Page 22

Grace

I WAS SPEECHLESS. Did he really just call me breathtaking? No one had ever said that to me before.

The sensation of Trex’s touch served as a poignant reminder of the affection I had been lacking in my life.

Right now, I wanted to feel his powerful arms wrapped tightly around me. To experience safety, protection and care.

It shocked me when, despite my earlier behavior toward him, he showed up at Joele’s quarters.

Trex’s conduct toward me showed a level of respect that was unparalleled by any human man.

I wasn’t sure why I decided to follow him out of Joele’s room, but something compelled me to do so.

The more time we spent together, the more my curiosity about him grew.

A sigh slipped out of me as I shook my head.

His hand innocently resting on my shoulder, with his solid body close to mine, sent delightful shivers rippling through me.

My body was consumed with longing as I wiped away a small sweat droplet from my forehead.

Trex cleared his throat, then his nostrils flared.

My eyes widened. Oh my god, does he know how aroused I am right now?

I felt awkward and unsure, my gaze fixed straight ahead as silence hung in the air.

His hand left my shoulder just in time, saving me from the overwhelming heat that threatened to consume me. Though its absence was very noticeable. Taking a deep breath, I sidestepped and turned again to look up at him.

“Were you always a space ship Captain?” I cursed myself for asking such a lame ass question, but it was too late to take it back.

Scratching his head, he appeared uncomfortable.

“If you don’t want to answer, that’s okay.”

Pressing his bottom lip between his teeth, he nodded.

“It’s fine...I’ve held the position of Captain on the Chetok for the past five tenris. ”

A laugh escaped me. “What’s a tenri ?”

“It is roughly equivalent to a galactic year.”

That didn’t help. “I’m not even sure what that is.”

A warm smile spread across his face. “Eventually, all these terms will become second nature to you. Don’t let it trouble you. I understand that this new situation is a significant change for you, and it may take some time to adjust.”

“You can say that again.” I joked.

He cocked his head. “Why?”

A soft chuckle escaped me and I gave a dismissive wave. “Forget about it. Are you from the planet you mentioned earlier? Alara I think it was?”

Trex pursed his lips, then responded. “Alara, yes. We are in Alaran space right now.”

“Would you describe Alara to me? I want to learn all I can about other worlds.” At least I sounded a little more relaxed, if only to myself. Inside, I was a mess of anxiety. A duck on water , I reminded myself. Calm on the surface and peddling my feet like crazy under water.

“It’s the biggest planet in this sector.

Different regions of the planet have varying temperatures, with some being warm year-round and others colder.

Struna holds the title for the largest city.

It’s where I come from. It is consistently warm without being uncomfortably hot, making it one of the more attractive places to visit. ”

The way he described it was like an old Earth advertisement for tourism, which I found sweet.

I grinned at him. “I take it you don’t like the cold?”

He laughed softly. “Not...really...”After pausing, he asked, “What did you do back on Terra?”

“To me, it’s Earth, but that also works.” I tilted my head, grinning. “My profession is nursing. I help heal people.”

“You are a healer?” He gave me an incredulous look.

“Yes. I help injured and sick people.”

“Like our med techs I suppose?”

“Perhaps. But I’m not a doctor. I don’t perform surgeries or anything like that.”

He rubbed his chin. “I see. Our ship’s medic will be happy to hear that there is a female medic on board.”

“I’ve actually met Rekna, if that’s who you’re referring to. He offered to teach me about your medical technology.”

Surprise lit up Trex’s eyes. “You wish to study medicine... here? ”

I nodded my head and smirked. “Why does that surprise you? Do women on your planet not study medicine?”

“There are few females left on my-” He paused briefly, frowned, and then resumed speaking, “on Alara.”

I winced. “Oh. I apologize. I had no idea.” Way to put my foot in it. Being nervous made me talk a lot. It was just one more thing I disliked about myself.

Unsure if it was appropriate to ask about the females I held off on saying anything further.

He looked at me with a kind smile. “Tell me about your home world?”