I glance down at the delicate black fabric, comprehending its significance. Bonded? Courtship? Is that like marriage? My cheeks flush hotly. “I didn’t understand the meaning. My clothes were destroyed in the crash.”
Rist hums thoughtfully but seems unconvinced. Eventually, he shrugs. “Our kind bond quickly when the heart finds its match. Though I’ve only seen such a quick bonding period between two others. Still, it was only a matter of time before Sutek sought out a mate.”
“Mate?” I stammer, my brain screeching to a halt. Well, I certainly don’t know how I feel about that. We’ve only just met! He thinks I’m a hotel critic. We’re definitely not dating!
Oh no, what if Sutek thinks we’re dating? I may have led him on a bit. I know nothing about his culture or customs. In my defense, a few days ago I didn’t even know aliens existed!
“I never expected our esteemed critic to be human,” Rist muses. “How did you come to be so far from Earth?”
I startle, fear jolting through me. “How did you know I’m human?”
Dread sinks like a stone in my gut. Are these guys involved in my abduction? What will they do when they realize I’m not the critic I claim to be?
A grim smile tightens Rist’s lips. “I have encountered your species before. Not too long ago, in fact. A young female by the name of Jen. One of my dearest friends rescued her from a slaver’s ship.”
Shame and self-disgust follow his revelation. I’ve been fooling around when I should have found a weapon for protection. More importantly, it seems that there are other girls out there somewhere in space that need help!
“She found happiness with her new life,” Rist rushes to assure me, likely seeing my mounting panic. “In fact, she turned down staying at the hotel to be with her new mate instead.”
“Did she…” I lick my dry lips, “did she go…?”
“Go home?” He asks bluntly. “No. She did not know how to locate your planet. But rest assured, I heard from them only the other day, and she was quite happy. Even told us to expect a delivery soon, though I have no idea what. All she told me was it’s a gift.”
The world swirls sickeningly around me. Although I suspected it when I woke to the dragon-man leering over me, hearing it aloud makes my predicament real. I’m never going to see Earth again.
Rist catches my arm as I sway, his grip firm but kind. I realize with embarrassment that I’ve forgotten to breathe. I force air into my frozen lungs, blinking back the blackness at the edges of my vision.
After a gentle tug, he releases me. That small act of kindness helps calm me. Perhaps I can trust these two after all.
“It’s nice seeing Sutek in high spirits,” Rist says, tactfully backing away. “I won’t have to remind him not to scare off guests when they arrive.”
“When... guests arrive?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“Yes, just as we discussed the other day—the grand opening is in a few days,” he says, his smile growing, highlighting some sharp teeth.
I feel like a deer caught in the headlights. He knows I’m not the critic. He definitely one hundred percent knows.
Sweat beads on my skin as panic churns my gut. Do I run? But where? Escape seems impossible.
I flinch as Rist bows deeply. “You are welcome to stay at my hotel as long as you wish, little human. By being here, you are under my protection.”
His words trigger a mix of emotions—panic, hope, fear, relief. I want to believe I’m safe here, but doubt festers. Over and over again I’ve been betrayed, used and abused. First my ex, and then the dragon guy. It’s easier not to rely on anyone—no risk of betrayal. But with Sutek, I feel... safe. My body trusts him, even if my mind still resists.
“Sutek’s likely on the balcony. He enjoys the views,” Rist suggests gently. “He goes there often when he has things to mull over, problems to solve. That sort of thing. You should join him.”
Somewhat dazed, I let Rist direct me to the balcony. My thoughts are a swirl of confusion over these new feelings for Sutek. And I’ve repaid his care with lies and distrust. Guilt roils within me. I wonder what I’m going to do.
Because I’m realizing, I really like the guy. Like a lot.
ChapterEleven
SUTEK
Elana finds me on the balcony. Again. To be honest, I’m not really hiding—this place brings me peace. From here, I can survey most of the hotel grounds, watching for any intruders who enter my domain uninvited—an act I’m all too familiar with, having trespassed many times in the past.
A rueful smile tugs at my lips as I spot the gouges Elana’s crashed escape pod left in the earth. It’ll take time to fill those deep holes in before the grand opening. Looks like I’ll be working overtime. And for once, I can’t find it in myself to be upset. I’m just glad that she’s unharmed.
“Did I do something wrong?” Elana asks tentatively from behind me.
