Page 39 of Prior Claim
“She offered the price of another slave.”
“She can’t pay you enough money to replace a gem like Rei,” Alexi snorted. “That’s your time, your investment. You could train others for another ten years before you replicate what you have now.”
“I proved that.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not recently.”
“I had the cook make up cold plates before they left for the night. Take some time with your little one, get him out of those clothes. You both look like you need it.”
Alexi took his leave, closing the door.
Sevastyan tapped Rei’s shoulder. “Clothes off, darling.” He didn’t push Rei toward the floor. Rei straightened up, straddling Sevastyan’s thighs, and took off his jacket. His hands shook as he worked the buttons of his shirt.
Sevastyan pushed Rei’s hands aside and took over, helping him out of the suit and the underclothes.
“I must smell, Master,” Rei whispered, as Sevastyan reached for his under layers.
“We’ll shower. Wait here.”
Sevastyan guided Rei to the floor and went out. He came back in a moment. “The green bathroom has been designated for my use. Come.”
Rei rose and followed.
The bathroom was generous in size and the green tile floor heated from beneath. Sevastyan started the shower. Rei knelt and removed Sevastyan’s leather boots, setting them outside the door away from the steam. Sevastyan stripped himself efficiently and turned back to Rei. He pulled Rei close. Rei slumped against him. Tears he’d been holding back since the Yadro slid down his cheeks.
“Chicago will be better,” Sevastyan whispered. “Let’s get you clean.”
There were so many things that needed to be said. Burning questions Rei needed to ask. All he could do was cling to Sevastyan’s shoulders.
Sevastyan got Rei’s underclothes off him and guided them both into the shower. They washed quickly. When they were finished, Sevastyan turned off the water and just held Rei against his body for a long moment.
“You made me proud,” he whispered. “You were perfect.”
Rei gripped Sevastyan harder.
There were toothbrushes, skin care products, and an electric razor in the drawers and on the shelves. Rei shaved first, getting rid of the tiny amount of stubble that had collected on his chin. He tended to his skin and brushed his teeth. Sevastyan wrapped himself in a house coat like the one Alexi was wearing. Rei made sure he was completely dry and went out, following Sevastyan back to the salon as he was. As they left the room, he caught sight of Alexi’s overnight attendant. She had a basket with Rei’s suit in it and was coming to collect the rest of their clothes. From experience, he knew their clothes would be steamed clean for them within a few hours. Sevastyan asked for his to be pressed and sprayed only, and returned within the hour for use.
Alexi was waiting for them in the salon, a spread of food laid out on the coffee table. It was a mix of cuisines, from cold cut meats and French pastries to kimchi and grapes.
“Thank you. I think the humanness is coming back,” Sevastyan joked as he resumed his seat on the couch facing Alexi. Rei folded himself down beside Sevastyan’s feet, facing his master, his back to the table.
“Nonsense,” Alexi said. “This is nothing. I never wake before noon without a good reason. This is hardly late.”
The two men spoke together as Sevastyan started to eat. Now and then Sevastyan offered Rei food from his fingers. He turned Rei sideways so Alexi could watch Rei eating from his hand.
“Is your mother still riding you?” Alexi inquired casually as Sevastyan slowed down, focused more on getting food into Rei than eating himself.
Sevastyan snorted. “When does she not? You’re familiar with Raska. Bring her a profit, she’s suddenly suspicious you’re gunning for it. Fail to bring whatever fantastic bounty she dreamed up without checking a single source, now you’re an abject failure.”
Alexi groaned. “You should be running the Eastern branch or the North American region.”
“That does not appear to be in the cards. Some fear that would give Raska too much power by proxy. And Raska worries that it would give me enough power to challenge her. For once they’re in agreement in outcome, if not principle.”
Alexi chuckled ruefully. “You know what I think of all that. The day you decide you want either position, tell me.”
“The day you need me to be in the position, give the word,” Sevastyan countered. “For now I’m content to build quietly. Those are headaches I don’t need, not yet.”
