Ar'Tok - Alana Khan Page 0,23
ready to answer.
“It’s obvious you and Star have a bond. Despite your reluctance, I’d like you to accompany her. I have a leather kilt that will fit you. That’s what the others will be wearing. I’ll equip you with a sword as well as a laser pistol. Are you willing to go with her as part of her protective guard?”
“I’m eager to go. I have to tell you, though, I’ve never held a weapon.”
“The sword is for looks and intimidation, although even a novice can lop off a head if properly motivated,” he tosses me a grin. “You’ll need little tutoring for the pistol. You point it at your enemy and pull the trigger.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I’ll inform Shadow, and he’ll ensure no one asks you to do anything you’re not qualified for. Just being with Star and giving her emotional support will be your main job. Think you can handle that?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He hands me a black leather kilt with a sash that hangs over one shoulder and ends at my waist. A minima later I have a three-fierto sword hanging from my waist and heavy knee-high black boots on my feet.
“There are no innocents on this vessel, Ar’Tok. Not the males, anyway. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of. You never need to tell me what you were imprisoned for. I don’t care.
“I’ve never made it a secret that I’ve done things I’m ashamed of. We all have. You are not your history—not to me. You’re who you are today. And the male I’ve watched since you’ve been onboard is honest and trustworthy. That’s what matters.
“I’ve watched you with the female. I don’t give advice often, but I have some for you today. See yourself through her eyes. That will help you be kinder to yourself.”
“Thank you, Sir.” I turn to leave, not knowing what to do with Zar’s advice.
“And one more thing.”
I pivot to look at him.
“I doubt you were meant to be a gladiator, and if you were truly interested, you would have entered the ludus at least once in the two lunars you’ve been on board. However, after we’ve left the Pleasure Planet I’d like you to meet me to spar twice a week. You’ll be surprised what it will do to your self-confidence. And . . . you’ll like the reaction you’ll receive from your female when she watches you.”
The captain gives me a lascivious grin filled with razor-sharp canines. I don’t protest that Star’s not my female. In my mind, she’s been my female since our first comm.
Star
I’ve laid all the groundwork in not only the computer system on Paragon, but interconnected systems throughout the galaxy. The microdot hidden in my navel, when properly installed, will activate the thirty-nine programs I’ve written.
It’s a complicated interdependent structure that should prevent Federation noses from prying into Ergonn’s business.
I can’t wait to complete this meeting with him, so I can have some time alone with Ar’Tok. It’s been a long two days since that incendiary moment we shared with my back pressed against his cabin door.
My hormones have spiked several times a day to the point I had to take care of myself while sitting alone in my room in front of a computer. I forbade myself from asking Ar’Tok to relieve me. I left him alone and wanting once, I’m not selfish enough to do it a second time. Besides, when we finally come together I don’t want it to be rushed. I want it to be memorable.
He stalks into the cramped exit area where I’m standing with my four gladiatorial guards. As my mom would say, ‘be still my heart’. Could any male of any species on any planet look as hot and sexy as Ar’Tok?
Black kilt and sash, three-foot sword swinging at his slim hips, and his cirr pulled into a top-knot on his head. Since when did fierce equal sexy to me? I have no idea, but just gazing at him is making my panties damp.
“You’re coming?” I ask, excited. He’d told me he wouldn’t be on my safety detail. I release a long sigh in relief that he’s going to accompany me.
“My job is to be by your side and help with whatever you need. Ready?”
I’ve never seen his shoulders thrown back like this—in pride. He looks confident, and also a head taller than the other males because of his horns.
The ramp opens and even before my feet touch the ground, I’m hit with many foreign phenomena at once.
“The hover-limo’s this way,” Shadow