Page 24
“No.”
“Good.”
“I can hear your heartbeat.”
Of course he could. Supernatural hearing. Very vampiric indeed.
“And your scent changes with your emotions.”
Less good. Actually: what the fuck? Could he smell what I’d felt in the car? When he’d been so very close and I’d felt the hardness under that skimpy little leather wrap around his waist? That was bad. I’d tried so hard not to blush. And here he was smelling me.
Georgie laughed softly. “You get used to it.”
“I’m not sure I want to.”
“You don’t have to decide anything today.” Her expression turned serious. “You don’t owe him a relationship just because everyone keeps calling you mates. Cairn knew what I was to him straight away, but I needed time. I already had a life before he woke up, and so do you.”
Sten looked towards the fire. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue.
“What happens to him if I leave?” I asked.
“Cairn and I will find a way to help him,” Georgie said. “You are not responsible for keeping him alive.”
It was a kind thing to say, but it wasn’t entirely true. Sten’s hand had begun to soften while I held it. It was hardening again now. I had a responsibility. I couldn’t just leave him.
“I don’t know him.” I avoided looking at Sten.
“No.”
“I didn’t even know aliens existed until a few hours ago.”
“Trust me, that was quite a shock for me too. Such a shock that I fell off a ladder.”
“And now everyone keeps talking as if we’re supposed to be together.”
“Potentially together,” Georgie corrected. “There’s a difference. At least you went into this whole thing with the expectation of going on a date. You were ready for a relationship. I was just there to survey a statue.”
I didn’t tell her that I’d mostly agreed to this because of a patient.
I looked at Sten. His golden eyes met mine.
“I find you attractive,” I admitted. “That isn’t the same as wanting my entire life tied to yours.”
“I did not ask for this either,” he said. “I wouldn’t even be on this planet if our ship hadn’t malfunctioned.”
The blunt reply should have annoyed me. Instead, I was relieved. Neither of us had chosen this. At least we agreed on something.
Georgie rose. “I’ll find out where Cairn has got to. Take whatever time you need.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I think you two will manage. And you need some time to yourselves. You’ve been surrounded by others ever since Sten woke. It must be tiring.”
She gave me a reassuring smile before heading outside. Pam’s voice continued from the kitchen, followed by the sound of cupboards being opened and closed.
For the first time, Sten and I were alone. I instantly felt awkward. Time to get busy.
I picked up my suitcase and walked towards the bedroom. After four steps, Sten hissed.
