Page 6 of Songbird
At this time of day, the space station bustled with people, the constant chatter of voices and clinking of utensils filling the air as most engaged in luncheon. As we made our way through the throng of beings, I couldn’t help but notice a long line forming outsideSpace Pearls. I was relieved Priemba chose to dine elsewhere for lunch since I intended to return toSpace Pearl’sfor dinner tonight… and entertainment.
I cast my gaze across the way to check the line at the Verdesian restaurant, taking in how the market area had transformed from a chaotic display of carts into elegant storefronts. The restaurant didn’t seem busy, but that wasn’t what caught my attention. I was captivated by a mass of golden waves that stood out like bright sunshine against the muted tones of the buildings.
The sound of utter glee bursting from my niece’s lips gave me a start.
“Look! It’s Izzy!”
“You know her?” The shock made my footsteps sluggish as Priemba pulled me toward the beautiful human.
“Yep!” My niece gave me a smug grin. “She promised to teach me to sing.”
“Izzy!” Priemba called when we got within earshot.
The female turned slowly, golden hair blowing about her face as though touched by a phantom wind. Her gaze caught me first, and I found the way her full tips turned down at the corners rather disheartening. However, when she caught sight of Priemba at my side, her face exploded into a huge smile.
“Hi, Izzy.” Priemba jerked her hand from my grasp, ran the last few steps, wrapped her arms around the human’s waist, and hugged her tightly.
The pleasure that erupted on the female’s face made my heart stutter, as did the way she wrapped her arms around my niece’s shoulders and laid her cheek atop Priemba’s head.
“Hi Priemba. It’s so good to see you.”
“Are you shopping?” Priemba asked, pulling away from the hug and turning her attention toward the store window. A multicolored dress covered in—wouldn’t you know it—feathers took center stage.
“I’m thinking about getting a new dress,” Izzy said, keeping an arm around my niece’s shoulders while gesturing toward the window with her other hand. “Do you have any suggestions?"
Priemba took in the wares with a frown. “I like your green dress.”
“Me too,” Izzy agreed with a smile. “But I was thinking about something blue.”
I had no idea about other colors, but I doubted anything could compare to the stunning red dress she’d worn the night before. The silky fabric clung to her every curve, drizzling over her body like a crimson waterfall. I hadn’t been able to take my eyes off her. I couldn’t take my eyes off her now, even though she dressed simply in a light blue long-sleeved tunic and silky pants that flowed gracefully about her ankles.
As I continued to stare, lost in my thoughts, Priemba cleared her throat loudly, snapping me out of my daze.
“Izzy, this is my Uncle Tarrick.”
“Uncle?” Izzy repeated, appearing rather shocked but recovered quickly with a gracious smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Uncle Tarrick."
I schooled my expression to one of charming pleasantness, but behind me, my tail whipped about like a fucking lunatic. Thank God Praxxan wasn’t around, or I’d never hear the end of it. It was bad enough that Priemba fixed me with a gimlet eye, a knowing grin curving her adorable face. Little imp. Being part Stranac, she’d recognize the behavior of my tail, which gave away my attraction toward Izzy. And I was attracted, despite knowing the idea absurd given my lifestyle.
“As it is to meet you, Izzy,” I said, giving a flourishing bow that made Priemba giggle. Izzy regarded me with something that might have been suspicion. Human faces were so expressive, so many emotions—but her lips still curved in a smile.
“We were going to get some lunch. Do you want to join us?” Priemba announced, grabbing hold of Izzy’s hand.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude,” Izzy offered quickly, but her cheeks deepened in hue.
“Nonsense,” I argued. “We would consider it an honor to have you join us.” Me, definitely more than Priemba I would suspect.
Her bright blue gaze bounced between me and my niece for a moment, the intent of refusal flickering across her features until her eyes settled on Priemba. Izzy blew out a long, slow breath, her body relaxing as she smiled and acquiesced. “I’d love to join you for lunch.”
“We were headed toward the Verdesian restaurant, of course, if you would prefer something else….” I suggested. Verdesian food was surely too spicy for a human.
“No,” Izzy blurted, then gave a chuckle at my widened gaze. “I love Verdesian food. I like spicy.”
She liked spicy. The connotation of that comment went straight to my cock.
“Great!” Priemba announced, situating herself between us and grabbing our hands. She skipped along happily as weheaded down the street. The Verdesian restaurant was close by, but I found myself wishing it was farther away.
“I saw you sing last night.” I could have groaned when the words left my lips. I sounded like a besotted schoolboy.
