Page 22 of Krin

My breath caught in my chest, making it hard to find a steady rhythm. I was on the verge of pleading,‘Please, tell me I don’t have to go,’as my stomach sank.

My bottom lip was firmly between my teeth as my brows knitted together in a frown, meeting his gaze.

Annoyed, my stomach churned with unease at the entire situation.

“What the hell was that about? Why are you even here?” I snapped, hoping to distract him into not forcing me to leave.

Krin glanced away briefly. His lack of response offended me. He had no right to be upset with me when he’d spent five rotations ignoring me.

“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to train?” he finally asked turning his eyes back to me.

Is he serious right now?

“How could I? You haven’t spoken to me since we were back on Alara.”

Krin scratched his jaw as if thinking, then crossed his arms. “As the ship’s Captain, I have duties to perform and I’m not–”

I interrupted him, my words laced with disdain. “Oh please. We both know that has nothing to do with it. It’s clear you don’t want me here.”

He gave his head a subtle shake before taking a step forward. There was a gentleness in his eyes as our gazes locked.

“Riley... I regret not speaking to you sooner. It is... I have never experienced a relationship like this before.” He quickly ran his hand through his hair as his throat moved up and down.

“Thereisno relationship between us,” I spat.

The hurt and anger I had been bottling up for weeks got the better of me, and I ended up going on an unplanned tirade.

“It’s clear I’m not welcome here. Telling everyone to avoid me like I was some kind of infection, was cruel. What kind of person does that? Aza is the only one on the ship who speaks to me. But you couldn’t even let me have that.”

It hurt so much, being rejected and ignored. Clearly, I’d been wrong about the guy.

I stifled tears as emotion welled in my throat. “If I’d known you disliked me so much, I would not have left Alara.”

Frustration washed over Krin’s face, and he let out an exasperated sigh. “That’s not what.... You have no idea what I feel...” he began, only for me to interrupt him again.

“Do you realize how bored I’ve been all this time? What did you expect me to do every rotation, sit in my room like a good little human female?”

I wagged my finger at him. “Because let me tell you something, buddy. I amnota good little female, and never will be.”

Okay, I shouldn’t have said that part... but it was out there and I couldn’t take it back. Besides, he pissed me off.

Krin let out a resonant growl and pushed his shoulders back. “I do not expect you to stay in your quarters. My apologies for making you feel that way.” He shook his head, his eyes pleading with me as he spoke. “I’m in uncharted territory, experiencing emotions I have never felt before.” His voice was gruff but held no anger.

“Oh, really?” I asked skeptically, raising my brows and angling my head.

First, he rubbed the back of his neck, then dropped his hands to begin clenching and releasing his fists.

Following a clearing of his throat, he explained. “Yes.” His lips down-turned. “This has not been easy for me. I am not good at talking about my emotions. Choosing the correct words is not always easy.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? How am I not easy to talk to? It’s not like I expect you to tell me your innermost feelings.” My hands went to my hips.

He pulled on his ear and looked around before replying. “You asked to be part of this crew. It is not something I am comfortable with.”

Shocked, my voice raised an octave. “That’s what this is about? Me asking to join the crew?” I eyed him in disbelief. “Let me get this straight. You ordered the crew not to talk to me, then you ignored me for five rotations, all to avoid offering me a spot on the crew?”

After shutting his eyes briefly, he grunted and then bowed his head in shame. When he looked at me again, his expression was gentle. “As I hear you say those words, I realize the foolishness of my choices. I have been unfair to you. It was wrong to do that to you, Riley.”

I glared. “Ya think?”

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