Page 14 of Borgaz

“He is not a nice male.”

“And you are?”

An expression of what looked like sorrow flashed across his face before he shook his head. “No.”

She poked him again, more cautiously this time.

“You’re not that bad. Just grouchy. And bossy. And -”

Amusement replaced whatever sorrow she had seen as he put a gentle finger across her lips.

“Let us stop there.”

She had the oddest urge to flick her tongue across that big finger, to taste him, but she only nodded silently and he removed his finger with a gentle swipe across her lower lip. Dammit. Her nipples were tingling again and when she looked across the table, Rosie was giving her a knowing smile. Ignoring her, she returned to her food with all the dignity she could muster.

After dinner, Temel went over his plans for the farms in the cluster. As they went over the map, she was relieved to see that her farm had been clearly marked, as well as Rosie’s. None of the other farms had been claimed because Temel and his males were going to concentrate on the main farm for now. Their reasoning was that it was to acquire knowledge, but she suspected that they were more comfortable together.

“Are you sure you do wish to join us, S’kal? There is plenty of room.”

“Nah.” The long dark braid swung as he shook his head. “Too restless to stay in one place. And as long as H’zim remains confined to Port Cantor, I will not leave.”

Sorrow touched Temel’s face.

“Does he see you? He refused to let me visit.”

S’kal looked equally grim.

“I haven’t given him a choice, although that doesn’t mean he actually speaks to me. I talk and he says nothing.”

All of the males looked uneasy and she shot Rosie a puzzled look. Her friend only shook her head, clearly just as confused.

“Very well. But if you change your mind, or encounter any other likely candidates, let me know. In the meantime we will continue with our original plan,” Temel concluded, rolling up the map. “Although I would still like that survey completed.”

“Yes, commander.” Borgaz was scowling again. “I will not allow myself to be distracted again.”

“Distracted?” she whispered furiously. “You were the one who insisted on staying.”

“You needed my help. Do you intend to return tonight?” he continued before she could argue.

“Of course I do.”

“Then we should leave now.”

“I’m quite capable of walking,” she assured him. She had no intention of admitting that despite her longing for the quiet of the country, she’d lived in the city long enough to be the tiniest bit nervous of the complete darkness surrounding them.

“I will saddle the horse,” he said, ignoring her as usual before disappearing from the kitchen.

She sighed as Rosie came around the table to take his place.

“Don’t be so quick to turn down help. We all need it sometimes.”

“I don’t want to need it. I want to stand on my own.”

Rosie’s eyes were sympathetic.

“I know, but accepting help when it’s offered doesn’t mean you can’t do it on your own. I managed by myself, but having Harkan by my side changed everything for the better.”

“But he’s your husband. I’m not looking for a husband.”

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