Page 10 of Ensnared By the Rabbit Genius
The guard had already filed down the ramp, off to do whatever it was they did once they were done standing around near me and looking intimidating. Ellis took my hand and walked with me through the shuttle and to the ramp. The two people waiting for us had Ellis and me pausing before descending. Why was Prince Ye Lena and Captain Langarus waiting to greet us?
“A guest,” I realized aloud and could’ve kicked myself. “I told the pilot crew to say I was bringing a guest.”
Ellis’s attention flicked back and forth between us and them. “Is something wrong?”
I squeezed his hand and smiled since it wasn’t as though we needed to flee. Or that wecouldflee, really, since I was able to make a case that there was a need. “We should say hello,” I told him and took him down the ramp.
The prince and captain had dressed for the occasion as well, probably assuming I’d brought someone of importance. Or someone important to more than just me. Though very different, the prince’s robes and the captain’s suit said that they expected a dignitary.
Before either of them could question me in English, I spoke in Norlish. “I apologize for the miscommunication, but he’s my mate and doesn’t know he is yet.”
“Ah,” the prince said and focused on Ellis. “Welcome to theZaaqnall.”
“Yes. Welcome.” The captain said it politely enough, but there was a squint to his eyes that said he was going to have words with me later.
“Oh. Um. Thank you.” Ellis bobbed his head at them before looking up at me. His smile disappeared and he gulped.
Technically, I should wait for dismissal from both the prince of my home and the captain I served under. I looked to both of them, caught between protocol and wanting to end this embarrassment.
Prince Ye Lena chuckled quietly before turning and walking away. Captain Langarus rolled his eyes and also left us. At least they hadn’t said anything to Ellis about the situation. I took their silent dismissal for what it was and led Ellis toward the main doors out of the landing bay.
I was less likely to see anyone I knew as we traversed these halls—my people were the ones moving about the ship in the maintenance passages within the walls. Going through the public corridors both allowed for anonymity as well as let Ellissee the beauty covering the chaos of my world. I thought he might appreciate that.
“Oh, my god,” Ellis breathed and stopped to stare as we came to the first set of exterior windows. “This is amazing.So amazing.” He sounded reverent as he took in the view of Earth from above.
I smiled and fidgeted with the strap of my bag, pleased beyond words to give him this experience. “Had you ever considered space flight before now?”
“Considered it?” He shrugged before stepping closer to the window. “I mean, I knew some of what we were doing in America, but I nevereverthought I’d someday beona spaceship. I can’t hardly believe I am right now.”
I gave him a light pinch to his upper arm. He flinched and looked up at me with a frown. “You’re awake,” I said, “not dreaming.”
Ellis chuckled and shook his head. “Still feels like dreaming,” he whispered and side stepped so that he was standing directly in front of me.
I took that as a request and moved closer to him, not pressing against him but sharing the space. He immediately leaned back, resting on me. My heart thudded as I looped an arm around him. An arm he stroked from elbow to wrist, petting me over and over again. I buried my nose in the hair on top of his head and said, “Do you want to see more of the ship?”
He looked up at me and grinned. “Maybe later.”
I took his hand again and led him toward my quarters while trying not to run.
CHAPTER 5
ELLIS
Iwas clearly insane. Going to space for a hookup? I didn’t need to get laid that badly. Did I? But there I was on a spaceship with a horny rabbit, so… Yeah, I guess I did need to get laid that badly.
Curiosity about Commander— Well, I should probably call him Seiwa now. My curiosity about Seiwa was a huge part of this, but his dominance and insistence on consent was right up there on myreasons to let him fuck melist. A list I hadn’t realized I’d been making until, like, an hour ago. A list that was now ruling my entire being.
This really was the craziest thing I’d ever done in my life.
And yet, I wassodoing it.
Seiwa led me down corridors that smelled like crisp, recycled air and into and out of elevators that positively glided, they were so smooth. I couldn’t have gotten myself back to the landing bay if I tried, but I was weirdly okay with that. Yeah, thatwasweird. Good grief, what was wrong with me?
I looked up at him in yet another elevator, and found he was watching me. He gave my hand a squeeze and kissed my knuckles as he smiled faintly down at me.
Could it be that ItrustedSeiwa?
That… That actually made sense. I was ridiculously attracted to him physically, but he was also kind of a cool guy. I liked that he was standing up to the director of the FBI and a hell of a lot of scientists who wanted everything they could tear away from him. Sure, Seiwa was arrogant as hell, but he was legitimately wicked smart. He could’ve just handed over tons of tech and washed his hands of whatever we idiot humans did with it, but he wasn’t going to do that as far as I could tell. He’d help but also make sure we didn’t blow ourselves up. That was admirable.
