Page 36 of Trove’s Purpose

“Hey, Trove!”

Oh, that’s why he knew this street.

This area was geared more towards adult entertainment. There were drinking bars and smoking bars and stores that sold some rather risqué items.

And right in the middle, lit up all in sensuous red, was a large, beautiful brothel.

The workers of the brothel came in many different species to suit the many different needs and desires of the patrons. Males and females and otherwise were standing around on the front step, advertising their wares, lingering around the first floor, flirting with those who stopped in to drink and peruse the selection. The upper floors, where the rooms were, had windows, but they were all blacked out. No one was permitted to see inside, because not even the view would be free.

He didn't know who let out the call initially, he imagined it was one of the females standing around the steps. But at her declaration, the others who weren’t with a customer already were rushing outside. All of them beaming, some of them waving, one outright moaning as she draped herself over the post that held up the ceiling.

“You coming in for a drink, Trove?” One of the females, a blue skinned one with fleshy tentacles on her head, asked eagerly.

“Oh, please come in, Trove,” another female, much taller and leaner, said, beckoning him forward with her long fingers.

“We’ve missed you,” two females chimed at the same time. And though they were different species, one furry and one scaly, they made their money by promising a good time between them.

Trove chuckled, raising his free hand to wave at them.

“I’m sorry, females, but I’m a bit busy at the moment.”

A loud, mournful cry came from them as their faces all folded in disappointment.

Trove chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun without me.”

“Oh, it’s never as fun without you, Trove,” A feather female moaned in disappointment, slumping against the railing. “Can’t you just spare a mark or two?”

“Perhaps later,” he smiled, trying to let them down easy. “You all have a good night, alright? Don’t miss me too much.”

“Come back soon!”

“Oh, yes, please come back,”

Their calls made him laugh as he turned to Chee, ready to apologize for the delay.

Only to find the words dying in his throat at the look on her face.

Disappointment. Disgust. Disbelief.

“Chee-”

She ripped her hand from his, taking a step back when, automatically, he tried to reach for her again. As much as it hurt to be near her, he couldn’t survive her pulling away like that. Looking at him like that. Like he had just committed some horrific crime right before her eyes.

“I cannot believe you,” she breathed, shaking her head incredulously.

“What-”

“No. You know what, go ahead and stay,” she sneered. “I’ll head back to the ship on my own. Have a good time.”

Turning on her heel, she began stomping down the street. Trove blinked after her, confused for a long moment, before he began walking after her.

“Chee?” He called out.

That only served to make her walk faster. Head down, fists clenched tight, hair whipping behind her with each angry step.

He didn't understand. He told them no. Why was she mad?

Chapter 14