Page 17 of Her Alien Mercenaries
“It’s what I know. Nothing is stopping you from spouting some chemistry-based wisdom.”
“My good sense is stopping me. That and a desire to get out of this weather.”
“I second that last bit. I am soaked to the skin. If I’m going to fly with you often, I’ll need to expand my wardrobe.”
“I’m sure the shops will have something appropriate,” Torren said. He let go of her, and she walked over to the gate, unlocked it, and gestured for them to follow her inside.
Zanyr fell in behind her. “First, we’ll shop for something appropriate. Then I think we should buy ourmahayaa few things that are definitelynotappropriate. I have heard others talk about something called lingerie. I am intrigued.”
Torren groaned and threw up his hands. “Apologies, Jenna. Despite my best efforts, Zan is not always fit for decent company.”
She laughed. “I don’t care about that. Before I came here, I made a living raising and teaching the next generation of corporate executives. The first thing those children are taught is to conform to expectations. Even if it means lying to themselves and everyone else. The second thing they learn is how to use language as a weapon, especially polite language. I’d much rather both of you speak bluntly rather than play word games.”
Once she got the door unlocked, she pushed it open and stepped inside. “Welcome to my home. I’m afraid there’s not much to it. I haven’t been her long enough to decorate. Oh, and Zan?” She used the nickname Torren had used several times today.
“Yes?”
“I’ve never owned lingerie before, but I’m not averse to modeling some for you… if we can find any.”
“We’ll find some,” Zanyr declared immediately. “Even if we have to pay Hezza to import it.”
“Oh! Hezza. Of course.” She’d forgotten about the gregarious freighter pilot who had often visited their camp and brought them all sorts of things from other parts of the galaxy. While most traders were restricted to the orbital platform these days, Hezza was a trusted member of the community, even if she was only here part of the time. It didn’t hurt that she was Anya’s mother. They were both committed to the success of the colony and their own business ventures.
“We’ll talk about what you need to buy soon. Right now, you need to get yourself dry and warm,” Torren said.
Jenna glanced down at the floor, which now had three slowly growing pools of water where each of them stood. “I’ll do that. Help yourself to towels to dry off. You’ll find plenty in the closet right there.” She pointed to a spot not far from where they were standing. “And don’t worry about the floor. The bots will handle it.”
She’d been shocked to discover her home, which had been gifted to her once she’d been granted full citizenship in the colony, came with comfortable furniture, a food dispenser, and small household droids that did most of the housework and maintenance. Even when she’d been contracted to live with the families she worked for and had been surrounded by luxury, her room had always been small, shabby, and equipped with only the barest of essentials.
“Sorry to leave you alone for a bit. I won’t be long.” It felt odd to just leave the two of them downstairs, but if she invited them up to her room, that would only end one way. So far, they hadn’t pushed her for more than some scorching hot kisses. Were they waiting to give her time? Or were they unsure that this was what they wanted. Thatshewas what they wanted. A little period of adjustment would be best for all of them. Wouldn’t it?
As she climbed the stairs to the second floor, she had to squelch the temptation to call down to them and ask them to join her. She managed to reach her room, but deep inside, she knew she wouldn’t be able to resist thesharhalmuch longer.
It took more willpower than Zanyr wanted to admit for him to resist the urge to follow Jenna upstairs. He didn’t want to let her out of his sight.
“I know,” Torren nodded toward the stairs. “Believe me, I don’t want to be separated from her either, but we have to let her be. She needs time.” He pointed to the kitchen and lowered his voice so they wouldn’t be overheard. “And we need to talk.”
“About what? And why aren’t we using the link?” Zan asked.
“If you had two unexpected guests downstairs, would you feel comfortable if they lapsed into total silence?”
“Fair point. I’d wonder what theqarfthey were up to and come down to check on them.”
“Exactly. This way we’re making a reasonable amount of noise, but she won’t be able to make out anything we say.”
“And you don’t want her to hear us?” Zan looked around the kitchen area, taking note of everything he saw. She really hadn’t been here long. No scuffs or scratches on the walls or the floor, and the counters were immaculate, as if she’d not dared to set anything down on them yet.
“I don’t.” Torren had the cooling unit open and was checking out the contents. Apart from several containers of fruit juice and a takeout box from one of the local eateries, it was empty.
“So, we’re havingthatconversation. Are we going for the long and wordy version, or can we cut this down to a simple yes or no?”
“This is important, Zan. I think we owe it to her to have a real discussion about it.” At some point Torren had drawn his dagger from his belt and was flipping it between his fingers. The old habit usually meant he was agitated or thinking hard. In this case, Zanyr figured it was a bit of both.
“So, long and wordy it is. You want to talk first, or shall I?”
Torren pointed at him. “You start. I’ll see if there’s anything in the food dispenser to give to our mate to help warm her up faster.”
“Try not to poison her,” Zan goaded hisanrikand then spent a few seconds organizing his thoughts. “Sharhalaside, I like her. She’s funny, sweet, and clearly smart. Probably smarter than either of us.”
