Pleasure's Offering Read Online Free PDF Page B

fawned over a blonde wearing nothing more than a thin golden chain around her neck. “The night’s barely started and they’re acting like it’s a race. Veterans like me know you’ve got to build up your stamina first.” He saluted Jeric with his last slice of lamb before shoving it in his mouth.
    “So why are you down here, Lieutenant?” he said as he chewed. “If the captain had taken me up there with that beauty, I wouldn’t be down until the sun came up, food or no food.”
    Jeric panicked. There was no way he could explain his real reason for leaving. “I needed a drink,” he said lamely. “I was going out to the wine barrels.”
    “Don’t go out in the cold,” Kenric scoffed. “We’re the guests of honor. Just ask one of the serving girls and she’ll get whatever you want. Maybe a little extra, if you’re nice about it.” He winked rakishly and set down his empty plate on the side table. “Well, I’m off to enjoy my hard-earned night of debauchery. Don’t leave the lovely lady alone with the captain too long or she might not have eyes for anyone else.”
    “I’ll keep it in mind,” Jeric said.
    Kenric laughed and hurried into the crowd, grabbing one of the barmaids as he went and whispering something in her ear. The woman shrieked with laughter and handed her tankards off to the thankful soldiers around her. Then, arms free, she wrapped them around Kenric’s neck and let him guide her toward a dark corner.
    Jeric watched them go with a sinking feeling. How stupid, thinking he could just sneak out. Every man in the room knew he was supposed to be upstairs enjoying the best Rosa’s had to offer with the captain. How would he explain turning down such an honor? He certainly couldn’t tell them the truth. Jeric liked to think his soldiers followed him because he was brave and sensible, but he knew that if it ever got out that he’d never come, couldn’t come, then that knowledge, that unmanliness, would undermine every order he gave from this night on.
    He leaned back against the wall, cursing under his breath. It was a bad spot. Everywhere he looked, bodies moved together, panting and laughing. The smell of sex was so thick he could taste it in the air and every breath reminded him of what was waiting upstairs. He closed his eyes.
    “Sir?” A soft voice whispered.
    Jeric snapped his head in the direction of the voice.
    A girl stood beside him, dressed in the low-cut woolen sheath all the barmaids wore and carrying a jug of wine and a tray of wooden cups. She looked up at him through long, dark lashes. “Sara said you were looking for a drink?”
    Jeric looked at her, confused, and then he saw Kenric and his barmaid waving at him and laughing. “Yes,” he sighed. “A drink would be nice.”
    The girl smiled and began filling one of the cups. “You’re the captain’s second, aren’t you?”
    “Yes,” Jeric said again, taking the offered cup. “Why do you ask?”
    “Oh,” the girl said, a becoming blush spreading over her cheeks. “I’m surprised to see you down here, is all. I thought Miss Zoa was entertaining you tonight.”
    Jeric shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, well, she’s with the captain right now.”
    The girl looked up at him, her large, dark eyes wide with shock. “It would be a disgrace if a commander was alone tonight,” she said, putting her tray down on the table. “After all, you’re our guest of honor.”
    She slid up to him as she said this, her hands trailing across his chest. Jeric stepped back only to find he was against the wall. The girl was on top of him now, gazing up at him with dark, lusty eyes. She stood on tiptoe and her voice was breathy in his ear.
    “I’ve always wanted to be fucked by an officer, sir. Sonya’s room upstairs is empty. I can keep you company tonight.”
    As she spoke, her hand went down to stroke him through his pants and his cock leapt at the touch. The girl smiled wickedly at the movement and moved down to rub herself