Page 10 of Bound to the Tiger Scout
Once the shuttle lifted off, there was a considerable amount of noise, so further talk was difficult without yelling. I used the time until we cleared the Earth’s atmosphere to regain my composure, though I couldn’t resist watching Squire.
The dip centering his upper lip was made to be licked. I wanted to tangle my fingers in his messy brown hair and use that grip to tilt his head back. His throat bobbed, and I?—
Layleen cleared her throat loudly, and I realized they were both standing, the shuttle still and quiet.
“Forgive me,” I said as I unstrapped and stood. So much for being calm or composed.
I should’ve taken the lead to exit the shuttle, seeing as how I was at the rear instead with Squire directly in front of me. All I could think about was pulling him back against my chest and seeing whether our bodies aligned or if I’d need to pick him up to?—
“For goddess’s sake,” Layleen hissed at me. “I realize this is difficult, but show some restraint.”
I actually looked at my hands, worried they were full of Squire. Thankfully, he was standing some feet away now and looking out of a window.
“It is difficult,” I whispered back at her even though we both spoke Norlish. “I should not be alone with him.”
“Then tell him.” She whacked my arm. “Dosomething.”
Before I could consider what that something might be, a couple of Cero in royal armor rounded the corner and parted to allow Alam to stomp toward us. Me. Of course, he was comingafter me. I took a deep breath and braced myself for whatever I’d done wrong this time.
Alam marched up to me, his expression severe. “Did you abduct a boy?” he snapped in Norlish.
That drew me up short. “Pardon?”
Alam held his hand out, palm up, toward Squire who looked between us with wide eyes.
“I did notabducthim,” I said. “And he is of age.”
“How old are you?” Alam asked in English, his blue eyes squinted at Squire.
“Twenty-two?”
Alam arched a brow. “Are you unsure?”
“Alam…” I couldn’t help growling in warning.
“No, uh, I’m twenty-two.” Squire looked to me with a question in his big eyes. “The application said that was fine.”
I smiled reassuringly at him. “It is fine. You’re of age.”
“Do you mean the sex workers program?” Alam asked in clear confusion, his ire seeming to fizzle. “You’re bringing them up already?” He leaned around me as though looking for the rest of them.
“Special circumstances,” I said with a smile.
Layleen groaned, drawing everyone’s attention. “They are mates,” she said succinctly in Norlish. “Of course he was unable to leave his human on the surface.”
“Oh. Well, yes.” Alam took a step back, and I rather liked that he did.
“My mate is unaware for the moment,” I added so that Alam wouldn’t reveal anything.
He nodded at me before saying in English, “You still have an issue of the news reporting that he’s underage and you’ve abducted him.”
“What?” I asked in astonishment.
“What?” Squire echoed. “But I volunteered!”
Alam turned sideways and held out a hand so that we could pass. “Go see for yourselves. There’s a woman insisting that a tiger stole her baby boy.”
“Oh, no,” Squire groaned.
