Page 51 of Malliko
“Sure.”
Clara’s nerves showed when she crossed her legs and looked around.
“How is it different?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You said that after yesterday it’s a little different.”
“Oh, right. Well, because…” She looked thoughtful as she gave me a sideways glance. “Yesterday, when you massaged me, I really wanted you.”
Tania had told me humans often found Eidrons attractive and yet, I couldn’t help but smile at Clara’s admittance. Her body language had revealed her arousal last night, but I still felt flattered that she told me straight out that she had wanted me.
“I wanted you too,” I admitted.
“That’s the difference.” She gave me a small smile. “Even though we didn’t have sex it was the most intimate I’ve been with a man since forever. The best part was that you made me feel safe with you. I’m not used to having hookups and I don’t really know how other people do it without freaking out on the inside. I just know that I’m curious and I want my life to change. I want to experience more than I have been for the past years.”
“Good. That’s what I’m here to help you do.”
With a serious nod, Clara declared, “I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have the courage to meet with Lucas alone.” Holding out her hand she showed me how it was shaking. “I’m not joking when I say that I’m nervous.”
Moving closer to her on the couch, I pulled her in for a hug. “Just breathe for a moment. Remember what I told you; he’s the lucky one and he’s probably nervous as well.”
“He was nervous when we spoke yesterday. I could tell.”
Rubbing her back, I assured Clara, “Nothing will happen to you that you don’t want to happen. You can stop at any time.”
With me still hugging her, Clara sucked in a deep breath, and looked up at me. “You smell so good.”
I was just about to tell her that she did too when my buzzer alerted us that Lucas had arrived.
While we waited for him to make it to my door, I put on some music and opened a bottle of wine. From my research I’d learned that a bit of alcohol had a soothing effect on humans. It was one of the areas where Eidrons and humans differed. Our system couldn’t tolerate alcohol. We didn’t have it at home, but a warning not to touch alcohol had been in the information package which I received before taking on the assignment.
We had a plant that we chewed when we wanted to get high. Some did it too often, but for most of us Eidrons the consumption of the euphoriant plant was connected to Cambam, our yearly celebration of life.
“Here you go.” I handed Clara a glass and went to let in Lucas.
The man outside my door was dressed in a fitted white T-shirt, dark blue jeans, and white sneakers. He had an athletic build, with broad shoulders and a strong jawline. His dark brown hair was short and slightly messy, and his brown eyes were framed by long, dark lashes.
He looked up at me with surprise. “You’re the boyfriend?”
With a nod, I stepped outside my door and put a hand on his shoulder. “Before you go inside, I need you to promise me one thing.”
He blinked his eyes and was listening, so I continued. “Make this about her. Spoil her and give her pleasure.”
Lucas nodded. “I’ll be happy to.”
“Good, then come on in.” My smile was wide when I walked into the apartment with him. His style was casual and trendy, and he carried himself with an air of confidence.
Clara gave him a radiant smile and they hugged. Letting her go, Lucas stepped back and complimented her, “You look even better in person.”
“So do you, or… no, I mean, you look gorgeous in your pictures too.” Clara rambled nervously with the biggest smile.
“Lucas, do you want a glass of wine?” I asked him.
“Yes, please.” He looked from Clara to me. “Can I just say that you’re nothing like I expected.”
“What did you expect?”
