Page 23 of Star Mates

“As I said, let her get settled.”

“Um, I’m right here,” Emmarie said, glancing back and forth between them. “Please. Don’t argue.”

Leona smiled at her. “Oh, we’re not arguing, honey. Are we, Pell?”

“Not at all,” he muttered.

“The piano player’s name is Harpo,” Leona told her, patting her hand. “Why don’t you coordinate songs you’re both familiar with? There are many songs that were brought here with our Elders when they were taken from Earth.”

Emmarie recognized a dismissal when she heard one. With one last look at Pell Raiden, she turned and exited out of the small office, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

****

“What are you doing, Pell?” Leona demanded.

“Don’t thrust your disagreement with Pikon toward me,” he said.

“I saw how you looked at her.”

“So? She’s beautiful and I like her.”

She cocked her head. “Really? That’s all you have to say?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “You’re always telling me to lighten up.”

“She’s going to have a helluva time adapting to this life. She doesn’t need you pressuring her into something she might regret.”

“I hear what you’re saying. But I don’t know if I can honor that.”

She crossed her arms and studied him.

“All right,” she finally said. “But courtship first.”

“Courtship?”

“It’s a sign of respect. For her. She’s innocent, Pell, I can see it in her eyes, and I don’t want her hurt.”

“I’m not going to hurt her,” he replied.

“Men always hurt women, whether intentional or not.”

He shook his head. “I already said not to lump me into your disagreement with Pike. Emmarie is a big girl. She doesn’t need-”

“You,” Leona said harshly. “Now get out of here and let me help her.”

He glared at her for a moment longer before storming away.

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