, how, despite her fatigue, it had been clear shed significantly improved. I felt a flutter of hope in my chest and rejoiced at finally hav ing something that was clear-cut and good in the adult male for a change. Do you think shes really healing? That the treatments working?I dont know, he said wistfully. Id like to believe it. It would be . . . amazing. More than I could hope for.My heart ached for him and for the whole family. I didnt know what to say, so I simply brushed a light kiss across his lips. They were warm in the chill air.Georgina, he said, when Id pulled back. All this other stuff . . . about your contract and the transfer. This is the first Im hearing about it.I know, I said. Im sorry. I wasnt trying to keep anything from you. Its just . . . so much is still unknown. I didnt want to bring it up when I dont even fully understand whats happening.And I understand even less than you, said Seth.I nodded. I didnt want you to worry.He gazed down at me, eyes honest and full of affection. You have to stop that. Im not going to break. You can always talk to me about anything. We wont get anywhere without things b eing open between us. Were in this in concert, Thetis. What happens to you affects me. I want to be there for you.I know, I said. Its a hard habit to break . . . wanting to protect you.One thing struck me . . . what Hugh said. Are you doing something dangerous? Hes right about Roman, isnt he? That Roman doesnt face the same consequences as the rest of you? I hate the thought . . . I hate the thought of you getting caught up in one of his schemes, that you might suffer for his rash actions.Im not sure theyre so rash, I said. At first, I did. But now, I think he really might be onto something. About Erik. About my transfer.And if he is? What is there for you to gain? I mean, from what I know about Roman and nephilim, itll be enough for him if he can full point Hell in a cover-up. Thats what he gets his kicks from. But you . . . you answer to Hell. What do you get for uncovering some grand plan of theirs? Unhappy employers.I leaned against his chest, thoroughgoing(a) off into the nig ht. The sky was clear, but we were too close to downtown to see much in the way of stars.I get the truth, I said at last. I dont know how my transfer plays into Eriks death or if it even does but if its true that Erik wasnt killed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, then yeah. I need to know that. I need to know the truth.Its worth it? He squeezed me tight. Worth the risk to yourself?Yes, I whispered. Its worth it.Yet, even as I spoke, I thought of Erik kind and wise Erik who did so much for others, with little regard for himself. Generous, wonderful Erik who had done so much for me and possibly lost his life for it. Finding out the truth of that, what hed died for . . . yes, Id meant what I said. It was worth any risk to me, but that didnt negate the terribleness of it all. It couldnt change what had happened to Erik. He was still dead, and the enamour around us was only growing thicker and thicker.Whats the matter? asked Seth. Without even thinking about it, Id clos ed my eyes and buried my face closer to his chest, perhaps in some subconscious effort to hide from the storm I felt was brewing around me and my immortal world.I opened my eyes and sighed. Nothing. Everything. I dont . . . I dont want to think about any of it. At least for a little while. Tomorrow . . . this is all going to be waiting, I know. But please . . . I pressed myself even closer to him, keeping my lips only a couple inches away. Lets go home. Help me to forget about this . . . just for tonight.Seth didnt need to be told twice. His lips found mine, and we locked in a kiss that was both hungry and desperate. Heat and electricity coursed through me, making me oblivious to the winter night. When we broke away, both breathless, I just barely managed to say, Meet you at my place.We each headed off for our own cars, which was a good thing since we probably would have been hazardous together if attempting to drive home in the same vehicle. As it was, I was kind of amazed at my ab ility to get back to my condo on Alki margin without breaking any traffic laws. But once we reached my place, pulling into the lot at almost the same moment, that was it. We were all over each other and just barely had the sense to make it through my door before letting go completely.Id tried to put up a good front about resisting sex, but the truth was, Id miss it as badly as Seth. All the flings in the world couldnt make up for not doing it with him, the one I loved. My succuba duties were becoming even emptier and more hollow than usual. I still believed rationing our sex life was the smart and safe thing to do, but right now, I was willing to bend the rules.He swept me into his arms as soon as we stepped inside my condo, still managing to kiss me at the same time. The cats, normally ready to pounce with love on anyone who came through the door, had enough sense to give us our space as we stumbled back toward the bedroom. Seth lost his balance while carrying me and only barely managed to make it to my bed when he stumbled, depositing us both in an unceremonious heap.Had it really only been a month? As my mouth tasted his and my hands grew reacquainted with his proboscis, I couldnt help but think it felt more like years. Id been in a drought. Id been starving for him. I couldnt get his T-shirt off fast enough and luxuriated in the feel of his bare skin under my fingertips. Seth was busy working on my shirt, which was a little difficult. The Unholy Rollers shirt didnt go over my head so well, meaning each button had to be undone individually. He did it with infinite patience and skill, soon making riotous work of the shirt underneath.Once I was stripped, he gazed at me with the same longing and hunger I felt for him. He ran his hands over the space of my body, reverently tracing the curve of my hips and breasts. So beautiful, he murmured, drawing me on top of him. He then stretched back and shifted so that my breasts hung over his face, allowing him to t ake one of my breasts into his mouth. I gasped, not just because of the touch of his tongue which was exquisite but because it was Seth.His lips and tongue teased my nipple until it was aching and tender. Then, he switched breasts, giving my other nipple the same adoration. Fire flared through me again, along with the silvery sweet high of his life energy. With it came his feelings his love and passion for me and the combination of it all was intoxicating. I cried out softly, and he slid me down so that our mouths could meet again, this time in a kiss so deep and crushing, it made the parking lot seem chaste.As we kissed, I felt him slide a hand down the side of my body, moving toward my inner thighs. His fingers moved deftly as they explored me, slowly moving far and farther until they slid inside of me. I exclaimed again, but the cry was swallowed in the kiss, which was so deep I felt as though I could hardly breathe. Patiently, those fingers danced around, testing me until he found the place that got the biggest reaction. Starting slowly, he stroked me over and over, playing with how wet I was, while intense pleasure lit all my nerve endings. I could easily put off my own climax as long as I needed, but there was no need tonight. I wanted to lose myself in him and let my body do whatever it wanted. What it wanted, as it turned out, was to come quickly. Seth and I had been apart too long, and my body has missed his touch.A few more skillful touches, and I felt my lower body explode with bliss, the sensation so overwhelming that I wasnt certain I could handle being touched anymore . . . even though I craved it. Seth continued teasing me until my orgasm finally subsided, and only then did he remove his fingers. He finally broke the kiss too, and we both gasped for breath, our eyes locked on each other.Come here, I said, pulling him back toward me. Like me, Seth couldve easily dragged out more foreplay . . . and like me, he didnt want to. I guess this was the cost of rationing. It didnt leave much room for patience.His body pressed against mine, and I felt him push inside me, hard and ready. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him again as he began to thrust in and out of me. I wanted as much of him as I could get, wanted to make contact with as much of his body as I could. As we made love, though, I had the same sense I always did even with him in me, pushing as hard as he could, he would never be close enough to me. I always wanted more of him. Our bodies were meant to be together, I decided. There was something so wonderfully, agonizingly right about the feel of him inside of me.Georgina, he gasped, as his motions grew faster and more intense. Youre amazing. Beyond amazing. . . .If any more sentiments were there, I never found out. His face modify as his orgasm seized him, his body surging forward into mine with a new intensity. He let out a soft groan as he came, still thrusting as he took every last bit of pleasure th at he could. And as he came, I felt the full surge of his stolen life force. It was glorious and heady, and I tried to accept it as part of the rest of the experience. I didnt want to ruin this moment with guilt.When Seths body finally slowed, he collapsed onto me, resting his head on my chest. He exhaled heavily and planted a kiss between my breasts. Did I mention that youre amazing ? he asked.I sighed contentedly and ran my hand through his hair, which was now even more messed up than usual. Not that amazing, I remarked. I feel like you did all the work.He kissed me again. Thats whats great about you, Thetis. You dont even know when youre being amazing.I felt a smile creeping over my face, and it had nothing to do with the compliments. Georgina. Thetis. The old, familiar nicknames. After the last time wed had sex, some frightened part of me had worried I was in for a repeat and that hed call me Letha again. But, no. That memory, that name . . . they were all gone, just like the s oulfulness I used to be.I love you, I said, because it seemed the only adequate response.Mmm. He snuggled closer. Lets not wait so long next time, alright?I laughed softly. Were going to wait even longer. I dont think monthly sex is going to work if we ration for a lifetime. Its still too frequent.He groaned. Come on. I dont mind the risks. Its worth it. I could be content with biweekly sex. Tonight was proof you cant hold out very long either. semiweekly Thats definitely too frequent. You only got it tonight because I suddenly had a moment of crisis.He chuckled, though it was soon lost in a yawn. If I got sex every time you had a moment of crisis, then Id probably be getting it every night.I gently elbowed him. Thats not true. I thought about it. Much.He laughed again and wrapped his arms around me, keeping us close. Oh, Georgina. You make everything we go through worthwhile. Everything.