Page 12 of Star Defenders (My Alien Mates 2)

"Are you all right?" I asked him. "We haven't had much time to talk since…" I jerked my head back, toward Slek.

Danec gave my hand a squeeze. "It's a…a new situation. Not something I planned or…or expected." He was clearly uncomfortable at expressing himself. He swallowed visibly. "I meant it when I said I want you to be happy. If that means sharing forever, I'll do it." He nodded several times, then smiled.

Forever. I hadn't even thought about that. The idea was both daunting and intriguing. The guys got along, in spite of the ribbing they gave each other. They were like brothers, in a way.

"And the other thing?" I asked carefully. "The thing you were researching. Has anyone asked questions?"

Danec glanced over his shoulder. If he was looking to see if anyone could overhear, he was about as subtle as shuttle landing on your foot. His innocence was endearing, although sometimes I worried about what the big, bad galaxy might do to him. He had seen people killed in front of him, and almost became an Iri host, and those hadn't changed him too much. He seemed a bit more worldly, but not bitter, not yet. I hoped he never did.

"I had the feeling I was followed this morning," he said softly. "On the way to the shower. When I turned around, no one was there." He frowned. "I suppose it was in my head because I'm expecting something, someone."

"Or they hid before you saw them," I said. "They could have been admiring your cute little ass." I leaned back and peered at it while he blushed bright blue.

"It's not that great," he murmured.

"Nah, she's right," Slek said. "Your ass is adorable. I'm jealous." He gave Danec a lopsided grin.

"Your ass is pretty amazing too," I said before I realised Slek was fishing for compliments. I took the bait, line and all.

His grinned widened. "That's true. Not as perfect as yours though." He slapped my ass lightly.

NowIblushed. I turned away to press the buttons on the keypad which would open the door. It slid open without a sound and we stepped inside.

I frowned. "Has someone else been in here?"

"No," Slek replied, "it's just as messy as I left it."

Clothes dotted the floor. A drawer hung half open. The sheets were half on, half off the bed. A dirty plate and cup sat on the table.

"I don't know, I don't remember it looking this bad." I shrugged.

"How do you live like this?" Danec grimaced in disgust.

"How do you not?" Slek asked easily. "I bet your rooms are always spotlessly clean."

"They have to be, I'm in GASP."

The military arm of the IF was as meticulous as any military, one speck of dust and he'd probably be made to do a million pushups, or something like that.

"Well, I'm not." Slek crouched to pick up a pair of underpants and a shirt.

I pulled his case out from under the bed and opened it so he could toss it inside.

"Do you own any clothes that aren't black?" I asked after he threw in several socks and more underpants.

"I have a white shirt somewhere," he replied. "Not much goes with purple."

"Oh. I hadn't thought of that."

He grinned and I realised he was joking.

"Remind me to swat you on the arm later." I checked my watch. "We need to hurry or we'll run out of time."

"That's the last thing, I think. Oh, wait." Slek grabbed a sock from under the bed and threw it toward the case. He missed by a metre.

Danec scooped it up and tossed it just before I shut the case and clicked it tight.

"If there's anything else, they'll have to send it on," I said.

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