Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“I’m not sure anything could be a hindrance to your training,” he says drily, setting up the computer screen. “Because based on your performance, there is no way to go but up.”
Ha. At least he’s relaxing a bit. I realize that having a child in here was maybe not the most sensitive thing I could do, based on his reaction to even talking about children the last time we were together. And I suppose he’s right about the safety thing. But it’s too late now.
Maybe it will be good for him. Show him that children aren’t so scary.
I argue. “I need another chance. I was not performing at my best.”
He clears his throat. “It’s said that humans are one of the more optimistic species in the galaxy. You are nothing if not a prime example of your kind.”
But he still told me to come back. If I’m that awful, why is he bothering to assess me? Zandians are efficient. Don’t waste time. So, he must want me here in some capacity, right? Probably the same capacity I’m hoping it’s for.
Braxton comes over, intrigued, and wraps an arm around my leg. He peeks out to look at Tarek.
“Large warrior,” he observes.
“Yes, he is. Large and very skilled. And handsome, too, don’t you think?”
“Compliments will get you nowhere, little human,” Tarek says, but he appears amused.
“Very good detail orientation.” I stroke Braxton’s head between the tiny horns. “Maybe he can teach you some moves.”
“I don’t think so.” Tarek turns his back.
“Well, then I can teach you, once I learn them.”
Tarek mutters something. It sounds sort of like, “Not likely.”
“What’s that?” I step closer, pulling Braxton along gently like an extra limb. He giggles.
“I said, I’m going to get this next program set up for you. We’ll see how you do this planet rotation.”
“Excellent. I plan to beat my score from last week.”
He coughs. “I hope you are capable of doing that.”
“I’m bringing it this planet rotation.” My voice is lower and huskier, and I remember what I brought last time. What he did to me. How I loved it.
“Good.” His voice is low, too, and sensuous.
Stars, but how I want to toss that computer out the door and grab him and beg him to make love to me. I mean, not with the young watching—once his mother fetches him, of course.
Speaking of his mother, Kara is back, her satchel full of fruit.
“Oh, Zina, thanks a million stars.” She holds out her arms for Braxton, but he turns away and darts behind me. “Sweetling, we need to leave now so I can head to the ag planning meeting.”
“No. Boring meeting!” Braxton screams it. “I stay with Zina. And him.” He points to Tarek.
Wow. He’s maybe not the most well-behaved child, but who am I to judge? He does certainly have good taste.
“We’re just novel,” I apologize, in case Kara is offended.
But she is not. She laughs.
I’m fascinated. Watching mothers in action—mothers who do not answer to slave masters, is exhilarating and complicated and so different from anything I’ve experienced. It’s nice.
“Maybe I can keep watching him,” I say, checking Tarek’s face to see how he responds.
He clenches his jaw and scowls. “Or maybe not this planet rotation,” I add hastily. “Since my training session is about to start, and I certainly don’t wish to inconvenience Tarek.”
“Braxton needs to learn patience, too.” Kara scoops him up and tickles him with her hair and he screeches with laughter, happy once again. “But if you can watch him again some other time maybe?” She looks at me, hopeful. “Before your session? Would that work?”
“It’s a date.” I wink at her. “Bye, Braxton.”
When they leave, Tarek crosses his arms. “You are taking liberties.”
“Someone has to.” I cross my arms too.
“Excuse me?” His horns stiffen.
“It just seemed the right thing to do.” I step forward. “What do you want me to do?”
A beat goes by, and I swear he wants to say something so dirty and depraved that I’ll turn red and attack him with desire.
“We’re going to try the program again,” he says instead, although his eyes burn with some kind of energy.
“Oh, great. I am so excited about that.” I flex my fingers. “I’ve been practicing.”
“You have? How?” He steps closer to me. “Please explain.”
“I’ve been stretching my hands. And blinking a lot.”
“A true warrior, by the stars.” He laughs.
“If I don’t improve by twenty-five percentage points this planet rotation, you can…”
“I can what?” He’s even closer now, and his voice is low and dangerous.
“Maybe you can teach me a lesson about how it’s important to practice more.” I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m intoxicated by his scent, his proximity.
He chuckles. “Oh, little human, I plan to teach you more than that.” He reaches out and brushes a strand of hair out of my face. “I can promise you that.”