Page 26 of Right on Time

Chloe shot him an even look.

His smile broadened.

Agh!This alien. He enjoyed teasing her. But she didn’t mind, because when he smiled like that… Her heart went pitter-patter.

Creeaak.

They both froze.

“Nitiel, what was–”

The sound came again, stronger this time.

Their gazes met. Understanding filled his eyes.

The bench broke in two. Underneath him.

“Nitiel!” She jumped off the bed and ran to him, lying in a tangle of limbs, wings, and towels as he was. “Are you alright?”

“Stay back, Loe!”

She stopped in her tracks, startled by his brisk tone. “God, are you hurt? Did the metal cut you?”

“No.” He pushed himself up onto four legs, using his wings as cover. “Do not come any closer.”

“Why not? If you’re afraid to admit you need help–”

“I don’t need help.”

“You’re angry at me because I was right about the bench?”

“I’m not angry at you!”

She raised her arms in defeat. “Then why are you all growly?”

He peaked at her from behind a wing in his kneeling position. “I’m not growly. I’m naked.”

Chloe gaped like a fish out of water. “Well… I can’t see anything–”

“Your towel is slipping!”

“Oh.” She clutched at the piece of cloth just as her areolas were beginning to play pick-a-boo with Nitiel. Not that he hadn’t already averted his gaze, the perfect gentleman.

“This is ridiculous,” Chloe muttered. “Where are our clothes?”

As if on cue, someone rang the doorbell. The beeping sound startled both Nitiel and her.

“Are you going to get that, or should I?” she asked.

“Not you,” he growled in outrage. “No male should see you like this.”

“Yeah?” Chloe raised a brow at him. “What if it’s Trixie? You can greet her, but not me, in wings only?”

“I–I won’t be in wings only.” Nitiel shuffled behind his wings and when he stood up, he had a piece of the bench with him. His front thus covered from neck to mid-thigh and his wings pulled back to hide his butt, he went to get the door.

Chloe followed his progress, a smile dancing on her lips. How had they ended up in this situation? It was like they were the victims of a hidden camera show; what was happening was that absurd. She couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much. Never with a guy, that was for sure. And she and Nitiel had simply talked and argued.

Chloe tapped a finger on her upper lip in thought. Should she go to the Commander uninvited first thing tomorrow? Or wait to see what fate had in store for her and Nitiel?

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