Page 5 of Klaz
Old habits die hard.
With practiced ease, I bumped into the alien, my fingers deftly unclasping the trinket. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” I gushed, steadying myself against its arm. The man barely noticed, still focused on the captain’s words.
I pocketed my prize, heart racing. The thrill of a successful lift warred with a twinge of... was that guilt? I pushed the feeling aside. This was what I did. Who I was.
My gaze drifted back to Klaz. He stood apart from the crowd, nursing a drink, those piercing eyes scanning the room, then our gazes locked.
Before I could think better of it, I moved towards him. As I approached, I saw his posture stiffen slightly. Recognition flickered in his eyes.
“We meet again,” I said, raising my glass in a small salute. “Enjoying the party?”
Klaz’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “About as much as a Kra’zak enjoys a bath.”
I laughed, genuinely amused. “That bad, huh? What brings a...” I paused, choosing my words carefully, “...man of your talents to an event like this?”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you know of my talents?”
I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “Oh, you know how people talk. Vinduthi have quite the reputation.”
Klaz took a long sip of his drink. “And what brings you here... Cinta, was it? You seem more at ease in this crowd than I am.”
“What can I say? I enjoy the finer things in life.” I gestured to the opulent room around us. “Though sometimes it all feels a bit... hollow.”
Something in Klaz’s expression shifted and I glimpsed a flash of understanding, maybe even vulnerability. Then it was gone, replaced by his usual stoic mask.
“Hollow,” he repeated. “An apt description.”
We stood in companionable silence, both outsiders in our own way. I studied his profile - the strong jaw, the subtle green markings on his grey skin. Despite his imposing presence, there was something almost... gentle about him.
“So,” I said, glancing up at him. “Since we’re both finding this party lacking, care to make it more interesting?”
Klaz raised an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”
“How about a little game? See that Xarian couple over there?” I nodded towards an elegantly dressed pair. “I bet I can get them to invite us to their private yacht before the night’s over.”
Klaz’s lips curled into something resembling a smile. “And why would we want that?”
I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. “Because, my dear Klaz, adventure awaits those bold enough to seek it. Besides,” I winked, “their wine cellar is supposedly legendary.”
He didn’t respond. Dammit. Was he really going to refuse me?
Then, to my surprise, Klaz chuckled, a low, rumbling sound.
“Very well,” he said. “Show me what you can do, Cinta Longdon.”
As we walked across the floor, a thrill of excitement ran through me. This was familiar territory - the con, the game. But with Klaz by my side, it felt...different. Dangerous. Exhilarating.
The Xarians were a striking pair - their iridescent scales shimmering under the soft lighting of the Eclipse Room. As wedrew closer, I noticed a flicker of unease in their eyes when they spotted Klaz.
“Good evening,” I said, flashing my most charming smile. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, please forgive me. But your gown, it’s just too perfect. Is that Centaurian silk?”
The female Xarian preened, her crest rising slightly. “Why yes, it is. You have a keen eye.”
“I’m Cinta Longdon, and this is Klaz,” I introduced us, placing a hand on Klaz’s arm. To my surprise, he smoothly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. The sudden contact sent a jolt through my body, and I fought to keep my composure.
“A pleasure,” the male Xarian said, though his eyes darted nervously between us. “I’m Zax’lorth, and this is my mate, Syrena.”
Klaz’s grip on my waist tightened slightly, and I leaned into him, playing up our supposed connection. “We just met earlier today,” I explained, letting out a girlish giggle. “You know what they say about shipboard romances.”