Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“I’ve learned to turn my eyes in the direction of the person who is talking. My sensors are in the same location to help me orient as if they worked.”
“What do your sensors tell you now?”
He brushes his thumb across my cheek. “Your skin temperature reads hotter than normal for a human, which indicates a blush.” He smiles. “Are you blushing for me, little human?”
I smile back. “Can you see me smile, Tarek?” I ask softly.
He runs his fingertips lightly over my lips. “My sensors report it. It’s not the same as seeing of course. I’d love to know what you actually look like.” He runs his fingertips across my cheekbone, touches my ears. “Such tiny ears,” he murmurs. “I cannot tell details like color. Smiles. Faces. Oh, I can tell you the wavelength of light emanating from an object, if my sensors are working correctly. I can discern whether a being’s lips are turned up or down, if I focus and use my analyzing kit. But I have never actually seen the face of anyone I care about. The color of the sky.”
I touch his face back, just because I want to know what it’s like to “see” with one’s fingers instead of eyes. He tenses at first, but then relaxes under my touch, a small smile playing around his lips.
It’s over too soon. His comm chimes with a repetitive beep; he extricates his arm and glances at it. He gently pushes me away and sits up. “Get dressed. I have a surprise for you.”
I nod and sit up, a little dizzy. I wait a few minutes for my body to adjust to reality, then locate my panties and my dress.
“If you want to clean up?” He gestures to the side door where the commode and water wash station are located.
I’d actually like to wear his rainbow cum all planet rotation, but that would be socially inappropriate. Humans, no matter how sexually sated, don’t walk around with Zandian cumstains on their legs. Plus, I’ve heard Zandians have heightened senses. The others might recognize the scent.
After I’m refreshed, I come back out to see that Tarek has cleaned up all evidence of our tryst and is dressed, professional.
I blink hard. Does it smell like sex in here? Tarek’s opened the skylight windows, so a fresh breeze is blowing through.
Chapter 11
Tarek
I take Zina’s small hand in mine, suddenly nervous. Not that she won’t like my surprise—but for the emotions it might bring up.
“Come.” I lead her outside and lock up the training dome.
“Where are we going?”
“To the palatial dome.” I slow my walk when I realize she can’t keep up, her limp growing more pronounced. I’m tempted to simply pick her up and carry her, but I fear it would garner too much attention.
Besides, she’s my trainee, not my mate.
I can’t mate.
The trip—a short walk—takes twice as long as usual at Zina’s pace, and she surprises me by not asking a single question.
I have the sense she knows—or hopes she knows—where we’re going, but is afraid to ask in case I dash her hopes. Or perhaps she’s simply the type who enjoys a surprise.
I’m not.
I vecking hate surprises.
We reach the palatial dome and I tell the guard we’re here to see Bayla.
Zina catches her breath, and turns her gaze up to my face. I squeeze her hand. The guard leads us into a comfortable sitting room and tells us to wait.
“Tarek, did you… are we—” It’s like she’s afraid to ask.
“Yes, little human. I made an appointment with Doctor Daneth and used my time in his office to request a visit for you with Enya. But it turns out, they were already planning on it. The child isn’t adjusting well and misses you terribly.”
“Oh!” Zina covers her mouth with her hand. Then she throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you, Tarek,” she breathes beside my ear, then drops a dozen kisses along my cheek and temple.
I wrap my arms around her, careful not to squeeze my delicate human too hard.
I just hope this meeting doesn’t cause everyone more pain.
Zina
“Enya!” My whole body suffuses with joy. I grab her into my arms and hug her as tightly as I can. “Oh, Mother Earth. I missed you. Are you all right? How are you? Are you okay?” I grab her, let go, take her face into my hands. Kiss her short hair. Examine her pretty dress. “You look so beautiful, sweetling. Are you okay?” I can’t stop saying it. Can’t stop hugging her.
We’re both crying and laughing at the same time. “Look!” I hold up my trembling hand. “I’m shaking!”
“Me too!” She sobs and grabs me again. “Zina, I wanted you so much. I have to tell you everything.”
She smells different, and after a second, I recognize that it’s something missing, not an addition. There’s a lack of the acrid aroma of sweat, the cold adrenaline-laced dew that always broke out on our skin back on planet.