Bed and Breakfast [Bloodkin 1] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by Scarlet Hyacinth Read Free Book Online Page A

cakes, so Vane didn’t worry too much about what they thought.
    “You were very comfortable with her,” Vane noted, carefully keeping his voice neutral.
    Moss fidgeted. “She’s nice, and I’m used to having servants around, so I kind of fell into the routine.”
    “Did you?” So Moss had grown up in a rich family, then, and had his fortune spent because of bloodkin. Vane made a mental note to inquire into their current situation. Knowing more about his human’s past could always be helpful. “Well, I’m glad you’re getting along with the staff.”
    He remembered he’d intended to ask something which had pissed him off. “Why didn’t you tell me to call you Moss?” Finding out his human’s nickname during a conversation with the help frustrated him beyond belief.
    Moss gave him a confused look. “It just never occurred to me it would be important.”
    “Of course it’s important,” Vane answered. “I need to know the person who I received into my home.”
    He didn’t say he typically didn’t ask any questions of his companions, and he’d almost forced Moss to come here. To soften up the conversation a bit, he said, “It suits you.” The human’s eyes were green, just like the beautiful moss native to the Tachakan plains, but that would’ve been too corny to say.
    Moss didn’t answer this time, but he did go red, and Vane noted the charming blush went over the human’s chest, too. He cleared his throat and looked away. “Very well, then. Go wash up. Don’t take long.”
    If he did, Vane might lose control again. Thankfully, Moss obeyed and rushed into the bathroom. Vane remained alone in the bedroom, wondering how he’d ever manage to stick to the terms he himself had set for this contract.
     
    * * * *
     
    Moss tried to calm his racing heart and knelt on the cool, marble floor. Every moment spent with Vane seemed charged with a tension he couldn’t really understand. Moss surmised Vane must feel the same intense attraction Moss did, but that didn’t help Moss figure out what to do.
    Forcing himself to calm down, Moss got up and advanced toward the large washing area. Yet another incredibly lavish convenience, the pool boasted some of the latest advances in technology, including plumbing. Moss’s parents had planned to save and try to make the addition to their home, but that dream had faded after the bloodkin’s appearance.
    The thought sobered him, at the same time bringing back his doubts. In Vane’s presence, he forgot about anything but pleasing the other man. One thing was certain, he needed to be more careful with his thoughts and feelings. He’d just met Vane the day before and the man already dominated his every desire.
    In fact, Vane had given him an order, not to delay too much with washing up, and Moss was already taking ages with it. He quickly discarded his shoes and breeches and stepped into the pool. He used the liquid soaps Pena left him to clean his skin and his hair. They smelled sweet, like lavender honey, and the scent reminded him of home. He’d have lingered more in the water, but already he’d made Vane wait for too long.
    Moss rinsed the foam off and left the water. He snatched a clean, white towel and dried himself off, then covered his nakedness with a robe. It was hardly an appropriate attire to meet one’s boss, but Vane would surely understand. After all, the man had come to his quarters. What did that even mean? Moss didn’t know.
    His legs unsteady, Moss opened the door to the bathing chamber and reentered the bedroom. As luxurious as the rest of the house, his quarters held an air of decadent exuberance, although Moss registered very little of the ornaments. A huge canopied bed dominated the room. Next to it, Vane waited, tapping his foot impatiently. Moss gulped, shameless thoughts invading his mind yet again.
    “You took a long time,” he told Moss.
    “Apologies, my lord,” Moss answered. “It’s just—”
    Vane lifted his hand, and Moss