Page 14 of Decadence

But she’d known what she was getting into when she’d accepted those dark-money credit chips. If she hadn’t taken the risk, she wouldn’t have gotten anywhere.

Maybe having a few scary, intimidating Kordolians around wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.

“So you have created a small empire for yourself,” Ikriss mused, appearing thoughtful as he looked out the window to the stars beyond. “All empires, even the smallest ones, have many moving parts, each one depending on the success of another. That makes them vulnerable to failing. I do not want your empire to fail, Sienna. You will be allowed to return to Earth, but you must work with us.”

Sienna’s eyes narrowed. Was that a threat? An iron-fist-in-a-velvet-glove type of threat? “I wouldn’t exactly call it an empire,” she muttered, “but I do have some very loyal customers who will be extremely disappointed if I don’t come back, or if things start getting weird around my shop.”

“You think we’re going to scare away your customers?”

“No offense, but you don’t exactly fit in with the hygge vibe I’ve tried to create.”

“Hygge?”

Sienna shrugged. “Another word for cozy, but more than cozy. It’s the middle of winter down there, and it’s brutal. People want warmth. A sanctuary. I don’t think I can explain it any better. You’d have to see for yourself.” She bit her tongue at the last minute. Had she almost just invited this alien to her restaurant?

“I think you underestimate our ability to be discreet,” Ikriss said quietly. He leaned forward…

And then went quiet.

His features tightened. His gaze hardened.

For a moment, Sienna was transfixed… and a little terrified.

What’s gotten into him?

The alien’s long gloved fingers pressed into the strange black metal of his armrests. He looked like a wolf that had suddenly caught the scent of its prey.

His left eye twitched.

She could see the twin gleaming points of his fangs between slightly parted lips.

His brow creased ever so slightly, almost as if he were… in pain.

“One of my officers will summon you later to ask some questions,” the Kordolian said slowly, deliberately, his voice low and laced with sudden tension. What’s gotten into him now? “Now that I have your agreement, rest assured that you will be returned to Earth once the medical observation period is over. I will co-ordinate all security arrangements. There is no need to be concerned. We know how to be discreet if the situation calls for it. But if one of my agents appears at your doorstep with a request, I would strongly advise that you accommodate him—if you truly want to prevent things from getting weird.”

Another threat, disguised as a bargain?

Now his startling golden pupils had darkened ever so slightly. Almost imperceptibly, his nostrils flared.

Slowly, he leaned back into his chair, becoming alien and inscrutable once again as the shadows enveloped him.

His eyes burned in the darkness.

Beneath the barely-civilized veneer, there was something savage and intense about him. She couldn’t help but remember the cruel Kordolian that had masterminded her torture for his own sick gratification.

What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?

What’s gotten into him all of a sudden?

But this was different, because she didn’t feel afraid or disgusted. For some reason, she just knew this guy wouldn’t harm her.

After all, he’d saved her ass.

He’d killed a sentient being right before her very eyes; coldly, dispassionately, as if he were flicking away a bug.

And yet she couldn’t help the way her heart fluttered; the way her insides twisted; the warmth slowly spreading through her like an infusion blossoming through water.

What’s wrong with you?

---