CeliaKyle,AnneHale
Description
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthors
Copyright
Description
ALIENWARRIOR,GRUXLORRZ,thoughthisbrotherwasanidiotforthewhole“pro-bonocase”thing,butallofasudden, businessispickingup.Withhisbrotherdisownedbytheirfather theking andoffmakingplansforalifewithhishuman mate,Gruxfindshimselftakingchargeoftheirprivateinvestigationfirm.(Thoughhedoesn'tliketheadministrationworkthat comesalongwithit thatwasalwayshisbrother’sthing.)Withjobsrollinginfromalloverthegalaxy,thebrothersareforced tosplitup,andGruxendsupontheplanetXoyosis,adarkhovelofaplacenotoriousforblackmarketauctionsanddirty deeds.AwealthyXoyosanfamilyhaslosttheirprizedhouseslave,andthey'llpaygoodmoneytogetherback. HumanScarlettMasonwasbornonEarthbutkidnappedfromherparentsatanearlyageandwassoldtothehighestbidderat aXoyosanauction.She’sspentthelasttwentyyearsbeingusedandabusedbythefamilywhopurchasedher.Shebidedher timeuntiltherightmomentandescaped Now,shehasnoideawhat’sinstorewhenGruxgetsonthecase There'snothinghe can’t find.
Fans of Ruby Dixon, Tana Stone, and Presley Hall will love this romantic journey through space with eight darkly arrogant warriors and the human women lucky enough to cross their paths Scrollupandclicktostartreadingthisscorchinghotsci-fialienromancetoday!
Chapter1
WIPINGDOWNTHEPUBtableclosesttothedoor,ScarlettMasoncouldalreadytellthattonightwasgoingtobea long one Normally,workingherweekdayshiftatThazir’sdivebarwasn’tterriblyeventful.
Ofcourse,theregularscameineverynightlikeclockwork.Therareout-of-townerdriftedthroughandneededacolddrinkto unwind.Andtheoccasionalmiscreantstendedtocausetroubleanytimetheycamein.Tonightwasoneofthosenights.This time,acoupleofyounger-lookingXoyosanwererowdyfromthemomenttheystumbledthroughthedoors
Shecouldhearthemevennowfromallthewayacrosstheroom,theirloud,drunkenvoicesdrowningoutthesoundsofthe tele-projectorabovethebar.
She’dturneditontooneofthegameshappeningtonight somesportshedidn’tactuallyunderstandandhonestlydidn’tbother totry attheirrequest Itwasn’tashockwhenoneofthemslappedherontheassandtoldhertokeepthepitchersflowing Itmadeherwanttosighandcloseupshopfortherestofthenight.
Scarlettwasn’tastrangertobeingaccosted,especiallyherewhenshedealtwithXoyosis’smostintoxicated.Buttonight,she wastheonlyoneontheclock,anddealingwiththemaswellastherestoftheregularswhohadtrickledinwasstartingtogeta littleoverwhelming
Thedoorinfrontofherchimedopen,makingherlookupandflashasmile.“Hey,welcometoThazir’s.Youcansitanywhere you’dlike.”
Thenewcomernodded,acloakdrapedoverhislargebodywiththehoodpulleddownoverthemajorityofhisface.Itmade heruneasyimmediatelydespitehimheadingovertooneofthecornersofthedivebarandtakingaseat
Shedidn’twanttoprejudgeanyone,especiallyifheturnedouttobesomekindofdrifterjustpassingthroughduetobusiness elsewhereinthegalaxy.Plus,whowasshetodenyanyoneadrinkbasedonhowsketchytheylooked?
Shakingherhead,Scarletttuckedherragintoherapronandapproachedhistable.“CanIgetanythingstartedforyou?”
Carefully,hetuggedthehoodofhiscloakawayfromhisfaceandletitfallbackontohisshoulders Sheblinkedinsurpriseat hisviolet-coloredskin
ALorrian? All the way out here?
Thatwasdifferent.
She’dseenresidentsfromtheplanetNoxxapassthroughXoyosisfromtimetotime,mostofthempleasantenoughtonotleave muchofamessbut,forsomereason,alwaysskimpingoutonthetip ButaLorrianoutsideofNoxxaorLorrwasraretosee Scarletttriednottomakeitobviousthatshewasstaringathimwhilehegrabbedthesmallmenuoffofthetableandflippedit open.
Hewascertainlyhandsomewithastrongjawlineandasquarefacethatgavehimabitofaroguishlook Itwassoftenedbyhis longlashesthatframedhisviolet-coloredeyes.Hisdarkhairwasstraightandslightlymessyfromhishood,withafewpieces ofitflickinguparoundhisears.
“Doyouhaveanybeersontap?”
Scarlettbitherlip Hisvoicesoundedexactlylikeshethoughtitwould,deepandsmooth,likeshe’dbeencoatedinwarm sugar.Itmadehertonguetingle.
Sheclearedherthroat,shakingherselffromthethoughts.“Yeah,I’vegotafew.”
“I’lltakeyourbestseller.”
Scarlettnoddedandsteppedawayfromhistable “Rightaway”
Headingdirectlyovertothebar,sheshookherhead.Shecouldfeelherskinstartingtoheatupandsweatbeginningtocollect aroundherbrows.Whatthehellwaswrongwithher?Sure,Lorrianswereknowntobeincrediblyattractive,buttogetworked upoveronemansittinginherbar?
Seriously, pull yourself together
Grabbingoneofthebeerglassesoffoftheshelfbehindthebar,sheturnedaroundtostickitunderthetap.
“Hey,lady.”OneoftherowdyXoyosanshelduptheemptypitcher,wavingitintheair.“Canwegetanotherone?” Scarlettfrowned.She’djustputthatpitcherdownrightbeforeshe’dstartedcleaningthetables,andtheywerealreadyout?
Glancingoverattherunningtabsscreennexttoher,shewincedathowhightheirbillwasclimbing Itwasn’tthatshedidn’tthinktheyhadanymoneyonthem,butattheratetheyweredrinking,shedoubtedthey’dhaveenoughto covertheirentirebill.Eveniftheysplititupbetweenallofthem.
Sheflashedthekidasmile,though,pullingbackthetaptofillthenewcomer’sglass.“I’llberightover.”
“Hey,didn’tyouhearme?”TheXoyosankidstoodup,unbalancedandclearlywasted “Isaidweneedarefill Now ” Scarlettfrowned,lettingthetapgoandscrapingoffsomeoftheexcessfoamatthetop.“Iheardyou.Justgivemeasec ” Beforeshecouldfinishhersentence,thekidscoffedandthrewthepitcherontothefloor.Itbouncedagainstthetileand careenedacrossthebartoslamintooneoftheothertables,knockingitandcausingtheirdrinkstofallandshatterontothe floor
ItwassmartofThazirtohaveplasticpitchersastheywereoftenthrown,butshehadbeenbeggingtheownertoswitchoutthe glasses,too.
ThetableofrowdyXoyosanslaughed.
“Whatthefuck?”Oneofthepatronsatthetablenexttothemstoodup,hischestpuffingout “Thefuckwasthatfor?”
AnotheroneoftheyoungerXoyosansslidoffhischair “Youwannafightorsomething?” Scarlettfelthereyesgowide.
Oh no… oh no, no, no, no.
Iftheybrokeoutintoafightinthemiddleofthebaranddamagedanything,Thazirwasgoingto kill her Hewasacomplete cheapskatewhenitcametoupkeepforthisplace,andanythingbrokenalwayswoundupcomingoutofwhoever’spaycheck wasonthatnight.
Suddenly,fromtherearofthebar,thenewcomerpushedbackhischairandstrodeovercalmly.Hesteppedinbetweenthe olderXoyosansandtheyoungerones,creatinganactualshieldbetweenthemwithhisbody
“Hey,stepoutofthefuckingway,”oneoftheyoungeronesgrowledathim
Thenewcomersnorted,puttinghisentirehandaroundthekid’sfaceandshovinghimbackward.Hetoppledoverintooneof hisfriends,bothofthemcrashingintothegroundoncetheycollided.
Theothertwoglancedoverattheirfriendsbeforeturningtothenewcomer “Whatthefuckisyourproblem?”
Afistcameflyingatthenewcomer,aimeddirectlyathishead.Hecaughtiteasily,yankingthekidforwardandtwistinghisarm painfullybehindhisback.Thekidletoutapainedyelp,crumplingtohiskneesquickly. ItmadeScarlett’smouthdropopen.
Finally,thenewcomerliftedhiseyesandlookedattheremainingXoyosankid
“You’regoingtocleanupyourmess.Getdownonyourhandsandkneesandpickupeverylastpieceofglass,orI’llbe breakingeverysingleoneofyourloud-mouthbones.Yougotit?”
Thekidinhisgripgroanedwhenthetensiononhisarmwastightened. Theotherkid,theoneremaining,noddedquickly “Good.”TheLorrianmannoddedbackovertoher.“Nowgoaskthisnicebartenderifshehasagarbagecanbackthere.”
Thekidswallowedandturnedtoher.“Um…doyou…”
Shewasalreadybendingoverandgrabbingthesmallwastebinthatshesavedfordiscardedreceipts.Hereachedoverthebar andtookitfromherbefore,shufflingovertothemessofshatteredglassandspilleddrinks
Themanshovedthekidinhisgriptowardthemess.“You,too.”
Bothofthemkneeledonthefloor,swayingdrunkenlyastheydidso,andstartedtopickupeachpieceofglass,onebyone. TheLorrianmanturnedaroundtofacetheolderXoyosans.“I’llbuyyournextround.”
Oneofthemclappedthemanontheshoulder “Noneed Wewerefinishedanyway”
BothofthemdroppedafewlargebillsontotheirtableandnoddedtoScarlettbeforeheadingout. Shecouldn’thelpbutblink.Whatthehelljusthappened?
Thenewcomerheadedovertowardthetwokidsstillonthefloorandloomedoverthem.“Payyourbillandgetout.”Theyboth slowlygottotheirfeet,shovedtheirhandsintotheirpockets,anddroppedafewbillsontothetable “Allofit” “Butwe ”
“Doyouwantmetoknockyourskullsinagain?”
Bothofthemcursedundertheirbreathanddroppedtherestofthebillsintheirwalletsontothetable.Fromhere,Scarlett couldn’texactlyseehowmuchthey’dlefther,butshehopeditwasatleastenoughtocovermost ifnotall oftheirtab Ittookalittleovertwentyminutesforthemtopickupalloftheglass Thenoneofthekidsgrabbedthemopshe’dleftoutnext totherestroomsandmoppedupthespilledliquid.
Shecouldn’thelpbutbeslightlyamused,watchingher well,forlackofbetterwords Lorriansaviorsupervisethecleanup beforemakingtheothertwoemptytheirpocketsandthenpromptlyshovingthemalloutthedoorlikeherownpersonal bouncer
Hestayedatthedoor,lookingoutthroughtheglassforafewminutesbeforefinallyheadingbackintothebarandovertoher.
Onhiswayover,heswipedupallofthemoneyleftoverfrombothtablesandbroughtitovertoher. “Ihopethiscoverstheirtabandthedamages Ifitdoesn’t,I’vegotcashonme”
Sheblinked “Youreallydon’thavetodothat Itwasn’tyourfault”
Hegruntedather,slidingontooneofthestools.“Ishould’veknowntheyweretrouble.AssoonasIwalkedin,Icouldtellthey werewasted.”
Shesighed “They’vebeenlikethatallnight”
Heblinkedather Hisvioleteyeslookedclosetosupernovasunderthewarmglowfromthelightingoverhead “Whendidyouopen?”
“Aroundfive.”
Heliftedhisarm,checkinghiscommswristbanddisplay “Damn They’vebeenherethatlong?” “Mmm.”
Hesethisarmdown,noticingthedrinkstillinherhand.“Thatforme?”
Shelookeddown,wincing.She’dtotallyforgottenshe’dbeenholdingitthisentiretime.Mostlyduetoshock.Shesometimes hadrowdyguestsbutneveranythinglikethatbefore “Shit,sorry.”Shepoureditdownthedrain.“Letmemakeyouanewone.” Hesnorted.“Youdidn’thaveto.I’lldrinkanything.”
Sheputhisglassunderthetapagain,pouringhimafreshone.“Thankyou,bytheway.” Heshrugged “Don’tmentionit”
Forthenexttwoweeks,GruxLorrzfrequentedThazir’sdivebar.
Duringthefirstfewdays,he’dmanagedtoconvincehimselfhewassimplycomingbacksooftenbecauseheneededtogather asmuchintelonScarlettMasonaspossible.Themissiontoretrieveherandgetherbacktoheremployersbeingatthetopof hismind Butthemorehespenttimewatchingherandoccasionallyconversingwithher,hecouldn’thelpbutallowthatwarm feelingoffondnesstocreepintohisheart.
Therewasnosenseingettingattachedtoher.Thefamilythathadcontactedhimandhiredhimtofindherhadbeenadamantthat retrievalandrelocationwereoftheutmostimportance.Hecouldunderstandthesituation,givenhowmuchthey’dpaidtohave her Butthelongerhespenthereinthisshittylittlebaronthisshittylittleplanet,hecouldn’thelpbutthinkthatmaybehe’d takenonthejobalittletoohastily
Hedidhavetoadmitthatperhapsthefatpaycheckthey’dslappeddownontohisdeskdidhavesomethingtodowiththat decision,buthedidn’twanttofocustooheavilyonthesubject.
WhenScarlettmadeherroundsinthebar,shesmiledathimwhenshecaughthisstare Herhipsswayedasshewalkedoverto him,hershortredhairhadbeenpartedtothesidetodaywithasmallclipholdingherbangsoutofherface
Shewasapetitelittlething,someonewhowouldeasilybelostinacrowd,whichmadesenseonwhyshe’dbeenableto escapeheremployerssothoroughly.
TheonlyproblemwasthatGruxwasresourceful Hisolderbrother,Kozien,hadtaughthimenoughthatbythispoint,hemight aswellbelabeledanexpert Scarlettstoppedinfrontofhistableandnoddedtohisemptyglass.“Youwantarefill?”
Heshifteditinhishand,swirlingthelastfewdropsaroundatthebottom.“I’mgoodfornow.Thankyou.”
Shetuckedtheragshe’dbeenholdingintoherapron “Longday?”
Gruxshruggedashoulder “Youcouldsaythat” “Areyouhereforbusiness?Usually,LorriansandNoxxansareonlyhereadayortwo,apitstopastheypassthrough.” Gruxcouldn’thelpbutflashasmile.ThereputationthatLorriansneverreallytraveledfartherthanNoxxawasn’tunfounded. ManyofthembarelyevenleftLorringeneral.Buthefounditratherfunnythatevenallthewayouthere,thatreputationstill precededhim
“Actually,I’mhereonavacation.”
Thathadherblinkingathimfunny.“Vacationon…Xoyosis…”
Helaughed “What?Xoyosisisnice” “I…Iguess.Idon’tthinkI’dconsideritavacationdestination.”
Gruxshruggedagain.“Considermeanadventurousspirit,then.”
Shesmiled,wideandbeautiful.Itmadehisheartthumpinhischest.“Letmeknowifyouneedanything.”
Henoddedather,watchingherstepawayandheadbackuptothebar Gruxleanedbackintohisseat,puttinghishandoverhis chest.
What…thehell...wasthat?
Chapter2
ASSOONASTHEdoortothebarchimedopen,Scarlettsmiled,glancingattheclockthathungoverthebackofthebar It was9:58,rightontime.
Leaningupfromthetablethatshe’dbeenwipingdown,sheshovedtheragintoherapronandturnedtosmile. “Welcomeback.”
TheLorrtraveler,Grux,ashe’dintroducedhimselfafewdaysprior,noddedather “Evening.”
Hemadehiswayovertohiscornerandsettleddownintothechairthathadbeentuckedagainstthewallsohecouldfacethe entirerestofthespace,havingaclearviewovereverythingandeveryone.
Shewalkedovertohim,knowingexactlywhathewasgoingtoordersinceheorderediteverysinglenighthepoppedin By now,she’dpokedfunathimforitafewtimes.Though,hedidhumorherbyopeningthesmalltable-sidemenuandflipping throughitidly.
“Findanythingnewtotry?”
“What’sthischerrybomb thing ?”
Shepressedherlipstogethertokeepfromcrackinghersmilewide.“It’samixeddrink.It’sprettytart.” “Hm.”Hepressedthemenubacktogether.“IthinkI’lljustgowithwhat’sontap,then.” “HowdidIknow?”Shesmiled.
“Youmustbeagoodguesser”
Shegrazedherhandoverhistable,closetohisownthatwasrestingontopofit.“I’llgetthatrightouttoyou.”
Shefelthisstareburningaholeinherback.Itcausedbutterfliestokickupinherstomachwhileherfaceflushedunderthehot lightsoverhead.Shegrabbedoneoftheglassesfromthetopshelfandturnedaroundtothetap.
ScarlettknewthatgettingattachedtotheLorrtravelerwasabadidea He’donlybeonthisplanetforashortamountoftime howeverlonghestillhad Gettinginvolvedwithhimwouldonlyleadtohergettingherheartbroken
Shehadtoadmittoherselfthateversincehe’dbeenfrequentingthebar,norowdycustomersorevendisrespectfulonestended tobehandsywhilesheservedthem.Thatallhadstoppedtheminutehesteppedfootinthedoor.
Almostlikehispresencehadanoverwhelming“behave”attitudethatmeantifanyonesteppedoutofline,they’dendupbeing thrownoutthefrontdoorsandontothestreets
Shedidn’tdoubtthatthetravelerkepthiseyeslockedoneverysinglecustomerwhocamethroughthosedoors.Itmadeherfeel likeshehadsomekindofguardianangelwithherwhilesheworked.Sincesheworkedalonemostnights,she’dneverfeltthat
safe
Scarlettfilledhisglassuptothebrim,spillingoutsomeofthefoambeforepullingitawayandwalkingbackaroundthebarto deliverittohim.ShewishedthattherewassomewayshecouldgethimtostayonXoyosis,butthatwasstupidandtoowishful tobehopingfor.Itwasn’tlikethisplanethadanythingtoofferanyone.
Sinceitwasn’tmuchmorethanaconvenientstoppingpointfortravelerstomoredesirablepartsofthegalaxy,fewresidents camehereandstayedwillingly.Youeitherwerebornhereanddiedonthisplanet,oryoucameheretostaybecauseyouhad nowhereelsetogo.
Shewasinthelatterhalfofthat,unfortunately.
Shehadtocometotermswiththatpieceofherpast,wrestlingwiththeideathatgettingoffthisplanetandgoingsomewhere elsewouldn’tbebecauseshewantedto.Thedesirewouldbebornoutofself-preservationandtheneedtosurvive.
She’dbedamnedifshewasforcedtogobacktothehellholethatshe’djustbarelygottenoutof.She’dratherexileherselfto planetX8-9009,whereliteralhellfirerainedfromtheskiesdaily.
Whenshewalkedbackacrossthebar,ScarlettsetGrux’sbeerdownonhistableandsliditovertohim “CanIgetyou anythingelse?”
Helookeddownattheglass,inspectingitforalongmoment.Afteraninordinatelylongpause,hesaidhisusualthanksand noddedforhertoheadoffbacktothebar.
Itmadehertiltherhead “Somethingwrong?”
Hedidn’tsayanythingagain,justbreathedoutslowlythroughhisnoseandtappedhisfingersalongthetableinastrangebeat thatshecouldn’texactlyplacebutsoundedfamiliar,nonetheless.Amarchofsomekind,anationalanthem.
Finally,whenhelookedup,hespokeinthatdeliciousraspofhis.“Whatareyoudoingafteryourshift?”
Ithadn’tbeenGrux’sintentiontoaskScarlettoutonadate,butnowthattheywerewalkingsidebysidetothenearestopen diner,somethinginhimstruggledtojustifyhisdecision Hewantedtopretendthatthishadgivenhimaconvenientexcuseto gethertoopenuptohimmoreandtotrusthimenoughsothattakingherbacktoherownerswouldbelessstressfulforbothof them.
Becauseifhecouldconvincehersomehowthathe’dbeenhiredbecausethefamilywasworriedforhersafetyandwantedher backbeforeshecouldgethurt itwouldmakefortheperfectexcuseastowhyhewasdoinganyofthisinthefirstplaceand notsimplythrowingheroverhisshoulderkickingandscreaming.
However,themorehespenttimewithScarlett inthelittlesideglancesandsmallinteractionstheyhadtalkinginbetweenher needycustomers theworseitmadehisguiltovertheinevitabilitythathewasonlydoingthisbecausehe’dbeenhiredto returnher
Sheseemedsweetand forthemostpart happy.Hehadnoideawhatshe’ddonetogetherselfintobeinganindentured servant,butwhateveritwas,itcouldn’tbegood.Terransweren’ttypicallyseenofftheirhomeplanet.Thegalaxywasmuch toodifficultofasystemforthemtohandle.
ButhereScarlettwas,millionsoflightyearsawayfromherhomeplanetandthrivingdespiteherlivingconditions “Thisistheplace.”Shepointedtothecornerdinerattheendofthestreet.
Gruxmovedinfrontofher,grabbingthedoorandholdingitopenforhertosneakthrough Shegavehimasheepishsmileand headedinsidewithhimfollowingrightbehind.
ThedinerwasprettymuchemptysaveforasingleXoyosansittingatthefrontcountereatingsomekindofpileofmushonthe plateinfrontofhim.Theybothheadedovertooneoftheboothsbythewindows,takingaseatonoppositesides.
Gruxlookedaround,spottingasinglecookthroughtheservicewindow “Youcomehereoften?”
Scarlettshruggedathimandgrabbedoneofthemenusalreadysittingonthebooth.“SometimeswhenI’mfeelinglikegreasy dinerfood.Itremindsmeofhome.Or…well,theclosestthingtoit.”
Henodded,grabbedamenuofhisown,andflippeditopen.“Where’shomeforyou?”
Heglancedupfromhismenu,takinginherpinchedexpression “YouheardofEarth?”
Hetiltedhishead,rememberingthat’swhattheTerranscalledtheirhomeplanet.“Ihave,yes.”
“Youevergothere?”
“Can’tsayIhave,no.”
“Hm”Scarlettflippedthepageofhermenu,hereyesscanningovertherowsoffoodlisted “Iguessthat’sfair It’sprettyfar fromhere.”
Settingthemenudownonthetable,Gruxlacedhisfingersoverit.Eventhoughgettingattachedtoherwasn’tthebrightestidea, hecouldn’thelpbutwanttoknowmoreaboutwhathadhappenedtoherbeforeshe’dbeenplacedundertheXoyosanfamily who’dboughther
“WereyoubornonEarth?”
Glancingup,Scarlettraisedhereyebrow.“Imean…Iam human.”
Hesmiledalittle.“Iknow.ButI’veheardofsomehumansreproducingwhiletravelingtootherplanets.”
Sheblinked,leaningbackintoherseat “Oh,that’strue Ididn’tthinkofthat Butyeah,Iwasbornthere” Henodded.“Whendidyouleave?”
Thatquestionmadeherhesitate.Shelookedawayfromhim,herhandstighteningaroundhermenuenoughthatherknuckles turnednoticeablywhite.AnuneasyfeelinggrewinGrux’sstomach.Hadsomethingterriblehappenedtoherthathadforcedher toleaveherhomeplanet?
Scarlettwassavedfromhisfurtherquestionswhenthewaitresscameoverandinterruptedthemtotaketheirorders Whensherelaxedbackintoherseat,shelookedathimagain.
“Whataboutyou?Itseemsyou’vebeenonanextendedvacation.Howlongareyouplanningonstayinghere?”
“Tryingtogetridofme?”heteased
Shelaughedandwavedherhands “Notatall I’mjustsurprisedthatyoucametothisplanetforavacation It’snotexactly, uh…asought-afterdestination.”
Hewantedtosnortatthetruthofthatstatement.Thisplacecertainlywasn’tthetropicaldestinationhisbrotherwascurrently residingin,thatwasforsure “IsupposeI’llbehereaslongasIwantinordertoavoidmyresponsibilitiesbackhome” Sheleanedforward,puttingherarmsontopofthetableandfoldingthemtogether “Andwhatkindofresponsibilitiesmight thatbe?”
ThatmadeGruxpause.
NotonlydidhehavePAPS theirprivateinvestigationfirm todealwith,buteversinceKozienhadsteppeddownfromhis roleasnextinline,theirfatherhadstartedputtingthepressureonGrux’sshoulders Assuddenlythenextinlinetoinheritthe throne,he’dneverexpectedorpreparedhimselfforthequickchangeinpower.
Hehadnoideahowtobeaking,letalonesomeonethatLorrdependedonforeverything He’dneverbeengroomedforthat kindoflifeandhadalwayslivedcontently,watchinghisbrotherstumblethroughitfromthesidelines.
Whenhewasyounger,ofcourse,he’dbeenjealousoftheattentionKozienconstantlyreceivedfromtheirfather.Butnowthat theywereolderandhewasexperiencingitfirsthandforhimself,heknewhowburdensomeitwas.
“Iguess it’dberathercomplicatedatthemoment” Shenodded.“I’mkindofinthesameboat.”
Hesmiledalittle,knowingexactlywhatshewastalkingaboutevenwithouthersayingso.“Avoidingresponsibilitiesas well?”
“Iguessyoucouldcallthemthat MorelikeI’mtryingtogetawayfromsomethingthatIwasforcedinto NowI’mtryingto createmyowndestiny.”
Herowndestiny.Tohim,thatsoundedwaytoonaiveandchildlike.Wantingtofollowfar-fetcheddreamsorgoalshadnever appealedtohimbefore.Thoughmaybethatwasbecausehehadn’tallowedhimselftothinkthatwayinthefirstplace. Itmadehimwonderwhatkindofdreamshisyoungerselfwould’vehadifhe’dbeenaregularLorrianandnotaprince Wouldhestillhaveendedupinthesameplacehewasnow?RunningPAPSandsittinginaseedydinerwithaprettyTerran girltalkingaboutthefutureneitherofthemhad?
“Doyouhavedreams,Grux?Aboutwhatyouwanttodowithyourlife?”
Hestareddeepintohereyes,aweirdpitforminginhisstomach Shehadsuchbeautifulandcaptivatingeyes “No.Idon’t.”
Shetiltedherhead.“Doyouwantthem?”
Heswallowed,thattightnessinhischestreturning,muchlikewhenhe’dwitnessedherbeingharassedthefirstdaytheymet. Thatprotectiveinstinctcameout,roaringtobashintheheadsofthosewhodemeanedherandtreatedherpoorly HewonderedforthethousandthtimesincesteppingontothisplanetjustwhatthehellthisTerranwomanwasdoingtohim. “Yeah.IguessIkindofdo.”
Chapter3
SCARLETTCOULDN’TBELIEVEHOWattractedtoGruxshewasuponevenmeetinghimtheveryfirsttime Foranalien, beingattractiveatallwasasupremebonus.ButGrux’sfacialsymmetry,alongwithhisheight,voice,andoverallpresence, madeherfeellikeavolcanoabouttoexplode.
Theyhadbeenonafewdates,thephysicalbuild-upbetweenherlegsanexquisitefeeling.Onenight,inaquesttopushhis buttons,sheworeapinkskirtwithaV-necktop,exposingsomegenerouscleavage Butshenevercaughthimtakingapeekat her.That,inandofitself,wasimpressive,ifalittledisappointing.
Theyspokeabouttheirpast,asmuchasshewaswillingtoshareanyway.Hermemorieswerepainfulandmostshedidn’tfeel likesheshouldshare,soshelethimgoonforaslongashewanted.Hisvoicewassoothingandmadeherlookforwardtothe restoftheirnightevenmore
Theywerewalkingbacktohishovercarfromtherestaurantwhensheslippedherhandintohis.Heglancedbackather, appearingshockedbutexcited.
Shelookedathim,deepinhisvioleteyes,andbitherbottomlip.ThatwasapparentlyenoughforGrux,whousedthe opportunitytopushherupagainsttheback-alleywall
Hetookherbreathawayasshefelthisbulgepressingupagainstherhip.Theirheightdifferencewassoenormousthatshe wonderedhowtheirfuckingwasgoingtoworkinthefirstplace.Thechallengeturnedheron,andshegrabbedhimbytheneck andpulledhimdown.
“Iwantyou,”shepurred
Grux’seyesbrightenedintoalilacshade,andthenheplacedbothhandsbesideheronthewall.Heloweredhishead laboriously,finallycomingcloseenoughfortheirlipstotouch.Theconnectionwaslikeanexplosionoffireworks.
Scarlettwouldhaveletthemantakeherrightthenandthereinthebackalleyofsomealienplanetifthingshadgonethatfar.
Shelostsightofeverythingwhentheirlipsmet,elicitingamoansoprofounditwaslikethefirsttimeshehadeverbeen touched
Shewentwildonhim,openinghermouthandexploringhimwithhertongue,slippingandslidinglikeitwasthelasttime anyonewouldkissher.ShefeltasuddenjoltofbeingpinnedagainstthewallasGruxswiftlyliftedherofftheground.She wrappedherlegsunderthetophalfofhistorso,lovingthewayhishandswanderedbeneathherskirt
“Oh,Scarlett,”Gruxgroanedintoherear
Hishands,hisvoice,hismouthonherneck,kissingandnibblingweremakingScarlettwetterthanshehadbeeninages.She hadn’trealizedhowmuchshemissedsexsincebeingenslavedbytheFlemlars;sherarelyhadtimebackthentothinkaboutit.
ButfeelingGrux’stouch,especiallyasheedgedthesensitiveoutlineofherpulsingpussy,madeherrealizesheneededagood fuckasbadlyassheneededagoodmeal.
“Scarlett,”Gruxmoanedagainstherskin.“Ihaveaconfessiontomake.”
Scarlettarchedherbackagainstthewall,runningherhandsthroughGrux’sdarkhair.Sheletthemgettangledandthen scratchedagainsthisskullashekissedbetweenherbreasts “Hmm?”shebreathed.
“Imayhavetoldyouabitofawhitelie.”
Scarlettpaidhimnomind,merelywishinghewouldgetdownbetweenherlegsfaster.Shemoanedbeautifullyashesettledon thefrontofhershirt,continuouslykissingtheteasingtopofhercleavage
Shenearlyscreamedwhenheabruptlystopped.Sheliftedherheadupandlookedathimasherestedhischinbetweenher breasts,lookingupatherwithasmirk.
Scarlettwassoarousedthatshefeltlikeslappinghim.Shewasn’tinthemoodforintenseteasing.Ithadbeenforeversinceshe wasfuckedwell,andshewasabouttoexplode “Whatisit?”shesnappedathim.
Hecontinuedtosmirk,whichonlymadeherannoyancesharper.
“I’maprivateinvestigator,”hewhispered.“IwasactuallyhiredbytheFlemlarstoretrieveyou.”
ThesoundoftheirnamesentpoisonfiringthroughScarlett’sblood SheimmediatelyletgoofGrux’sheadandbeganshaking inhisarmsandpushingawayfromhimathisshoulders.
“Putmedown,”shesaidfirmly.“Putmedownnow, Grux!”
Gruxlookedresigned,butitwasclearhehadexpectedthisresponse.Heplacedherdownsoftlyassheadjustedherskirt, shirt,andhair Howcouldshebesostupid?
“Scarlett,listentomeforasecond.”Shehadnotimetolisten.Withoutanotherword,sheremovedherheels,tossedthem aside,andbeganfleeingawayfromhimintheoppositedirection. “Scarlett, wait!”
Hisvoiceechoedbehindherlikesomeforgottendream.Becausethat’swhatitwas;somekindofexcitingdreamthatwas nevermeanttobe
Sheraninherbarefeetovertheroughparkinglotgravelandthentriedtocutacrossapark Thegrasswouldbesofter,and sincehewasanalientotheplanet,perhapsshewouldknowitbetterthanhedid. Butitwasherlucktofindthemanwasanexcellentrunner.Sheglancedbehindherbrieflyandsawhimgainingonher.Scarlett didnotscream,though Shewasn’twillingtodrawanyattentiontoherself Shehadfledfromthosehorriblepeopletomakealifeforherself Thegoalofthatnewlifewastofindapartnerandmakea family.She’dbeenhopefulwithGrux,butperhapsthathopehadblindedher,alongwithherlust.
“Scarlett, you have to stop!”
Pumpingherlegsharder,shetriedtoputmoredistancebetweenthem Butitwasharderandhardertomaintainherpaceasher breathcaughtinherthroat,andhervisionblurredwithtears
GruxwaslovinggettingtoknowScarlett.Apartofhimcertainlyfeltguiltyaboutleadingheron,keepingtheinformationabout thefamilythatwasonthelookoutforherasecret.Buthewasjusthavingsomuchfun.Hehadbeenfeelingagenuine
connectionthatwasunlikeanythinghe’deverexperienced
Except,hecouldn’tsleepwithherknowingthissecretthatwouldwrenchthemapart.Hedidn’tblameherfordecidingtoflee, evenifhislegswerelongerandstrongerthanhers,shewaswillingtogiveitago.Headmiredthatabouther,buthecouldn’t lethergetaway.
“Fuckingidiot,”Gruxmutteredtohimself Henevershouldhavegottenattached Heranafterher,impressedbythespeedandstrengthofthatlittlebody.Hegallopedeasilyuptoherasshecutthroughapark acrosstheroad.
“Scarlett, you have to stop!” hebellowed.
Sheglancedbackathim,stillgorgeousandcourageous,continuingonwardwithoutasecondthought Gruxdidn’twanttohurt her,sohereachedout,tryingtolightlyslowherdown.Hemanagedtograsptheedgeofhershirtandyankedatitsoftly.
“Scarlett,pleaseletmeexplain!”heyelledather.
Butshesimplywouldn’tstop.Shereachedbehindherselfandslappedhishandaway,whichonlyreallyhelpedforafew seconds Gruxhuffedandthenspedupuntilhewasdirectlyinfrontofher Shegaspedashepickedherupandplacedheron hisshoulderlikeamisbehavingchild.
“Letgoofme,”Scarlettdemandedthroughgrittedteeth.
Sheactedlikeatoddlerasshebashedherfistsagainsthisbackandslammedherfeetintohischest.Ifhehadbeenanyoneelse, maybeahuman,shewouldstandafightingchance Sheevenreachedaroundtohisfaceandattemptedtoclawathiseyes “Scarlett!”
Hetookherbythehipsoncetheyhadfoundashadyspotintheparkbeneathawidetreewithdroopingbranches.Itlooked privateenough,soGruxplacedherdownonthegrassonherbackandpinnedhertothegroundbyherwrists.
Sheshooklikeaflycaughtinaspider’sweb
“Yousonofabitch,”shemurmured.“Youliedtome!Youfuckingliedtometogetmebacktothosemonsters!”
“Scarlett,canyoupleaselisten…”
ScarlettlaunchedathickpieceofspitinGrux’sdirection.Hemanagedtododgeit,buthispatiencewaswearingthin.He placedahandoverScarlett’smouth,gentlypreventingherfromspeakingorflingingmorebodilyfluidsinhisdirection
“Sinceyouwon’tshutup,”Gruxgrowled “Thisishowwe’lldothings Staystillandlistenforasecond,Scarlett” Shecontinuedtoshakelikeafly,aninstinctsheclearlyhadn’tlostsinceevenafterbeingcapturedallthoseyearsago. SoGruxleanedinclose,keepinghisheadfarenoughawaysoshecouldn’theadbutthim.
“Iamnot takingyoubacktothem,”Gruxspokewithconviction “Doyouhearme?Iamnotgoingtoreturnyoubacktothose people IamtakingyoubacktoLorrtohideyou”
Finally,Scarlettsettleddownandbeganlistening.ShegazedupatGrux,hereyesdarkandexhausted,butshepaidattentionto everyword.
“Youcanstayonmyfather’spalatiallands,”Gruxcontinued “Theyareverysecludedandhidden Iamnotgoingtoturnyou intoanyone Ipromise”
Shewasasstillasastone.Hesearchedherface,curiousastowhetheritwasallapartofherescapetactics. “I’mgoingtoremovemyhandnow,”hesaid.“Pleasedon’tspitonme.”
Hedid,andScarlettremainedstill
Shestaredathimwithconfusion,hereyebrowsfurrowedandeyesglimmeringwithpossibility “Canyou canyougetoffme now?”
Gruxoftenforgothisownstrength,soheimmediatelyletgoofherwrists
Shestayedlyingonthegrassassherubbedthem, continuingtostareoffintothedistance.
“Youwerehiredtofindme,butyou’renotgoingtoturnmein?”
GruxnoddedandthensatdownnexttoScarlettonthegrass.“Um,yeah,”hesaid.“Iknowitsoundsodd,butIdon’twanttodo thattoyou Iwanttokeepyousafe,andIknowthatbeingwiththemisn’tsafe”
Gruxcouldbarelycomeupwithareasonastowhyhewasdoingwhathewasdoing.Hehadgrowingfeelingsforher,which wasundoubtedlyapartofit.Hehadneverfeltsokeenlyforsomeone.Itwasasifwhenshehurt,hehurtinanendlessloopof empathy.
Shenoddedandcontinuedrubbingatherwrists “I’msorryIspatatyou”
Gruxsmiledandthenshrugged.“It’sagoodtactic,”hereplied.“YougotawayfasterthananyoneI’veeverhadtochase.”
Shesmiledathim.Thatwasagoodsign.“Isthatso?”Shehalf-smirked.
Heliftedahandtohercheek,andsheleanedintohistouch.Scarlettclosedhereyesandkissedhispalm,sendingapleasant shiveruphisspine
“Itisso,”hesaid.“NotmanyhumanscouldkeepupwithaLorrian.”
Scarlettgiggled.Shetookhimbytheneckandbroughthislipstohers,pullinghimontopofheronthedewygrass.Gruxlost himselfagain,feelinghiscockhardenbeneathhispantsasherbreastspushedagainsthischest.
Hedesperatelywantedher,buthehadtomakesureshewasokaywitheverythingfirstbeforetheymadelove Hecouldsense theheatbetweenherthighs,though,thewayherlegwrappedaroundhiswaistandpressedhardagainsthimwasenoughto drivehimmadwithwanting.
Chapter4
SCARLETTHADJUSTBEENscaredforherlife,butallshewantedtodowasgetfuckedundertheshadeofthat
spectacularlylargetree.Hesaidhewasn’tgoingtotakeherbacktothosehorriblepeople,andforsomereasonshecouldn’t quiteputherfingeron,shebelievedhimunequivocally.
Perhapsthehorninessblockedherrationality.
Shetriedreachingdowntounbucklehispantswhenhewasontopofher,buthestoppedher,ahandoverhers “Scarlett,waitaminute,”Gruxmurmured.
Shewastiredofwaiting,butshestoppedashe’dasked.Herestedhishandsomefaceonherbreasts,kissingthemwithsuch delicacyshehadtobiteherlipagain.
“Iwanttomakesureeverythingisokaybeforewe ”Gruxtrailedoff Scarlettsmiledathim.Itwasendearingtoseesuchahandsomemanlooksheepish.
“Beforewefuck?”shequipped.
Hegrinnedandthenkissedthepartofherbreastwhereherareolabegan.
“Yes,thatexactly,”hereplied “Myfatherwillwanttoknowyourstory,andIthinkhecanempathizewithit Wewillprotect youfromanythingandanyone.”
Scarlettfeltaflickeroffearmovethroughherbodyashelayontopofher.Thefogofarousalwasdiminishing,sorationality wasfinallyabletohaveitssay.
Shedidn’treallyhaveachoiceatthatpoint ShecouldtrytofleefromGruxagain,whichwouldbefruitless,orshecouldgo withhim.Shebelievedhimwhenhesaidhedidn’twanttohurtherorreturnhertothosehorrible“employers.”Butthatdidn’t meaneveryonehad her bestinterestsinmind.
TheyfoundtheirwaybacktowhereGruxwasstayingandthenproceededtomaketheirwaytohisship.Thetripdidn’ttake longforavesselwithdecentFTLengines
Scarlettwasnervous,despitenotreallyhavingareasonwhy Shehadspentherentirelifebeingcautiousofstrangers Sheonly reallytrustedthemwhenshewasintoxicatedandabsolutelydesperateforanotherperson’stouch.Eventhoughshewaslooking forsomeonetospendherlifewithandwashopingitwasGrux,takingherbacktohisplanettomeethisfatherwasafewsteps aheadofwhereshewantedtheirrelationship
TheylandedonLorrandimmediatelywenttomeetwithGrux’sfather Helivedinamansionthatlookedlikeablendofthe WizardofOzandtheDisneycastlesquishedtogether.Theywalkedintohischambers,whichalsolookedlikeshehadjust steppedintosomekindofanimatedfeaturefilm.
“Son!”
AmanwholookedlikeanoldercarboncopyofGruxsatatalarge,blackdesk.Heworeagoldencrownthatnearlyblewoff hisheadwhenhestoodandtookGruxinhisthick,tree-trunkarms.
Scarletthadtotakeastepbacktocleartheareaoftheirembrace.Itwasheartwarmingandmadeherfeelalittleless apprehensiveaboutthingstocome “Iamsogladtoseeyou!”Grux’sfatherexclaimed.
HeheldontoGrux’sshouldersandthenglanceddownatScarlett.Incomparison,Scarlettwaslikealittleant.Butshetriednot toletherselffeelthatway.
“Thismustbethewomanyouwereafter,”thekingstated Hecametoherandheldouthishand.ScarlettflickedalookatGrux,whonoddedwithapproval.Sheplacedhersmall,human handintotheking’s,andhegrippedittightly.
“Father,thisisScarlett.”Gruxflashedherasmile.“Scarlett,thisismyfather,KingVrondo.” “Tellmeyourtaleofwoe,youngone,”thekingasserted
Scarlettbreathedindeeply.Shefeltlikeshehadbeentellingthestoryoverandoveragaininhermindherentirelife.Butno onereallyhadthetimetocareuntilrightthenandthereonsomealienplanetcalledLorr.
“IamoriginallyfromEarth,”shebegan,lookingintotheking’sbig,violeteyes.“IwaskidnappedwhenIwastwelveand auctionedofftoarichfamilyasanindenturedservant,whobasicallytreatedmelikeananimal”
Thekingnodded,asdidGrux,whowasstandingpolitelywithhishandsbehindhisback. “ImanagedtoescapeforafewmonthsbeforeGruxfoundme.King,ifImay.”
Thekingraisedwhatremainedofaneyebrowather.“Carryon,child.”
“Myfamilywillpayformysafereturn,”shesaid,tryingnottosoundtoodesperate “IknowtheyprobablythinkI’mdead,butI knowoncetheyhearfromme,theywillbewillingtopayanything.”
Thekingraisedahandtohischinandcontinuednoddingalong.Scarlettsearchedhermindformorewordstosay,butallofthe onesshefoundsoundedlikebegging.Shewouldgothereifshehadto,butshewashopingtobemorediplomatic.
Shehopedthekingwasgoingtotakepityonher Sheneededtofindawaytocontactherfamily Shereallydidn’tknowwhere herfamilywereorhowtofindthem ShestaredatGrux,tryingtogetafeelofhismood
Grux’sheartswelledatthesoundofScarlett’sstory.Itsoundedtohimlikeshehadbeenrepeatingitinhermindoverandover againforyears,andfinally,someonewaslistening.Hegaveherasolemnlookthatwasn’tpity.Shewastooproudtoaccept suchathing
Hedesperatelywantedtogivehermore,whetherfromhisownhandsorfromthehandsofhisfather Hewantedtogiveherthe entireplanethewasonandtheuniversebeyond.
Somethingwasgoingoninsideofhim,anditwasstartingtogetinthewayofeverythingelsehehadbeenworkingfor. “Thatisasadtaleindeed,mydarling,”thekingsaid.“Iverymuchappreciateyourcandor.Now,youshouldrest.”
ThekingplacedhishandsonGrux’sandScarlett’sshoulders,leadingthembothbackoutintothehallway “Gruxwillleadyoutoyourchamberswhereyoucansleep,youngone,”thekingsaid.“Wewillthendiscussouroptionsand seeaboutcontactingyourfamily.”
Thekingliftedhischininthedirectionofthestairs,andGruxfollowedsuit HeguidedScarlettupthewindingstairs,placing hishandonherlowerback.Whenshedidn’tpushhimaway,warmthburstinhisheart.
HeledScarletttotheguestroomwhereshewouldbestaying.Theyhadn’tsaidaworduntiltheyapproachedthedoor. “I’msorrythathappenedtoyou,”Gruxmurmured.“Itsoundshorrible.”
Scarlettturnedtohimandcrossedherarmsoverherchest Gruxadoredhowtinyshewasincomparisontohim Hecouldpick herupandjustputherinhispocketifhewanted.
“Itwassuchalongtimeago,”Scarlettbegan.“It’salmostlikeIdon’treallyhaveafamily,butIrefusedtosettleintothatway ofthinking.Youknow?”
Gruxreallydidn’tknowwhatthatfeelingwaslike,buthenoddedanyway Scarlettreachedoutforhishand,andhetookhers, swayingbackandforthforamomentbeforespeakingagain.
“Thisreallymeansalottome,”shemurmured.“Youreallyhavenoidea.”
Shemovedinclose,takingbothhandsinhers.Shestooduponhertiptoes,waitingforakiss,andhebentdowntoobligeher. Herlipswerewarmandtender,makinghiscockinsanelyhard Whenshebegantoopenhermouthandgroan,Gruxhadtopull away.
“Ihavetospeaktomyfather,”hesaid,pantinghard.“Icancometoyourroomafterwardifyou’dlike.”
Scarlettnoddedenthusiasticallyandthenlethimgo.Gruxwatchedherwalkintoherchambersandclosethedoorslowly.Once shewasgone,heletoutalong,heavingsigh
Stars, the things I want to do to that woman.
Gruxreturnedtohisfather’sstudyandfoundhisdadsittingatthedeskagain.Heturnedimmediatelytohissonwithalookon hisfaceGruxwasn’texactlyfondof.
“What’sgoingoninthatcauldron,Father?”Gruxquipped Hisfatherletoutadeepchuckle.
“Ithinkitwouldbehooveustoavoidtheobviouspoliticaladvantagesthissituationhaspresentedtous.YouknowI’vebeen wantingtofindawaytostrengthenarelationshipwithEarth,andrescuingoneoftheirsmightbringmecloser.”
Gruxletoutasighandthensatdownonachairnearby HeknewallaboutthetensionsbetweentheirpeopleandEarth’s If theybroughtScarlettback,itcouldtriggersomekindoftruce
Hehadbeennervousabouthisfather’sreactiontoanotherTerranafterwhathappenedwithKozien,buthehadhopedthat savingastolenwomanwouldlandonhisfather’smorebenevolentside.Itwasn’tlikeGruxwasrenouncinghisclaimtothe throne
Heleanedhisheadbackonthechairandtriedtolistenashisfatherdronedon “Ithasbeenyearssinceanyleaderreachedoutdirectly.I’msuretheideaofreconciliationhasn’tcrossedanyone’sthoughtsfor alongtimenow.Butyouhavemadesomethingbloom,son.Somethingbloomsinmymind.”
Gruxknewwhathisfatherwaslikewhenhegotanideainhishead Itwaslikegivingadogaboneandbeingsurprisedwhen itdevouredit Itwasinevitablethathewasgoingtogettotherootofitall,tofindasilverlininginadarkandstrange situation.
“Howcloseareyoutwo?”
Gruxsatupfromthechair Hehadn’tbeencompletelylistening “Hmm?”
“YouandScarlett,”hisfathersaidwithawidegrin “Howclosehaveyoubecomeduringyourtravels?”
Gruxcrinkledhisnoseathisfather.Hedidn’twanttobecompletelyhonestwithhim,becausethenhecouldeasilyusethe informationagainsthim.Butatthesametime,hewasn’tentirelysurewheretheystood.
Lustanddesirewerecertainlymountingbetweentheircravingbodies,butwasthereanythingmore?
Gruxshrugged,tryingtoplayoffhisdeepeningthoughtprocess.
“Wearecongenial,”Gruxsaid.“SheisverythankfulthatI’vebroughtherhereinsteadofbacktotheFlemlars.” Suddenly,Grux’sfatherclappedhishandstogether.Hestoodupfromthechair,cameovertohisson,andthengrabbedhimby theshoulders
“Thatisitthen,boy,”hesaid.“Iwantyoutogetclosertoher.Getcozy.Thecloseryouget,themorelikelywearetoachieve utterpoliticalharmony.”
Grux’sstomachturned.Hewasn’tfondofusingScarlettinsuchaway.Ifithadbeenanyotherwoman,hewouldcertainlygive itago Itwasforhiskingdom,afterall
Buthehatedthewayhisfatherwouldusehisheartforpoliticalgainthesamewayhewouldbanhisownsonfromtheirplanet forfallinginlove.
Henoddedinstinctively.“Iwilldothat,Father.”
“That’sagoodlad!”
Hisfatherclappedhisson’schest,makingaloudslappingsound,andastingmovedthroughhisbody.
“Youusethatclassiccharmandreportbacktome!”
Hisfatherbeganlaughinguproariously.Clearly,itwasanexcitingtimeforhim,butGruxwasn’tentirelysureaboutlyingto Scarlettabouthisintentions
Heeventuallydecidedtogotobed,realizingitwasgettinglate.Hisfatherencouragedhim,askinghimtogetstartedonhis “mission”immediately.
GruxwentuptocheckonScarlett,secretlyhopingthatshewasindeedasleep.Hewantedherphysically,deeply,morethan anyonehehadeverwantedbefore,buthereallydidn’twishtolietoher
Helistenedinonthedoor,hopingtohearsomefaintbreathing.Butshewasawake.Hecouldhearherhummingtoherself.
Gruxbreathedindeeplyandthenraisedahandtoknocklightlyonherdoor.Heheardherexcitedlyleapoffthebedandcome tohim.
Hehadaflashofthefuturebeforesheopenedupthedoor Hesawthembeinginlove,asarealunit,twopeoplewithone rivetingsoul Hedidn’twanttobewithsomeonemerelyforpoliticalassociations Hewantedtobeinlove Whenshefinallyopenedupthedoor,henearlyfaintedatthesightbeforehim.
