Page 11 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
“Let’s hope there’s a first time, then.” I send him my own mocking smile, but Janik is either completely oblivious to my sarcasm or he’s baiting me, because he doesn’t react. At least not the way I want or expect him to.
“Are you hungry?” he asks instead. “I know the mating celebration feast was about to begin when you left the palace, which means you missed it.”
I cock my head. “How do you know that?”
“I know many things.”
“That’s right, you have spies doing your dirty work for you. God forbid should you actually man up and do things yourself instead of sending lackeys to do it for you.”
“You should have a care with your words,” Janik says softly.
After Craig, I told myself I’d never let another man get the better of me or push me around. No matter the consequences, I don’t ever back down. I don’t plan on starting now, either.
“Why? Are you going to hurt me if I don’t? Beat me? Throw me in whatever it is you call a prison? Stop treating me like an honored guest?”
Janik rears back, horror evident on his face. “Of course not. I would never harm you in any way. Never. I would sooner let the mating fever take me.”
To my utter shock, I actually believe him. Doesn’t mean I’ll apologize for anything I said.
Janik runs his hands down his cheeks. “Let us begin again. Are you hungry?”
My grumbling stomach answers for me. “I suppose I could eat.”
He dips his head. “I’ll have food brought over.”
“Thanks.” It’s a begrudging appreciation, but I’m too tired to keep being snarky.
Janik types something into a comm on his wrist that reminds me of the ones Horek and his guards wear. When he’s finished, he glances over at me. “While we wait, can I get you something to drink?”
“Since you’re offering, I’ll take something alcoholic. Make it strong, too. I’m in the mood to drown my sorrows. Or at least get drunk enough to forget what a shit day this is.”
He chuckles and heads for the kitchen area. “Are all humans this dramatic?”
I snort. “You haven’t seen dramatic. This? This is calm in comparison to how I could act. Be grateful.”
Janik nods. “I’ll take your word for it.”
I glance around the place to see if I can get some sort of idea what kind of person he is. Except there’s nothing. No mementos of any kind. The place is functional, but that’s the extent of it. Considering Janik thinks he’ll be moving into the palace when he takes over, I shouldn’t be surprised.
He glances over his shoulder. “Have a seat, if you’d like. I’ll bring you your drink.”
Bohna has spoiled me. Before coming here, I wouldn’t have been waited on by anyone. Those of us from the bottom tier did everything for not only ourselves, but also for those in the upper tier. The fact it’s Janik doing the waiting on makes it easier to get comfortable on the couch and not protest. I’ll let him serve me.
“How have you enjoyed your stay on Bohna, so far?” he asks like this is some kind of date.
“Up until some dick kidnapped me, I’ve enjoyed it just fine.”
Janik glares at me. “Is it much different from your Earth?”
“We have kidnappers there, too. So, in that case, not really.”
He slams the glass down. Janik must have forgotten my promise to make his life miserable. Unless he plans on forcing me to keep my mouth shut, he’d better get used to it.
“Did you think I was just going to make nice with you because you’re feeding me and bringing me something to drink?” Guess I wasn’t too tired for snark after all.
“I am trying to be hospitable, Olivia.” His exasperation is evident.
“Is that what this is?”
