Page 42 of Black Mamba

“In my… world,” he starts slowly, “a lone female is in danger. Especially a human one, since they are frailer.”

“Of you!”

“Of others like me, like Deiyssss.”

The naga who died? The one Greg shot? I hug myself tighter as I study him. “Because he would take me against my will back to his lair, all in an act to ‘save’ me? Like you?”

“Not like me. There are many of my kind who are nice, even reasonable, but there are others who are not. I would not have hurt you,” his voice lowers again. “I will not hurt you.”

I take a shuddering, shallow breath. “I believe you.” Because, strangely, I do.

His lips twitch with surprise then flattens. Despite what he’s done, he never harmed me outside his manhandling. “When I left, I intended to release you upon my return. I did not make it in time. I am ssssorry.”

“Sorry that I escaped and got caught by another one of you? Thanks, I appreciate that. I’m sorry too,” I say with a sarcastic wince as I gently roll my aching shoulder.

Lukys’s eyes darken. “He should not have hurt you.”

“I don’t think he had a choice. I put up a fight.”

“Good.”

I try to focus on the hum of the ship as we stare at each other silently, our conversation coming to an awkward pause. He’s happy I put up a fight. “I put up a fight with you too.”

“You did.”

His arms drop to his sides as his gaze drifts over me. The tension that was beginning to fade returns as I stiffen under his blatant perusal. I see his fingers stretch and curl—and his bulge out of the corner of my vision.

“I am sorry,” he says again, threading his claws through his hair.

“I…” Do I forgive him? I was being sarcastic before.

“Hey! Wh… ar… you doing over there!” Levy’s muffled voice shouts as he walks into view from the direction of his ship. “Leave her alone!” He stomps through Lukys’s circle before pausing at the inner edge of it.

“We’re just talking!” I yell before a fight can escalate.

Greg appears from their ship and jogs up behind Levy, bringing with him his rifle. Wearing a form-fitting shirt, the muscles of his back and shoulders flex.

I wave my hands. “We’re just talking!”

Levy looks suspiciously from Lukys to me, who hasn’t moved since their arrival. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. He’s building a firepit.” I point behind them. “He’s already cleared out a spot.”

Levy and Greg peer at each other, a myriad of emotions playing out on their faces.

“I forgive you,” I say, just high enough for only Lukys to hear.

He faces me and meets my gaze.

“What? A firepit?” Greg shouts. “Why?”

Lukys and I continue to stare at each other. “Because you need them, especially to cook meat,” I shout back.

“Meat?”

Lukys suddenly turns away and retreats to his circle, making both Greg and Levy back up several paces, killing the conversation immediately. I also retreat until I bump the control panel then slide down in my dad’s seat where they can’t see me, catching my breath. Wiping the back of my hand across my forehead, it comes away slick with sweat.

I’m also wet between my legs. Tingling. I push my thighs together.