Page 23 of Space for More

My body tenses even more at the thought, tears pricking at my eyes. It’s taken me so long to leave Europa 3. Coming here was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m scared after what happened today, but the idea of giving up and going home is even more terrifying. Could I live with myself if I ran home?

No.

I sit up and swipe away my tears.

I’m staying.

I didn’t choose to be a part of this haphazard mission, and it’s not my fault they chose the wrong person for the job. I’ll get the infowe need from Phelix—and hopefully prove he’s not who they think he is. I won’t let bad luck and one asshole alien ruin this trip for me. Though I sure as hell will be more careful about what I eat from now on. I’m staying, and I’m going to make every moment here count.

Excitement flutters in my stomach as determination sets in. This time on Spire is my chance to experience life like never before, and a huge part of that is sex. If I’m staying, I’m not going to sit around on my ass in this hotel room for the rest of the night. Now’s as good a time as any to go out and find an alien to help get rid of my virginity.

As much as I wish that alien were Mezli or Phelix, I dismiss the thought. That would only make this messy mission even more complicated. It’d be better to take myself out of the romantic equation—there’s nowhere for me to fit within their mate bond.

I’m digging around in my luggage to figure out what of the bland outfits I have will convince an alien to hook up with me when my comm chirps.

Phelix: Eden, it’s Phelix. I wanted to check in and see how you’re feeling.

I smile to myself, knowing Phelix was worried enough to comm me.

Eden: Thank you for checking on me, and for saving me at lunch today. I’m feeling much better! Don’t think I’ll be trying any new foods again soon, though.

Phelix: I’m glad you’re alright. Please continue to avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the cycle, just to be safe.

What a…professional reply. Ugh. He must not have felt the electric buzz present in his touch that I experienced despite struggling to breathe. I swear I can still feel it lingering on my cheek where he held my face.

As I stare at his reply, I realize that my comm recognized him as a previous contact. Oh god. This is so awkward. Should I mention it? He didn’t say anything, but I can’t think of a better excuse to bring up that we’ve spoken before. Maybe remind him that I’m the same human doctor he spent weeks talking to last year—and asked what her body looked like.

Dammit, I’m going to remind him. It’s too weird not to say something.

Eden: So, I don’t know if you noticed, but my comm recognized yours.

Eden: We talked over comms about a year ago. I totally understand why you didn’t remember me. Why would you remember some backwater human medic looking for advice?

I feel sick as soon as I send the second message, wanting to toss my comm across the room to save myself from reading his reply.

Phelix: Of course I remembered you. I didn’t say anything because you seemed to not recognize me last night and I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.

A little squeak of surprise escapes me. Hedoesremember me.

Eden: Hah! I guess we both were being too polite for our own good. It’s nice to talk to you again.

I type out “I missed you” and then quickly deleteit. He’s the one that severed our contact out of nowhere, so even though he does remember me, he obviously didn’t want to keep in touch.

Phelix: It is.

A minute passes and I think that’s the end of the conversation. Dammit, I shouldn’t have said anything. He was just checking in to be polite and I had to go and make things weird. I’m about to sink into embarrassed despair when he messages again.

Phelix: If you find yourself in need of company this night cycle, I’m free to visit. Despite what Mezli said, I’m an honorable nexxit and won’t succumb to any untoward urges.

I press my suddenly burning cheeks against the cool pillow and let out a muffled squeal into it. Just what untoward urges might he have? My core clenches at the thought. I know I shouldn’t flirt with him, but I type out a reply and send it anyway.

Eden: I wouldn’t mind a little untoward behavior, if you were the one doing it.

Another long minute passes with no reply. Fuck. Clueless, horny Eden strikes again. I knew it was a bad idea. Of course he isn’t interested. He has a freaking mate. A sexy, amazing, hilarious mate. Why would he want me?

I scramble to type out a reply before he’s able to flat out reject me.

Eden: Sorry, now I’m the one being inappropriate! Forget I said that. Goodnight, Dr. Nafar.

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