Page 13 of Resisting the Alien Commander

Quinn

“There looks to be a lot of things our President left out regarding Bohna when she offered this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to us.” I knew there was something suspect about this whole bridal endeavor.

Johnna glances around. “Why don’t we go back to your housing complex? I’ll explain more there.”

Although I’d prefer to have answers now before she has time to organize her thoughts, she’s probably right. The six of us aren’t the only ones affected by this new information. There are fourteen other brides who deserve to hear it as well. Hopefully they’re all back at our building and not out wandering around.

We follow Johnna as she leads us through the city. Devon and Lindsey walk side by side in front of Olivia and me. I can sense the tension in all three of them. Olivia nudges my arm.

“What other surprises do you think are in store for us?”

I huff. “At this point, your guess is as good as mine.”

“Not to detract from the seriousness of the current situation, but I find it interesting that we just happened to run into your commander while we were out.” Olivia waggles her eyebrows at me.

“He’s notmyanything.”

“He did appear awfully focused on you,” Devon says over her shoulder with a grin.

“I think you’re imagining things.” Weren’t they?

“Come on. You can’t tell me you didn’t notice how intently he was watching you?” Olivia quirks her lips.

“Or how you couldn’t quite look away from him either,” Lindsey points out.

My neck gets hot. I admit there’s something about Horek that draws me in, but I’m not sure he’s looking for a bride or if he’s the kind of guy I’m interested in beyond his looks. There’s an aloofness to him. A wall. Some type of barrier to his emotions. I can’t explain it.

“Fine. I admit to…admiring him. Who wouldn’t? He’s attractive. Like every other Bohnari I’ve seen since we got here. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”

“At least you’re admitting it,” Olivia says. “I’m not sure he’s your type anyway.”

For some reason, I’m offended on Horek’s behalf. “Why not?”

“I don’t really know to be honest. I guess I just pictured you with someone,” she hesitates. “lighter, maybe? Less serious.”

I shouldn’t feel the need to defend him. Yet, I do. “He’s the commander of the entire Bohnari guards. There’s probably a lot of responsibility that goes along with that. If he’s in charge of making sure the whole city is safe, I don’t suspect he has a lot of time for fun.”

Olivia holds up her hands, palms facing me. “I didn’t mean it to sound like an insult.”

I’m not sure why my back’s so up about her description of Horek. As if she still senses my emotions, she loops her arm around mine. “I’m sorry. If you’re interested in getting to know him better, then I think you should. Not that you need my permission or anything.”

I know what Olivia’s trying to do and I appreciate it. We’ve been best friends practically since birth, but that doesn’t mean our relationship is perfect or that we don’t have our disagreements.

“Thanks, Liv.”

We finally reach our building and walk through the front doors held open by the guards stationed there. Several women are seated in the lounging area chatting, but there are still quite a few missing. Johnna turns toward us all.

“Why don’t you guys join them and I’ll see if I can find the rest?” she suggests.

The six of us make our way to the others, grabbing four chairs grouped together around a small table.

“Do you think she’s going to tell us everything?” Devon crosses one leg over the other and bounces it.

“I have no intention of leaving this spot until she does.” Even if that means I have to trail after Johnna if she tries to get out of it.

My gaze shifts to Olivia who’s grinning madly at me.

“What?” I wrinkle my brows.

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