Page 52 of Sublime Target
“I don’t know what sort of arrangement you have with Sienna.” He had a point, though. That woman was clearly in charge here.
“You can ask her.”
“Huh.” For once, she ran out of words.
“You can ask any of the other human mates, too. They will all be attending the Cultural Event, to which I presume you received an invitation?”
“That was your doing, wasn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Wow.” She leaned back in her chair and ran her fingers through her hair, letting out a huff of exasperation. She still didn’t really know how to feel about all this.
And there was Jerik Garul: Kordolian, big-shot, primally magnetic, looking at her like the entire Universe hung on her next word.
Silence hung between them, but strangely, she didn’t feel awkward.
It occurred to her that for an alien who probably had the power to obliterate Earth in a heartbeat, he was going to a great deal of effort to respect her customs.
“What really happens to the women that form a relationship with one of you guys? I’d imagine they can’t just continue to lead a regular life on Earth. There would be security issues. Political issues. I don’t even know if you’re allies or enemies with our Federation.” If she stepped across to the dark-and-silver side, would she be seen as a traitor?
“You might hear otherwise from time to time, but we are very much on your side.” He lowered his head a fraction, imploring her with his eyes. “Clarissa. Listen to me. I am not out to harm you. I do not seek to control you. Nor do I wish to compel you to do anything against your will. I’m looking for a mate who will be my partner for life. One I can hopefully have offspring with. Genetically, we are an ideal match, but as for the rest of it…” He smiled: roguish, a little mischievous, a little tender, revealing his sharp fangs. “I feel you possess all the qualities that would give me great satisfaction and pleasure… to have you as my mate. As for you, you need to decide. Not straight away, unless you’ve already made up your mind. If not, take your time. I can wait. But please, Clarissa. Give yourself a chance to get to know me.”
“Consider yourself lucky. He doesn’t say please to just anyone.” Sienna said dryly, appearing from behind. She set a drink down in front of Clarissa. It was served in a tall glass with plenty of ice; fizzing soda atop layers of delicate yellow infused with flecks of gold and candied citrus, decorated with a vibrant sprig of mint. “Yuzu, lychee, and mint. Enjoy.”
Before Clarissa could say a word, Sienna disappeared back into the kitchen.
“I…” She cleared her throat and took a sip of her drink. It was the perfect balance of fizz, citrus, and minty. “I just need some time to process all of this.”
It wasn’t like she wasn’t attracted to him or anything, but this was all very sudden, like a hot, arousing slap in the face.
Kordolians!
Good lord.
Jerik leaned back in his chair, silent and enigmatic.
“Hm.” At last, he gave a slight nod as if satisfied with something. “Why don’t you peruse the menu?”
“Of course.” She needed a distraction right now. Food was as good as any.
As she looked at several tempting items on the menu, Jerik’s demeanor changed. He stiffened, and his eyes grew cold, his expression icing over. He cocked his head to one side.
It took Clarissa a moment to realize that he was listening to something.
He spoke in rapid, low-pitched Kordolian, issuing what sounded like a command.
She couldn’t help but be fascinated at how different he seemed all of a sudden.
This man had many different sides.
“Is everything all right, Jerik?”
And when he looked at her again, his expression gentled, and everything seemed all right.
But it wasn’t.
“Small disturbance at Garner Tower. We’ll have to go back earlier than expected. Go ahead and order what you like. I’ll have the pilot come back and deliver it to you.”