Page 25 of Adored By the Alien Warlord
“Don’t smile,” I huffed.
“How can I not when I’m looking at you?”
Chapter 12
Davon
Seeing her sad and knowing I was the cause gutted me.
“I’m fine, Maggie. I promise.”
“You’re not.” The cloth dropped from her hand, and she lunged for me, pressing her tiny body against mine.
This female. She broke me and broke me and as long as she let me stay by her side, I’d put myself back together again and beg her to break me once more.
“I’m sorry he hurt you. It’s my fault,” she said against my tunic. Her arms wrapped partway around me; they’d never fit.
Even if we got free of this place, and she wanted to be with me—a miracle I didn’t dare beg the fates to give me—we would never fit together. She was much tinier than me. I’d do anything not to hurt her.
But I’d treasure her. I’d hold her. Braid her hair five times a day. Protect her and make sure she always had a reason to smile.
How could a male like me ever thank the gods enough for bringing her into my life?
I patted her back. “I’m truly alright. Please. You have a break from dancing, and I don’t want you spending it seeping water onto my chest or standing in a hallway with me.”
“Seeping . . .?” Confusion filled her voice. “It’s called crying.” Tipping her head back, she looked up at me. So pretty. So fragile. Yet she was incredibly strong. She’d make it through this even if I couldn’t be with her while she did it.
“I’ve only seen emotions displayed in this way once before.” Her sister, Talia. “You’re sad.”
“I’m not one to cry when I’m happy. See these?” She pointed to her cheeks. “My tears are falling for you. And don’t discount how good it feels when you hold me, even if I’m sobbing and we’re standing in a hallway.”
Iwasholding her. When had I allowed my arms to go around her? I lifted them away from her. “I’m sorry.”
“Are we back there again?”
I frowned. “Back where? We remain in the hall.”
She took my hand and tugged me toward the stairs. “You know what I mean. We were close to confessing feelings before Wortek made us go upstairs. Don’t think I’m going to let you off without spilling your guts.”
“You say the strangest things, human.”
“Stick with me, and one day, you’ll know what they all mean.”
We started up the stairs and it felt good to hold her hand, something I’d have to stop doing before the otherscould see us. It was vital we didn’t give anyone else the idea that I’d die to protect her.
“Stick . . .” My frown only deepened.
“You need to know right now that if you confess you like me, I’m going to plaster my body to yours every chance I get.”
“Plaster . . .” Truly, odd things.
At the top of the landing, we stopped in front of the closed door. Music throbbed beyond the panel, and shouts rang out, the crowd enjoying the evening. At least I wasn’t the only male working to keep them subdued. I also had a break for the rest of the night, though only to keep watch over Maggie. That was what Wortek stressed inside his office, that I was to make sure she didn’t get away and that no one damaged his property. And that I must make sure she was secure inside her room before dawn.
I reached for the knob, but she stilled my hand and turned me to face her, curling her finger my way. Leaning close, I waited for her to fret again about my face that didn’t pain me one bit. It was my heart that ached from being with my mate, and from the shame I felt that I hadn’t bitten off the king’s hands before they touched her.
She carefully cupped my jaw, and she kissed me.
The feel of her warm lips on mine made me unravel. I lost all ability to think, all ability to move. All I could do was drink from her mouth as if I’d strode across the desert for weeks without taking even one drop of water.