Page 7

Grace

THE CAPTAIN LOOKED me over while I stood next to Joele, running my hands along my arms. A cool shiver went down my spine, and not just because of my exposed limbs.

Oh no, my hair! I must look awful!

I brushed my fingers through my red hair only to find it was tangled.

He looked away from me to speak to Joele again.

Mortified, I took another peek at my dirty, torn clothing, then slanted my head toward my armpit for a discreet sniff and I coughed, disgusted.

While he was talking to Joele, I observed him closely then licked my dry lips and admired his rugged face.

The ship’s Captain was impossible to miss - a formidable presence, towering at least over six-and-a-half feet tall, with a muscular build and broad shoulders.

In those tight black pants, his ripped body looked even better, displaying every muscle in his legs.

Next to him, I felt tiny. It was surprising, considering I gained weight in the last year and was curvier than I liked to be.

I smoothed my fingers through my hair, unable to take my eyes off him, feeling an irresistible pull toward him. His intense gaze made me feel like I was going to ignite.

Why can’t I take my eyes off of him?

In an attempt to calm my racing heart, I focused on my breathing while wiping my sweaty palms on my sides.

When our eyes locked, I’d experienced not only arousal but a strange familiarity, like I already knew him. The corners of my lips lifted at the sensation I felt.

It was as if there was an invisible string connecting us, causing a deep stirring in my belly.

There were a hundred questions swirling in my head that I should have been asking instead of swooning over him.

But I found myself unable to open my mouth to speak.

When I’d looked into the Captain’s eyes, I’d almost begged to stay on the ship but stopped myself. I suppose it made sense, considering I had nowhere else to go.

There was no way I’d ever be worthy of the attention of a starship Captain. Particularly one so handsome. Pursing my lips, I shrunk into myself. Yeah. He definitely won’t be interested in me.

Since when did I care about having the attention of a man? Or in this case, a male alien?

Plus, there was no way he didn’t notice my stench.

Despite my efforts to convince myself otherwise, I winced and felt self-conscious about his opinion of me.

I didn’t have time to speak up as it turned out, because after the Captain spoke to one of the younger warriors he walked away without a backward glance, leaving me to wonder what had just happened.

My mouth twisted up in one corner as I watched him leave. Perhaps it was for the best, anyway.

I sighed.

Then why did I feel so disappointed?