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“Nadzia,” Aculus’ voice came from the panel by the door.

“Come in,” she called out.

His gaze roved up her half-naked body as he walked in. “Oh, I like this greeting.”

Even when being a total flirt, he had a way of making her feel gorgeous and wanted. A thrill coursed up her spine like it always did when he looked at her that way, a mix of impish thoughts and dark desire swirling in his eyes. He looked pretty damn good, too, although he was dressed like he usually did. Nadzia shook off her wayward thoughts. They were landing, it wasn’t play time.

“Which of these outfits is more appropriate?” She pointed to the meager selection on the bed.

“I like the red dress. It makes your green eyes glow.”

“Oh, really.” She grinned at him.

“Yes.” He stepped close and wrapped a thick arm around her. “But first drink this.”

“Cartil was able to whip something up.” She beamed at him in appreciation as she took the vial.

“We figured out something we think will work.” His hand roved down her back.

“Keep going and that won’t be the only thing coming up,” she countered as his hand drifted lower still.

“Bottoms up.” He wagged his hairless brow at her.

She laughed, tugged the cap off and tipped the vial to her lips, draining the contents. The concoction curiously tasted a lot like the juice she had with breakfast. While she was analyzing the taste, there was a click and a mild pinch in her ass cheek. Her eyes widened and she dropped the little bottle, totally stunned. She spun out of Aculus’ arms and glanced at the injector in his hands before he could slide it up his sleeve.

“You lied! Youtrickedme.” She glared at him.

“No, I said we came up with something. That something was a distraction.”

Her eyes narrowed on him.

“Cartil couldn’t put the vaccine into the nectar. And you told me it’s the anticipation that worries you the most. So, I figured this was the best way not to hurt you.”

“It hurt! It stung,” she informed him. Granted it was mostly her pride that was stinging.

“Then let me kiss it and make it better.”

“Aculus!” she squealed as he snagged her, picked her up and tossed her on the bed amidst her clothes.

He was making it really hard to stay mad at him.

Ten

Home Sweet Home

Nadzia

“Oh shit, that’s a lot of people,” she mumbled, staring out the window as the giant ship stopped descending.

The Osivoire clogged the streets, balconies and rooftops of the geometric spires made of polished stone. This was most definitely an alien world. The city was like none she’d ever seen, not even in pictures or on television. It wasn’t the unusual buildings or the small aircraft zipping around that filled her with the overwhelming surreal acceptance of where she was. It was the massive planet and blazing sun hovering on the painted horizon that cemented her bizarre reality.

“Yes, there are,” Aculus commented, sounding less than thrilled.

She looked from him back to the spectacle and realized she was wearing an awkward smile, showing off way too much teeth.

All those people are here to welcome Aculus home. I thought he was exaggerating about how popular he is, but obviously not.

“Here we go,” he sighed.