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And he held her back just as enthusiastically. What did he care? It’s not like he had some pristine reputation to maintain. He’d already been shamed in every way possible in the most public way imaginable. Being known for kissing and holding his female whenever the mood struck him was probably the best thing he could think to be known for instead.
“Great game, sweetie!” Sandy declared when she finally broke the kiss, still in his arms, beaming at him brightly. “You were so good!”
He smiled, proud, crest fully up, as he walked her into the room. “Were you watching? Did you have a good time?”
“I had a wonderful time,” she declared, and he had to believe it was the truth, because she looked so happy. She hadn’t seemed this free and unbothered since she landed here.
She was patting his shoulder now, silently urging him to set her down, which he did so she could return to the conversation his entrance had interrupted. She really had made friends with the people here. For as effortless as she was at being aloof and untouchable, she was also really good at being friendly and welcoming to strangers.
They weren’t able to stay long. The game ended after his curfew, however since it was for a professional reason, his curfew was extended to half a mark past the end of a game whenever he played. That was another thing his mother couldn’t prevent. So, they were able to enjoy themselves amongst the others for a short while.
He couldn’t help but notice, however, that she very deliberately didn’t take or give him anything that could be considered intoxicating. They ate some food, danced a bit, and chatted with as many people as possible, but they remained fully sober for it all.
And when they left, Sandy announced that they had to because of his curfew. He wasn’t bothered by how open she was about something that was, actually, extremely shameful, he was just curious about why she was doing it.
When they returned to the hover that Drevor was, again, driving, he asked her about it.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Does it bother you?” She asked, freeing her hair from its pins.
“No. I’m just curious.”
“Ah. Well, that’s more of my evil plans.”
He chuckled. “Evil plans?”
“Yeah. See, we could pretend you don’t have the adult guardianship thing, try to downplay it and everything like I’m sure others do. But why? Everyone knows it’s happening, and everyone knows why. Or they think they do anyway. If it’s not a secret, why pretend it is? Instead, you should accept it. Humility and understanding are very powerful tools. I don’t know how it is with telfay, but with humans, it’s sometimes very hard to get someone to just say ‘I was wrong’. They cling to mistakes and anger because it’s easier than admitting fault. But when you do admit fault, it’s so much easier to change and get people to accept that change. Which is what we want. So, I say, let’s not pretend we’re not adhering to every rule of your guardianship. We’ll tell everyone if they ask, but don’t say it like it’s some great chore or sacrifice. Just say, I have a curfew. Just like that. No blame or anger or anything. It’s a very mature thing.”
He laughed, putting his arm around her, pulling her to his chest. “A very mature thing, but you’re calculating it so coldly.”
“Yeah, that’s because our opponent here is your frigid fish of a mother.”
She surprised him again into laughing loudly. She turned, pressing a kiss to the column of his throat. Which he accepted with a smile, holding onto her tightly.
“Very well. It’s not like I have pride left to harm at this point.”
“You will,” she promised, climbing onto his lap. Kissing along his face eagerly. “You’re going to be able to stand proud and strong soon. I promise.”
“Then, I’ll hold you to that,” he smiled, letting her have her way with him. Enjoying the way she took from him so boldly.
“I am still not paid enough for this,” Drevor announced from the front, making them both laugh.
“Then, look away,” Rane ordered, wrapping his arms around Sandy as she giggled. “I’m going to get nasty with my mate.”
“Do not.”
“Can’t stop me!”
Loudly, exaggeratedly, he began kissing her all over as she laughed and squirmed and Drevor made annoyed sounds of protest and disgust, which only made Rane redouble his efforts. The sound of her laughter, the way she protested and wiggled, was more satisfying than the win, than the party, than being able to spend time with his friends again.
The happiness he felt was coming from her, and he never wanted it to end.
Chapter 21
Sandy
“Come on, Rane. You can do it. Be brave!”
“It’s not a matter of bravery,” he retorted, upset and unnerved.
