Page 141 of Riv's Sanctuary

Shit.

Shit shit.

“Riv!” she called harshly but he didn’t move.

Grot bumped against him, letting out a low boom that caught the attention of some of the aliens to the side.

Their terrified gazes moved from the dog to Lauren then to Riv.

They knew what was going to happen. She knew what was going to happen. Even Grot could sense what was going to happen, as he began to whimper a little.

She had to get Riv to move!

Seeing his former master must have triggered something in his head, especially since he’d not long ago relived the horrors by telling her about it in the hovercar.

He was far away. He couldn’t hear her and if they stayed in the street the way they were, she had no question they would be cut down like she’d seen them murder the parent and child.

“Riv!”

No response.

She tried to pull his arm again.

Nothing.

Fuck!

She needed to do something and she needed to do it fast.

Standing on tiptoe, she did the only other thing that came to mind.

She plastered her mouth against his.

* * *

Something nice and inviting was pressing into him.

Something was pulling him back from the void he’d suddenly fallen into.

Zooming back to the present was like taking a breath of fresh air after drowning.

Riv blinked, a barrage of feelings hitting him all at once.

La-rehn.

Sweet, soft La-rehn was against him, mouth phekking him.

With a moan, he pulled her toward him, forgetting about everything and everyone around them.

It was just him and her.

This felt right.

It was right!

His eyes zoned in on her smooth face but as soon as his gaze met hers, she pulled away.

“Fuck! Riv!” She was off him, pulling away and grabbing his hand.