Page 17 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
Janik must finally sense my attention, because his gaze lands on me. That spark I noticed before—the one like a match being struck—appears in his eyes, and for a second I feel the sting of heat like I’ve been burned.
“Feeling better?”
Is his voice huskier than normal? Why am I even noticing?You don’t like him, remember?
“Let’s get going, Warden.”
The fire in his gaze sputters out, but I won’t feel guilty about putting the much needed distance between us. I can’t forget I’mhere because Janik kidnapped me. My body might be a forgetful and needy bitch, but my brain is the one in charge.
“Yes, let’s, Prisoner.”
Ouch, although I suppose I deserve that. I head for the door, but he beats me to it. Instead of opening it, he stares down at me, until I meet his gaze.
“Don’t speak to anyone while we’re out.”
“Worried I’ll tell them something that will make you look bad?”
Janik moves so far into my personal space, my breasts brush his chest with each inhalation I take.
“I’m worried I might have to kill one of my own males for even breathing the same air as you.”
Chapter 8
Janik
Being this near to Olivia is torture. Especially when she suddenly emits a new scent. One with notes of musk that should clash with the softer, cleaner ones that make up what is uniquely her, but rather, enhance them.
With my fingertip, I caress the long line of her neck where her pulse quickens.
“Does the thought of that excite you?”
“No.” Olivia’s breathless response declares it a lie.
“Tell yourself whatever you have to to feel better.” I reach around her and open the door, doing my best to ignore the invitation in her gaze. Otherwise, I’ll drag her back to my bedroom and fuck her until she can’t walk and my seed drips down her thighs while her neck bears my mating mark.
It takes her several beats before she recovers, but I can see the shield she puts back up. Her eyes shutter and her facial musclesgo taut. She sweeps past me with her head high and back straight as though she’s royalty. Perhaps when I’m the prince—. I nearly laugh, because Olivia would probably stab me in the heart before agreeing to be my mate.
My dwelling is near the center of camp. Surrounding it are other residences and various storage structures. Approximately two hundred rebels reside here, but we have been actively sowing dissent throughout the residents of Preska and many more Bohnari within the city are loyal to our cause.
As though reading my mind, Olivia speaks up. “You have a surprisingly large number of people prepared for an uprising.”
“There are an unsurprisingly large number of people displeased with Alik’s rule.”
Although the sun has long been up, the rainforest remains in shadows and the air is cool. Beside me, Olivia shivers and rubs her hands up and down her bare arms.
“My apologies. I didn’t realize humans are susceptible to the elements.”
“We’re not. Well, not usually, but that’s because we wear shirts with long sleeves. Besides, I can’t help it if you live in a place that barely gets a drop of sunshine due to all the trees. Maybe if you weren’t hiding out in here, I wouldn’t be cold.”
Olivia has only been in camp for a half a turn, and already I’m tired of fighting with her. She has clearly made up her mind about who I am.
“I’ll get you something warmer to wear when we get back to my home.”
She looks at me strangely. “Thanks.”
Mak lopes toward us. Prepared, I bring out a berry from my pocket since they’re her favorite.
“Could I give it to her?” Olivia asks.
