Cloud Rebel (R-D #3)(30)

I really wish you'd give me a break, he whined back.

Come on, you know that's funny, Opal intervened.

All of us stopped still as Val sent another wave of pleasure, silencing even Matt.





Chapter 7

All of us returned to the beach house feeling depressed. After Val's last bit of tomfoolery, we'd witnessed firsthand where people had died. Thoughts of the children, some of them sleeping at the time of the assault, enraged me.

It shocked me, too, that Val held one hand while Rafe gripped the other when I was ready to become tall, blue and violent.

I wasn't ready to ask how Val had accomplished that feat with Rafe, because I didn't want to know. Not now, anyway. I still felt angry and depressed over the attack on Star Cove. Those Elemaiya were going to die if I ever found them again.

"Papa," Katya came to Rafe, "Opal says we can't go anywhere without Val or Rinnelar," she leaned her head on Rafe's shoulder.

"What is it, little moth?" he asked, rubbing her back.

"Cabin fever?" I offered.

"I think so. Sergei is feeling restless. I think we both need to get out for a while."

"Is there something in particular you want to do or somewhere you want to go?" I asked.

"I now own a villa in Italy," Rafe said. "Would you like to see that? Provided Rinnelar doesn't mind taking us?"

"I wouldn't mind," I breathed, once the shock wore off. He'd bought it, because that's where we'd spent our short honeymoon.

"I will provide transportation," Val said immediately.

"Where?" Matt said. "Just asking," he held up a hand before I could say anything.

"I was going to answer your question," I replied. "Not jump all over you."

"Truce?" he asked, holding out his hand.

"I guess," I sighed and clasped his hand to shake on it.

"Good. Opal and I would like to come with you, then. Bekzi will stay here to protect the others."

"I want to have dinner at Gino's while we're there," Rafe said. "That means we spend the night tonight and perhaps tomorrow night as well."

"Is that the restaurant you always talked about?" Katya turned a hopeful gaze on Rafe.

"It is," he smiled at her. "The food is wonderful."

"I'll be coming with you," Leo announced, cutting his eyes toward Sergei. I wanted to sigh. I didn't. Leo wouldn't include himself unless it was important to Sergei's health, mental and physical.

"All right," I shrugged. "Pack your duds. We're going to Italy."

"Duds?" Sergei blinked at me.

"Clothing," Rafe explained. "An American idiom that defies explanation."

"It derives from Middle English," Val began.

"Honey, they don't care about that," I patted his arm. "They just want to go somewhere."

I understood that he wanted to comment on short attention spans, but didn't say it. I rubbed his back to console him. Matt, the cheeky bastard, snickered.

"Don't be a jerk," Opal swatted at Matt. I snickered, that time.

They want to have energy sex, Val informed me.

I thought so, I replied. I just didn't want to embarrass anybody by saying it aloud.

You, my love, have never experienced energy sex. They have. They know to anticipate it greatly.

While I feel like an awkward virgin, I snapped. Sorry, didn't mean it to come out quite like that.

I will make sure you are cared for afterward, he observed.

I need care afterward? Now I was starting to worry.

The ecstasy is so great, the participants generally lose consciousness. If we are not on the Larentii homeworld, then other Larentii must be present to ensure the safety of all participants.

What. The. Hell. Are. You. Talking. About?

You'll see. Val smiled gently.

And so will they, I huffed. I don't want a bunch of strangers watching me while I'm making whoopee.

Dearest, it's not like that. They know to be discreet if anyone involved feels uncomfortable.

Right. Who's coming? Anybody I know?

I just sent the call—there have been several replies. I expect them to work it out among themselves.

Right.

Dearest, you're repeating yourself.

On purpose.

Ah. I assure you, I understood the first time.

I'm not questioning your understanding. I'm beginning to question my involvement in energy sex.

Please, dearest—I have been looking forward to this since the moment we met.

All men are alike, no matter what planet they're from, I grumped.

I call your attention to the fact that I am Larentii. Men are, by definition, human.

Fine. Didn't mean to ruffle your tail feathers.

I do not have, he held up a hand.

I know, I know. I should have said males. My bad. As for Larentii having tail feathers, it's only an expression. Wait, you're just yanking my chain, aren't you?

Dearest, you make me laugh, he said.

"I think this is the most interesting conversation I've never heard," Katya interrupted.

"Young one, we didn't mean to converse at such length and exclude you," Val smiled. "We are—as you might say—merely poking at one another."