by Sabrina Kade
“Answer me, Hollis.”
I swallow hard. Our lips brush against each other. My heart pounds right out of my shirt.
“Rooms are locking up for the night.”
I nod before my eyes flash open and I realize it isn’t Chimase who’s spoken. We both jerk our attention towards the open doorway, and sure enough, Exdrux stands there with a sour expression on his grumpy face. Damn him. Ugh! Why am I saying that? I shouldn’t be upset that Exdrux is here. It’s not like I want to kiss Chimase! He’s practically a stranger! And a weird one at that.
Chimase somehow manages to look grumpier than Exdrux, straightening and shooting him a look that could kill.
“So, lock them.”
Exdrux clears his throat. “I’ve come to escort you back to your room. You know that Vydeka’s older brother would like to have a chat with you.” He scowls openly at me. “The human needs to bathe. There have been several complaints.”
A blush hits my features without permission. Fuck. I should have known—
“They are simply jealous,” Chimase says easily. “She smells like heat and arousal. I enjoy it. And I have nothing to say to Ilyis. Tell him I will speak to him at a later time.”
“It is urgent,” Exdrux says. “If it helps, perhaps you would like to come back? I will mention something to the guards, but if you don’t mind me saying so, I would not allow the human to your room until she has bathed.”
“It’s okay,” I say before Chimase can argue with him any further. I don’t want any more problems than I have already. “You go. Talk to the brother. I’ll uh… I’ll bathe? I guess?”
“There is a communal down the hallway,” Exdrux hisses. “Though this is something you should have taken care of—”
“That is unacceptable. Send her to my room. She can use my bathing quarters,” Chimase says.
“Chimase—” Exdrux starts.
“Seriously,” I tack on. “There’s no need.”
“I insist,” Chimase says, leaving no room for argument as he stands and strides towards the doorway. “I will deal with Ilyis. And you, Exdrux. You will send her up the back way to my room. I have already seen the communal bathing chambers. They are not fit for her. She requires privacy.”
“They are more than appropriate, Chimase—”
“And I tastefully disagree. Do you have a problem with my judgment on how to deal with my human, Exdrux? I don’t remember you being so argumentative. Especially with given how upset you were earlier—”
Exdrux clears his throat loudly, and a hint of a smirk crosses Chimase’s hardened features. I can’t help but want to smile myself. Seeing Chimase’s assistant riled up is comical, and I barely manage to cough into my hand before Exdrux looks directly at me.
“As you request, Chimase. I will escort her to your bathing chambers.”
And then Chimase is gone.
I swallow hard, hating the idea that even though Chimase is strange, I like having him around.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ugh.
I don’t know why I’m so surprised by the appearance of Chimase’s room. This city is something straight out of the Real Housewives of New York City, and the massive building is right out of Gossip Girl. The lobby area is like a fancy hotel, showy, white and spotless. Even the basement is similar to a high-grade motel. The large standalone shower in Chimase’s bathing chamber could easily hold ten or fifteen Sidyths, and while there’s no showerhead in sight, Exdrux patiently takes the time to explain how it works. It’s a voice command. That’s cool, but I don’t dare say that to Exdrux. I still can’t tell if he likes me or not. Maybe he’s not even sure yet.
“I believe that is everything,” Exdrux says in a low voice.
“Can I have a towel?”
“No.”
My eyebrows crinkle together, and something that can only resemble a smirk hits Exdrux’s features.
“The bathing area has a drying feature as I explained to you. I suspected your human mind had wandered. Chimase mentioned this happens quite often. I suppose he is not wrong.” He shakes his head as though I’m some confused puppy, but doesn’t say anything else, crossing his arms and taking a seat on a glossy, white, plastic-looking chair situated right outside of the shower.
My eyes widen. “You can’t be serious.”
“About what? Don’t tell me you need help removing your clothes?”
“No!” I gasp, wrapping my arms around my body, horrified by the idea. “Of course, I can change! But you’re not going to sit out there and watch me take a shower, are you?”
He bristles slightly, almost like he’s shivering. “I am not going to watch.”
“You know what I mean. You can’t stay here. Go wait in his bedroom until I’m finished.”
His eyes narrow. “I’m afraid that would be considered inappropriate.”
“And you think watching me take a shower isn’t?”
“As explained previously, I will not watch you.”
“Please, get out!” I squeak, shocking myself. When Exdrux rises from the chair to his full height, just a few inches over seven feet, I resist every calling in my body to edge away from him. But this man is important to Chimase. And for whatever reason, I’m important to Chimase. I swallow hard as Exdrux takes another step towards me with a frown. “I mean, I’m sure Chimase wouldn’t like if you sat here while I was naked.”
Then a naughty thought comes to mind. I hate saying it, but if I’m going to have any chance at privacy, perhaps I need to find out how much I can push Chimase’s assistant.
“I’ll tell him you were watching me. I don’t think he’d like that.”
Exdrux’s yellow eyes widen. A few scales on his neck splay away from his pale skin. He doesn’t blush like a human, but I can’t help but wonder if that’s what this reaction means. He swallows hard as though contemplating what to say next. I have to keep pushing.
“Do you think Chimase wants to know that you made me feel uncomfortable? That you saw me naked?”
Exdrux’s forked tongue darts out with a startlingly menacing hiss. I manage to keep my footing, but just barely. Exdrux is pretty intimidating. He’s bulkier than Chimase, and less refined despite having a more classic hairstyle. I stare up at him, refusing to allow myself to back down.
“He would never believe I would do such a thing,” he says in a low hiss. “And I do not like the idea that you would ever lie to him. Chimase is a good male. A strong male. A male of virtue despite the name and title he carries. It is a blessing that you have been invited into his life, let alone his bathing chambers. Is this how you intend to thank him? By lying to him?” His tongue shoots out again. “Are humans all so despicable?”
Fuck. I went about this all wrong. Why did I think for a second that trying to intimidate Exdrux was the way to go? I forgot my place. We’re not equals. This isn’t Earth. I’m a second-class citizen. My eyes water and my lower lip starts to tremble. I don’t want to be a liar. I don’t want to manipulate anyone if my life isn’t at stake. Sniffing hard, I take a shaky step back away from Exdrux, keeping my head lowered.
I’ve forgotten my place.
I stare hard at my feet, bare and tiny against the smooth white floor. Somehow, it’s not cold at all. Despite looking like tiles, they’re warm like sand on a Sunday afternoon. I curl my toes, trying to ignore the tear that managed to escape.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter. “You’re right. I don’t want to lie. Go ahead. Take a seat. I will bathe.”
I expect a scoffing sound. One that means I’ve been defeated.
But shockingly, when I lift my head, Exdrux doesn’t look pleased.
I quickly lower it when his lips start to part.
“No,” he says in a low voice. “I shouldn’t have made assumptions. I… I am—”
“What did you do to her?”
The voice entering our conversation makes both Exdrux and I flinch in surprise, spinning towards the owner. I feel this is a pattern because sure enough, Chimase s
tands in the frame of the bathing chamber with a frown on his face. Whether it’s meant for Exdrux or me, I’m not sure, but I’m beyond humiliated and keep my head lowered as he storms into the space.
“What did you do to her?” Chimase asks again. He’s not talking to me, so I keep my head lowered. “Why is she acting so submissive? Exdrux, I left you with her for only a short amount of time, and this is what I come across? Her head lowered? Her eyes watering? Do you think I want you treating her like a slave?”
I can feel Exdrux looking at me, but I don’t dare lift my head. Out of the corner of my eye though, I swear he looks ashamed.
“It was a misunderstanding, Chimase.”
“That look leads me to believe there is plenty of understanding! Lift your head, Hollis! You are not here to scrub the facilities; you are here to use them! What did he tell you?” For the first time since coming across Chimase, he sounds pretty pissed off. He’s not even hissing, it seems like he’s growling, and because of this, I’m almost afraid to lift my head again. Whenever Soh spoke like this, I knew it wasn’t going to be a good night.
Most nights with Soh are amazing.
He’s kind. Sweet. Attentive.
But whenever he had a bad day. Whenever he thought I was getting too cocky.
Whenever he was convinced that someone was going to take me from him—
“Exdrux! Leave my privacy chamber. Now.”
“Chimase, I swear on the father, I did not do anything to her—”
“Then why does she act like this?” He snaps back. I hear movement, but before I can react, a thick finger and thumb pinch my chin and pull my head up. I’m left staring deeply into Chimase’s eyes. He looks angry for the briefest of moments until I suck in a breath and they soften immediately. “Why do you act like this if Exdrux has not done anything to you?”
“It’s nothing.”
His eyes narrow. Of course, he doesn’t believe me. “I assure you, Hollis, I am not looking for a pleasure toy. I’m not looking for another service worker. If these are some of your concerns, then you needn’t worry. Speak to me. What did he tell you?”
“I said nothing that isn’t true—”
“Go!” Chimase hisses loudly.
And then we’re alone. Chimase still has my chin captured in his hand, but I no longer feel as though the walls are closing in around me. His shoulders relax slightly, but he keeps my face in his grip, staring hard at me.
“Did he frighten you?” There’s an urgency in his voice.
“No. But you’re…”
“What?” he snaps.
“You’re scaring me right now!”
His face contorts, and he drops his hand immediately. But he remains close, cocking his head to the side. “This is better, yes?”
I nod shakily.
“I am serious though, Hollis. Are you okay? Did he say anything to you?”
Now that the second Sidyth is gone, I feel more comfortable speaking. I’m not as worried about keeping my eyes locked on the floor. I shake my head. “No. Nothing that isn’t true.”
He frowns. “What does that mean? Water comes from your eyes. I know that it is a human sign of fear.”
“Not always,” I sniff.
He slowly lifts his hand towards my face again, and I start to flinch away before I take a closer look and realize how much slower he’s moving. He’s trying so hard to be gentle. I don’t have the slightest idea why, but because he’s working so hard, I find myself leaning towards his hand, allowing my cheek to fall into his dry palm. It smells masculine and buttery at the same time. It’s oddly comforting. Like Soh. Maybe even more so. Ugh, what’s wrong with me lately?
“I know what fear on a human’s face looks like all too well.” Chimase’s voice sounds thick with confusion and emotion, shocking me to look directly at his golden eyes. They’re surprisingly soft. Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn in, and something tingles down in my lady parts as he continues to stare. “I don’t ever want to see that look on your face, Hollis.”
“Why?” I can’t help asking. “I’m just another human. Nothing special.”
“Perhaps not.”
I frown until he continues.
“But whether there is a reason or not, I think you are special.”
I lift my head, and sure enough, the corner of his mouth curls up into what must be a smile. It’s boyish and awkward like he doesn’t smile very often, but now that he’s started, he’s not backing out of the expression. I have to give him some bonus points for that.
“I told you. The first time I saw you, I wanted you. I did not know why. I did not understand how. Male Sidyths generally do not seek mates for anything other than pleasure. But believe it or not, I wanted more than pleasure with you.” He leans over me slightly. “Promise me that I am not scaring you now.”
I shake my head. Hard. I’m locked under his gaze as he continues to loom over me. I’m not short, but anyone would feel tiny compared to a seven-foot-tall alien.
And then something occurs to me. “How was your meeting?”
His eyes widen in surprise. “My meeting?”
“With the other Sidyth? Ellis?”
“Ilyis,” he corrects me gently, still keeping his face almost uncomfortably close to mine. “Just another plead on Vydeka’s behalf for me to allow her to take me as her mate. I am used to this. Barely a passing goes by without females or their male relatives approaching me. Everyone wants the Etansyl family name. And I suppose they should. It is a good name.” He sighs deeply, and I can’t help but notice the sadness in his eyes.
My fingers itch to touch him suddenly. To comfort him in some way.
But I’m still so nervous around him. I’m terrified of ever betraying Soh.
“That must get annoying after a while though, right?” I try quietly. “Being approached all the time to allow a woman to mate with you.”
“I am a special case. Few males make it this long.”
“Why?”
“Because most make reports. And then females are afraid to approach aggressively. But I do not want to hide behind my family name. I see it as a challenge, I suppose.” His eyes somehow grow sadder. “I have grown used to females wanting my name. The annoyance with them is not as bad as the guilt I would feel if I reported them.”
Reported them. I quickly sift through overheard conversations between Sidyths and direct ones with Soh. And though I have a small idea of what Chimase is talking about, I’m afraid to ask. This world is scary enough.
“But they must also want you, right?” I try to smile, but it’s not returned. My eyes widen. “The women who chase you down? They want you too, right? Not just your title and your name?”
“If they do, it’s never been formally brought to my attention.”
I can’t help but scoff. “I refuse to believe that.”
“Why?”
“Why?” I’m trying to laugh now, expecting him to join, but he looks more perplexed than ever. “Come on; you’re attractive. For an alien, anyway.”
A smirk finally hits his features. God, it’s such a beautiful look.
“You are the one who is alien, Hollis. You are on my planet.”
“Not by choice.”
His smirk quickly fades. I almost feel sorry for pointing it out, but it’s not like I’m lying. I was abducted. It wasn’t my choice to come here.
“Yes,” he says, straightening to his full height. “I suppose that is also true. I guess humans have every reason to fear. We are not the same.” He frowns as though this thought never occurred to him before, and it’s such a strange and devastating look that I shock myself and move closer to him. I seize his arm and rise on my tiptoes.
“If it’s any consolation, Exdrux didn’t say anything to me. And I’m not scared now.”
He turns his chin down at me, resting a massive hand over mine. “You are not scared of me?”
“To be perfectly honest, I think you’re the first alien I haven’t been afraid of from the start
. It’s weird, I feel like my old self around you.”
He cocks a pale eyebrow, the hint of a smile showing on his face again. “But… Sohmac? You always speak of how wonderful he is? Are you telling me you were scared of him at one point?”
I nod shyly. I don’t want to say much more. I don’t ever want to paint Soh in a light that is anything but positive.
“I guess it’s different with you.”
“With me?”
“I feel different. Like you don’t expect me to keep my head lowered, and my voice soft. Like you don’t see me as just some stupid little human who can only be a doll or a pet. I feel…” I chuckle, “… human again. Like I’m a person who matters.”
“That is because you are a human,” Chimase merely says.
“Thanks for the update.”
“And you do matter. At least to me.”
Another blush hits my cheeks. My lower lady parts tingle and I feel myself growing aroused. I don’t want it to happen so quickly, but Chimase seems to have that effect on me. I feel like a sexual being around him again. Not just something that can give pleasure, but someone who can experience it with a partner. It’s overwhelming and incredibly exciting. I hear a low slurping sound above my head.
“Your cunt drips,” Chimase notes.
I shoot my head up, shocked at the abrasiveness of his words, and quickly try pinching my thighs together. “Well, geez. You sure aren’t subtle, are you?”
“Neither are you. Shall I let you use the bathing facilities? To…” his eyes lower to my pussy, “take care of that? Or perhaps…” Just like Exdrux earlier, scales pull away from Chimase’s skin, only his are on his arms. This must mean a blush. Or embarrassment.
My eyes light up when I notice something else happening with Chimase as he talks.
His cock is at half-mast. I shoot my eyes up to his.