Page 12 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
Janik walks into the living area carrying the glass in his hand. “Yes.”
I take it from him and sniff the contents. “Did you drug it so I’d shut up?”
His expression shifts and a small grin appears. “I have much more effective ways of keeping you quiet. If I recall, my mouth on yours did an excellent job earlier tonight.”
My cheeks grow warm, but I smirk back.
“And if I recall, I made you bleed for it. I’ll do it again, too.”
“Some things are worth the risk.”
Chapter 6
Janik
The flush of color on Olivia’s cheeks tells me she’s not entirely unaffected by my words. I know it’s not the tavese, because she has yet to take a drink.
“Don’t even think about it,” she warns.
“Think about what?”
“You know what,” Olivia sputters.
“Clearly I don’t, since I am asking.” It is harder than I imagined maintaining what I hope is an innocent expression.
“You’re infuriating.” She downs the entire glass before I can caution her of its potency. She did say for it to be made strong. Only a moment passes before her mouth twists and she scrunches her eyes closed. She chokes out a sound. “Holy shit, what did you put in this? This is my punishment isn’t it? You’re trying to kill me.”
She continues coughing and gagging for several more minutes before finally recovering. I rein in my amusement the whole time, but I’m apparently not as skilled at hiding it as I’d hoped because Olivia glares.
“If you had waited a moment longer, I could have told you it is a drink meant to be sipped. It is also an acquired taste.”
“Fine, I’ll have another one, so I can acquire the taste.” She holds the empty glass out to me.
I take it from her, making sure my fingers brush against hers. She jerks her arm back and places her hand in her lap. I’m pleased to note she rubs the fingers I touched with the ones from her other hand.
“Are you sure you wish for a second?” I raise a brow.
“Make yourself one while you’re at it.” It’s almost a dare.
“Of course.”
I’m nearly finished pouring our drinks when someone knocks.
“I’ll get it,” Olivia offers, and moves to rise.
Since it’s only Ryvik arriving with food, I gesture for her to proceed. She goes to the door and opens it.
“Welcome to Prison a la Janik.” She steps back and sweeps her hand out in welcoming gesture.
I should have known better. Ryvik cautiously walks past her carrying a tray filled with covered dishes. His questioning gaze lands on me.
“Just place it on the counter.”
He complies and then makes a swift exit without a word.
“Was it something I said?” Olivia asks with manufactured concern.
“Here.” I hold out her refilled glass. At least the drink will give her something to keep her occupied.
