by Erin Tate
Lovely, two thousand guys all ready to explode and she was smack dab in the middle of them.
Thanks so much, Kede.
A low ding, similar to the one she’d heard when in Kede’s rooms, filled the air. Joyce furrowed her brow. She was pretty sure that meant someone was trying to come in or asking to come in or…
It came again, slightly louder than the last ring.
Impatient people, er, Doshans.
“Uh, hello?” She raised her voice. She really should have asked how to answer the door before she sent Hassee and Yare packing.
“It is Second Commander Suthta, Ambassador Enner. My access is not operational else I would not bother you.” His last sentence held a hint of annoyance that his access didn’t work on her door.
Hell yeah, she was thankful she’d asked Hassee—excuse her, Ambassador Haspava—to limit entrance to the four males she knew. Not that they were any better, but the old Terran saying applied today. The devil you know…
The ringing bell came again. “Ambassador Enner?”
“You won’t go away, will you?” she grumbled and set her commpad aside.
“I did not understand your order.” A lyrical, female voice filled the air. “Please repeat.”
“Lovely.” She sighed. The ship sounded all sweetness and light even as it told her that it didn’t get her sarcasm.
The ship spoke again. “I did not understand—”
“Ambassador Enner?” Suthta’s voice overrode the ship’s and Joyce groaned.
Which had the ship going again and then Suthta sounded like he was panicking and with each passing second she was getting more annoyed. She finally shot to her feet, tightened her little makeshift toga, and stomped toward the door. She had managed to get it sorta tied up and covering her appropriate bits without fear that it’d come tumbling down with the wrong move. She still looked as if she wore a sack, but the knots on her shoulders meant the fabric covered her from collarbone to ankles.
It’d still shock the shit outta the second commander though. Females did not expose their upper body. At all.
Apparently even arms could insight lust. Hers were flabby. Maybe she’d get lucky and it’d turn the guys off instead of on.
“Open the damned door.” She snapped the words.
“I do not understand—”
Now it was in stereo. Suthta echoed the ship’s words.
Nice. She now understood Doshan social structure and the whole eye color thing, but not how to open a door.
“Ambassador Enner? Do you need medical assistance?”
“Oh, for the love of fuck.”
“I do not—”
She was gonna rip the voice box outta the ship. Just wait until she found it. “Enter. Let him in. Part the metal sea and both of you shut the fuck up!”
Joyce took a soothing breath. She wasn’t a raging bitch like this. For now she’d blame her visit to Curse Town on Kede and just throw her ball of hatefire on his shoulders.
There, that made her feel a little better about saying the word “fuck” a hundred times in a handful of hours.
“Yes, please.” The second commander sounded way too excited and that reminded her Doshans were very, very literal people, er, aliens. Warriors more so than most simply because not saying what was meant could result in a big battle of pain and blood.
Right.
The doors remained closed and she wondered if maybe that was for the best. Especially considering Suthta’s “acceptance.”
Unfortunately, the ship let him in.
The male stood there, his six feet plus height making him tower over her five-five frame. God, they grew them tall.
Suthta’s pale blue and purple eyes met hers and the color flushed darker for a bare moment before settling into their normal hue. So, he was excited, but his eye color told her why he was a second commander and didn’t have his own ship. He was strong, but not as strong as Kede.
She would not think of Kede. Not his hotness or aggression or possessiveness or how hot he was or… She said hot twice. Then again, the man really was gorgeous even if he stole her and destroyed her life.
Right. She needed to remember to hate him.
“Thank you for the offer, Ambassador Enner.” Suthta smiled. “Would you like to copulate in the hallway or your quarters? I prefer your quarters, however I have been told it is always the female’s choice. The biopad is not as comfortable as your sleeping—”
I will not scream. I will not scream. I will not…
Suthta took a step forward and she held up her hands. “Hold you engines, big boy.”
He frowned. “I am not a boy. I have had twenty-seven summers. I am the youngest second commander in the Doshan fleet. While I will never be the primary commander, I am—”
“Second Commander Suthta? Is the ambassador in need?” A stranger’s voice overrode Suthta.
Joyce leaned past the second commander and peeked into the hallway. Another male stood there. No, wait, someone looked past him. And then a third looked beyond that guy.
Suthta frowned at her and then he too looked at the newcomers. “It is possible. She has offered fucking and I do not know a Terran female’s needs.” The male turned back to her. “I prefer to be your primary partner, but I understand that Terran females may engage in social—”
Then yet something else cut off the second commander but this at least, was familiar. It was a sound she’d heard more than once and managed to send all four males backing down the hallway. Even the second commander who, by all accounts, should at least be able to stand up to the newcomer.
Unfortunately, everyone abandoned her.
She turned her head to the left, and spied the source of her anger, frustration and… arousal. Which made her add annoyance to the mix.
Damn sexy male.
Kede’s gaze met hers for a brief moment before he turned his fury on the men. “Were my orders not clear?”
“Commander Tria, you… you see… Joyce…” Suthta sputtered and he probably would have been able to sneak away but then he called Joyce, well, Joyce.
That seemed to enrage him further.
“Apologize.” She murmured, hoping Suthta would get the point.
And he didn’t. “Your orders dictated that should she require assistance…”
Apparently even Doshan males could be utter and complete idiots. They could also weasel and bend someone’s words but not break them, just as Hassee said.
Kede stalked forward and shoved a small bundle at her, not even sparing a glance as he faced off against the other males. He crossed his massive arms across his massive chest and it massively… made her want to see if they were as firm and cut as they looked.
She bet the answer was yes. Yes. All over his body yes.
“And did she request assistance, Second Commander Suthta? Did she contact Security or Communications with a request?” His voice remained a deep, threatening rumble and she noticed that the vein at his temple throbbed.
Oh, yeah, he was one super pissed off alien man person.
“Well…” Suthta hedged and Joyce inwardly winced.
When getting yelled at, sentences should not being with “well.” “I’m sorry” are always the go-to words. Always. Even she, as a lowly, temporary, shittily paid secretary knew that.
“The proper response is ‘No, Commander, she did not. I apologize for the intrusion.’” The words whipped through the air and Suthta swallowed hard.
“No, Commander, she did not. I apologize for the intrusion, Ambassador Enner.” With that, the male finally did the smartest thing in his life, he spun on his heel and practically ran down the hallway. Actually, when he went around that last corner, she was pretty sure he broke into a brisk jog.
Kede remained immobile, body frozen in place. Seconds ticked past and he didn’t move. Nope, vein still pulsing, he kept standing and staring down the hall. She followed his line of sight, trying to see what he found so interesting and then she spotted what he’d obviously be
en waiting for.
A decidedly tan, dark haired, mismatch-eyed male poked his head past the corner and met her gaze. His eyes widened with shock.
“You will clear the area!” Kede’s roar had the male ducking out of sight and then the heavy, rapid thud of booted feet on the biopad announced his departure as well.
That bellow had her seeing Kede as a father chastising children more than a warrior who could kill a man with one hand.
Though, in reality, she didn’t want to think of him as a father because she had decidedly un-fatherly thoughts about him.
He released a rough sigh and finally turned to her, his arms slowly lowering to his sides. “I apologize for my males, Joyce. They are…”
“Hornballs?”
He grimaced. “I do not know the meaning of the word, but they are starved for the attention of a female.”
“Yeah, horny.” She rolled her eyes and stepped back into her room.
They stood there, Joyce staring up at him, meeting his purple-blue gaze, while he stared down at her. His attention stroked her, starting at the top of her head and traveling down her neck. She was proud of him for only staring at her shoulders and chest for a second. Then he continued, a frown slowly coming to rest on his lips.
“I have brought you coverings, but I did not think of shoes.” He huffed. “I am sorry for that. It is another failing.”
For some reason, hearing him refer to his actions as failure tweaked her heart. “It’s fine. The biopad is very soft. I was already trying to think of how often I’ll be able to go barefoot.”
She smiled, hoping to wipe away his lingering frown.
“I shall procure some for you.” His attention remained on her slightly exposed toes. “Are all Terran ped nails that color? I did not see a notation in Ambassador Martins’ files when she boarded and Resane did not mention the anomaly.” His shocked face met hers. “Did I somehow harm you? Did I cause this discoloration? I will summon Resane. He can treat you. Vehly!” His shout finally got her attention and she was quick to reach for him.
“Kede, I’m fine.” Her assurance was covered by the ship’s response.
“Yes, Commander?”
Joyce was not gonna lose this battle to a sexy-sounding spaceship.
“Kede.” She tugged on his arm, finally grasping his hand and forcing him to pay attention to her. “I’m fine. It’s a Terran decoration. It’s nail polish.”
He mouthed the word, seeming to test it. “Naal-pah-lish? For decoration?”
He dropped to a squat and reached for her toes. Her first reaction was to jerk back, but she remained in place. She didn’t fear him harming her, she just wasn’t used to being touched. She didn’t have Terran men beating down her door. Apparently she had Doshans in excess though.
His warm, blunted fingertips stroked her skin, his heat sinking into her flesh and warming her toes. He rubbed and petted her, his touch not wandering from her feet.
“It does not come off. It remains forever? I do not care for the color.”
Joyce stared at her toes and wiggled them. “It’s red. What’s wrong with red?”
Just about everyone liked red nail polish. It was practically a staple in every woman’s home.
“It reminds me of your leaking and I did not like my feelings at that time. It hurt…” He withdrew his hand and slowly rose to his full height. One hand rested over his heart, rubbing the center of his chest. “It hurt here. Is there a way to change this decoration?”
It wasn’t exactly a “hey, I like you a lot,” but hearing that her injuries hurt his heart was kinda nice.
“Yes, if your Chief Supplier or the Second Chief is able to acquire some remover and different colors, I can change them. I know they’ll probably send one of their Supply Warriors to the surface, so if you’d like me to discuss it with them directly, I can.”
Shock flowed over his features followed by skepticism. “How long did Suthta stand at your door? He told you many things.”
Was that jealousy lingering nearby?
“He wasn’t here long and he didn’t tell me anything. Hassee… I mean, Ambassador Haspava showed me how to access the Terran-Doshan guidebook. I’ve been reading. I came across warrior hierarchy and a few other things…”
Like why he was the big guy on the Vehly.
“Do you need assistance or require further explanation of what is available to you?”
If she said yes, she’d sound like an idiot. If she said no, even though she was still pissed at him, she’d be an idiot.
“I think I understand everything I’ve read.” His shoulders slumped when she said the words and he looked like she’d kicked his alien puppy. “But if you’d like…” She licked her lips, taking a moment to figure out what the hell she was doing. “If you’d like to come in and talk, talking only, then you’re welcome.”
He flashed a smile, the one that’d gotten her hot and bothered on the med deck. She’d become aroused despite the pain that’d been attacking her.
Yeah, he was that gorgeous.
Joyce stepped back and she realized she still held his bundle of fabric. “Oh, this is yours.”
She reached forward to return it to him, but he nudged it back to her.
“No, I did manage to acquire coverings for you. They are… They are mine, but I believe I shortened the pants enough to adjust for your limited height.”
She huffed. “You just called me short.”
“But you are short. Have I offended you? Is this a Terran custom? You do not speak full truths?” True confusion filled his features.
She shook her head. “No, most don’t, but it’s fine. I’ll get used to it.” She kept the bundle, curious to see what he’d managed to finagle for her. “Just try not to mention a woman’s weight or shape too often. Or age. Age is another no-no.”
Kede padded past her and she noticed she wasn’t the only one who enjoyed being barefoot. He wasn’t wearing shoes either. “I cannot tell a Terran female I find her shape pleasing?” More confusion. He delved deeper into her space and finally paused near the far wall, facing the door and keeping a solid surface at his back.
That was something else she’d read about. Warriors were always warriors, even as they went off duty.
“I would think a female would prefer to know if a male felt that her breasts would perfectly fit his palms or if he appreciated her wide hips. Or if he wondered what it would be like to cup her back end.”
With each word, her face flushed redder until she was sure she’d glow in the dark. “Most Terran women could appreciate your message, but maybe not after you’d just met them. Most of us like to get to know a guy before he starts talking about our tits and ass.”
At least, Joyce would.
“I see. I shall wait to tell you, then.”
Yup, more blushing. “Okay, then. I’ll, uh, just go try these on. I’ll be right back.”
“I apologize again, Joyce. They may not fit well, but they are coverings until we can obtain more suitable clothing.” He tore his gaze from her and stared at the far wall as he wiped his hands on his pants. It was almost as if he were nervous and edgy. But the commander of Dosha’s largest ship wouldn’t be on edge around her… would he? “I am sorry it will not be your own, but if you notify Hassee of your needs, I am sure he can obtain whatever you desire.”
Hassee. Not him. She wasn’t sure why that hurt but it did.
“Of course.” She nodded and padded toward the cleansing room. “I’ll be sure to talk to him once I’ve settled in.”
The quiet that ensued was uncomfortable. Stilted. Stuffy and tight and every other word that meant she didn’t know what the hell to do with herself.
She wanted to snuggle close, to feel his arms around her again. And on her ass since, apparently, he liked hers.
She also wanted to deck him for destroying the crappy little life she’d had on Terra.
“I…” She licked her lips and waved her arm, gesturing toward the cleansing room with the bundle
. “I’ll be right back.”
Kede nodded and opened his mouth then snapped it closed. Then he went ahead and opened it again. “I… I…” He frowned, staring at her. “I would like to wait for you to return, but I know I do not have the right to ask. I am unsure how to proceed. I have read that it makes females uncomfortable to be alone with an unknown male and yet you invited me into your space.” He shook his head. “I do not know what to do. Should I leave now?”
Joyce should ask him to stay. She should. But did she want to? This man, this alien, took her with no thought as to what his choice would mean to her.
And yet, weighed against the hotness… The drugs they gave her had to be messing with her head. That was the only reason she’d even consider…
“I’ll be right back. Have a seat, if you’d like.”
The smile he gave her made her knees weak and her pink bits sing.
Yeah, she was a sucker.
Joyce was quick to go into the cleansing chamber. She untied her sheet and placed the bundle Kede provided on the counter. The top was easy enough to unfold and slip on. The only thing she could compare it to was a long tunic. It covered her from collarbone to hips, snug, but not tight. The arms stretched from shoulder to forearm, giving her a good bit of comfortable coverage. While it molded to her body more than she liked, it wasn’t restrictive. It seemed to bend and stretch with her body as she moved.
The deep blue color went well with her skin and if it reminded her of Kede’s right eye, she wasn’t going to say anything about it.
The pants were next. She snared the waist and tugged them from the counter, giving them a shake. They matched the top, a deeper navy blue that reminded her of… Kede’s right eye when he got angry.
Kede, Kede, Kede…
Shaking her head, she opened the waist and flicked the fabric. She bent and lifted her foot to slide her leg into the pants when she noticed a sparkle and shine of something silver within the folds. Huh.
She let the bottoms flutter to the ground and snatched the device. Because it was a device. Round and emblazoned with the Planetary Collective emblem, it reminded her of Kede’s little transporter thingy.