Page 33 of Saved By the Servali

I want him to like me. Love me.

“No, we arefarfrom done with each other. Now, we rest.” Kamau wound himself around her, purring so loudly that she wondered if the other members of the crew would come in to see what part of the ship was buzzing.

“But you’re not done.”

“I will be done later,” he laughed.

“I hate it when a guy doesn’t care if I finish,” Nessa struggled to grab his waist.

He bound her wrists softly with his tail, nuzzling her cheek. “You do care, you are just not going to take care of it this time. Do you understand, my Queen? The Servali Knights... We are not just about a ‘good time.’ We are about a good life.

A good life?“Hm?”

“A good life. Baking together. Trips on leave. We can go to that big human entertainment resort—Moon World! Learningeach other’s favorite books and songs, games and sports. Learning to cook all of your favorite foods. I could show you Leo Falls—Rupex’s family used to take their holidays there, but we’re allowed to as well, he says.”

Nessa frowned. “Wait. With me?”

Kamau was silent. His arms wrapped around her more tightly. “Only if you would like that, my Queen.”

How could she answer? Yes, she’d like that. Would it happen? She didn’t know. “My father is on Sapien-Three. He’s old. He needs me nearby. We just met...”

“I know. My father and uncle will want me to be nearby, too, to go home for visits when I have leave. It was only a thought. A reason. The reason Servali males care about more than just a ‘good time.’”

A good time or a good life—a good life filled with things she’d only dreamed of...

“Nessa? Wasn’t there something you wanted to say before I spoke to you about overhearing your conversation?” Kamau suddenly asked, nudging her ribs.

Nessa frowned. “Yes.”

But before she could recall what it was, she was asleep.

Chapter Eleven

“This is Abigail, everyone. Kaylie, our other guest, woke up and spoke for a few minutes today,” Marcus said proudly, sitting a blonde woman with some fair silvery streaks in her hair down beside him.

“Well done, Doc!” Ardol cheered.

“Welcome, Abigail!” Kamau smacked Ardol’s head lightly as he passed. “Citrine custard?”

“That should work,” Marcus said. “Nessa, how are you feeling?”

Kamau tried not to stare at the gorgeous, glowing woman sitting and nibbling sausages in her cleaned and mended coveralls.She looks so sexy in that uniform.

Could we play naughty shuttle captain and inspector? What if I fail to declare my stock of illegal Leopardine confections, and she pats me down?

That’s not a chocolate and cinnamon creams swirl, Inspector...

“Kamau! Kamau, that’s good!” Marcus thundered.

Kamau jerked the custard pitcher up with a hiss of surprise, realizing he’d almost overflowed Abigail’s bowl. “I thought she would be hungry. Never let it be said that I’m a stingy cook,” he said with icy dignity.

I have to stop looking at Nessa.

But wait—every time I look at her—she’s looking at me!

“I’m feeling stronger every day. Abigail, I don’t know about where you lived, but the food on the MWIP was all pre-packaged and rehydrated crap. I’m eating the best food in my life on this ship. It’s all fresh and wholesome anddelicious.”

Abigail smiled and lifted her spoonful of custard to her lips with a slightly shaky hand. “I’d never met Felids or Canids before—I’d never even been off-world. It’s funny, but what should have been the worst thing in my life has been one of the very nicest.”

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