Page 172 of Alien Haven

Tears flowed hot down Charity’s cheeks. She couldn’t speak.

They didn’t separate until a soft knock sounded on the door. As they both hurriedly wiped their cheeks, Diju called, “No, Ilid. You’ll have to wait.”

The door opened anyway. It was Imdiko Jadel who spoke. “I bring wine.”

“You wonderful man,” Diju beamed. “It’s all right, come in.”

“It looks as if I made the correct call.” He took in the evidence of the emotional moment they’d had. “A few snacks too, since Ilid tells me dinner isn’t for a couple hours yet.”

Charity experienced a rush of affection for him as he set a tray on the small table between two chairs by the room’s sole window. She felt it for all of Clan Codab. Perhaps their regard for her had initially been because they’d merely seen her as a potential lifeline for the struggling Ilid, but they were wonderful people. They treated her with respect she thought she had yet to earn. As they’d gotten better acquainted, she’d sensed growing approval and a welcome to their inner circle. She recognized it for the generous gift it was.

I could fall in love with the whole bunch of them.

“Anything else?” Jadel asked them as he readied to leave them.

“Keep Ilid out. This is woman time,” Diju insisted. “Wait. Have Detodev and Mitag meet here before they go to dinner and the show. If Nobek Detodev feels underdressed—”

“Mitag got him to buy a new shirt,” Charity interrupted.

“Good. Still, he might be concerned. Don’t make a big deal of it, Jadel; I don’t want Detodev embarrassed, but see if he’ll wear Gruthep’s nice trousers. I think they’re close to the same size. I’m so glad I packed a few good outfits for everyone.”

“Got it. Enjoy yourselves, Mataras.”

The women enjoyed themselves indeed. The wine helped, but as was the case with Sara, Charity wallowed in the delight of the presence of an older woman who’d become like family. They drank wine, fussed over Charity’s hair, and experimented with a few makeup techniques. Mostly, they talked and talked and talked.

Following some hesitation and no doubt too many glasses of wine, Charity shared her true identity. She decided she owed it to the woman whose son might be endangered by her situation.She included the tales Detodev and Mitag had shared of their pasts as well.

“I’m truly thankful the four of you found each other,” Diju commented softly after listening in amazement. “You need them, and they’ve certainly benefitted from you. Now don’t cry! We’ve just gotten your eye makeup perfect. I’m sure Ilid and Detodev have your safety well in hand, but perhaps Gruthep can stay behind another month to assist when the rest of us return to Kalquor. You shouldn’t have to give up the hopes you’ve won due to those Earthtiques. Groteg can’t fault my Nobek’s skills on that score.”

“It isn’t only up to him,” Charity sighed. “The spy division of the fleet is involved. It’s them pushing the matter of me leaving Haven.”

Diju’s eyes narrowed. A calculating smile pulled at her lips. “We can put a few obstacles in their way. Let’s plan on you returning here to spend the night following the show. Sleeping under the same roof as Ilid’s parents will put a damper on romance, but it’ll also make it harder for your wardens to whisk you off in the morning. I’ll talk to my clan and see what they say while you youngsters are out.”

Charity gazed at her admiringly. “I hope your faith in me for Ilid isn’t misplaced. We’re still deciding whether we’d be a good match.”

“I already know,” Diju said, waving her hand breezily. “The name of the game now is giving you and my son the opportunity to realize it yourselves.”

* * * *

“Wow.” Charity grinned at Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag in appreciation. “You guys are impressive. The residents of Sunrise are hereby served notice they have to up their standards where the rest of their men are concerned.”

Mitag in his new outfit was devastatingly stunning. The teal of his jacket and trousers lent a glowing hue to his dark bronze skin. The cut set his gorgeously toned physique to perfection.

Ilid wasn’t as dressy, but there was no denying he was made to break hearts. Sleek black hair framed his handsome face and spilled on his shoulders. Charity ached to bury her fingers and comb through the thick tresses. His shirt, open halfway down his defined chest, was a brilliant blue and left nothing to the imagination where his muscled arms and torso were concerned. His black pants did the same for his thighs. Charity had a hard time restraining herself in front of his parents. She was tempted to ask him to turn so she could see how well the trousers molded to his ass.

Detodev wore the simple but tasteful white shirt Mitag had coaxed him to buy, which showed his muscled upper body to advantage. Whether he’d owned his own creased chocolate brown trousers or borrowed them from Gruthep, he failed to look underdressed next to Ilid. It was his expression, however, which defined his attractiveness. He didn’t exude delight, but there was definite warmth in place of the reserve he typically wore as a second skin. He’d turn the heads of women who had no interest in the dangerous type.

“Gruthep, I might need to borrow a blaster to fend my rivals off tonight.” Charity glanced at the elder Nobek eyeing his son and friends proudly. Maybe he’d indeed had a hand in prepping the younger men.

“Look who’s talking.” Ilid’s expression was frankly admiring, as were Detodev’s and Mitag’s. “Forget Sunrise. None of the women on Haven can compare to you.”

Charity played overly modest as she twitched the ruffled skirt of her dress, which nearly matched Ilid’s for its deep blue. “Oh, me in this old rag? You’re too kind, Dramok.”

“Kind, nothing,” Mitag asserted. His face shone. She didn’t ask if it was from the success of the wedding reception, which had gone off without a hitch, or admiration for her. “You’re beautiful.”

“You are, Starry Eyes.” Detodev’s voice was quiet, but there was real appreciation in it. His reaction, more than the rest, caused her cheeks to warm.

Dramok Codab tapped the handheld Ilid wore on his belt. “There’s a little extra in your account for dinner, drinks, and whatever else comes your way tonight.”

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