Page 9 of Her Alien Owner

"I have a job offer for you," I say simply.

Her eyes widen again. "A job?"

"Yes," I confirm. "At my estate."

She blinks several times, clearly taken aback. "Why me?"

I fold my arms across my chest and lean against the wall, studying her reaction closely. "You impressed me at the party. You're diligent and... different from others."

"Diligent?" She almost laughs, shaking her head. "I almost spilled drinks all over you."

"Almost," I correct her with a hint of a smile. "But you didn't."

Her cheeks flush slightly as she looks away, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "What kind of job?"

"Housekeeping," I reply smoothly. "You'd live on-site, have meals provided... far better than this." I gesture subtly around her tiny apartment.

She bites her lip, clearly mulling it over. "It sounds... too good to be true."

"It's real," I say firmly, taking a step closer to emphasize my point. "And it starts tomorrow if you accept."

I can see it plainly in her eyes: she's afraid. Why shouldn't she be? A kilgari like me showing such sudden interest in a young woman like her should be raising every red flag in her good sense. I'm not sure how, if at all, I could ease those fears. So I simply wait, patiently, for her to work out that the reward of financial stability ought to outweigh any risk I might represent.

Her eyes search mine for any hint of deception but find none. Slowly, she nods. "It sounds like a good offer. But.. I'd like to know more about what the actual job entails."

She seems to be considering it, and relief trickles through me. Keeping tabs on her out here would be a pain, not to mention dangerous. I lay out the terms, leaning casually against her rickety table.

"You'll live on-site," I begin, watching her reaction closely. "You'll have your own room, three meals a day, and a standard uniform."

Her eyes widen slightly. "My own room?"

"Yes," I confirm, nodding. "And you'll be expected to work every day, with occasional days off approved in advance."

"Every day?" She bites her lip, considering.

"Correct. And you'll be appropriately compensated for such work. You'll learn how to properly cook and keep my estate clean." I pause, then add with a slight smirk, "And provide any other services I require."

Her cheeks flush instantly, her eyes darting away from mine. "Other... services?" she stammers.

I can't resist leaning in slightly, lowering my voice. "Don't worry," I say smoothly, enjoying the way her blush deepens. "Nothing you can't handle."

She looks back at me, bewildered but not entirely opposed. There's a spark of something—curiosity? Attraction? —in her eyes.

"I... I don't know," she says softly.

I straighten up, giving her space. "Gardening, event planning, that sort of thing. We'll decide when we see where your skills lie."

Obvious relief washes over her, along with the slightest hint of disappointment. I can't help but feel she is going to be very fun to have around.

"Think it over," I suggest. "It's a good offer, Ariana. Better than this place." I gesture around her apartment again. "Better than taking temporary contract jobs as they come. You'll have real stability. Real pay."

She glances around, taking in the stark reality of her situation compared to what I'm offering. Her shoulders slump slightly before she looks back at me.

"I'll consider it," she says finally.

"Good." I allow myself a small smile. "I'll expect your answer soon."

She nods slowly, still processing everything. The vulnerability in her expression tugs at something deep within me—a protective instinct I've long buried.