The shower - great place to unwind. And the last place you'd expect an invader.
Invading the Shower
Set up: Luc has had an incredibly long day full of drama and hasn't slept for three long days. He's about to unwind with a glass of wine and a shower.
Inside his room, Luc shut the door, activated locks and set full privacy settings. It took three seconds to choose a bottle of Skovron Blush '37. Light, delicate and sweet. He opened the bottle to let the wine breathe while he set about stripping. Everything but the shoes went into the recycler, although he considered ditching those too. If his house-droids couldn't whisk them clean, he'd let them get rid of the shoes. Not his problem.
Luc chose a wineglass, poured, then carried it into the bathing area. After a sip, he set the glass on a marble countertop and slid open the smoky-gray glass door of the shower.
Pietas stepped into view, fully clothed. "I do not need a shower, thank you."
Luc snatched a towel and whipped it around himself. "My lord--" An explosive sigh burst from him. "What are you doing in my shower?"
"I wanted to see you."
"In the shower?"
With a flirty smile, Pietas leaned one shoulder against the wall. "You must admit, it is a good place to see you."
A headache shoved its way forward. "Not happening, Pietas."
"Spoilsport."
"Again, what are you doing here?"
"I portaled into your room and heard the door open, so I came in here, and--" He lifted his chin. "I am your king. I go where I please."
"I asked you not to portal here, my lord. My Deshai are home."
"Which is why--" With a groan, Pietas clenched his fists. "Only you would expect me to explain myself." He gestured toward Luc. "You explain. Where have you been? Are you showering because you're going out, or..." He trailed a look down Luc's length. "...going to bed?" He ended the question with a smile.
"Bed. Alone. I've dealt with drama for days." Luc picked up the wine and drank it in one gulp. "I need a refill." Without waiting for a response, he marched himself back to his room, retrieved the bottle and poured, then splashed wine into a second glass.
Drinking alcohol had no effect on Sempervians, but the act itself soothed. It offered tradition. Comfort. And when needed, a means of stalling while you decided how much truth you could afford to tell.
He offered the second glass.
His king lifted it, sniffed, sipped. "This is good. From one of your wineries?"
"Yes. One of the Skovron locations." Luc swirled his wine, waiting until Pietas took another sip. "It's your sister's favorite."
Mouth twisting, Pietas set down his glass with a click.
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Reviews
I'm hoping to find reviews and reviewers. Is that you? I have advanced pre-edited copies in epub, mobi, and pdf waiting for you to download on Story Origin and BookSprout.
The book is on Goodreads, and you can leave a review there now. You can leave a review on Amazon the day the book goes live, May 11th.
This version is self-edited and will be sent out for its final edit next week. I'd be happy to get questions if you have any, or if you were confused by anything. An early review would be a great help. Thank you!
Download the early review copy on Story Origin
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The Antonello Brothers Series
You'll find Luc and Pietas mentioned in many books in my story universe.
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