Page 19 of Master
Dammit!
There was something about nearly seven feet of beautifully sculpted muscle that was just gorgeous, as much as I didn't want it to be. Curtis was an accountant—a runner and a golfer. He was fit but lean. Completely different from Tarook's muscular physique. I didn't hate the difference. Therewas something appealing about being held so gently by one who possessed such strength. The feel of his muscles twitching underneath my fingertips….
Get your head out of the gutter, Clara!
“Maybe you'll find love again, too?” Daisy teased, casting a glance in Tarook’s direction.
"With him," I snorted. "No way." Although I would admit, a girl might warm to an idea like that if he wasn't such a lying pervert.
“Wait till you get to the Bardaga. We got a ship full of them. You can take your pick,” Emmy promised.
Tarook loosed a snort that I would have sworn signaled dislike of Emmy’s suggestion, although when I met his gaze, he smiled.
“I think they sent the wrong one of us to the hedonism ship,” I quipped, watching Daisy and Emmy dissolve into giggles.
Their laughter caused a warmth in my chest. I'd gotten good at making people laugh. During the last years of Curtis' illness, I'd damn near put on a daily comedy show just to bring a smile to his face. Now, I was stuck in this spaceship with a guy who couldn't stop smiling. I didn't hate it as much as I wanted to.
“My love, I need to talk to Tarook.” A smooth male voice announced off-screen.
Emmy smiled broadly at the owner of the voice. "We'll see you soon, Clara. Enjoy the trip!”
A male stepped into the screen, so tall his face wasn’t visible until he dipped his head to brush his lips against Emmy's cheek. I'd known Emmy for twenty years, long beforeshe realized her ex-husband kept a rotating harem of college students. Not once did she ever look at him like she looked at this alien.
The male sat beside Emmy, draping an arm across her shoulders. He appeared as tall and broad as Tarook, dressed similarly in the alien version of black leather. Unlike Tarook's wavy chestnut hair, this male's hair was black and worn straight, with two braids at each temple.
"I am here, Chieftain," Tarook slid his chair closer to mine. The warmth of his body banished the slight chill that permeated the inside of the skiff.
The Chieftain gave a curt nod, trying to appear professional. Still, his full lips curved upward just a hint, enough that I could recognize he and Tarook were friends.
“The Bardaga will not be able to rendezvous with you as planned,” the Chieftain—Khaion—told him. “We had to adjust course to assist with the rescue of Daisy and the younglings. We are on route to Tau Ceti and will arrive in approximately ten days. We will meet you there.”
“I will adjust our flight plan,” Tarook replied.
Khaion removed his arm from around Daisy's shoulders, leaning forward, possibly to highlight the urgency of what he said next. "You will reach the planet before us. Be on guard, Tarook. Those once considered friends may be our worst enemies. We have much to discuss when we meet."
“Aye Chieftain.” Tarook’s voice was low and serious.
“Bardaga out,” Khaion said, and the small square of light shimmered into nothingness.
Tarook slid his chair back to the control panel and began fiddling with the controls. I watched him, unsure of how to act. He wasn't some slaver trying to get me for himself. He was a bona fide hero who'd saved me from a dreadful future onboard the hedonism ship. Then again, he'd fucked me under false pretenses. Granted, I had thrown myself at him like a major slut, but he should have told me.
Dammit!
“Are you alright?” Tarook asked, noticing my stare.
"I will be." I turned my gaze toward the space unfoldingin front of us.
It was a lot to deal with.
It sounded like returning to Earth would never happen. But the way Daisy and Emmy acted, a new life awaited.
Did I want it?
Why wouldn't I want it? The last thing I remember being excited about was our Appalachia hike and look where that got me.
“I wish to apologize for what happened between us on the Hartouk Lenaii. I did not intend to injure you in any way. I truly thought you... wanted me.”
Tarook's words—his sincerity and the sheepish expression on his normally cocky façade—touched me.
