Page 66 of Sublime Target

Deep down, Clarissa already knew the answer to her question.

His expression softened, along with his tone. “You were dragged into my business. I didn’t want you to suffer any adverse consequences, especially at the hands of that man.”

“You made me quit my job.”

“Is that necessarily a bad thing?”

Clarissa thought for a moment. Of course it isn’t. She knew Garner had been taking advantage of her, but she’d also been complicit—she’d done her job so well she’d become invaluable.

Anything he asked her, she would find a way to do it. To the point where the demands became more and more ridiculous.

“Most of us on Earth don’t have the luxury of being able to point a plasma gun to someone’s head and demand whatever. I have a mortgage.” Clarissa shrugged. “My world is different to yours. I do what I need to do to survive.”

The thought of being truly on her own—without the security of a job and the certainty of being able to pay the bills—both terrified and excited her.

And although the sudden and very intentional appearance of this man—this alien—in her life was completely and utterly insane, she wondered if there was a place for him.

Because she was attracted to him. She couldn’t deny it. He had power, and he knew how to wield it. He was larger-than-life and forceful and dangerous but also roguishly charming—and when it came to her, he was terribly considerate.

“I can make it so you never have to worry about those trivial things ever again,” he said, his voice a low rumble. “I can make it so you want for nothing.”

There was something dark and seductive about his invitation. She tried to imagine herself as his mate.

Would he keep her under his terms? Isolated from Earth, locked away on some floating alien space station, pampered and given every material thing she’d ever desired, and even power, if she wished it.

And she would be his…

His what?

Warmth seeped between her thighs.

What would it be like… to be with him?

“I… I can’t accept that. There’s no way I could exist simply for the sake of existing. I’m not wired that way. I’d be miserable if I didn’t have anything to strive for.”

“I never said you would lead that kind of life with me… unless, of course, it were your wish. I won’t deceive you; as my mate, you will become a target for our enemies, but we are more than well-equipped to deal with any kind of threat. I won’t interfere with your decisions. If you choose to make a living using your skills and talents on Earth, I would do everything in my power to facilitate that. At the same time, your knowledge and experience would be invaluable to our organization.”

“You’re asking me to come over to the dark side, huh?” A day ago, she’d have thought the notion utterly mad. But with Jerik standing before her, his expression so beautifully earnest, she was sorely tempted.

All of him tempted her.

“What’s wrong with that?” He must’ve sensed her interest because he leaned in a little… and she swore she could feel the desire radiating off him.

He wasn’t bothering to hide it anymore.

Suddenly, she was drowning, and she couldn’t care less.

“You aren’t what I’d expected,” she murmured, leaning in as well, tilting her face upwards, allowing her lips to part.

The day was already gone, and her life would never be the same again.

She might as well just go for it…

“Sometimes, there are hidden benefits to be found in the unexpected,” he rumbled.

Then, he kissed her.

At first, he was gentle, and his lips were warm, and they tasted of cold and crispness and something faintly cinnamon-y. When she yielded and returned his kiss, he took charge: demanding, insistent.

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