Bonded by Jaymi Hanako Page A

the flickering light playing with the lightweight fabric of their clothing. Giving glimpses of firm, tanned skin beneath the cover. Though their skirts were composed of many layers, the cloth used in festival wear was thin and translucent, revealing more than it concealed.
    Ethlinda kept an eye on her quarry. Made one final alteration to her magicked disguise, adding a layer of the sort of flagrant sexuality the younger men would find particularly appealing.
    She was pleasantly surprised when she got a closer view. Fair-haired men normally did not appeal to her, but these two were quite attractive. Not tall, but not too short either, with lean, compact muscles.
    The taller of the two elbowed his companion. Whispered and gestured in her direction. She definitely had their attention.
    Excellent.
    The deep drumbeats vibrated under her skin, setting the rhythm of her heartbeat. Primal tones. Ethlinda began to undulate in time with the music, never taking her gaze from her prey. She raised her arms over her head so her breasts lifted high against her tunic, her hard nipples poking against the sheer fabric. Rocked her hips, showing the men just how she would move with a cock inside her.
    It was easy. Almost too easy.
    They moved forward in unison, drawing as close to the circle of dancing women as was allowed. She favored them with her best smile, making a special point to look at each in turn, to ensure they knew she wanted both of them.
    Ethlinda whirled.
    Her skirt rose high, flaring out to expose her legs. She’d been especially careful to use magic there, knowing it was needed. They had never been one of her best features. But now, they were perfect for show. Longer than she was used to. Fortunately, she also knew just the right spells to keep her from being clumsy.
    The drums grew louder, driving the women into more and more frenzied motions. Tunics were discarded, almost in unison, though unrehearsed. Ethlinda added a series of small jumps into her rotations, setting her breasts bouncing in a way sure to captivate the young men.
    It was time.
    Other women moved to their chosen partners, though none appeared to have set their sights on hers. For the moment.
    Jaren’s first mate had already disappeared into the darkness; the low, distinctive rumble of his voice punctuated by a high-pitched, feminine squeal. Perfect. He was well occupied, out of the way and unable to interfere.
    She sashayed toward the two young crew members, flaring her hips with exaggerated care. Reached the taller one first.
    He opened his mouth as if to greet her normally. How sweet. She curled her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to hers. Pressed every inch of her curves into his hard young body. There was a very nice cock under his trousers, a trifle thin but impressively long. She kissed him, sweeping her tongue into his mouth almost before he knew what she was doing. He let out a groan and wound his lean arms around her.
    Ethlinda broke the kiss and smiled up into his hot eyes. “Hello.”
    She moved to the other young man.
    He was more prepared than his friend. Since he was the same height as she, their lips met easily when he drew her into his arms. He was stockier than his companion, with a deeper chest and thicker arms. Bolder too. Running his hands up and down her upper body as they kissed. Ethlinda shivered.
    Again, she was the one to pull away. That was important. She intended to control every aspect of this encounter. A small wave drew them to follow her.
    No need for magic. Pure lust was enough.
    “By the way,” the shorter one said, his voice husky with need. “I’m Benj, and he’s Aric.”
    If there had been any question of their off-worlder status, the introduction would have removed all doubt. An unspoken rule of the festival declared all sexual encounters were to be anonymous. Lorians tended to adhere to that rule almost religiously, with few exceptions.
    Even if she’d thought to craft an alias to go with her