Page 57 of An Alien for Her Heart

We sit in silence as I clean his wounds, the only sound the gentle splash of water and the soft rustle of fabric. Every now and then, our eyes meet, and the air seems to thicken.

Finally, I finish tending to his injuries and sit back, taking a deep breath. “There,” I say. I put on the voice I used to use in meetings with investors. The friendly one that usually puts them at ease all while trying to sound lighthearted. “You’ll live.”

Varek smiles, and it’s like the sun breaking through the clouds. “Thanks to you.”

Blast it.

I stand up, moving to prepare some food, needing the distraction. “You should eat something. It’ll help you heal faster.”

He watches me for a moment longer before nodding. “You’re right. I appreciate it, my sura. More than you know.”

So I make him food. I watch him eat. All while the crate of fruits and his vibrating toy sit on the table between us. When he finishes, Varek rises, that scorching gaze still on me. I expect him to say something. To bring up what happened between us that night. He doesn’t.

He’s too polite.

He dips his head in a nod and then he’s off, heading off to tend to the very animals that brought us together in the first place.

We fall into a routine over the next few days. Varek helps around the farm, his strong presence a constant source of comfort and distraction. We work side by side, the tension between us simmering just below the surface. Every touch, every glance, feels charged with electricity, and I find myself looking forward to our moments together, even as they leave me feeling breathless and off-balance.

That first night after he returned was the first night I used his gift. And then the night after. And the night after that, too.

Now I wake flushed each day, my cheeks burning from embarrassment all while that nub between my legs throbs and my core clenches for something more. And I know where to get it, too. I know exactly what my body wants. I just…

One afternoon, as we work in my new garden we’ve started developing at the side of the house, I catch Varek watching me out of the corner of my eye. His gaze is intense, filled with alonging that mirrors my own. My pulse quickens, and I force myself to focus on the task at hand, even as my thoughts drift to the night we shared—and then to the blasted toy he gave me and the fact I will certainly be using it again this night.

Soon it’s like I’m walking through an electrically charged field, each stolen glance and lingering touch adding to the growing heat.

One evening, as the sun sets and the sky is painted in hues of orange and pink, we stand together on the porch, watching the horizon. I stare out across the plains, knowing this can’t continue for much longer. Soon, there will be no more tasks that require Varek’s constant presence on the farm. Soon, there will be no real reason for him to come by.

“Catherine.” Varek’s soft utterance of my name breaks the silence. “I need you to know something.”

My heart immediately slams against my ribs. I force the feeling back, turning to look up at him. “What is it, Varek?”

He takes a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. “I know this isn’t easy. But…I’m here, sura. I’m not going anywhere.”

His words send a flood of emotions crashing through me. My mouth opens before I press it closed. Because what can I say? He’s demanding nothing. He’s asked nothing of me. But it’s like he’s read my mind. As if he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

He steps closer, his claw reaching out to cup my cheek. “You don’t have to say anything, sura. Just know that I’m here. For as long as you’ll have me.”

18

CATHERINE

Varek’s words stay with me.

I almost broke down right there. His words hit a chord within me, playing on the exact thing that plagues me.

By the time he leaves for the night, I’m uncertain of my decisions.

Collapsing in my bed, I stare at the dark ceiling. This dance we’re playing is exhausting. Each moment that passes as Varek works alongside me on the farm feels like the tension rises on a nuclear reactor that is bound to meltdown.

The tension in my body makes every nerve ending feel sensitive. Even the brush of my sheets against my skin is making me react.

My eyes slide open, moving to the little device near my bed. The sex toy lies there, a glint of light on its surface.

I groan. Not tonight again. I need to exercise some control.

But as the minutes tick by, it’s clear I won’t fall asleep. Not like this. I’m a tension-filled mess and I’mthisclose to breaking.