Gods, if his ass wasn’t already in enough trouble, he might have considered staying in bed with her and arriving late to duty.
“Go,” she scolded, opening her eyes and swatting him playfully on the shoulder. “Find me this evening and we can dine with one another.”
“I will want to do far more than dine,” he muttered and then dropped another hard kiss upon her lips. “Until this evening, love.”
* * * *
Nika spent a good amount of the morning lounging in bed and watching the teletron. When her stomach began to growl, she finally rose and showered.
She walked downstairs to the restaurant, with surprisingly light steps. She even caught herself humming under her breath. Who would have known one night could affect her like this? Interesting.
She glanced around for an empty table and located one near the window. She’d just settled down when something or someone flung itself into the chair across the table from her.
Nika reared back, her eyes widening in surprise as she stared at Molly’s intense expression.
“Rebecca, please, you must advise me.”
Nika frowned, for the quickest second forgetting her alias. Gods. She was a liability right now. She needed to get her head out of the clouds and back to reality.
“Good morning, Molly. What did you need me to advise you on?”
Molly’s gaze darted around the room. “I fear I have made a bit of a mistake. I have…forgive me if I am taking liberties in speaking so frankly with you. But I have become intimate with a man I probably shouldn’t have.”
Nika leaned back in her chair. Now, didn’t this just sound familiar?
“I have very few friends,” Molly rushed on. “And I really need a confidante right now. Do you mind terribly?”
“Not at all. Who is this man? And why do you regret it?”
“Oh, I could not regret it. It was such a wonderful—and trust me, well-needed—moment.” Molly sighed and fidgeted with a strand of hair. “But I am not looking for a serious relationship with a man. Not at this time. And I fear Emmett is.”
Emmett. That name sounded vaguely familiar.
“Have you told him this?”
“No, I have not spoken with him. I have been quite awful, truthfully, with my avoidance of him.” Molly paused and gave her a thoughtful look. “You may know of Emmett. He is the darker man who comes in to dine with Brendon.”
“Oh.” That was why the name had sounded familiar.
“Speaking of Brendon, have you worked things out with him yet? Brendon?” Molly leaned forward. “I have never seen him so intrigued by a woman as he is with you.”
Nika’s cheeks warmed and the vision of Brendon bending her over the bureau last night filled her head. “Yes. We have…worked things out.”
“Oh.” Molly’s eyebrows rose. “Indeed you have. He is a good man. You should give him a chance.”
Likely, he was a good man. And Nika was only using him. Guilt stabbed suddenly in her gut and she looked away.
“Molly, might I order some food? I have yet to eat breakfast. And then we should continue our talk.”
“Of course!” Molly groaned and rushed to her feet. “Gods, where are my manners? You walked in for food and I attacked you for companionship.”
“And I enjoy your companionship. Truly.” And it disturbed her more to realize she did not lie.
Molly laughed and winked. “But food along with it would be lovely. Say no more. I’ll return with the house special.”
After the other woman disappeared, Nika was once again alone at the table. And she realized with dismay that she didn’t care for it much. She enjoyed having someone to talk with.
The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, and she lifted her gaze to look across the room.
A thick man in the corner sat hunched over the table, watching her intently.
Nika held his gaze—were his eyes really glowing red?—but it never wavered from her. She finally looked away, a sense of unease heavy in her stomach.
“All right.” Molly breezed back in with a plate of food and a cup of water. “Yard bird eggs, bread, cheese. I hope it is sufficient.”
Nika’s stomach growled again and she gave Molly a grateful smile. “It is more than enough. Thank you.”
She lifted a round piece of white cheese and ate a generous bite.
“Tell me more about Emmett,” she urged after drinking a sip of water.
Molly’s cheeks flushed. “He is very sweet. Truly a very good man. I just…have no time for one.”
“Yet you had time to bed him?” Nika regretted the words the moment they were out. “I’m sorry, how callous of me. I’m afraid that comes with the companionship. I tend to say what is on my mind.”
Molly laughed and shook her head. “No, you are quite right. And yes, I bedded him. But it was not planned. And nor do I regret it.” Her expression turned whimsical. “How could I?”
Nika nodded. She understood all too well. Lifting a boiled egg, she broke it in half and stabbed a bite with her eating utensil.
“Out of curiosity, why do you have no time for a man?”
“Because I run this lodge alone,” Molly said after a sigh. “My husband, before he died, had let it fall into a dismal state. There was no hope for it. I brought it back from sure death. It thrives. Running this place is my life. And unfortunately, that means I have little time for anything else.”
“You certainly seem to have created a miracle then. For it’s quite popular now.” Nika leaned forward and grabbed her water again, but her ribs brushed the table and she winced. Reaching down, she rubbed the small area.
“What have you done to yourself?” Molly asked. “Are you hurt?”
Nika bit back a groan, realizing she needed to be more careful. “No, just a bruise. I fell the other day.”
She glanced around and her gaze once again landed on the man in the corner.
Still he watched her. What was his problem?
“Do you know that man in the corner, Molly?” she asked softly. “No, do not turn around.”
Molly’s brows rose and she licked her lips. “The one with red eyes?”
“Yes. You do know him, then?”
The other woman’s expression darkened. “He is a customer staying at the lodge. A blood drinker from another planet.”
“Gods,” Nika breathed.
She’d heard of the alien planet whose residents it was said drank blood. She somewhat feared it, which she knew was ridiculous. These alien blood drinkers had never caused trouble on planets but their own. So really, she knew she should not worry. And she knew better than to species profile. Especially seeing as she herself came from a background that was a bit controversial.
“I do not like him,” Molly confided, leaning forward. “He makes my skin tingle—and not in a good way! Truth be told, he groped me the other day, and fortunately Emmett intervened. That’s actually what led up to Emmett and me…” She cleared her throat. “Yes, well, you understand I’m sure.”
“I do.” Nika covered Molly’s hand with her own. “And I am sorry the stranger assaulted you. Surely you can remove him from your lodge?”
“It is winter. Already business is slow. I can’t afford to remove him.” Molly lowered her eyes. “He has been warned by Emmett and will likely try nothing more. Of this I am sure.”
Nika cast a worried glance at the man again. Not caring that he still watched them—eyes narrowed. Another chill ran down her spine.
“I hope you are right, Molly.”
“Oh, Rebecca, I am so fortunate to have you come to our city at such a time. Truly, I feel at ease calling you a friend in just a short amount of time.”
“And I as well.” Guilt pricked in Nika’s gut, but she forced a smile. Molly knew so little about her, and what she did know was not entirely true.
“When do you leave? To go home to…where are you from again?”
“Glorus.” The lie spilled all too easily from her lips.
&nb
sp; “Right. Now I remember. And you are visiting a cousin stationed at the compound here.”
“Yes.” Nika pressed the plate away from her, finding her appetite had suddenly diminished. “Tell me, do you intend to speak with Emmett about your situation?”
Molly reached for a piece of cheese from the plate and took a bite. “I’m not sure. Do you think I should?”
“Most likely.” Nika murmured and then her eyes widened as she looked beyond Molly. “And perhaps now would be the time, as he’s approaching.”
“Oh!” Molly pushed back her chair and spun around, but Emmett was already upon them.
“Thank you for breakfast, Molly.” Nika stood from the table and squeezed her friend’s hand quickly in support. “Find me later. I will be out walking.”
Chapter 9
Emmett was momentarily distracted by the thin blonde who scooted past him. So this was the woman who’d kept Brendon until the early hours of the morning.
“I thought you would be on duty,” Molly said quietly and turned, walking past him.
“I am not scheduled today.” Irritation flickered inside him as he turned and followed after her.
Like an animal chasing a female in heat.
“I see. Well, it must be nice to have a free day. Have you any special plans?”
He caught her arm and turned her, his nostrils flaring. “Yes. To find you and see what is going on in that little head of yours.”
Guilt flickered in her eyes before it disappeared and she once again looked calm and unruffled.
“Oh, the usual things, I suppose. The finances, keeping my lodge full, whether I have enough aliaberry wine to last—”
“That is not what I meant, and you well know it.” Emmett stepped forward until they were just a breath apart.
Molly cast a quick glance over at the receptionist, who watched them curiously.
“In my office, Emmett. Now, if you would.”
He didn’t even protest that she’d ordered him around like he was an employee, just strode after her into the room he’d fucked her in the other day.
Even now, his gaze was drawn to the sway of her round hips. The slight bounce of her ass. His cock hardened, and he bit back a groan.
The door hissed shut behind them, and she turned around, irritation clear on her face.
“I have a reputation to maintain,” she said firmly. “And I would appreciate it if you would help me keep it upstanding.”
“You leave me no choice, Molly. You have avoided me like I bring some sort of plague.” He thrust a hand through his hair and glared. “Tell me what the problem is. Do you regret what happened?”
“Yes.”
He flinched at having his fears confirmed. And then her face fell and she shook her head.
“Wait. No, I lie to you. I cannot regret what we did,” she said softly. “But I regret the situation it has left us in.”
His jaw hardened. “And that would be?”
“I’m not sure, entirely. But it is awkward.” She hesitated and then blurted, “I cannot have a relationship with you, Emmett.”
He blinked, certainly not prepared for that confession. He wasn’t entirely certain he wanted a relationship, but then he couldn’t be sure he didn’t want one, either. But if she was squeamish about the idea, he’d certainly slow things down for her.
“You do not want a relationship,” he repeated and walked slowly toward her.
She shook her head and licked her lips. “No. I haven’t the time for one.”
“Nor do I.”
Her mouth parted in surprise and she didn’t reply for a moment. Then her gaze narrowed suspiciously. “Truthfully?”
“Truthfully.”
“Then what do you want from me?”
He just wanted her. He hadn’t thought much beyond that.
“Emmett, I must return to work. There are those who would notice that I’ve brought a man into my office and for how long.” Her voice had turned wary and she made to move past him.
“Wait.” He caught her wrist, tugging her back toward him. “I cannot say what I want from you. Only that I want you.”
Amusement flashed in her gaze and then her lips curved into a wry grin. “Well, at least you are honest.”
“Have dinner with me tonight?” When she opened her mouth to protest he touched a finger to her lip. “It is dinner—” and possibly more delicious sex “—not a relationship.”
She bit her lip and watched him through narrowed eyes, then gave a sharp nod. “If I can find someone to watch the front desk, then yes. I will dine with you.”
“Find someone,” he commanded softly. “You will not regret it.”
* * * *
Nika wandered the edge of the compound, exploring more of the trail than she previously had the opportunity to see.
The weather was chilly, and she was glad she’d thought to grab a jacket from her room. She walked for almost an hour before she spotted a lake off in the distance.
Her pulse quickened at the sight and she increased her stride. Each breath of fresh air she drew in was a reminder of how far she’d come.
On Zortou as a Rosabelle, the planet had been so polluted that the citizens had not been allowed outside for more than brief periods at a time. And a Rosabelle had never been given the right to leave her owners’ home. Any time outside could damage such a commodity. And that’s exactly what she’d been to them.
On Tresden, even though she had every right to explore the planet, she had rarely left her training facility. Perhaps it had been habit. Or maybe it had been her drive to simply succeed in her training.
But now while walking outside here, on Belton, she regretted that she hadn’t made the time.
She reached the lake’s edge and removed her sandals, dipping a toe into the water. Frigid, indeed. Cool and wet, it sent shivers through her body. It was invigorating, though. Those that might be watching would call her insane to see her wading in the icy water.
A few feet away she spotted a path just beneath the surface. Almost transparent in appearance. Quite astounding, really. A path that floated beneath the water. Would it truly hold the weight of a human?
She let out a soft laugh and shook her head. She had no desire to find out right now.
Looking over the water, a pang of longing swept through her.
What would it be like in the summer to swim in the lake? Her mouth twisted. Well, if she knew how to swim. Perhaps that would be something she would learn to do when—
Her stomach clenched and she blinked. Gods, how quickly she forgot. Once this mission was completed, life would not go on as normal. She would gain the samples and send them back to Tresden. After that, depending on how well she completed her mission, her life would change. And at the rate she was going, her life would have to be stripped down and rebuilt.
Already she had left too many clues. She would need to start anew. With a fresh identity. Perhaps even a new face.
“You wish to swim?”
Nika spun around, already on the defensive, one hand raised to deliver a hit.
The man in front of her upped her anxiety, but did not appear to be a threat. At the moment.
She lowered her arm and met the red gaze of the man from the restaurant. He was not a tall man, but larger in girth. Black hair covered his head in patches, as he appeared to have lost some. His overall impression was not pleasant.
“No, I do not. Did you follow me, sir?”
“Like you, I took a walk.” He smiled and took a step toward her.
His scent was quite rancid. She resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose, but held her ground. He tried to intimidate her. But why?
“Quite a coincidence that we should both end up miles from the lodge, though, is it not?” She saw no reason to be coy.
“I hear you are visiting the city to see a cousin?” He ignored her question by asking another.
How had he heard that? Her gaze moved over his face, seeking the answers her gut already told her. Becau
se he was a blood drinker. It was quite likely—and gods she was a fool for not realizing it earlier—that the man had extra sensitive hearing. How much of her conversation with Molly had he overheard?
“I think that is none of your business.”
“Actually, it is very much my business.” He stepped closer to her, and this time she could not help but step backward.
Her feet brushed the cool water again as unease rushed through her. Very much his business?
Do not be intimidated by this filth, Nika. You could kill him in half the time it would take him to count to ten. If he could count that high.
“What brings you to Belton?” she asked.
“I hunt.”
“You hunt?” She lifted a brow, trying to appear that his answer had not concerned her further.
“Yes,” he said softly and pleasure flickered across his face. “I enjoy the hunt. Watching the defeat in those I chase, right before I go in for the…kill.”
Did he kill humans? Drink their blood? It was what the legend of blood drinkers proclaimed. A wash of cold swept through her and only part of it was due to her feet going numb in the lake.
“Interesting. If you fancy the sport.” She stepped to the side and around him, back onto the safety of the shore. “I myself loathe hunting.”
“Pity. You should try it; you may change your mind.”
“Doubtful,” she scoffed and slid her feet into her sandals again. “If you’ll excuse me I must return to the lodge.”
“I shall walk with you.”
“Thank you, but I prefer to walk alone.”
“Ah, but it is not safe, ma’am.” He turned to follow her. “There are all kinds of evil that lurk. Just waiting to pounce on a helpless woman.”
“You needn’t worry, as I am hardly helpless.” She did not add that he was likely the evil lurking.
“Not helpless? And what training do you have?”
Another stab of unease. This man asked far too many questions.
She didn’t answer. Instead quickened her pace, hoping if she ignored him he might disappear.
“What does your cousin do in the military?” He came abreast of her.
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