Page 36 of Alien Protector's Mate

“Intimidation factor?” Jay suggested, eyebrow raised.

He nodded. “What if she rejects him? Rejects the emperor himself?”

It would be a complete and utter disaster.

Jay watched him, curiosity sparkling in the depths of his dark eyes. “So, what does that mean for the emperor’s matching?”

He stopped pacing, turning to face Jay. “It means you’ve given me something else to think about when we’re matching our couples. Thank you.”

Without thinking, he reached out and squeezed Jay’s shoulder. A spark of electricity arced between them. His breath caught in his throat as memories of their earlier kiss filled his mind. Jay’s eyes widened, darkening as his tongue darted outto wet his lips. It took everything S’aad had not to lean in and capture those lips with his own once more.

He snatched his hand away as he took a step back. Hurt and confusion flashed across Jay’s expression, and his heart ached like he’d taken a blow to his chest.

“I… I apologize,” he said stiffly, struggling to regain his composure. “That was inappropriate of me.”

Jay’s face fell, his shoulders slumping slightly. “S’aad, I?—”

“Could you get us some coffee from the front office?” S’aad interrupted, unable to bear hearing what Jay might say. “I think we could both use it after that visit from the emperor.”

Jay hesitated for a second, looking as though he wanted to say more. But then he nodded, his expression closing off. “Sure. I’ll be right back.”

The moment Jay left the office, S’aad slumped into his chair and buried his face in his hands. What the draanth was he doing? He allowed himself one moment of weakness, one last indulgence in the memory of that kiss. He could almost feel Jay’s lips against his own, could almost taste him…

The console in front of him pinged with an incoming message. He pushed the memories away and straightened in his chair, his jaw set with determination. He had work to do, challenges to face. He couldn’t afford to be distracted by these… feelings.

He tapped the console, bringing up the message. It was from Maax.

12

Jade brushed her fingers over her lips as she hurried toward reception. The way S’aad had kissed her, with his hard hand at the nape of her neck holding her still for him, played in an endless loop in her mind. Her skin tingled where he’d touched her, and she could still taste him on her tongue, feel where his stubble had scraped her softer skin.

It was intoxicating… overwhelming.

And utterly bloody terrifying.

Shaking her head, she tried to clear the fog of desire from her mind. She needed to focus. She was here to survive, not to fall for the first handsome alien she came across. Besides, falling for S’aad wouldn’t do her any good. He thought she was a boy, so there wasn’t a future for them anyway. Once he found out the truth… She bit her quivering lip. He’d hate her for lying to him. Or worse… he’d turn her over to the authorities.

Yeah, he’d probably turn her over to the authorities.

She walked into reception, scanning the area immediately for any potential threats. It was a habit beaten into her, quite literally, after years of being with the Morgans. Having Mr. Morgan sneak up on her more than once, she’d learned the hardway to always know who was in a room and where they were. But she saw no threats, not unless she counted the kind-faced lady sitting behind the desk, her grey hair neatly arranged and her eyes crinkling at the corners as she saw Jade and smiled.

“Excuse me.” She shoved her hands deep into her pockets, hunching her shoulders to make herself appear younger and more like a boy. “S’aad asked me to get some coffee. Could you point me in the right direction?”

“Of course, dear. We have a coffee station right over there for the staff and visitors. Is it for you or…”

She hesitated for a moment, years of knowing not to ask for anything for herself coming to the fore. But S’aadhadsaid to get coffee for both of them. “Both of us really… but I’m not sure how he likes it.”

“He likes it strong and black, dearie, with no sweeteners,” the woman replied, her eyes twinkling. “Says it keeps him sharp. I’m Mara, by the way. I’ve been the receptionist for the LMP since it started.”

“I’m Ja-Jay,” she replied, turning and spotting the coffee machine Mara had indicated. “It’s nice to meet you, Mara. And thanks for the help.”

Mara stood, coming around the desk. “Let me give you a hand, dearie. That machine’s as cranky as I am in the morning. It can be tricky if you’re not used to it. I’m sure it smells fear.”

She watched carefully as Mara navigated the complex-looking coffee machine, memorizing each step so she could do it again if S’aad sent her out for more. That was an assistant’s job. Right? Do the menial tasks and fetch the coffee. At least, it had been in all the old shows she’d watched. Along with photocopying, but she wasn’t quite sure what that was. It seemed to mostly entail standing in front of a big box and talking to other people.

Before too long, the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, reminding her of lazy Sunday mornings at the library before everything had gone to hell.

“Here we are,” Mara said as she handed Jade a steaming mug. “Now, be careful. It’s quite hot.”

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