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She knew perfectly well that herMerpipiobsession wasn’t entirely rational.
And that Kail—cold, hard, logical—would never understand.
How did she, a mere human, explain the concept of being anotakuto a lethal warrior like Kail? Whose hobbies included fighting, killing, and intimidation?
The devious side of her had an idea. Itwouldbe kind of handy to have Kail looming around her as she fought through crowds of desperate shoppers.
But no. She loved her big, growly Kordolian, and she wouldn’t want to put him through that kind of torture.
She’d go with Darius, because even though her brother always complained about the sneaky psychology of Eukia’s seemingly endless maze-like layout, she knew he secretly enjoyed going there.
Dariuswas the one who always took too long and ended up with a cart full of random impulse-buys.
“I will come,” Kail growled.
“A-are you sure? There will be lots of people there.Humans.The sort that annoy you. And it’s loud and busy and crazy, and…”
Kail held up a hand. He beckoned toward her. “Come.”
Her body moved before her mind kicked into gear, and Riana found herself padding barefoot across the floor, unable to resist Kail’s low, rumbling command.
She slipped her fingers into his. He drew her into his arms, running his big hands over the small of her back. “I don’t care what it is. If it’s important to you, I’ll come.” He smiled, revealing his gleaming fangs. “I’ll even take advantage of Zharek’s infernal gadgets and pretend to be a human.”
Riana’s heart fluttered. Kail didn’t smile foranyonebut her. “You sure? I don’t want to put you through unnecessary torture.”
“I can handle a few irritating humans. What Ican’thandle is the thought of you going to some unknown floating station in space without me. The risk is unacceptable.” He pulled her into his lap. He was warm and big and all-encompassing.
Riana drew her legs up and melted into him, losing herself in twin pools of amber. “Well, I’m not going to argue. And you look very handsome, even when you’re doing the human-disguise thing. It’s fun. Just… please don’t bring your swords, okay?”
Kail gave her a deadpan stare. “I’m notthatun-subtle, my sweet human. I will bring my guns only, carefully concealed.”
“Eukia has security scanners.”
He snorted. “Crudetechnology. Easy to elude.”
“Of course it is. Well, promise me you’ll play nice with the civilians. Try and smile occasionally.” Riana shook her head. “Actually, no.Don’tsmile. People might misunderstand.”
Kail drew her close until their lips were almost touching. “That’s the correct answer. The only time I find it possible to smile is when I’m with you.Alone.”
She kissed him gently. “And what a glorious thing it is to behold. Well,thank you,my love. I really appreciate it. Because even though I’m in with your people and I know a hell of a lot more about the Universe than I should, I’m still human, and I get stressed out, and I need these silly little things from time to time. Tiny shots of dopamine.”
He kissed her back; forceful, insistent. “I know. We’ll go get your thing. Goddess have mercy on anyone that gets between you and your thing.”
“It’s calledMerpipi.It’s a character. But never mind.” Riana slowly trailed her fingers down his sculpted chest.“I appreciate the moral support. Who knows, evenyoumight find something you actually like at Eukia.”
Kail wrapped his arm around her waist and held her tightly. “Nothing in that place could possibly interest me. I have everything I need right here.” He slipped his fingers under the hem of her tank top, a hint of a smile hovering on his lips.
“You don’t look like it, but you are themostromantic bastard I’ve ever known,” Riana murmured as he lifted her top, running his hand across her belly. “I’m really looking forward to going out with you.”
But first…
“My turn now,” he rasped.
And FOMO was all but forgotten about.
TWO
It was so uncanny.There was no question about it; he looked as Kail-like as ever, only his skin was human-toned and deeply tanned, and he had long-ish black hair, and the beautiful, intricate patterns on his face were no longer visible to the naked eye.
