Page 92 of I'm Not Your Pet

How was I supposed to act here?

I’ve never been to something like this.

I’ve never been on a date at all.

Crossing my arms over my chest protectively, my bag clutched close, I felt more than a little naked. Ushuu frowned at me, but thankfully didn’t ask what was wrong as we reached the massive golden elevators. They opened with a tinkling sound that reminded me of the wind chimes I’d hung on our porch back home. A group of drunk aliens stumbled out, leaving it empty.

As the door took its sweet time shutting behind us, I could feel eyes on the back of my neck.

Shit.

Apparently, I’d caught the attention of a few nosy guests. One of them sneered at me. Another licked his lips. I shivered, nails digging hard into my arms as I closed my eyes.

Just ignore it, Hugo.

You’re fine.

They weren’t looking at you weird.

You’re just nervous and you’re projecting.

It’s because of your time on F’ukYuu.

You’re not there anymore.

The moment the doors slid shut, Ushuu exhaled raggedly and relaxed. He slung an arm around my shoulders and gave me a gentle squeeze. It was a nice gesture, and I sunk into it.

“Almost there, little one,” Ushuu promised.

I nodded silently.

Truthfully, the hotel was incredible. I had never seen carpets more red, or wealth so opulent. But I was agitated, tiny, and dressed in “baby” clothes. I should’ve worn one of the outfits I’d bought this week, but I hadn’t wanted to get it dirty walking through the city.

I’d miscalculated.

I wouldn’t do that again.

Ushuu dug through the baggie he’d been gifted by the receptionist as soon as we reached our room. He pulled what looked like an average hotel keycard from the bag and tapped it against the interface beside the door handle. I was more than a little disappointed it hadn’t been translators, like I’d hoped. The door opened with awhooshand we stepped inside the room.

“Stay,” Ushuu urged, before he stalked around the space, flipping on light switches and checking for threats. I almost wanted to roll my eyes, but I didn’t. I knew Roark had put him up to this, and his protectiveness was sweet, even if it was unnecessary. When Ushuu decided our room was safe, he beckoned me forward.

The moment he did, I allowed myself to stare.

There was a massive bed in the center of the space—even larger than the one Roark and I shared on the ship. It was the first thing that caught my attention as I took in the large pink pillows that sat against the headboard, and the piles of puffy blankets that draped over the edges like icing on a cupcake.

The whole thing looked like a giant marshmallow.

I want to bury myself in there and never come out.

I’ll become a marshmallow person.

There’s enough pillows to make an army.

The bed wasn’t the only magnificent part of the room. There was a huge red chaise lounger resting against what had to be the largest windows I’d ever seen. The view of the city beneath us was breathtaking, lights glimmering just like the stars above.

I was dizzy with amazement as Ushuu led me toward the bathroom where I would be getting ready. Once inside, I released the death hold I had on my bag of clothing, setting it gingerly on the counter. I tried to scrub the sweaty fingerprints off of it, but the action was futile.

“Do you need help figuring out how to turn the shower on?” Ushuu inquired. I shook my head, still dazed. “Okay,” he eyed me, amused. “I’ll be right outside. If you need me, yell.”

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