Okay, maybe she was a little drunk. But she was having fun. Almost as much fun as sitting with Jape, playing his game, and talking about their lives.
Not nearly as much fun as jumping his bones, though. Good night, that had been mindboggling.
She regarded her companion. Jape’s easygoing expression and attitude made him so damned likeable. Or was that lickable? Ha!
“You are handsome as hell when you aren’t surly.” She gave him a dismissive wave. “Fine, you’re handsome as hell even when you look mean. But you’re better this way.”
“You’re drunk. Don’t say things you’ll regret in the morning,” he teased.
“I regret nothing,” she retorted, remembering her pledge to herself after they’d had sex. She leaned against him to make her point, and his arm circled her and held her close. That was settled, then. “We’ve moved from enemies to frenemies.”
“You’re funny when you talk gibberish. And cute.”
“To go along with your handshome—handsomeness. We’re a delightful pair.” She looked at the knots of men conversing among themselves. “I was due for a fun night out.”
“You were?”
“With friendly people and Bonch who are easy to talk to. I don’t get out much.”
“I’m surprised. You seem outgoing.”
“Must be the ale.” Velia glanced up into his silver eyes. Amazing eyes. “I moved a lot as a kid. It was tough to keep friends, being a military brat. Plus my dad was so strict about who I could be ’round.”
“What about when you got older? When you went on your own?”
“In college, I was quiet and shtu—studious. I found it hard to connect to others, at least in large groups. The few times I tried to be something besides a wallflower, I felt awkward.”
Jape wore a trace of confusion. “I’m still not getting a lot of your words, but I think you’re saying you were lonely.”
“Exactly.” Velia snuggled against him, enjoying his warmth. His arm holding her against his yummy body. His seeming attitude change toward her. “Tonight, it’s like coming out of hibernation. I feel alive.”
“And no regrets?” A thread of pensiveness wove through Jape’s tone. “About anything that happened this evening?”
Velia grinned at him. “Not one damned thing.”
* * *
The next morning, despite his best efforts, Jape couldn’t stop himself from fluttering around Velia like an insect would a flower. It wasn’t because she was cooking again, either, though he used that as an excuse.
“If you’re making something as tasty as that lasagna, I want to be able to replicate it,” he said.
“Oh? What can you give me in exchange for my culinary secrets?” Her eyes narrowed in mock challenge. “Maybe the recipe for Snim’s ale?”
He scrunched up his face. “You are not brewing that swill in my home.” He gagged to elaborate on his reasons why.
She laughed, still bright and happy after her night out. “Don’t you think I’m nicer to be with when I’m snockered off my ass? Then again, I didn’t hear any complaints before I drank so much.” She wiggled her eyebrows in what he took to be a suggestive manner.
Guilt stole the fun from the moment. Jape changed the subject. “What Earthling delicacy are you surprising me with today?”
“Actually, I’m trying my hand at a Risnarish dish Retav taught me yesterday. It’s called aluret.”
“Ah, that’s a favorite of mine. It’s easy and basic, but everyone has their own twist when it comes to spices.”
“No doubt you’ve concocted your own version, great cook that you are. I wonder how yours compares to Retav’s. Maybe we should cook both and judge.”
Jape liked the sound of that. Minutes later, the salty smell of crackled hiser hide filled the dome. Eager to make breakfast extra special, he also put together a spiced and boiled grain, along with some baked fruit.
As they worked side by side, Velia brushed up against him in ways that seemed accidental, but it happened too often to be so. It hurt his hearts.
He’d handled her poorly. Since taking her to Risnar against her will, he’d been unkind. From that crime to how they’d had sex—he’d shown her nothing but contempt.
He thought of what Farem had said to him the night before, the muttered snarl as the other warrior left in protest of Velia’s presence at the erowats. “Why isn’t that treacherous animal caged?”
It was unfair that she’d been judged a lower creature before Farem had spoken to her—and it was the very attitude Jape had clung to, even after spending time with Velia.
All-Spirit forgive me, I haven’t given her a chance, even when I’ve known an Earthling as honorable as Anneliese. I have disrespected her at every turn.
Especially in his bed.
Jape cringed inwardly thinking of the wild sex they’d had, though it had been incredible. Velia had been incredible. He’d never had anyone so thrilling. She’d been as much into it as he had, as passionate and eager and engaged.
That had not been Jape’s experience in the past. Sure, the Risnarish women said they enjoyed sex, and they gave every indication that they found it pleasing. But mere gratification versus Velia’s abandoned delight? There was no comparison.
And it had been wrong. Not on Velia’s part, but on Jape’s. He’d behaved toward her as if she were a lowly creature, no better than the hiser they cooked. Someone—something—to use for his pleasure.
While there was none of the deep trust Velia lauded in his encounters with Risnarish women, Jape had at least respected them. He’d accorded them the esteem they deserved with the rituals that pleased them, that made it worth their while to temporarily abandon single-minded pursuit of spiritual perfection. He’d given, as was proper. With Velia, he’d mostly received.
No, it’s worse than that. Last night, I took. I took and gave back little of value.
All because he was not happy with the Earthling involvement with the hated Monsuda. A possible alliance that had gotten his warriors, his friends, killed. He’d judged Velia guilty despite her protestations that she knew nothing about the Monsuda themselves. He’d convicted her without proof to the contrary.
Was it too late to start over?
Perhaps. But the way Velia treated him now offered Jape hope that he could win the chance to do things right. Especially where sex was concerned. As ready and willing to skip all the expected preliminaries as she’d been, she warranted better.
If I get another opportunity, I will explore her properly. I will discover all the places that arouse her, prove to her that I’m not an animal desiring only to rut. I will show her respect.
That meant demonstrating that her welfare was on his mind. In his most solicitous voice, Jape asked, “Forgive me for not asking how you are this morning?”
“Do you mean after drinking all that brew?” Velia laughed. “We got off lucky, Stripes. I can’t believe I didn’t end up drunker than I was. I’m not a big partier. I’m glad to not be feeling aftereffects from indulging.”
Her comfort, her happiness, those come first. “What aftereffects did you expect?”
“Blinding headache, sick stomach—you don’t suffer from those after you’ve drunk too much?”
“It sounds as if you refer to being poisoned.” Jape frowned. “Our brew is not toxic.”
“You know, poisoned is probably not a bad way to describe a hangover.” Velia chuckled. “Now I really want to learn how to make Risnarish ale. All the happy giddiness, none of the hurt?”
Jape was silent for a few seconds as he tried to figure out how to continue the friendly conversation. At a loss, he settled for the obvious. “You seemed to enjoy the erawots.”
“I did. Thank you for taking me.” She gave him another of those transforming smiles, an expression that enhanced her beauty and left him feeling guiltier tha
n ever.
Ah, hell. Get it out in the open so you can move past it. “I was wondering—I feel I must have disappointed you with sex. I would like to apologize for enjoying your body in the manner I did.”
Velia stared at him in surprise. Then her giggle tickled his ears. “That’s the one area we’ve done well together. You keep right on enjoying me that way, Stripes. You’re doing just fine.”
Jape had never seen a woman look lascivious as Velia did when she discussed sex. It set his groin throbbing. And confused him to no end. It was as if she did not realize he had been unforgivably selfish. And she offered him more?
“I can do better. I will, if you’ll let me,” he vowed.
Velia licked her lips. “I don’t suppose you can take the day off work to illustrate what better feels like? Do tough warriors get sick days?”
His crotch pulsed harder than before as she looked him up and down. Was she really so willing? Barely able to catch his breath, Jape said, “I will show you tonight. You will be treated properly.”
Velia’s naughty grin made his head reel. Her cooker beeped for her attention and she turned away. As she did, she spoke in a low tone, as if to herself, though Jape’s translator picked it up. “Not too properly, I hope.”
Chapter Fourteen
Velia counted it as a victory when Jape left for work, completely flustered. She understood Risnarish women were reserved, but she’d not expected him to become so disconcerted with her frank appreciation of their erotic activities.
He’s big. He’s bad. But he’s also kind of cute when he’s trying to figure out the modern American woman.
She was still grinning when Arga and Retav arrived. They offered her the hand-to-hearts salute and wished her a good morning.
“Wonderful to see you. Come on in. Arga, you missed Jape by several minutes, I’m afraid.”
“He’s gone already? He left you alone?”
Velia was tempted to tell him that his boss had run like the devil was chasing him. No, just a chick who appreciates what he’s packing. She fought off a laugh. “Where am I going to go?”
“Back to Earth?”
Velia ignored the tug of her conscience, which said she should be focused on that very thing. “Yeah, as if I could get to the portal and use it without someone stopping me.”
“Ah, so you’ve considered it,” Arga teased.
“Since you’re onto me, I’ll share my diabolical scheme. First, I swipe a dartwing. Then I—”
“—break your neck trying to learn to fly it. That’s assuming you don’t become distracted by taking it apart to discover how it works,” Retav finished for her. His eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Retav told me he had to stop you from disassembling the kitchen appliances yesterday.” Arga snickered. “I’m still surprised Jape took off so early.”
“He said something about coming home earlier than usual.”
“It’s an indication that some trust has been gained between you two. Well done, Velia.” Retav waved off Arga’s concern and changed the subject. “Did you try my aluret recipe? It doesn’t smell quite right.”
“We had a contest. Your aluret and Jape’s. I hope it doesn’t hurt your feelings that we couldn’t decide a clear winner. There’s some left if you care to compare.”
Retav bustled toward the kitchen with anticipation.
Arga stared at Velia as they followed him. “Was everything okay with Jape last night?”
It was Velia’s turn to become flustered as she thought how “okay” the situation had turned. “We went to the erawots. I had fun.”
“And won new friends, no doubt.” Retav handed Arga a plate of the dueling aluret recipes.
“A few didn’t want to be my besties, but most were pleasant.”
Arga scowled. “There is an anti-Earthling sentiment taking hold of this village. I’m reporting Ehar to the Assembly.”
“She’s not making others view Earthlings in such a dim fashion. That’s their decision,” Retav said, warning driving the creases deeper into his aged face.
“As head elder, she sets the tone. What she’s saying is inflammatory. And that other matter—”
“Jape needs to make that decision. He will, if you keep reminding him of his better judgment.”
Velia wasn’t sure what they were discussing. It sounded like a conversation they’d been having for some time.
It didn’t matter. Not after the night before. Jape’s attitude was changing toward her. She was positive of that. His understanding that Earthlings were more valuable as friends than enemies couldn’t be long in coming. The notion made her speak up for him. “Jape will do the right thing in the end. For Risnar and me.”
Arga’s anxious expression eased. “You Earthlings do know how to charm a man.”
Velia’s face went hot. Arga didn’t suspect the kind of charming she’d been doing, did he? “His pursuit for justice for his men is commendable, however awkwardly he goes about it.”
“He’s a man searching more for redemption than justice. He’s got them confused,” Retav said.
“What greater redemption than to work out a peace between my leaders and yours?” Velia spoke with confidence to rally Arga. “Which I can begin if he’d let me see the Yitrow lab and the victims stored there. Just a peek to affirm I’ve seen it for myself, a firsthand eyewitness account for General Thomas.”
His expression said he held little expectations that he would be the one to convince his boss of any such thing. Still, he said, “Okay, okay, you two. I’ll keep talking to him.”
* * *
The morning passed pleasantly for Velia. She delighted in Retav’s company, in his warmth, in his wisdom. She wasn’t in the habit of sharing much of her background with others, but she hinted at the rigidity of her childhood under the stern rule of her father.
Even as she brooded over the lack of familial closeness, she knew she was comparing Retav’s easygoing kindness to the parent she’d grown up with. Guilt poked her for being disloyal to Lieutenant Colonel Farrah, who’d raised her to the best of his ability. It wasn’t fair to judge him based on another culture’s norms, especially those of an entirely different planet.
Midway through the day, as they were putting lunch dishes away, there was a summons at the door. “Who would stop by while Jape is at work?” Velia wondered. It was ridiculous, but her first thought was of the men who’d left the erawots in protest of her.
“Good question. I’ll go with you to find out.” Retav led the way.
The door opened to reveal a dark green woman on the doorstep. Darker stripes of emerald lent her a shadowed jungle aspect, from which the typical Risnarish silver eyes glinted. Velia stared in wonder at the stunning woman.
“Dr. Trez,” Retav greeted her with familiarity. “May you know peace all your days. Don’t tell me you’ve come to track me down for another medical checkup?”
“It is time.” The beauty flicked a glance at Velia and accorded her a nod. “Good day, Earthling.”
“Hello.” Behind Trez, Velia spied a boxy craft floating a few inches off the ground. Compared to the sleek dartwing, the vessel showed no grace or beauty.
Trez focused her attention on Retav. “May I escort you to the medical dome?”
His shoulders sagged. “I suppose.”
His lack of enthusiasm stirred protective feelings in Velia. “Should I go with you? If you want company—”
He squeezed her hand. “Thank you, but there is no need. In fact, it would be injurious to my dignity to have you witness me being evaluated by doctors and technicians.” In a low voice, obviously to keep Trez out of the conversation, he added, “They ask the most personal details of every bodily function.”
“Poor you. It can’t be easy after the Monsuda poked and prodded you for two years.”
“Well, it’s not
the nightmare of that, nowhere close. It’s just humiliating to admit I’m a mere mortal like everyone else. One who has the health of a man thirty years my senior, thanks to what was done to me.”
Velia followed him to the vessel outside. A couple of attendants, a male and a second female, put their hands to their chests at Retav’s approach.
Velia peered at the couch and table in the open cabin. A tray of food and drink had been set out. “At least you can ride in comfort. Will you be long?”
“No more than an hour, I suppose. For Jape’s sake, I hope you won’t take apart his belongings with me not here to stop you?”
Velia pretended to pout. “Fine. I’ll have the system show me schematics instead of experiencing the lovely thrill of hands-on exploration.” She darted a glance at the silent and waiting Trez and attendants. The male returned her curious gaze. Trez and the other woman showed no emotion whatsoever.
“You will be all right?”
Retav drew himself up. “Don’t let my bad humor over having an exam worry you. These little inconveniences are only a trifle. After all, I’m no longer in the Monsudan hives, for which I give thanks each day.”
Velia waved to him as he was chauffeured away, the medical transport drifting sedately among the housing domes toward the huge temple that towered over Cas.
The day was beautiful, and she entertained the idea of doing a little exploring. Jape hadn’t said she couldn’t. However, their relationship had entered a period of consideration for each other, even friendliness.
And hot sex. Don’t forget that.
As if she could. Velia thought it best not to put their unfolding rapport to the test. She’d ask Jape to give her a guided tour later.
Step by step. Build the trust that will help us both.
With a twinge of regret, Velia went into Jape’s home. She stopped with renewed appreciation faced with his carved post—really, the man was ridiculously talented—and wondered what to do with herself until Retav came back from his doctor’s appointment.
Build those bridges. Get Stripes to smile the way that turns my insides to jelly. She would cook Jape something special. It was the one thing—besides fucking—guaranteed to make him happy in her presence.
Worlds Collide Page 13
