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I have no idea what he’s talking about. Help with what?
Leaning in, I sniff. Strawberries with a hint of pineapple and…something I can’t quite put my finger on. Lifting the glass, I take a small sip and start coughing, beating my chest with my fist.
“What is this?” I sputter, coughing again.
Tia laughs. “Fruit juice and vodka.”
“I think it needs a little more fruit juice and a little less vodka,” I reply.
Tia chuckles, then tips the glass to her lips.
This time, I take a much smaller sip, trying to adjust to the burn. It’s a little easier now that I know what to expect. And, yep, you guessed it—it really is my first time drinking alcohol.
“There’s no story to tell, really,” I finally say, shrugging. “My first-time off of Earth, the transport ship was attacked. Bits and pieces of memories occasionally surface.”
Leaning forward with her elbow propped on the table, she’s holding her drink with the other hand. “What was the Acradidia homeworld like?”
“Damp. Moldy. Drab.” I shrug again.
“Did they keep you in a cave?”
“How did you know?”
“My guys have rescued several Kintolf and they were all held prisoner in caves. The guys refused to let me see. I guess they’re afraid it will bring back bad memories. When I ask them about it, they gloss over the details.”
“Your guys? Kintolf?”
“My mates.”
I must have a strange expression on my face because Tia bursts out laughing.
“Oh, honey, don’t act all shy about it. I saw the way those three surrounded you when you first arrived, so don’t pretend that you don’t understand.”
Leaning forward so no one will hear, I hiss, “I don’t!”
Tia cocks her head to the side, studying me before a sly grin spreads across her already amused face.
“You have got to be kidding me. Let me guess, you’re a prude?” She leans back and shakes her head.
Angry heat rushes to my face, my hands balling into fists. Just as I start to defend myself, I wonder, Am I a prude? My shoulders deflate.
“That’s just not how I was raised,” I explain lamely.
Leaning forward again, Tia gently pats my tight fist, and I relax my hand. “Let me give you a little bit of advice.”
“Okay.” I wish someone would.
“You are applying Earth logic to your situation, but things have changed. You are not on Earth any longer; you need to stop thinking in that context and trying to follow those rules.”
As Tia’s words register, everything sorta clicks into place. “So, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying that whether you know it or not, those three hunky guys are your mates. You can deny it all you want, but you are only prolonging the inevitable.”
Chest pounding, my anger rises again, making my heart race, and I have to mentally fight the urge to pound my fist on the table.
“It pisses me off that the Acradidia tried to take the choice away from me. I am not a thing, unable to decide for myself!” I burst out.
“Here you go, ladies.” Jax appears, smoothly placing a mouthwatering juicy steak and fries down in front of me. It smells delicious, and I can’t wait to dig in.
