Page 16 of Adored By the Alien Warlord

“When can we leave?”

“I’d thought tomorrow morning but maybe in the excitement after the upcoming guest visit?”

“Perfect.” Despite being tired, I wanted to hop around. Hug him.

I couldn’t hug him.

The food he brought me nourished me, but it was his calm strength that kept me going ,plus his determination to get me out of here and take me to my sister.

I’d already come to appreciate the quiet way he moved, the way he’d gently touch my shoulder as he urged me off the dance platform, as if he knew I needed that bit of encouragement and support. And the way he watched me with the flames of protection in his eyes. He’d kept everyone away from me while I danced as if I was a princess and him my bodyguard.

And look at him, manipulating Wortek into not only giving me some time off, but making him believe he had no interest in me at all.

Did he have interest in me outside of rescue? Hecouldn’t believe I was his mate. If he did, he would’ve acted on that, right?

Instead, he behaved like my older, overprotective brother. I’d caught myself watching the play of his muscles across his shoulders and the slick way he could slice through even the hint of a fight among the crowd more often than I’d liked. I didn’t like the way my heart warmed when I felt his gaze land on me.

It would be wrong of me to want anything else from this male than friendship.

“I’ll be back shortly,” he said. “If I take long, it’ll be because I’m waiting to make sure Wortek isn’t coming back down from his rooms.”

I nodded and dropped onto the side of the bunk. Just resting. As long as I remained upright, I wouldn’t fall asleep.

Davon left, and I was soon contemplating flopping onto the bed and napping. Not sleep; just a nap. Tipping my head back, I closed my eyes.

My body swayed . . .

Footsteps echoed overhead, and I jerked awake. The door at the top of the stairs opened.

Davon appeared at my doorway with a big metal thing perched on his shoulder.

When he set it on the floor, I stared at it a moment before realizing what it was.

“A tub?” I croaked, gaping up at him.

“I’ll bring hot water from the kitchen. Wait?”

I’d be excited even if he filled it with cold water.

Abath.

“Davon,” I breathed, my eyes stinging with tears. “You don’t have to do this.”

His steady gaze met mine. “Sure I do. And so much more.”

I launched myself at him, knocking him back a step or two before his arms went around me to hold me steady. As I looked up at him, I felt like the world was exploding, as if everything wrong in my life had suddenly found its way right.

His breathing stuttered as he stared down at me. His gaze drifted across my face before focusing on my mouth. Did he want to kiss me?

Heat flooded my face. Of course he didn’t. He was a friend, someone sent by my sister to help me, not a romantic interest for me.

It would be very easy to care for this man.

That scared me, and I backed away from him. “Thank you.” My voice came out much too shaky. “You don’t know what this means to me.”

“I think I do. I want you to have something good in your life. A bath isn’t much, but if I can give you comfort, I will.”

I nodded.