Free Ambasadora (Book 1 of Ambasadora) by Heidi Ruby Miller Page B

detract anyone from inviting him anywhere again.
    Giselle and Mikail were so
involved with their coupling that Kenon and Sean went unnoticed. Sean said he’d
wait in the other room, but Kenon placed delicate fingers on his forearm.
    He mouthed, “He has bad
form. Schooled in Witho.”
    The schools from Mikail’s home
territory on Tampa Deux were known more for their attention to the Media than
their attention to sex education. Mikail wasn’t helping their cause. His rhythm
was already slowing just as Giselle picked up her pace. Sean had his doubts
Mikail would be able to match her as she moved faster and pushed down harder.
It wouldn’t be long now, judging by Giselle’s heavy breathing.
    Kenon smiled and elbowed Sean
when Mikail finally lost the rhythm completely, then let his hips rest and
waited for Giselle to finish them both.
    “At least she got something
out of it,” Kenon whispered, then loudly, “Hello, Giselle.
Mikail.”
    Giselle’s big, grey eyes looked
up at them from under mussy locks of blonde hair. She flashed a sly smile to
say she knew they were there all along.
    Mikail obviously did not, as his
annoyed tone implied. “Do you mind, Kenon? We’re in the middle of
something.”
    “It would seem you’re at the
end of something, Mikail.”
    Sean coughed to cover a laugh.
Posturing among Socialites always amused him.
    They all knew Kenon had privilege
as Giselle’s prime. Mikail would have to defer if asked.
    “We’ll come by later,
Giselle,” Kenon said.
    Tricky bastard. Kenon knew they’d
find Giselle and Mikail here alone. That’s why he suddenly needed Sean to
reprogram his wrist reporter for access to the systems in Giselle’s manor.
    “Wait, Kenon. He was just
leaving.”
    Ouch. A dismissal. Not Mikail’s
day.
    Sean half-expected a fight to
ensue. Domestic incidents between competing amours were few, or at least few
were reported. Kenon probably respected Giselle too much to push the issue, and
more importantly was fearful of bodily injury from the larger Mikail. Another
reason Kenon had brought Sean along.
    “Fine. We’ll be in the
viewing room. Sean needs to make some adjustments to my reporter anyway. Nice
to see you again, Mikail,” he said over his shoulder.
    No response issued forth.
    “He’s always hated me.”
Kenon led Sean through a back hallway to the more comfortable viewing room with
its casual furnishings and fully stocked bar.
    “Imagine that. Jealousy
among amours.”
    “Jealousy?” Kenon said the word as though it were the most ridiculous he’d ever heard.
“Giselle is just one of three. I enjoy them all the same. And they enjoy
each of their other amours in turn. Just one perk of a large family circle. You
should try it.”
    “Keep telling yourself
that.” Sean decided long ago that many Lowers had the right idea—one
partner, less headaches. Of course, the Embassy restricted their marriage
rights, so they didn’t really have a choice, but few complained of a monogamous
life.
    Kenon switched on the Media with
his faulty reporter. A large viewscreen materialized in the air opposite
the bar and dominated the room. Two round sienna faces with short platinum hair
flashed to life in mid-commentary.
    “…Socialite Mariam
Datwal chose the Passing Ritual this morning after a medical exam concluded her
ova were not viable. Her lineage remains intact due to her sacrifice. She died
honorably and comfortably after requesting her doctor to administer….”
    Kenon muted the sound.
    “Thought your reporter was
non-responsive to these systems,” Sean said.
    “Hmmm? Oh, it seems to be
working fine right now. Yurian scotch?” He held up a blue tumbler.
    “Fuck you, Kenon. What a
waste of my time. Just an excuse to spy on Giselle.”
    “I think she’s planning to
take a third amour.” Kenon became serious and downed his glass.
    “Thought you wanted to
expand your circle.”
    Kenon’s voice remained pleasant.
“Of course. I figured she would want another child