Page 7 of Her Alien Beast
Chapter 5
AMIRA
I’m notsure whether Vlann lives hours away from the La’tkk Mountains, or if he’s simply driving the hovercar in circles to confuse me. It seems as if he’s been driving forever, though. My back aches from sitting down for so long and I’m growing increasingly uncomfortable in the backseat. Just when I’m tempted to ask how long until we reach his residence, the hovercar slows and lands with a gentle thud. The humming of the engine cuts off and I breathe a sigh of relief.
We’re finally here. Whereverhereis.
Without a word, Vlann exits the vehicle. I straighten and wait nervously, wondering just what I’ve gotten myself into. After all, I allowed this alien—this bounty hunter—to put handcuffs and a blindfold on me before he drove me to his home. Of course, at the time I hadn’t felt like I had much of a choice. But I couldn’t bear the alternative and allow him to immediately return me to my family.
After finally opening the door, Vlann slides close enough to unlatch the safety harness and pull me out of the hovercar. The feel of his hands on me is dangerous, yet enjoyable. I struggle to breathe and try to ignore the traitorous longing between my thighs. I ought to consider him my enemy and I most certainly shouldn’t allow myself to experience an attraction to him.
“Um…sir?” I find myself asking. “Why won’t you remove the cuffs and blindfold?” My feet crunch over gravel.
His grip tightens as he marches me forward. “I will when I have you secure and inside my residence.”
Something about the way he speaks terrifies and arouses me at the same time. I’ve never met a male so in control, so certain of himself.
What have I gotten myself into?
Only once I’m inside with the door shut and the security alarm set, does Vlann remove the cuffs and blindfold. My eyes dart around my new surroundings. The house is huge, the décor minimal but modern, but my gaze immediately wanders outside the windows. Trees swallow the land as far as the eye can see, though my efforts to be nonchalant about looking outside are a failure.
“There’s not another house for more than a two day walk in all directions,” he says, moving into the spacious kitchen.
Hesitantly, I follow him, my heart beating faster with each step. “I’m not going to run off, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Although I’m lying. What if the reward shoots up overnight and he decides to return me to my family ahead of schedule, just to be rid of me? I’m getting the impression that he doesn’t like having houseguests. But I have no intention of returning to my family and Gregory in a mere day. Not when so many out-of-settlement guests will still be in the human settlement of La’tkk. Not when the pressure to reschedule the wedding will be so high.
Vlann aims a hard look my way, but he doesn’t reply. He moves about the kitchen with purpose, pulling items out of the fridge and cabinets. I linger in the hallway, and soon realize I’ve never felt more out of place in my life. And I’m supposed to stayherewith Vlann for a few days? Just the thought of being his houseguest for so long causes my stomach to flutter.
No, not his houseguest, I remind myself, but his captive. I’m not allowed to leave of my own free will. I need his permission and I must allow him to personally hand me back over to my family. After all, he’s a bounty hunter, and he’s probably more interested in the reward than in helping me just for the sake of being nice. My heart breaks a little at this thought.
“Sit,” he commands, gesturing toward the stools that are pushed up against the kitchen counter. I obey, and watch as he carries two plates forward. He places them on the counter. It’s not anything fancy—cheese sandwiches and a fruit salad—but I’m starving and grateful for his kindness. Those protein bars I’d consumed earlier today weren’t very filling, and the drive to the bounty hunter’s secretive house had lasted hours.
“Thank you,” I murmur as Vlann returns with two glasses of water. He stands on the other side of the counter facing me with an unreadable expression. We eat in silence, though I can’t help but steal glances at him now and then. I want to ask what race he’s from, but I don’t want to be rude, so I stay quiet and hope he’ll honor his part of our deal and allow me to remain hidden at his house for seven full days.
I also hope I’ll get over this silly crush I’m developing…
