by K. D. Jones
“Goodnight,” he returned as he got up and walked out of the bar. What was that about? She had to be feeling the same pull of attraction as he did.
Emily walked up to Henry to fill the next order of drinks. “Sweetheart, that was quite a show you put on there for the captain. Are you sure it’s not something more serious going on between the two of you?” he questioned.
“No, not that I would mind,” she returned with her cheeks flaring red. “It’s just a business deal that was made without my knowing.”
“Sugar, you must be blind as a bat if you can’t see it,” Talia said as she took out a tray of drinks.
“Come on, you all know how it was with Jeremy. I just can’t get serious again right now with anyone,” Emily stated.
“Well just take it easy on the captain, and don’t treat him like it’s his fault that Jeremy was such an ass,” Bethany said as went to go collect a tip.
“Really need those drinks for table three, Henry,” Emily said smiling.
The rest of Emily’s shift went by quickly. Most of the time, she was thinking over what everyone told her about Zor. Should she think about getting serious with him? He was a lot nicer to her than Jeremy. Then again, so was Jeremy when they first met. Should she trust Zor? He sure as hell was attractive enough. What should she do?
She finished her shift and went back up to Zor’s quarters. He looked like he had barely slept. “Where’s all my stuff?” she questioned, realizing that her suitcase was on the floor and completely empty.
“It’s all put up for you in the dresser by your side of the bed.”
She blushed, realizing he must have seen her underwear and bras. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It was no problem, really. I found it interesting. The red, lacy panty set particularly caught my attention.” He looked her up and down, making her blush even more.
“Thank you, Zor, that’s really considerate.” She shivered from his perusal of her. She turned away. She needed to show him her appreciation somehow. She grabbed all of the money she had brought home and held it out to him.
“What’s this for?” he questioned.
“You’ve been feeding me and housing me, it’s the least I can do,” she returned.
“I don’t do it because I want your money, Emily, just keep it. I like your company and you help clean up the place if you want. I’m a terrible slob,” he answered smiling. “I’ve got to attend to some ship’s business. I'll be back later,” he added as he left the room.
That beautiful woman had kept him up all night again and she wasn’t even there. What the hell was it about her that made him sleepless? She was beautiful, her lips were soft and tempting, and her body was beautiful. She was perfect. Even though there were plenty of other women that were just as beautiful, there was just something about her that had him tied up in knots.
No matter what he did he couldn’t get her little show off his mind. Was it genuine or just an act? He knew he taught her how to do that, but something about the look in her eyes had been different. Was it real or could she make her eyes glisten like that on cue for anyone? Did she really mean to let her lips touch his or was it just an accident? He needed some freaking coffee before his mind exploded.
*****
Emily laid in bed thinking about how her lips felt against Zor's skin. The explosion of fireworks she felt when her lips touched his. She hadn’t meant to take it that far, but she didn’t regret it. She liked seeing his response to her. Could there really be something between them? Could she trust him enough to let there be? What if he just broke her heart like Jeremy?
This had to be the most confusing thing she had ever done. Zor filled her with a desire she had never experienced before and a confusion she never wanted to have. She knew so little about him, but she felt as if she knew him better than she knew herself. She had to shake this feeling. She couldn’t tell him how she felt, and she couldn’t let anything else like what happened at the bar happen again. It was going to be hard but she had to do it to protect herself, at least until she knew him better. It was easier said than done because all she wanted was to be wrapped in his arms.
Chapter Seven
Emily and Zor got into a routine over the next week. Each one took turns getting ready in the bathroom. Since Emily usually worked at night, they would share a late lunch or an early dinner each day. Zor would come by as he had before right at the end of her shift and walk her back to the quarters they shared. They slept in the same bed together every night but didn't do anything but occasionally roll into each other as they slept. It was almost like they were already a couple—without the hot, amazing sex.
The only time they disagreed on anything was when it came to Jeremy. Zor wanted her to press charges, but Emily didn’t want to do that. She just wanted Jeremy to stay in the brig for a while as punishment and then hoped he would request to leave the ship once he was released. She was ready to move on from him and did not want to spend any more effort on him. Zor didn’t understand her decision.
“You would have him walk away without punishment for what he did to you?”
“He’s not worth my time, Zor.”
“Do you still have feelings for him?”
“Of course not. How could you ask such a thing?”
They fought about it before Emily had to go to work. Zor came by the bar later and apologized. She apologized as well. She made sure to avoid talking about Jeremy after that.
Each day she grew closer to Zor and loved getting to know more about him. Zor grew up a loner. He didn’t have any family and had to take odd jobs on ships to make a living. He understood her need for independence. He made enough money to buy his first ship and started a transportation/acquisitions business. He went place to place, never really calling any one place a home.
*****
“How many galaxies have you been to?” she asked one night as they were lying in bed.
“Hundreds maybe. They start to all look the same after a while.”
“I’ve only ever been on Terra until now.”
“Maybe at the next outpost I can take you out to look at the sights.”
She turned on her side with barely contained excitement. “Really? You are so busy with ship’s business and all. Plus the bar is always busy when we hit an outpost. Henry might not be able to spare me.”
He reached a hand out to lightly trace the side of her soft, pale cheek. She immediately blushed. “I’m never too busy for you. I’ll talk to Henry and get your shift covered. You deserve a break from the constant work.” He wanted to do something extra special after their fight about Jeremy.
Her eyes shined with unshed tears. “Okay then. I would love to.”
“It’s a date,” he said firmly. He didn’t want to give her an out. She may be hesitant about him, but he was going to take every opportunity to prove to her that he was the man for her. Even if it meant he had to seduce her, he was not above using every means to get what he wanted, and he wanted her more than anything else.
She smiled and it lit up her whole face. “It’s a date.”
*****
Emily was looking forward to the next day. They would arrive at the next outpost and she and Zor would have their first date. She smiled all the time now. She had never had that much to smile about before. She just couldn’t help herself.
As she was making her way down the corridor to the bar for her shift, she wasn’t looking where she was going and bumped into someone.
“Sorry,” she said automatically.
“You should be,” an angry male’s voice drew her attention. She looked up into Jeremy’s angry blue eyes. His hair was messy and his clothes were wrinkled. He looked as pale as a ghost. How did she ever find him attractive? He was nothing like Zor.
She tried to step around him but he blocked her. “You don’t have time for your boyfriend anymore?”
“You’re not my boyfriend. You gambled me away, remember?” she snapped back at him.
“
You’re a whore for the alien scum now, huh?”
“He’s the captain of this ship. He’s more man than you will ever be. He would never treat me the way you did.”
He snorted as he moved past her. “Give him time. Once he has enough of you, he’ll throw you out and then you’ll be begging for me to take you back.”
“Not in a million years.” She stormed away. She really hated him. They should have kept him locked up in the holding cell. Since no one had witnessed what he did to her, and she refused to face him to press charges, he was let go after a few days. She cleared her mind and focused on her job.
*****
Zor stared at the monitor for a really long time not really seeing it. He was too preoccupied thinking about where he wanted to take Emily tomorrow. Not only was it their first date, but it was his first date ever.
He had never dated anyone before now. He would normally meet a woman, have sex with her, then move on or she would move on. Emily was the first woman he had ever been serious about and he wanted to convince her to agree to be his and his only, not a roommate, which somehow she had now become. He wanted a whole hell of a lot more from her than just friendship. He shifted in his seat as he recalled how they had woken up that morning.
*****
She was curled against his side, her legs were tangled with his and she was rubbing against his hardened cock while she was asleep. He shifted her a little so he could give them some space, but she wiggled herself against him again.
He couldn’t go back to sleep after that. He leaned forward and took a deep whiff of her fragrance, which was a mixture of the Lilac soap she bathed with and her own unique honey scent. It was intoxicating. It took all his effort to leave the bed and to find relief in the shower, which was getting to be a common occurrence.
He removed all his clothes in the shower and turned it on lukewarm water. He washed his hair and then used his own cedar soap to rub suds over his shoulders, arms, and chest. He kept going further down until he reached his extended member. His sudsy hand gripped himself firmly and began to stroke.
He closed his eyes picturing Emily naked. He had seen glimpses of her but he wanted to see all of her without clothing hindering his view. Her pale skin would be soft and smooth. His rough hands would cause goose bumps to appear and that appealing blush on her cheeks would spread all over.
Her nipples would tighten simply by having his eyes on them. He licked his lips in anticipation of tasting the tempting tips. He would bend down and suckle one tiny, pink bud into his warm mouth. His hands would massage her plentiful mounds. She would moan his name with the need building inside of her.
His own desire would flame up and he knew he wouldn’t wait any longer. He would lift her up into his arms. She would hold onto his shoulders and wrap her legs around his waist. It would put her in the right exact position. He would thrust forward into her welcoming heat.
Semen started to shoot out of him and all over his hand as he finished milking himself. Damn, he needed to get inside her badly.
*****
Zor straightened up from his daydreams and focused on what he was supposed to be doing. The outpost they were going to was a stopping point for many of the human ships that had left Terra weeks ago. It was a security nightmare. He had to keep his crew and passengers away from the human ships.
Normally humans and aliens did not mix company. There were prejudices on both sides. Humans preferred humans and aliens preferred aliens. Things would have to change once the Triad Galaxy was destroyed by the exploding Sun. That would happen in just another week or two.
Already people were booking space to watch the event unfold. It was expected to be quite a sight. He had one very well off customer who wanted to book the entire ship for himself and his rowdy friends. Zor wasn’t one to turn down money, but he couldn’t kick off the passengers he already had.
One of his crewmembers interrupted his thoughts. “Captain?”
“Yes, Curly.”
“I thought you should know the human male has been seen loitering outside the bar.”
Zor stood so fast his chair fell backwards onto the floor. “Is he there now?”
“Not sure, sir.”
Zor walked quickly out of the room. He had to get to the bar and make sure that Emily was okay. He ignored the smirks on his crew’s faces. They all knew that he lived with Emily and couldn't understand why he had not claimed her as his yet. The aliens would be able to scent his mark on her. It happened when one of his species mated, they would release a special chemical with their seed. Most alien species, except humans, could release their chemical bonding at will. He hadn’t done it yet because he wanted to make sure Emily understood what it would mean when he did.
*****
“Another round of beers for table four,” Emily called out as she plopped her tray on top of the bar. Henry gave her a wink as he went to grab the beer.
“Are you okay?” Zor startled her from behind.
“Dammit, Zor! Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
“Are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”
Zor looked around the bar but didn't see any sign of Jeremy. He turned to Henry when he brought Emily the beer for her table.
“He hasn’t been in here?”
Henry knew immediately who Captain Zor was asking about. He shook his head. “No, Captain. I haven’t seen him at all.”
“Seen who? Who are you talking about?” Emily demanded with frustration as she placed the beer on her tray.
“The human male. I was told he was hanging outside of the bar. I was worried he would bother you.”
Emily’s frown turned into a wide sexy grin. “You were worried about me?”
It was Zor’s turn to frown. “I always worry about you.”
She set the tray back down and stood on her tiptoes. She kissed him on his lips. Just a quick peck but they both could feel the heat zing through their bodies from the contact.
“I’m fine. Thanks for checking up on me.”
“He hasn’t bothered you?”
She bit her bottom lip. Should she tell him that she ran into Jeremy earlier? It was nothing and she handled the situation. All her telling him would do was cause more trouble. She just wanted to move on with her life without Jeremy. She wanted to move on with Zor.
She shook her head. “Haven’t seen him in a while.”
Zor looked relieved. “Good.”
“So…a beer?” she asked changing the subject.
“Make it two.”
Chapter Eight
The Outpost on the outer rim of the Triad Galaxy was located on a planet known for its lush jungles and bright, blue water. The business district part of the Outpost was segregated. One side catered to its human clientele, while the other side catered more toward the other aliens.
“This is incredible,” Emily exclaimed as she walked beside Zor on one of many walkways that ran through the very center of the business part.
“I wanted to bring you here first to do some shopping before we head to our main destination. I hear that human females like to shop.”
Emily laughed reaching out for his hand. “I do like to shop but haven’t had the money or the time to do so.”
“Take all the time you need to look around. Buy anything you want, it is on me.”
“Oh no. I have my money saved up that I was going to use to move out from Jeremy. I can pay for things myself.”
He brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss to the center of her palm. “Spend your money freely with no worries. I will give you aid if you need it.” Besides, the more money she spent, the less she would have to help her move out. He wanted her with him always.
Emily couldn’t believe her luck. Not only was she with the sweetest, sexiest male alien alive, but he was patiently letting her browse through the shops and offering to pay for whatever she wanted without complaint. It was what every woman was looking for in a boyfriend.
“What abo
ut that little shop over there?” She pointed to a shop with purses in the window.
Zor frowned. It was on the human side. He didn’t want to disappoint her already. “Okay.” He escorted her over to the human side.
They entered the shop and the other customers stopped what they were doing immediately and stared at them, mostly at Zor. Emily noticed everyone looking at Zor and she felt some of their stares directed her way as well. It wasn’t a pleasant experience at all.
“Why are they staring at us?” she whispered in his ear.
“This is the human side of the outpost business district.”
“So?”
“I’m not human.”
It took her a moment to understand what he was saying. Then she became angry, very angry. She slammed the purse she had picked up back on the display shelf and walked toward the door.
“I thought you liked that purse thing you were looking at. You’re not going to get it?”
“I don’t want it if I have to buy it from stupid, idiotic, bigoted assholes,” she said it loud enough for everyone in the store and on the sidewalks to hear.
“It’s okay,” Zor reassured her.
“No it’s not.” She stopped walking and looked up into his beautiful, pale eyes. His white hair was spiking up more today than usual. He was a beautiful being. “I don’t want to shop. All I want is to be alone with you—just the two of us.”
Zor kissed her quickly on the cheek. He loved that she was so protective over him and that she didn't view them as different species, but as one. He was honored to call such a female his.
“What was that for?” she asked curiously.
“You’re damn cute. I love it when you get fired up. Your eyes sparkle and you breathe heavier.” He looked down at her chest. “I especially like the heavy breathing part.”
She laughed and it broke some of the tension she had felt. “You’re impossible.”
He held her hand and led her down the walkway toward a transportation rental station on the alien side. The transportation device was similar to a four-wheeler. He placed safety headgear on her and himself then took position in the front.
