Page 5 of Bride for the Space Cowboy

“What things?” I nearly growl.

“Helena told me about the kiss,” she says archly.

“Of course, she did,” I mutter.

“I do understand you’re known for being uncommitted, but…” Jane shrugs.

“But what?” I can’t stop myself from pressing.

“You know how important this is. That storm killed so many women on Aphroditea. Without mating with humans, our people will be lost,” Jane points out.

Despite how new she is to our planet, I feel a rush of pride that our princess has embraced her role as one of the leaders and protectors of our people and planet. Our people worship women as we should. They make life, and they raise us. Without them, none of us exist. For centuries, we’ve had an annual festival in honor of women. When a space storm blew in during the festival a few years ago, it killed so many women. We have reeled since then. In response, our leadership hatched a formal plan to recruit women from Earth to mate. Our people have mated with humans for centuries, from when cowboys from the United States West and France traveled here. It’s strengthened both of our people. It’s continued since then, yet we never had a formal plan to recruit mates. We never needed one, yet now, we are desperate.

“I know,” I reply, nodding solemnly.

“I think things have been rough for Nadine on Earth,” Jane adds. “She deserves a man who will protect her.”

I know I have a problem when my heart twists sharply in my chest. I recall the bruising around Nadine’s eye. I know things aren’t easy on Earth for any woman. They’re often treated terribly and abused. It’s a good thing I don’t live on Earth, or I would track down the man who hurt Nadine and make him regret ever touching her.

Although I don’t worry about men on my planet harming her, the moment I contemplate the mere idea of her being with someone else, my fate is sealed. I glanced toward Nadine. As if she can feel the heat of my gaze from across the room, her headturns slowly, and her eyes snag mine. Even from a distance, I can feel the pulse, that draw to her as if heat and electricity vibrate through the air between us.

I force my eyes away only to find Asher and Jane studying me. Jane’s gaze is knowing, and Asher’s is laced with an understanding.

I let out a resigned sigh. “I would like to speak with Nadine privately. Can you arrange that?”

Jane nods. “Of course.”

Chapter Three

NADINE

Anxiety spins in my belly, spiraling upward to tighten in my chest. My eyes keep darting over toward where Kayden stands with Jane.

Princess Jane. She’s a freaking princess! You have to call her that.

Even though Jane has told us we don’t have to stand on ceremony and call her by her title, I’m so fearful of losing my chance to stay here. I don’t want to mess up.

I shouldn’t have let Kayden kiss me. Because now I can’t forget it. I should be preparing myself to meet someone else. So far, I’m a little bit blown away by this planet. It’s beautiful, and it’s not boiling hot like it is on Earth. Outside on Earth, I used to feel like an egg baking in the sun. People do actually bake eggs in the sun. It’s a delicacy there because eggs are so rare. On Aphroditea, the environment is more temperate. The air is soft with a touch of humidity. There are trees and flowers and lakes.

For my entire life, they’ve been working on making Earth pretty again. They tell us that it will take centuries for the planet to recover from its nearly destroyed environment.

I shake my head. I need to stop thinking about Earth. That’s my past.Thisis my new life. I don’t ever have to travel back thereagain. Even if I don’t get married off to someone who kisses like Kayden, they truly do seem to revere women here. No matter what, my life will be better. If I can just be safe from the man abusing me, that’s more than enough.

I tear my eyes away from Kayden, trying not to linger on his broad shoulders and to wonder about his tail. Most of the men here have them.

Jane’s assistant, Helena, has politely explained that some women also have them, but not as many. Helena has a pretty tail with hints of pink. The women here are taller and have the same shimmery skin as the men. However, their hue is silver rather than bronze. Helena has also explained this planet is a central hub for transportation all over the galaxy and that we will see many other alien people. I’ve already seen other beings, including a female orc. She was startlingly tall and intimidating at a glance but very friendly.

I twist my fingers together nervously, telling myself this will be okay. I have a safe place to live. I never have to see my abusive ex again.

I nearly jump out of my skin when I feel a light tap on my shoulder. My palm flies to my chest. I glance over to see Jane with her warm smile.

I let out a quick breath. “Sorry. I’m just a little nervous.”

Jane nods. “Of course. It’s a lot to come to a new planet. Ask me how I know?” she teases lightly.

I take a steadying breath, shrugging sheepishly. “It is a lot to absorb. When are we going to meet”—I circle my hand in the air— “the men?”

“I promise we won’t parade you around. This event is intended to be casual. I came over because Kayden would like to speak with you.”

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