Page 42 of Whisked Away By the Alien

A gentle hand lands on the middle of my back, calming me. “I will not fight over words of ignorance,” I say as I lower the male to his feet. “But if you continue speaking with a loose tongue, you may lose it.”

“Is that a threat, alien?”

The male isn’t a coward, I’ll give him that.

“It was a warning meant to save you, human. I’m not the only alien on Earth. Most do not have my restraint, but all are very good with knives.” My fingers itch to draw a knife and show him how dangerous I can be, but I’m under strict orders not to cause trouble in New York unless I have no choice. Instead of drawing a knife from an inside pocket I withdraw a credit chip and toss it onto the counter. “For the loss of your income.”

I lead Golda to the door, curling my arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to me. I watch the male as we exit to ensure he does not draw a weapon.

“I wanted to hit him,” she says once we’re outside.

“I know.”

“One punch. Or a well-placed kick to the groin.”

“You are stronger than him and his insults. I pity the male.”

“How is that?”

“That type of hatred comes from a place of ignorance. Ignorance is to be pitied because it festers inside a person, keeping him from experiencing all that life offers.”

“Are you always so wise?”

If I were wise, I’d have figured out how to tell her she’s my heartmate, but I do not think she’s ready to hear that.

Half-way down the block, I spin her to me, trying to draw out one of her beautiful smiles. I’ve ruined her day by my confrontation with the shop owner.

“Where should we go next, my Golda? Shall we continue exploring or head to your parents’ home?”

She bites her bottom lip, as if she wants to say something. My comm vibrates and I glance at it. “The weather satellites are tracking another storm front. Larger than the last. It will hit this city tonight.”

“My place,” she blurts. “I don’t want to get stranded at my parents’.”

She loops her arm through mine and my entire being swells with pride. I kiss her forehead, thankful for the extra time I’ll have with her. By the end of tonight, I will tell her that I am her sholan.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

GOLDA

After we leave the coffee shop, we walk toward my apartment building. It’s a good seven blocks away, but I enjoy being with Sten. We could walk all day without any destination in mind and I’d have a fabulous time merely because I’m with him.

His arm tightens around my waist but not too hard. Enough to show me he’s there for me. I’m upset about the coffee shop, especially since it reminds me about what happened at Rachel’s yesterday. Sten’s going out of his way to ensure I’m happy, but he doesn’t realize I’m on top of the world when he’s with me.

Sten’s the one. I can feel it in my bones. And other places. I’ve connected with him in a way I didn’t think I ever would, with anyone. He understands me, hegetsme, even when I don’t get myself. Every time I look at him, touch him, I want to give him everything that I am.

Tonight’s the night. All I need to do is invite him in.

As we approach my apartment building, his teasing grin emerges. Instantly, my heart speeds up, but then my nerves get the best of me and I fall silent. What if I screw this up?

I look down the street, struggling to find the words to tell him how I feel. This is crazy. He’s so easy to talk to and yet I can’t string two words together.

With the backs of two fingers, Sten caresses my left cheek. “You are troubled. By my behavior in the coffee shop.”

“Not at all.” This is about me and my insecurities, not the incident earlier. How do I tell him I’m inexperienced and have no clue what I’m doing?

When I slide my hands into his, our fingers lace together. Instantly, my nerves settle.

“You are unusually quiet, my Golda.”

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