Page 11 of The Little Things

“They’re lurking just outside Earth’s borders, aren’t they? Everyone’s saying it’s going to happen sooner or later… that they’re going to take over. I don’t know why they haven’t already. And to be honest, I have huge mixed feelings about it. It feels like the next decade could be all about doom and enslavement.” She took another sip of her coffee, giving Riana a wry look. “And all we can do is shop.”

“I wouldn’t worry so much if I were you,” Riana said gently. “I can’t really tell you why, but I get the feeling things aren’t going to go as badly as everyone fears.”

“Well, I like your optimism. I need a bit of that. For now, I’ll just pretend Commander Darek’s a good guy… with a little bit of necessary badness in him. And look, he has removable horns and a long hair attachment… and the armor comesoff.”

Oh, I know.

“How perfect,” Riana marveled, suppressing a smile. “I have a couple of friends who would be so interested in these. Thanks for the tip. I’ll stop bothering you now. Hope you enjoy the peace and quiet—and the view.”

“Oh, I am. Nice chatting with you.”

Riana waved goodbye and quickly returned to Kail’s side.

“Is your curiosity sated?” he growled, his gaze turning sharp as he took in the coffee-sipping woman and her prize—Mighty SpaceDrowCommander-freaking-Darek.

“A little.” Riana shook her head in disbelief. Someone had trademarked her guys.

She feared for whoever that was.

But in the meantime, she would be sending a message to the girls.

After all, who wouldn’t want a stylized figurine imitation of one’s very own intimately-acquainted obsession?

Strangely, she didn’t feel like buying one at all—not even for the novelty factor. Why would she want an imitation when she had her very own big, warm, grumpy, sexy bear of a Kordolian right here beside her?

“Good,” Kail rumbled, a hint of sternness entering his voice. “Because I have reached thevery limitsof my patience. It’s time to go home now, Riana."

SIX

They boardedthe ship without any fuss or commotion, discreetly exiting through the VIP area.

No androids or bots bothered them.

The other ships had already departed, leaving the sleek Kordolian cruiser the lone vessel in the bay.

Riana felt a little ridiculous carrying a bright green Eukia shopping bag as she walked up the ramp of a highly advanced and technologically superior Kordolian stealth cruiser, but Kail was the one who had insisted on using the damn ship in the first place—forsecurityreasons—so she just went with the flow.

They entered the cabin, and Kail motioned toward one of the dark, sculptural passenger seats that Riana had grown so accustomed to.

To think she’d once been utterly terrified of anything Kordolian.

Now, she couldn’t imagine her life without them.

Kail watched her as she sat down, his expression unreadable. “I have to do something. Wait here,” he said softly.

“Where are you going?”

Kail put a finger to his lips and shook his head. “You’ll be perfectly safe here. The pilot is well equipped to deal with any potential threats.”

“ButKail…” Riana couldn’t contain her curiosity. What could he possibly be planning to do on a gigantic floating mega-mall? Last-minute shopping?Kail?“What is it?”

He gave her the most Kordolian of looks; cool, cryptic, and yet with an underlying intensity that made her squirm.

What was heupto?

He shook his head, giving her a stern look. “Relax. I won’t be long.”

Fine,Riana mouthed. She knew better than to argue when Kail was like this.

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