Page 27 of Adored By the Alien Warlord

When no one left the bar or started this way, I took her hand and led her down the alley beyond my building. We kept going until we’d left the boom of the music behind, replacing it with soft calls ahead from those still selling wares in the market.

She squeezed my hand and smiled up at me, and I’d give the world, my heart, even the skin off my body as long as it meant she could be safe. No one wanted those parts of me, though.

Except, perhaps, her. Not my skin, but maybe myheart. I’d rip it out and hand it to her then, because I had nothing other than that to offer.

“These people are going to watch us,” I said as we stopped on the edge of the wide-open square half filled with Veerenads standing near tables covered with their items for sale. “They’ll report what they see to Wortek if they know him. They can’t miss us, a Zuldruxian and a human together.”

“Pretend you’re my bodyguard,” she said, her gaze locked on the items on display. “This is amazing. I didn’t know this place was here.”

Veerenads filled the market, some working while others strolled, making purchases. Many wore only vests while others wore nothing at all, their bodies covered in scaly armor that glinted in the light of our two moons. Their long, thick tails swished behind them with an easy, almost lazy grace that countered their quickness and strength. Snouts lined with sharp teeth yawned as they conversed with one another, their voices low and guttural.

“I can pretend,” I said.

“I can too.” Maggie walked around the perimeter of the market; her eyes wide with wonder as she took in everything. I followed close behind her, watching her reaction to everything while glaring at anyone who hinted they might come near. Other than the smiles she'd given me after our kiss, this was the first time I'd seen her smile without a hint of sadness or fear, and I was glad I'd insisted Wortek give her a break, glad I'd insisted on taking her here to get away.

As we approached one vendor, she stopped. The wares on display were some of the most beautiful I'd seen. Few in my clan bothered with possessions other than those we needed to survive in the desert. We found beauty in the bloom of a flower, the rage of a sandstorm in the distance, and in the glint of sunlight on an oasis. Tangible items carried little weight when you had to transport them from one location to another. A solid pan for cooking had more value than furniture or a painting someone might hang on a wall.

She stared at the brightly colored clothing and the vibrant jewelry, things a Veerenad female might long for. I watched as she admired one piece of jewelry after another, her fingers hovering over them before retreating, as if she couldn't bear to touch them.

One particular pendant caught her eye, a delicate chain holding a sparkling red gemstone that seemed to change colors as it caught the moonlight. Longing filled her eyes as she gazed at it, and before I knew what I was doing, I gestured to the vendor. He looked at me, then at the pendant, before nodding.

As she continued to examine the other items, I handed over a few coins, enough to cover the cost of the pendant. He wrapped it in a scrap of fabric and handed it to me. I concealed it in my hand. When we were free, I'd give it to her.

And if I dared, I'd ask her to share her life with me.

Perhaps even I deserved love.

Chapter 13

Maggie

Iadmired all the things for sale, but I had no coins to buy them. What did I need with them, anyway? It wasn’t like I’d be allowed to wear the thick cloak on display while dancing, and I doubted it would fit me even if I could.

We finally stopped, sitting on stools outside a building with an open window, someone inside selling food.

Davon lifted his hand and a lean, small Veerenad hurried over to stand beside us. Perhaps a teenager if he lived on Earth. After Davon gave the young male an order, he scurried inside the building.

“Hungry?” Davon asked, and I took in the warmth in his eyes, the way he watched everything around us while keeping most of his attention on me.

Our kiss had stunned me with its passion, and I should fight the feelings soaring through me. Love couldn’t be part of my current future. Yes, we weretalking about ways to escape, but the odds of us getting beyond the city’s outer wall were practically nil. We’d be caught, they’d kill Davon, and I’d be forced to dance until I one day collapsed and could no longer rise to my feet. If I was lucky, they’d toss me out on the street rather than kill me then and there.

Or I’d wind up in a worse situation than the one I was in now.

The teenager returned, carrying a tray that he dropped onto the tall table between us. Since I was so much smaller than everyone else, I had to stand to see over the top.

The fragrance from the food on the tray filled my senses, a mix of spices and unfamiliar aromas. Davon picked up a small, wrinkly brown thing unlike anything I'd seen before. It reminded me of a tiny, shriveled apple but with a sheen that could be a good or a bad thing.

He handed it to me with a smile. “Try it.”

I hesitated but decided to go for it. This male had brought me meals for many days, and everything he gave me tasted good, so much better than the slop the cleaners brought to my room before leaving.

As I took my first bite, it popped open, revealing a juicy center that burst into my mouth with an intense, sweet yet tangy flavor. I couldn't help moaning. Fruit was such a wonderful treat.

“Good?” Davon asked, his brilliant teal eyes sparkling.

I nodded, still savoring the taste. “It's amazing.”

“Have more.” He waved to the tray loaded with this odd fruit and other unknown items I was eager to try.

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