when we probably should have. This was a need-to-know mission.” Then, true to form, he looked at Salvo and changed the subject. “You’ve seemed particularly restless the past couple of days. When are you planning to return home?”
“Trying to get rid of me?” Salvo countered as his gaze shifted toward her.
“Hardly. You know I’ve enjoyed the company.”
“Actually, I was just thinking how nice it would be to sleep in my own bed tonight. I’ve indulged my mother’s over-protectiveness long enough.” He’d been hurt in a building collapse courtesy of the bomb set by the Opposition Force, and his mother insisted that he stay with Jaron during his recuperation. “Apparently, Ghost City was chosen as the next outpost site, so Malik is heading there in the morning. I’ll update him on the outcome of tonight. It’s probably best if we avoid general coms until we’ve identified the opposition leaders.”
“Malik and Kara are going to Ghost City?” Natalie asked immediately. Kara spent three weeks in Lake Walker Village while Malik was in custody, but Natalie hadn’t seen her former cabin mate since Kara moved back to Riverside. Natalie wanted Kara to be happy. Still, she really missed her best friend.
Salvo’s brow arched. “That’s what my mother told Aunt Mirra.”
“Would you mind if I go with you? I’ve hardly seen Kara since Malik claimed her. Besides, I’m supposed to go where the construction is. It sounds like that’s Ghost City.” Kara wasn’t Natalie’s only reason for asking if she could tag along. Salvo kept his emotions so close to the vest that she wasn’t sure how he felt about her. She was relatively certain he was attracted to her, yet he never flirted, never talked to her except in the course of a larger conversation. She didn’t know if he was shy or not interested in finding a mate. Maybe he didn’t want a human mate. All she knew for sure was she liked him enough to find out where he stood before she closed the door completely. If they spent some time alone together, he’d have no choice but to talk to her.
“Has someone arranged housing for you?” Mirra asked, seeming a bit concerned by the development.
“I have a guest bedroom,” Salvo said firmly, and Natalie knew she was on the right track. She wasn’t sure what was holding him back, but the attraction was mutual. “You’re welcome to stay with me if you like.”
“Really?” She beamed, relieved that this hadn’t blown up in her face. It would have been so embarrassing if he’d made some lame excuse. “That would be great. Once Kara and Malik arrive, I’ll find out if I can stay with them.” She didn’t want to seem too eager.
“Whatever makes the most sense for you,” he said with a faint smile.
“How soon are you leaving?” Natalie asked. “Can I go throw a few things in a bag? And I need to leave a message for Liandria to let her know where I went.”
“Of course. Take as long as you need. I won’t leave without you.”
“Thanks.” Natalie rushed from the cottage as Salvo and Jaron exchanged conspirators’ smiles.
Chapter Two
The floor dissolved beneath Natalie’s feet and she let out a startled cry. Salvo tightened his hold on her waist and pulled her close against his body. Fear and disorientation were almost unavoidable the first time anyone stepped through a trans-space portal. She wrapped both arms around him, clinging to his back. He’d imagined this for weeks, wondering what she would feel like in his arms. He wanted to taste her mouth and explore every inch of her soft, curvy body, but the timing for any sort of romance couldn’t be worse. Besides, he’d been struggling to define his identity his entire life. Malik just soul-bonded with a human, and Salvo avoided anything that could result in him being compared to his big brother. Still, the more time he spent with Natalie, the more she fascinated him.
They twisted suddenly, then dropped, and Salvo realized he needed to pay more attention to the portal and less to the female in his arms. She gasped and pressed her face against the side of his neck. “I’ve got you.” Salvo stroked the back of her hair, slowing their progress so he could enjoy their embrace a moment longer.
He guided her out of the portal and into his living room then closed the opening behind them with a wave of his hand. “Don’t try to move,” he advised, more than willing to hold her. “Take