Page 22 of Secretly Abducted

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He's right. "I need to check storm damage in the morning."

"That's not what I mean."

"I know."

He moves closer, and my bioluminescence immediately responds. "I like you. A lot. I want to keep seeing you."

"Why?"

"Because you're brilliant and weird and you light up when I touch you." He demonstrates by putting his hand on my arm. My skin erupts in golden spirals. "See? Beautiful."

"It's involuntary."

"It's honest." He leaves his hand there. "So? Tomorrow?"

"You could... help with storm assessment."

"Yeah?"

"If you want."

"I want." His thumb strokes my arm, and I shiver. "What about tonight?"

"What about it?"

"Can I stay?"

The question hangs between us. I should say no. Should maintain boundaries. Should protect the solitude I've carefully built.

"I need to prepare the platform," I say instead.

"Why?"

"For two people. I need different coverings, and the temperature controls should be adjusted, and—"

"Vel'aan." He stops my nervous rambling. "It's fine as is."

"But I should—"

"What you should do is relax."

I move to the storage unit, pulling out additional coverings anyway. "You'll need these. The temperature drops at night, and human thermoregulation is different—"

"I run hot," he interrupts. "I'll be fine."

"Still." I arrange the coverings on his side of the platform, trying to create clear division. "This side is yours."

"Very generous." He watches me fuss with the arrangements, amused. "You're nervous."

"I'm being hospitable."

"You're terrified."

"I haven't shared a sleeping platform with anyone. Ever."

"Ever?"

"My species doesn't typically share sleeping spaces unless bonded."

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