Page 56 of Tempting Fate

Being this close to another person reminded me how long it had been since I’d seen most of my friends. Would it be good to see Trin or Roth on Lovers of Lietan, or would it only make me miss them more? I waved at the holoscreen. “Oh! That must be the canteen before Axyyx took over. Look, there’s no cakes, no fancy chrya machine, nothing.”

Airida chuckled and brought his arms around my waist, his hands a gentle, comforting pressure on my stomach. “Is this acceptable?”

Very much so.

I hadn’t expected him to be this tactile. But then, poor man had probably been touch-starved his whole life, and this was kinda nice. I leaned back against him. “Sure, honey.”

As the programme continued, Airida’s chin dropped to my head. “Do you mind this? My chin is somewhat bony.” When he spoke, those ridges moved over my scalp in a firm massage.

I let out a groan of delight.

“This pleases you? May I use my fingers?”

Wherever you like.

Down. Bad Imani. “Sure.”

He squeezed my stomach, a firm touch before moving to my head. Fingertips and claws created dual sensations, his touch strong and sure.

I sank into bliss.

This cosy afternoon reminded me of happy times in the past. Bittersweet memories of what I’d once had before things had gone wrong. I breathed in Airida’s scent. I could allow myself a few stolen hours to remember what it felt like, a few hours of stolen connection to gift myself something, even if I could never keep it.

Half way through the episode, the door bleeped.

“Come.” Airida’s voice rumbled through me, sending shivers over my skin.

Tokki entered the doorway and regarded us with one raised brow. “What did you need?”

“It’s not what it looks like,” I wanted to blurt, feeling strangely like we’d been caught doing something we shouldn’t—which was ridiculous. It was only myself I owed anything to. My own guilt. The only way I could have a relationship without breaking my promise was if I knew—without a shadow of doubt—that I wouldn’t get hurt. But life didn’t come with iron-clad guarantees.

This beautiful man was too much of a complicated mess of trauma, deprogramming, and goodness knew what else to be anywhere close to waving all the green flags.

Even if his arms did fit around me like they belonged.

Airida paused our programme and turned to Tokki. “I need a secure comm unit so I can speak to my sister without anyone listening in. Do you have one?”

“Not that I can lend out. But I have her message. Deniygg’s shop in town is what you need, and it is safe for you to go if you want to.” He studied Airida. “You’re taking this better than I thought.”

Airida gave a disdainful sigh. “I am not helpless, Tokki. But I am used to being underestimated.”

Tokki didn’t smile often, but his lips bore the slightest curve. “Surprise me more.” Then he swept out of the room.

“Is he always like that?” I asked.

“Not always. But frequently.”

Airida’s grip loosened, and I turned to face him. “He’s right, you are handling it well. And before you suggest I’m underestimating you”—I poked one finger in the firm slab of his chest—“anyone would be scared in your situation.”

“I’m not worried for me. But I wish there was more I could do to aid Shohari. She’s in this situation because of me.”

“None of that. It was her choice to rescue you, and she did it because she loves you. And you’re both in this situation because your mother is awful. You’re not helpless, far from it.”

“If you say so. Now come here.” He spun me gently, tugging me against him. “Vaenallra and Yoria are getting closer. I want to know what happens.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

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