Page 76 of Matthew

“Yeah. All we have is each other.” He was surprised he could speak and embarrassed he’d shared something personal.

“Commendable that you’re so dedicated.” Baknu’s regard wrapped itself around Gabriel. He couldfeelit, warm and secure.

He cleared his throat. “Totally dedicated.”

“Then I extend the invitation to you as well, young man. You would be a most welcome guest on my ship, should you desire to join us.” Baknu drew out the word desire, his meaning apparent to even a virgin unused to propositions.

Gabriel’s cock twitched, and the ground wobbled under his feet.

Desperate to get control over the confusion swirling his brain, he glanced at the biggest man of the trio. Black hair swept in careless waves from clean-shaven, guileless visage. Twinkling purple eyes, gentle smile, beautifully symmetrical features. The broadest shoulders he’d ever seen on an impossibly sturdy, strong frame. Kalquorians apparently held the patent on hot men.

The trio bowed to him. They actuallybowedin a courtly manner, their gazes never shifting from him. His heart stuttered.

The captain’s voice was velvet. “I am Dramok Baknu, captain of a delivery freighter currently docked here. My clanmates, Nobek Kisk—” he of the lecherous wink “—and Imdiko Takat. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?”

Normally, Gabriel wouldn’t have responded, except to order those who posed a danger to his sister out of the shop. He was too off-balance to think twice. “Gabriel. Gabriel Rossi.”

“Hello, Gabriel.” The manner in which Baknu spoke his name, caressing the syllables, was like being physically touched.

Where had the air gone? He couldn’t draw a proper breath.

The broad-shouldered Takat looked him over, much as the winking Kalquorian had. His expression was openly lascivious. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Yes. A great pleasure.” Nobek Kisk’s growling tone shook Gabriel’s bones. His intense stare told him what was on his mind.

Iliana gave Gabriel’s sleeve a sharp tug to wake him from the hypnotic spell the aliens had cast. “He’s unavailable too, Kalqs. Are you trying to get him killed? If the wrong people saw how you’re looking at him…”

She scanned the store’s open front, past the shelves of packaged gourmet foods, along with a smattering of gift items and basic toiletries, all geared toward Earther needs and tastes. She knew as well as Gabriel that no Earther ships were currently docked at Zryktysk Station. Living in fear had made it a habit to look for fellow humans when any situation seemed dicey.

Baknu blinked at her, as if he’d forgotten she was there. “No Earth ships are in the vicinity, Matara.”

“None scheduled to dock for a month. None close enough to get here for three weeks, even at top speed,” Kisk added.

“It’s perfectly safe to discuss our offer.” Takat’s musical tenor was at odds with his brawn.

“An offer for you both.” Baknu gazed at Gabriel before addressing Iliana again. “A fine home for you, Matara, with a top-ranking government official and his clan. The liberty to pursue whatever interests you, whether it be career, hobby, or sitting around and being adored.”

“In exchange for what?” Her tone bordered on aggressive.

“Children. Our people are going extinct.” Takat’s beam faded into mournfulness.

“Really? I’d heard you’re after sex slaves.”

That reminded Gabriel of Mit-noc. Prophets save him, he couldn’t look away from the Kalquorians to see how impatiently the Aksukt must be waiting for him.

“You’ll be equal to any Kalquorian on our planet. The hope is that you and the clan selected for you will enjoy each other’s company enough to produce a new generation and save our culture.” Takat gave Iliana a smile that should have melted her socks. Was she wearing socks? Gabriel couldn’t move to check that either.

“The clan selected for me? Not your clan?” Gabriel’s sister wasn’t melting. She never did.

Baknu tempered his words with a slight bow. “You’re a most lovely woman, Matara. However, my clan—we aren’t the sort of men who can properly appreciate a lady.” He glanced at Gabriel briefly. Assessing. “We’re here to extend our planet’s deal on behalf of clans more suited to loving a woman.”

“Love, huh? What if I think they’re jerks? What if I hate them?”

“Then you can choose another clan. With the freedom to experience all they have to offer with no fear of execution.” His gaze cut to Gabriel again. “Your brother has the same option.”

With you and your clanmates?Gabriel’s heart thundered.

Even if Baknu was interested in nothing more than a tryst, Kalquorian men were known to enjoy intimate liaisons with all sexes and many species. Gabriel had indulged in more than a few fantasies that such men might find him attractive. That he’d discover some opportunity to experience what he’d only fantasized about.

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