Untitled Read Online Free Page B

eyes in case you're wondering.‖
       ―I wasn't. My skin isn't golden and my eyes… What do you do for entertainment, Kamal?‖
       His pupils dilated and his nostrils flared. She felt an answering response in her own body. Her nipples hardened and her pussy heated. And he had only touched her hand.
       ―One day soon I hope to show you my favorite entertainment.‖
       ―Time,‖ Tante called, saving Eden from making a response. Only the Goddess knew what she might have said.

    * * * *
    The next morning Tante summoned Eden to her private quarters. Her personal physician—a wizened crone Eden adored—sat at Tante's side. Both looked so grave, Eden's happiness at seeing Arabella evaporated like water on a sizzling griddle.
       ―I have heard some disturbing rumors about you, Eden,‖ Tante said, looking so disappointed in her Eden's heart ached.
       ―May I know what these rumors are, Tante?‖ She knew better than to ask for their source. Tante considered tattle telling the ultimate sin.
       ―First, that you have had your entire body sculpted.‖
       Eden fought the urge to laugh. Tante would have had to pay for any procedure like sculpting. Tante's frugality wore credits to such thinness they almost disappeared. Not only was sculpting costly, but it took weeks to recover. Tante would never excuse Eden for two days, never mind longer. Moreover, Tante prided herself on her pupils' natural physical beauty and would not allow anyone to alter one of hers.
       ―I know that rumor is an outright lie,‖ Tante continued when Eden said nothing. ―The second rumor is more serious. Only Arabella can attest to its validity.‖ Tante steepled her fingers and stared at Eden so intently she wanted to squirm. ―Unfortunately, Arabella is partial to you and every student knows it. Therefore Dr. Dean will
    examine you.‖
       Eden shivered with distaste. She couldn't mistake the kind of examination Tante intended to inflict. Over her years at Rising Moons, Dr. Dean had examined her a few times and seemed overly interested in her breasts. The thought of his hands on her body—in her most private places—made her skin crawl.
       ―Will Dr. Arabella also be present?‖ Eden asked, her voice betraying nothing of her anxiety.
       ―As will I.‖ Holding up one finger, Tante silenced Eden's objection. ―The second rumor concerns your virginity. If you are no longer a virgin, Eden, you must withdraw from the competition. And I shall have to refund all fees to our guests. At least to those who are interested only in you.‖
       And only the Goddess knew how Tante's reputation would suffer. She could lose the academy completely.
       ―I understand, Tante. Where…where will this examination take place?‖
       Tante patted the bench where she and Arabella sat. ―Right here. I'll not add to the rumors by parading you to Arabella's clinic.‖
       ―I might prefer it,‖ Eden said softly. ―My vindication would spread as quickly as these lies.‖
       ―Don't worry, child. I shall take care of any necessary vindication.‖

    * * * *
    ―You know Azura's behind this,‖ Colette murmured as she and Eden made their way to the kitchens.
       ―I suspect she is, but I have no proof. What puzzles me even more is who told Tante about the lies? You know how she despises gossip.‖
       ―True. But Azura has a way of making enemies.‖
       ―Which means anyone could have started the rumors, knowing Azura would be blamed. Our disliking each other isn't a secret.‖
       ―Well…whoever started the rumors, I hope the Goddess curses her forever.‖
       So do I, Eden thought. So do I. She wanted to subject the miscreant to Dr. Dean's not-so-tender examination of the liar's most tender parts.

    Chapter Four

    The Second Competition

    The aroma of roasting meat quickened their pace. Thirty-eight men rushed into Rising Moons' elegant dining room. Kaliq and Kamal strolled in, each