Page 11 of Kissed By the Alien
“We’ve been over this before, Dad. I’m an adult. Push me too hard, and I’ll move out. Permanently.”
“With what money? What job? No one will hire a woman with your skills because they don’t believe a woman can do what you do.”
Because most women can’t do what I do. The Coalition kept women from getting an education. I’m one of the few who had private tutors, thanks to my dad. The man who tries to control me.
“I can continue working for you even if I move out.”
He sips his wine. “I need you here.”
“You don’t need me here. Youwantme here. There’s a difference.”
“The money you’ve saved won’t last you long. If you move out, Iwillreplace you. You’re replaceable. Everyone is. Remember that.”
Translation: do things his way or I’m out on my own. He has me cornered, and he knows it. Part of the problem is I really enjoy working for him, gathering the information he needs. But I want to do it on my terms. I want more freedom.
I toss my linen napkin on the table and rise. “Viv’s staying over tonight. Make sure McCauley and the rest of his goons know my room is off-limits, please. Goodnight, Dad. Goodnight, Melissa. Dinner was delicious, as always.”
“Goodnight honey,” Melissa says, beaming.
Once in the hallway, I grab Viv’s hand.
“Are you still going through with this?” she whispers.
“Hell, yes.” I wait to say more until we’re in the privacy of my suite of rooms. My inner sanctum. Bed, walk-in closet, bookshelves loaded with books, and ensuite bathroom. Everything I need.
Except my freedom.
“You have the dress?” I ask as I lock the door.
“I left it in…” She looks toward the door, knowing there might be guards listening. “…the usual place.”
“Good.” I’m glad she didn’t bring it here. The guards don’t normally search her, but my dad’s been on edge lately, so I wouldn’t put it past them.
As I’m stuffing my backpack, Viv’s unpacking hers. I glance at her pile of books. “Don’t get so caught up in reading that you forget to giggle and talk every now and then.”
“That’s hard to do to an empty room.”
I hand my copy ofThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyto her. “Read this. I’m sure you’ll laugh a little.”
She sits on my bed with the book. “I don’t know, Lexi, I think you might need this book. You’re the one meeting an alien.”
“I’m not hitchhiking.”
“But will you be hiking up your dress?” she asks, grinning.
“Definitely not.” If anything, I’d strip for the gorgeous warrior, but I don’t tell Viv that. I’m not sure why he invited me to this ball, but it sure wasn’t for pleasure. He has an agenda with me, and I have one with him. One that doesn’t include sex. “He has something I need.”
“Something long and hard?” she asks.
“Yeah. My gun.” I open the bedroom window.
“Just be careful where he shoots his… um, gun. I want that dress back nice and clean for my date later this week.”
I hug Viv goodbye and sneak out the window and into the tree that’s my own personal ladder. In another hour, I’ll be dancing in the arms of one very hot and complicated warrior.
My body is already thrumming thinking about Lutan, and now Viv’s got me all fired up. I’m not looking for any action, just my gun.
Though I am an open-minded woman. Anything is possible…
