Ashia Read Free Page A

have to show it who is boss. Like this. Hey, knife, no cutting me.” Ashia deftly cut up a few of the vegetables then put the knife down. “See. Now you try.”
    Reid looked sceptical then shrugged, picking up the knife. He went to cut. Ashia stopped him by touching his arm.
    “You have to say the words,” Ashia said.
    Reid laughed then obliged. “Hey, knife, I know you have it in for me but no cutting me.”
    Ashia chuckled. Reid started to cut the vegetables. He bit his tongue between his lips and his eyebrows were scrunched up as he concentrated.
    “Shit,” Reid hissed.
    Ashia took the knife from him then grabbed his hand pulling him to the sink. She turned on the water and put his bleeding finger under it.
    “Leave it there a moment. Where are your Band-Aids?”
    “There are some in the cupboard there.” Reid pointed to the cabinet left of the sink.
    Ashia retrieved the first aid kit, overruling his protest as she dressed the small cut. After she was done she put the kit away. Turning back, she saw Reid leaning against the counter, glaring at his newly banded right index finger. He raised his left hand and scowled at both. Ashia moved close to him. He raised his head and showed her both fingers.
    “See? Knife. Vendetta.”
    “They definitely are out to get you,” Ashia agreed.
    Reid laughed and she joined him. The laughter trailed off as their gazes locked. Ashia raised his right-bandaged finger and pressed her lips on it.
    Reid groaned then went silent as he raised the left one. Ashia shifted her head and kissed that one too. Reid made that guttural sound again. Ashia shivered, and leaned closer to him.
    “The chicken,” Reid said.
    Ashia dropped his hand and hurried to the stove. Reid blew out a shaky breath behind her. Ashia smiled. She flipped the chicken then turned to face Reid again. He stared at her, hunger as well as wariness in his gaze.
    “Have a seat while I cut up these veggies,” Ashia said.
    Reid walked and took a seat on one of the stools around the island.
    “I looked up the name you told me. Amaunet.”
    She briefly stopped cutting the vegetables. ”Hmmm?”
    Reid continued talking. “She’s a primordial goddess who is considered an Egyptian mother goddess. Referred to as the ‘Hidden One’. She belongs to the Ogdoad of Hermopolis. The Ogdoad is fascinating. I never knew such things existed. Them or even Amaunet. They are not as well-known as some of the Egyptian gods or goddess.” Reid paused, closing his eyes as if searching his memory. “Amaunet was regarded as a tutelary deity of the Egyptian pharaohs and had a prominent part in their accession ceremonies. It is said she is the personification of the life-bringing northern wind. The pictures of her are depicted as a snake or a snake-head on which the crown of Lower Egypt rests.” Reid opened his eyelids and studied her. “Why do you have jewellery with her name on it?”
    Ashia wondered what he would do if she told him the truth of who she was. Memories of Devi crying in her arms after she’d told Rhodes Liatos—the human man—whom she had come to start to care for filled her. She dismissed the notion she would have this issue. Reid was but an interesting distraction. Also, telling a human about being an Egyptian god or goddess wasn’t something one just did. Unless they trusted the human that was.
    “I have my reasons.” Ashia changed the subject. “Tell me about you. What do you like to do?”
    “I work with computers.”
    Before long she had their food plated and they went to the table by the window to eat. They kept up their conversation through a scrumptious meal and the clean-up.
    She strolled to the living room, and sank into the comfortable couch, curling her legs under her. She’d discarded her shoes long ago.
    Reid came in carrying two glasses of iced tea, but he paused when he saw her sitting on the couch.
    “Come join me. I don’t bite.” Ashia blinked. “Unless you want me to.”
    Reid flushed a