Apocalipstick (Hell in a Handbag Book 1) by Lisa Acerbo (the best e book reader txt) 📗

me again. I want this more than anything. I love you.”

The words undid them both. Tangled together, long moments of pleasure blanketed them together.

Afterward, the pair lay, legs twisted like vines. Jenna’s body burned so hot while Caleb’s coolness stood in contrast. The two didn’t return to the inn for many hours.

20

They returned to the inn before morning arrived, exhausted but without the desire to part company. While it would be easiest for Jenna to complete her normal routine, little desire to do so remained. As they ambled through the hallway, Quentin exited Aiko’s room with her in tow.

Jenna was unprepared for a moment like this. She almost raised her hand in greeting but forced it down to her side and balled it in a fist.

His gaze hammered her. “Walk of shame.” He spit the words. Anger turned into a disappointed frown. “I see you made your decision.” Resentment crept into his eyes.

“Leave them,” Aiko said.

“Let me explain,” Jenna’s words were little more than a whisper.

Caleb forced her fingers open when their hands merged. “Quentin. You’re a good friend, and Jenna would do anything for you. She did. She saved your life. You have no right to talk that way when you are involved with . . .”

“My life,” Quentin interrupted, “is none of your concern. If it wasn’t for you, things would be different between Jenna and I.”

Her eyes grew owlish. What were they yammering about? Neither of these men owned her thoughts or emotions.

“Let’s go.” Quentin turned to Aiko. “I’m done with this conversation.” They disappeared around the corner.

“Come on. Let’s get to your room, and I’ll explain.” Caleb propelled her forward.

Jenna nestled in an armchair by the window, jiggling her foot while waiting.

“Remember last night?” A huge grin ensured he did.

“Of course,” Jenna blushed thinking about some of the things they had done.

“Some New Racers want to do more than what we did. They want to share human blood.”

Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

“Humans and New Racers find it enjoyable. I swear. There is something different about human blood. It’s compelling and leaves the New Racer with a complex high, I guess you would call it. There isn’t really a good way to describe what both people experience. It’s unique to the individual. It’s also addicting. New Racers s have to be careful.”

Jenna’s nostrils flared. “Seriously?”

“There is something about the way we’ve changed that makes the experience pleasurable rather than painful. The antithesis of Streakers.”

“Why are you telling me all this now?”

“I’m telling you all this because Quentin and Aiko are in a relationship. It’s based on mutual need. Aiko wants to feed off human blood, and Quentin enjoys the experience. I’m not sure how long it’s been going on, but Peter brought it to my attention last week.”

“You didn’t tell me about this sooner?” Jenna’s voice was squeaky.

“It’s not really my business to tell. They are both adults, capable of making mature decisions.”

“How do we know Quentin is making his own choice? How do we know Aiko isn’t using some New Race power to persuade him?”

“We aren’t vampires, werewolves, witches, or devils. It’s not a Shakespearean tragedy. We don’t cast spells on people or compel them to do whatever we want. We don’t enslave humans. If she’s using anything, it’s her feminine mystique.”

“You sure about that?”

“Quentin is a big boy. He makes his own decisions.”

“I don’t like it. Should I speak to him?”

“It would only make him feel worse. He’s mad right now that we’re together. His ego is bruised, but Aiko is a good person.”

“She told everyone to let him die!”

“She was rational. Maybe she didn’t say what she wanted to in the most politically correct way, but her heart was in the right place. She was watching out for the group.”

“Why did she get so close to Quentin once we got the medicine?”

“Guilt. She realized your way might have been the better way to deal with the situation.”

“What should I do?” She stood and paced the confines of her room. “Is there a way to stop it?”

“Don’t get involved. He’s an adult who understands exactly what he’s doing. Aiko isn’t forcing him into anything. She can’t make him do it. New Racers aren’t vampires. We don’t compel people.”

“Really?”

“I’m positive you’ll do whatever you want, no matter what I say. It’s one of the reasons I like you so much.”

“You could get me to do almost anything if you asked nicely,” Jenna’s voice turned husky. Her hair was in wild disarray from the previous night, and her bootlaces untied. He stopped her in the middle of the room and led her to the bed.

“You’re an absolute mess.” Caleb’s eyes radiated heat.

Insecurities streaked across her face.

“It looks perfect on you.” He tousled her hair. “I love my women wild, and I love you.”

Caleb began to remove the few articles of clothing she wore, boots first.

Jenna didn’t get around to starting her chores until it was past noon. This was unlike her, and she hated the rush. Luckily, after months of hard work, most of her routine was easy to complete.

She scrubbed the water bins for the horses and goat, filling them anew. Her flannel shirt quickly became covered with mud and animal hair. The Clydesdales still had plenty to graze on in the meadow, but the group had left two fields to grow. With cold weather right around the corner, they would cut and harvest hay for the winter. In addition, Jenna had planted corn and soybeans. While the group used some for food, the animals could also benefit from the excess in winter.

After tending to the animals, she began working on the garden. She was surprised to find most weeds gone and assumed someone had competed the chore in the morning. She wondered who had worked in the garden and if Caleb would have to do something in repayment.

No complaints.

.

Between the equines and the harvesting in the garden, hours flew by. She was surprised Emma or Gus hadn’t arrived to interrogate her, but, for once,