Page 18 of His Brazen Bride

“Cool!” I say to the empty room, bringing the glass to my nose. Oh my god, it smells like seaweed and garlic mixed with Everclear. Shit, that’s strong.

Maybe some food would be a good idea.

But I don’t understand any of the symbols. I also don’t know how much this drink will cost me, or how I’ll pay for it. Shit.

I go to close the menus but hit something by mistake. Suddenly there’s a 3D image of four aliens in front of me,strokingone another. Seductively. And kissing…with mouths and other limbs, as best I can follow. Strange sounds, I assume pleasurable, echo around the room. One of the aliens raises a long tentacle and plunges it into another alien, who groans, as if enjoying it.

Just my luck, I’ve stumbled upon alien porn. I’m not easily shocked, but when three more tentacles drive into the same alien, I gasp.

“What thevrekare you watching?” a voice booms behind me, making me jump straight into the air.

Holy shit! I know that voice.

My cheeks heat as Ryz walks over and perches on the arm of the sofa.

“I don’t know. I didn’t mean to bring it up. It was an accident. I just wanted a drink!” The bastard is actually grinning as I scramble to explain. “Please turn it off. That will haunt my dreams forever.”

He makes one big swipe with his hand, and it disappears. Thank god. Then he eyes me.

“Why are you still up?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” I say. “I thought a drink might help. But apparently that comes with an alien orgy.”

He chuckles, then flicks his chin to the steaming shot next to me. “You don’t want to drink that.”

“Why not?”

“That’s from the lava planet of Candoss. It’s much too strong for you.”

Part of me wants to prove him wrong and wipe that smug look off his face, but I’m not stupid. “Fine. You want it?”

He brings the glass to his lips and slams it back like a pro. His eyelid only twitches for a second, the show-off.

He taps an image on the screen. “You’ll like this one. It’s sweet, but strong.”

Another drink emerges from the table. It looks like a neon sunset in violet, like the sky earlier. “What’s it called?”

A strange sound comes from his mouth. I try to repeat it, but can’t.

He says it again and I try once more. “Rojok.”

“Pfft, close enough.”

I sniff the liquid tentatively. It smells like a spicy Bahama Breeze. I take a sip and my entire mouth comes alive.

“This is dangerous,” I say, licking my lips.

“It’s perfectly safe. Ferg says you can metabolize most of our alcohols.”

“I mean, it’s dangerous because it tastes so good I’d have no problem downing five of them.”

He studies me as I drink, and my cheeks go hot again. “How about you?” I ask. “Why are you up?”

He taps the table with a long copper finger. “Lately it’s been difficult for me to sleep.”

“Well, you have a lot on your mind,” I say. “Protecting a planet. Keeping peace within a whole world. Maybe you need one of these, too.”

He smirks. “Unfortunately, Kraetians have a high tolerance for alcohol. I’d have to drink more than I should to feel anything.” He stands up. “Why don’t you come with me? I’ll show you the best part of the Palace. Bring your drink.”

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