I throw my arm around her shoulders.
Back in Zlosa, five comfort women allied with each other. We got each other supplies, helped with hazards of the trade, and gossiped while laundering our masters’ clothes.
Abi joined the group a year ago when Juan picked her. She had a rough start. If there’s one thing people hate more than comfort women, it’s a human foreman like Juan.
And yet, she was strong despite what the other slaves put her through. I also like her curious edge.She’s genuine and open. Life in Zlosa never took away the hopes she had for a perfect life.
She was drawn to me early on because I listened to her.
Being a comfort woman is more than just laying on your back. It's about inspiring a certain air of, well,comfort. Around me, secrets can flow more freely. People are uninhibited from being their true selves. The trick is letting people show you who they are without returning the favor.
"We're speaking of men,” I say at last, smiling. “And finding a new home in Enduvida.”
"I already have a home, and it's far away from this miserable cold," Glyni says suddenly. “I just enjoy a good rut.”
Abi sighs dreamily and gazes off in the direction I was just looking in.
Ra’Sa.
A part of me tenses. If she’s set her eye on the troll, that could complicate things.
“I can’t wait to set foot in Enduvida,” Abi says.
“Do you have a little husband picked out?” Glyni says, laughing.
Abi shakes her head. “No, but I have hope."
I relax a little. Too many women invested in the same man creates issues. It's not that I don't want the other women to be safe; it's just that I want that, too.
My head swivels back, and I look at Ra'Sa once more. I know that there are more men back at the caves. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned in the last six years, it’s that I can’t trade current opportunities for future ones.
I think Ra’Sa is interested in me. Thrice, I’ve caught him staring at me from the shadows.
He is strong, quiet, and respectful. He will do just fine. I just have to hope the nonsense with the crystals they keep mentioning doesn’t ruin that.
I keep my eyes fixed on his face for a second too long when he looks directly at me. My cheeks heat, and Glyni's words echo in my mind.
All that intensity. Focused on my core.
A shiver runs up my spine. It’s almost like we are back on that snake-like crystal steed for a second. I feel his phantom hand cover me, and the raging storm inside me quiets.
My core throbs.
Fuck. I think I…wantthe tall blue monster.
No, no, no, no.
I blink again, swallowing hard, trying to ease myself out of the emotion. In the last three years, I have never once let myself fall apart in front of one of the men I'm servicing.
Now is not the time to start.
Casting him a slow smile, I slow my pace until I find myself standing beside him. The look he casts me is slightly unsure.
Poor thing. He has no idea what I have in store for him.
“Ra’Sa,” I say brightly.
He looks down at me, confused. It catches me off guard, and I miss the stone in the path. I let out a soft sound when I trip, and his hand reaches up and rests at the small of my back.