Page 19 of The Bride Auction

“I should try to figure this out.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

Renick shrugged. “Is there anything more you can do with the papers now?”

“Huh?”

“If you were to find something, whatever it is you’re looking for in there, could you share the results with anyone, or has it passed a decent hour?”

“It is late,” he conceded.

“Come on then.” I walked into his office and hooked my arm in his. “Let’s not leave your mother waiting.”

After we said good night to his mother, Renick and I headed to the set of rooms his mother designated as our wing.

Last night, our first night together on Tenap, Renick and I fell asleep, holding each other in a giant bed larger than a king size. He looked so lost, like a child who didn’t know how to process his emotions. Instead of saying anything, I brushed his hair, and listened to him tell stories of the good times he shared growing up with his father and siblings. After a few stories, it became apparent he hadn’t spent anywhere near as much time with his family as I had with mine. Tonight would be different I vowed. I’d get him to talk to me, to open up.

My heart ached for the little boy hidden inside Renick who didn’t really know his father, as well as for the grown man who wished he knew his father. He broke down a few times, shoulder racking sobs - so unlike a human man where many were taught to never show their emotion. I found it a beautiful change that the Abrane allowed themselves to cry and openly mourn.

I used the pads of my fingers to wipe the tears off his cheeks since tissues weren’t something I’d seen on the planet so far. We’d eventually gone into the large bathroom together with a massive shower big enough to fit four or five people. Renick allowed me to wash his hair. Afterward, we stood under the water holding each other. We stayed there until the water grew cold, and our bodies were heavy from exhaustion.

After our shower, I threw on the same comfortable clothes I wore the night I met Renick, and he pulled on a loose pair of pants. We collapsed on the bed in each other’s arms.

Tonight though, the mood felt different. Renick and I walked hand in hand down the hall to our rooms. He opened the door, and allowed me to enter first.

Our bedroom lights automatically flickered on with our presence.

“Do they always do that?” I asked.

“Yes, but we can shut the feature off. This wing of the house is coded to your voice as well as mine. If you wish the lights to turn on or off at any given time, just say it and they’ll follow your commands.”

“Nice,” I said. “My family would be in awe over this technology.”

“Do you miss them?”

“Very much.”

“Tell me about them?”

“Another day.”

“Would you like to get ready for bed first?” Renick asked.

I nodded and disappeared into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and debated on taking a shower. I popped my head through the door. “Will we have time in the morning for a shower?” I asked.

Renick didn’t answer, and when I peeked at him he’d sat on the bed, staring at his hands. His military issued muscle shirt, pants, and boots were strewn on the floor haphazardly. In the short time I’d known Renick, I’d come to know this wasn’t usually like him.

I decided to leave him with his thoughts for a few more minutes while I finished getting ready. I came out of the bathroom and he still didn’t seem to notice my presence.

I waved my hands in front of his face. “Earth to Renick,” I said. “Or Tenap to Renick, I should say.”

“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

I sat next to him, pushing my backside on the bed and crossing my legs. “Want to talk about it?”

“Just memories,” he said.

“I’m here if you want to listen.”

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