AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Abbey took a deep breath and considered. Only half an hour ago she would have jumped at the chance to go home. But now, strangely, she felt different. She felt as though Solon understood her somehow—understood but didn’t judge—which definitely wasn’t a feeling she’d ever gotten from a man before.
Also, the big Monstrum had a soothing, calming presence about him that made her want to trust him, even though she’d sworn never to trust anyone male again. It made her reluctant to leave him because it was so extremely unusual.
“Can I think about it?” she asked at last. “I mean, what if we do a kind of trial run? Give it twenty-four hours and then see how I feel.”
His response was immediate.
“Whatever makes you comfortable, lelka.”
“Okay. Well right now what would make me feel comfortable is dry clothes and a warm cup of tea.” She raised her eyebrows at him again. “Can you do anything about that?”
“I can make you a hot cup of T’sane brew,” he responded. “I don’t have any clothing your size, but you can wear one of my shirts while I put your own clothes through a drying cycle. I believe because of our size difference it will cover you like the garment you humans call a ‘dress.’”
“All right.” She nodded. “But I don’t want to change in here—I don’t want to risk falling into that pool again.”
“I’ll take you to the sleeping chamber, if you’ll let me,” he offered. “But in the meantime, I’ll also engage the child-guards on the bathing pool. That will cause a clear barrier to slide over its surface so there’s no possibility of you falling in again.”
“Okay, well thank you.” Abbey nodded. “Er—you’ll have to lead me,” she said.
“That’s fine.” She felt the motion as he rose and towered over her and then he reached for her hand. “Would you like to hold my elbow, as you did earlier when we were walking from the ship to the suite?”
“Yes, that works.” Abbey rose as well. She felt a little unsteady at first—she’d gone through so many emotions that day she was completely worn out. But then she felt him offering his elbow and she took it.
Wrapping her fingers around his muscular arm, she allowed him to lead her out of the bathroom. She still couldn’t believe she’d agreed to stay with him of her own accord.
But it’s only for twenty-four hours, she reminded herself. Then I can go back to Earth and Aunt Rose. I’ll just give it a day and a night—that’s all. Then I’m going back.
16
SOLON
Solon couldn’t believe she was giving him a chance. Especially after the horror story she’d told him of her last relationship.
Part of him was still horrified—he didn’t want to believe that a male—any male—was capable of treating a female with such cruelty. And Abbey had told him that wasn’t even the only attack she’d endured! She had spoken of another incident when she was younger that she “didn’t think about anymore.” Well, whether she thought of it or not, Solon was certain it was still affecting her emotionally.
As a Monstrum warrior, the very idea of hurting or forcing a female sexually was anathema to him. It left him feeling sick and shaken and more convinced than ever that human males were no damn good.
He left Abbey in his sleeping chamber with two more fresh towels, one of his clean uniform shirts, and the promise that he would give her complete privacy unless she called for him.
He shut the door behind him and went to start making the T’sane brew. It was made with dried T’sane sweet nettles and he had always found it soothing. As he worked in the food-prep area, his thoughts were still on his future bride.
Abbey reminded him of a small, wounded animal—one in need of protection and healing. The desire to avenge her burned in his heart but he sensed that wasn’t what she needed the most.
Please Goddess, he prayed silently. Let me give Abbey what she needs. Let me be the one to heal and protect her. Let me earn her trust.
Just then he heard her soft voice calling him.
“Solon? I’m changed.”
He went swiftly to the door of the sleeping chamber.
“Are you ready for me to open the door?” he called.
“Yes—please let me out.”
He did so at once and sucked in a breath at the gorgeous sight of Abbey standing there wearing just his uniform shirt. The dark blue color suited her beautifully. The silky material clung to her curves and fell to her mid-thighs, showing lovely bare legs below the hem.
One thing Solon found alluring about human females was their smooth, silky skin. He himself was covered in a short, dense golden pelt—the idea of having no fur in the way and all that bare skin was extremely erotic. He couldn’t help looking at her bare legs and wondering what her smooth, silky skin would feel like against his palms.
