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The sight of his Nobek clenching his fists, an anticipatory grin on his face as he came toward them, convinced Etnil to quickly set Toni on her feet.
“That’s power,” the youngest Nichols grinned, patting Kuran’s shoulder. “If I ever grow tired of human boyfriends, I’m snagging myself a Nobek.”
“Just a Nobek?” Rihep chuckled.
“No offense, Rihep, but Stacy’s the ambitious member of the family. I don’t have the energy to navigate three men at a time, especially control-happy Dramoks. There are a lot of single Nobeks available. One of them is bound to be happy to have me order them around.”
“I’m sure there would be.”
“Wow. I’m feeling unloved,” Etnil griped.
“Don’t. Toni and I have plans to take you shopping while we’re here,” Rosa said.
Etnil, utterly in love with human culture and its trappings, damned near squealed as Toni had when he’d picked her up. Thanks to the Earthtique dislike of Kalquorians and the recent attack on the space station orbiting Earth, he hadn’t experienced as much time on Earth II as he’d wished. His astonished delight wasn’t an act. “Really? Do you mean it?”
“There’ll be a security detail assigned to Mom and Toni, so you’ll be protected,” Stacy said. “I already let Chief Adams know there’d be an Imdiko to watch over as well.”
“Try not to wreck what decent relations we have with the Earthers, Etnil,” Kuran groaned. “I’m begging you to keep your mouth shut for a change, if only so the bodyguards won’t desert you.”
“Don’t worry. He’ll behave himself for me,” Rosa said, giving Etnil a significant look. “Won’t you?”
“Um. Well.” Etnil couldn’t resist the opportunity to pretend he wasn’t sure if he could manage such a feat.
Or maybe he wasn’t pretending. Stacy suppressed a sigh.
“Don’t make me smack some sense in your skull,” Toni warned him. “On second thought, go on and give me a reason. It would be fun.”
“I’m off to bed.”
“You had a long flight, then we kept you up late for dinner and talk.” Stacy hugged Toni, who’d been yawning for the last hour Clan Rihep had been present.
Her sweethearts had left minutes before for the space station. Stacy wasn’t looking forward to a night alone in her bed. It had been weeks since she’d slept without the three men crowded close to her. Despite the late hour and having put in a stressful day, she was certain she’d manage little rest.
Toni left Stacy and Rosa alone after trading good nights. As her footsteps faded down the marble hallway, heading to the guest suite prepared for her, Stacy’s mother patted the sofa cushion next to her.
“Come here, my sweet girl. Let’s talk while I finish my wine before my eyelids slam shut.”
Stacy happily joined her mother on the velvet couch. “Are you doing okay, Mom?”
“Wonderful. Seeing you in the company of your clan and how they treat you, I’m happy.”
“I’m glad you like them. They’re everything to me.”
“I noticed.” Rosa regarded her, love shining from her gaze. “I feel a lot better about your situation here while Kuran is watching over you. I appreciate how Rihep asks your opinion on matters too. I’ve watched Dramoks on Haven strut around giving orders, thinking they’re the cock of the walk just because some test told them they’re natural leaders.”
“Rihep’s wonderful when it comes to taking everyone’s feelings and experience into consideration. When he’s certain he’s right, he doesn’t budge an inch. I appreciate it.” Comfort curled in Stacy’s stomach.
“It’s a good way for him to be, because I know how you are when you want something so bad, you forget to consider the consequences. You need an angel of conscience sitting on your shoulder.”
“To offset not only my tendencies, but a certain Imdiko devil on the other shoulder?” Stacy grinned.
“Etnil. That boy is nonstop. I’d give up my life’s savings to have a quarter of his energy.” Rosa chuckled. “You can tell there’s a lot of decency in him despite the foolishness. I wonder if he’s using humor to cover some deep hurt?”
“No. His whole family loves to laugh. Maybe they aren’t as outrageous, but they do live for a good joke.” Stacy snickered, remembering the last com to Etnil’s parent clan and the continuous humor.
“I look forward to meeting them someday. You still have to do so in person, don’t you?”
“We’re trying to arrange it. Meeting parents is a signal to Kalquorians a relationship is serious. They don’t take it lightly.”
