Page 11 of Testing the Kot'oll Officer

I nod, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah, the pretense is over. We don't have an audience here. Just you, me, and the empty glasses on the table."

Vatok's gaze returns to mine, and there's a vulnerability in his eyes that I haven't seen before. "Just us," he repeats, his voice a low rumble.

The silence that follows is different this time. It's no longer the comfortable quiet of two beings who don't know what to say. Instead, it's charged with the weight of unspoken thoughts and feelings that seem to dance just beneath the surface, threatening to break free at any moment.

I clear my throat. "I'm not sure whether others will be that easily convinced."

"That we are supposed to be mates?"

"Yes. I mean... things could have gone wrong."

"I can be in the bar more to make sure you'll be fine."

I blink at his quick suggestion, which seems to be fast coming from him.

He shrugs and adds. "But if you don't want that, I can understand too."

"You can always be in the bar regardless. And you don't get to think that you may distract me."

He chuckles and moves a hand to my chin, but he stops and awkwardly takes his hand to his belt, fixing the buckle. "I know you're good at your job."

The air between feels heavier than the last again. Vatok's hand hovers near his belt and the awkward moment passes as he regains his composure. I can't help but feel a twinge ofamusement at his discomfort; it's endearing to see this strong, stoic kot'oll caught off guard.

"I don't doubt your abilities. But I also don't want you to feel like you have to handle everything alone."

His words resonate with me, touching a part of my heart that I've kept guarded for so long. I've always prided myself on being independent, on not needing anyone. But the idea of having Vatok around, not just as a pretend mate but as a... companion, stirs something within me.

I offer him a small smile. "I appreciate that. More than you know."

He nods, his gaze lingering on my face as if he's recording every detail to memory. We sit in silence for another moment. I think... now that I'm safely at home and I've given him water, there's not a lot of reason for him to remain here. I wasn't planning to get him here and... spend a night with him.

The thought sends tingles through my body. When I imagine things he can do to me with those arms and muscles, it is... tempting at least.

But he doesn't seem like that kind of male.

I clear my throat. "Tell me, what should I do to thank you?"

He frowns. "What do you mean? You don't have to thank me. I was just doing what any honorable male would do."

Ah, this is Vatok being Vatok to the finest, so uptight and serious.

I can't help but let out a soft chuckle at his earnestness. "Vatok, you've been... well, you've gone above and beyond. I mean, you put up with my bar shenanigans, you've been my knight in shining armor with the... less savory suitors, and you've even managed to make me laugh. That's worth something."

His bronze eyes meet mine, and there's a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I suppose I did enjoy the... shenanigans. And your laughter is something I find myself looking forward to."

That catches me off guard, and I feel a flush creeping up my cheeks. I'm not sure how to respond, so I take a sip of my water, stalling for time. The liquid is cool, but it does nothing to dampen the warmth spreading through me.

He stifles a yawn. "Sorry, I don't mean to imply that being with you here in this fine place is boring. It has been a long day."

Is it time for him to leave? Just like that?

There's no official reason for him to stay, but I want him to stay. Do I... ask him to stay, just like that? And... why? Just because I want that?

The words stumble out before I can stop them. "You don't have to leave yet." My heart pounds as I realize what I've just said. "I mean, unless you want to. I know it's late, but..."

Vatok's eyes lock with mine, and the intensity in them makes my breath catch. One of his hands moves to rest on the couch cushion between us, close enough that I can feel its warmth but not quite touching me. "Julie..." The way he says my name sends shivers down my spine. "What do you mean?"

I wet my lips, noticing how his gaze follows the movement. "I'm not entirely sure. I just know that I'm not ready for this evening to end. Whatever this is."

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