Page 6 of Krin

That much was true.

And even though I considered Grace and Olivia to be my closest friends, I found it hard to admit the truth to them.

In the past, I’d found out the hard way that it’s safest to keep your vulnerable side hidden from others.

They would only use it against you, eventually.

I could not bring myself to mention I was irresistibly drawn to Krin. And I was unable to confess the real reason I wanted to leave the planet was because I wanted to be on the Chetok, to be near him.

My heart squeezed, knowing I did not want to let the enticing Alaran Captain walk out of my life.

As I sat staring at my plate ofcaro, a spicy meat meal, andsurbo, a side of savory vegetables, my thoughts raced in a chaotic whirlwind.

My efforts to get on the Chetok seemed to be a total failure. Soon, the ship would have to leave Alara, and I would not be on it. I told myself it was fine since I couldn’t ask to join his crew.

If he said no to me going with him, then what?

It seemed I had no choice but to accept the likelihood of never seeing Krin again. Nibbling the inside of my lip, I felt relieved that I’d concealed my feelings for him.

I really didn’t want Grace and Liv’s pity.

Shame it didn’t change the fact my heart felt crushed right now.

Krin and I barely spoke to one another in all the time I’d known him. We were not in a relationship. Whatever we had was just a creation of my imagination and desires.

Then why did the idea of never seeing Krin again leave me feeling empty? Had I truly not realized that he had alreadycaptured a special spot in my heart in the brief time we’d known each other.

There was a painful ache in my chest, as if I had lost something that was never truly mine.

I wondered if I would even get the chance to say goodbye.

A sickening grief filled my heart. It appeared I would have to forget anything I wished I could have had with the gorgeous blue-green alien.

I was going to be stuck on the planet, with no clue what my future might hold. Sure, I was a soldier, but there was no use for me on a planet filled with males who wanted to do nothing more than protect us.

And find their K’sha, of course.

Asking to work on Alara would likely see me working at a boring job I hated.

THE SOUND OF MY NAMEbeing uttered from behind me suddenly grabbed my attention. With a slight tilt of her head, Olivia flashed a warm smile, and cast a quick glance past me. The deep, resonant quality of his voice sent a surge of excitement coursing through my veins.

In my seat, I twisted around and saw Krin heading towards our table.

His appearance was so enticing that I couldn’t help but lick my lips when I saw him. From his short brown hair to his heavy black boots, every detail of his appearance was striking.

Millions of butterflies were set alight in my stomach.

God, he is gorgeous.I sighed.

His intense gaze left me with a dry throat and a racing heart.

Why is he here?

It suddenly struck me. It was as if a wave of disappointment suddenly engulfed me. He was coming to say goodbye.

Krin stopped right in front of me, and cleared his throat.

I managed to smile, struggling to hold myself together. This close to him made my body experience things I wasn’t used to.

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