“Why would you have to even ask that, Pathios?” Amenthia replied. “You are the party leader, so if you choose to add someone, that is your prero...ative. We appreciate that you considered our feelings before doing it, but it is your call. We are not exactly traditional party members; we are bound to you for the rest of our lives. If you die, we are free from that bond, though we would give our lives to protect you, if necessary.”I felt my stomach turn at the thought of them dying to protect me. '"What's wrong, Gillian?" Gabe asked."Nothing," I replied, glancing back at him. "So your birthday is coming up, what do you think your parents might be getting you?" Well, Sabrina told me she got me a Slayer ticket for their show next month, and I have no idea what my dad is gonna get me."'Oh, Gabe must like what he sees: the two melons behind this green top. He is trying to be secretive about it, but failing,' I thought."Oh, a Slayer ticket? I don't like death metal or any heavy metal music;. " Continuing the feigned argument, Jarrad countered, "And you think your bare legs and a glimpse of your panties would distract me." "Well, wouldn't they?" Ashley asked in a considerably mellower tone. As they turned on the highway to home, Jarrad sighed. "Yeah, probably so," he admitted. Then added, "I guess, next time, I better get someone else to drive so you don't have to wear so much." "Next time?" questioned Ashley. "Who said anything about a next time," her tone unmistakably serious.. The towpath was virtually empty but there was plenty of boats on the river. The sun felt good on my bare head and I was looking for a nice secluded spot where I could lie down and expose my body to its rays."Hi there," a male voice called out.I turned towards the river and a large pleasure boat was gliding towards me. I shielded my eyes from the sun and I saw two guys waving at me."Hi," I waved back."Fancy a trip down the river?" one of them called out.Well did I? I thought, might be fun, the.