Page 27 of Alien's Heart
“So there was a kiss?”
Ruth blushed. “Maybe—”
Serene’s entire body perked with excitement. “How was it? Adequate?”
“Adequate? I fear for your standards.”
“So better than adequate.”
“Amazing,” Ruth confessed.
Serene came around the counter and wrapped Ruth in a hug, her strong arms squeezing tightly. She rubbed her cheek against the side of Ruth’s hair.
She paused, then pushed Ruth away for inspection. She frowned. “Why are you not smiling? What did he do? Has he been rude to you? Some males think they are a gift to the universe when they are, at best, a gift that needs to be exchanged. My brother will have a word with him,” she said with a nod.
“Please don’t. Nothing’s happened,” Ruth said in a whisper.
“Something happened.”
“Just kissing.” And skinny dipping. And licked her face in public. And threatening to break noses.
She found him attractive. That wasn’t in question. More importantly, she enjoyed talking with him. He asked insightful questions and never seemed bored when she launched into an overly complicated answer. All her romantic partners in the past found that aspect of her personality tedious. She’d been calledbossy, aknow-it-all, andsmug. Perhaps Nox would grow to feel the same way—
The thought made her stomach ache.
It didn’t matter. He was only staying until the harvest. Sex could be just sex. There was no reason to go catching feelings. That would only make it even more painful when he did eventually grow tired of her bossy, know-it-all attitude and leave.
And that was the moment Nox looked up, as if sensing that he was the focus of their conversation.
Serene gasped. Her ears went back, and her tail stilled.
“What?” Ruth asked, puzzled at that reaction.
Serene grabbed her by the arm, the tips of her claws digging into the soft flesh. She whispered, “Come with me.”
She dragged Ruth toward the back of the shop. In a loud voice, “You just have to see this new shipment. I know you will love it.”
Once in the back room, Ruth yanked her arm away. She rubbed at the sore spot. “What is with you?”
“That male…What did he tell you his name was?”
“Distinction Elyot.”
“That is a lie. His name is Scourge.”
Scourge?Ruth did her best not to laugh at the ridiculous, obviously fake name.
Serene cracked open the door and peeked out, as if making sure that no one overheard them. Satisfied, she closed the door.
“Oh,” Ruth said, unable to think of an intelligent response.
“Oh? I tell you that a notorious criminal is living in your home under a false name and all you can say isoh?”
“You haven’t actually told me anything yet—”
Serene hissed. Actually hissed. “Do not be clever with me. That male is a notorious criminal.”
“A right properscourge?” This wasn’t the time to be making jokes, but she couldn’t help herself because it was so ridiculous.
