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“A problem?” A trickle of crimson invaded Khalla’s eyes, bleeding into the blue.
“Our rooms were already set since we onboarded yesterday, but it turns out they overbooked tickets incoming from Earth.” Dad’s fingers dug into my shoulder as he shook me. “I’m sorry, Nova.”
Khalla’s composed mask slipped a fraction. Her long snake-like tail swished aggressively. She hissed through her teeth, and her fangs flashed with her low snarl. “How dare those bastards mess up the rooms of an Intergalactic Senator? I’ll have their heads!”
Several beings on deck noted the outburst, peering in our direction. When they noticed Khalla’s senate pin, they quickly averted their gaze.
“Don’t worry, my rose blossom. We can figure this out.” Dad angled toward Khalla, grabbing her arm as he soothed her instinctive anger.
For the first time, I noticed their height difference. The senator towered over my father, and he had to crane his head back slightly to meet her eyes. But he looked at her so adoringly I didn’t think he minded.
When was the last time I’d seen him look so happy?
Alek cleared his throat. The sudden sound caused my heart to skip erratically.
“If it’s not too presumptuous of me to put forth a solution, and there are no complaints on the matter, I don’t mind sharing my room with Ms. Ramos. It’s a sizable suite, and we’re family now, after all.”
Our eyes met, and the charged tension connecting me to Alek reignited. The tingling warmth returned between my legs as my body betrayed me. Improper thoughts wiggled like hookworms into my brain and latched on tight.
“I wouldn’t want to be a burden,” I blurted.
Cool blue swept into Khalla’s eyes as she regained her composure, inhaling steadily and clasped her hands together. “Nonsense. Alek is right, we’re all family now. Perhaps this could serve as a good bonding experience. It might only be temporary as I’ll be taking this matter up with Captain Hux’lon before dinner. They will pay for this flagrant insult against the Intergalactic Senate.”
“That’s right, you get ‘em, honey,” Dad encouraged.
A cold sheen of perspiration tickled my skin while dread clawed down the length of my spine. If not for the superficial gravity keeping my feet glued to the floor, I might have crumbled into little pieces.
How could Alekkon make that suggestion after what transpired between us? The idea of being trapped and alone with him didn’t elicit any pure thoughts in my mind.
“That’s mighty gentlemanly of you to offer your room to share with my little girl, Alek. I really appreciate that.”
You wouldn’t say that if you’d seen us tangled together ten minutes ago.
“I’m not a little girl, Dad. I’m twenty-eight. Did you forget that while you were out saving space?” I teased.
He twisted around, blinking at me. “Hey, don’t remind me I’m getting old, alright? If any of the young cadets in my squad heard you say that they’d have a field day.”
Khalla chuckled politely at Dad’s joke and placed a palm with manicured claws on his shoulder. She shared a brief glance with Alek before turning her attention to me.
“Nova, I’m sure you’re tired from the shuttle ride and your first time entering hyperwarp. Dinner is in a few hours if you’d like to freshen up. Alek, will you show her to the room?” she asked.
“Certainly.” He stepped forward without meeting my eye.
Before allowing us to leave, Khalla left Dad’s side, golden rings chiming on her horns. She gently touched my upper arm. “It was wonderful meeting you, Nova. Your father speaks highly of you, and I look forward to learning more about you at dinner.”
“Likewise,” I stuttered.
Stars, I don’t know how to talk to a senator. I must be embarrassing myself.
“See you at dinner.” Dad nodded as he walked past on his new wife’s arm. He leaned in, whispering, “And don’t be late. It’s one of those fancy ones.”
“Alright, Dad. See you later.” I remained frozen in place as Dad and Senator Velorum vanished among the crowded deck. Part of me wished I was going with them instead.
“If you’ll follow me, I’d be glad to take you to the luggage pickup and show you to the room.” Alek’s voice drifted through my ears, sending a lewd shiver through me.
This was going to be the longest trip of my life, and not even the stars could save me.
Chapter 4
