Page 48 of Krin

“Are you planning to remain in Alaran territory?” he asked.

I looked at him. “Yes. I’m staying on a starship.” My voice trailed off. I wasn’t about to tell a stranger my life story.

He waved his hand as if objecting. “That doesn’t sound like fun. You should work here on Tazira station. I could help you get a job-“

“She already has a job on my ship,” Krin growled.

I hadn’t even heard him approach, and didn’t see him enter the shop.

“Sorry, sir... I mean... of course. I was just being friendly.” The shop worker averted his gaze.

Krin squinted at the man before wrapping a possessive arm around my waist and drawing me close to him. He angled his head to look down at me. “Do you have everything you require, my mate?”

This is new.

I held back a chuckle at his demeanor. “Yes. I think so. I was just about to pay.”

“I will pay.”

“I have credits Trex gave me back on Alara.”

“Keep them. I am paying for this. It is the least I can do for my K’sha.” He released my waist and ran a hand down my hip before stepping up to pay for my items.

The clerk avoided eye contact, and I could see him trembling when he held out a small box for Krin to swipe his credit chip over.

As we left the shop, Krin stopped and looked at me. “I thought you said you did not want a male present while you purchased your monthlies?”

I chuckled and my mouth twisted to one side. “My monthlies are not something that can be purchased. There was a female clerk who got me what I needed. When I was looking at the clothes, the guy came over when he saw me, and began to chat.”

A deep growl erupted from Krin’s chest.

“Don’t worry big guy. My heart is all yours. I was only being polite.”

He stopped and looked down at me. His eyes clouded with worry.

“Would you prefer to stay on the space station rather than the ship?” he asked with a hint of uncertainty.

“Of course not. Why would I? I love being on the ship. Especially now that the crew might actually start to accept me. Best of all, I get to be with you.” I grinned.

He kissed me. “You will always have me, K’sha.”

“And I’m not going anywhere without you,” I added.

WE CONTINUED TO WALKa little further until I saw another shop that not only carried clothing. In the window were several books. Paperback and hardcover that were not available anywhere on Luna these days.

“I have to go in here,” I said already walking toward the door of the shop.

Krin remained at my side. “I will go in with you.” He took my hand in his.

The first things I picked up were a couple of soft cover alien romance books. Then Krin followed as I picked out some outfits that I could see myself wearing in our bedroom.

Krin watched with an amused expression each time I held up something against me to check it out.

I’d managed to locate a couple more pairs of pants that were made of a special material that supposedly transformed itself to the correct size when you put them on. I was eager to check out how they worked.

“Can I try these on?” I asked a humanoid orange skinned alien who approached.

She took the pants, instructing me to follow her.

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