Hanna and the Hitman - Honey Phillips Page 0,8

to him for protection. They came to him because they wanted their enemies eliminated. But something about her instinctive faith in him caused an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. He sighed. “You won’t like it.”

“But you’ll take me? Oh, thank you.”

For a brief moment, she threw her arms around his neck, pressing her soft little curves fully against his body. His cock sprang to attention with unexpected enthusiasm before he pushed it back down and gently disentangled her.

“If you intend to appear wealthy enough to attract his attention, those clothes will not do,” Njkall said calmly.

“Agreed. Looks like we’re going shopping, pet.”

“If I may make a suggestion? I expect your female would like to bathe. I can arrange to have suitable attire brought here while she cleanses herself.”

Pink washed over Hanna’s cheeks and down her chest. Fascinating. He had no idea that humans could change color.

“I’m sorry. I know I’m dirty, but there wasn’t anywhere to wash, and I didn’t want to be clean for that bastard anyway.”

“You did well,” he assured her. “But it’s time for a different kind of disguise.”

She nodded meekly. “Yes, Aidon.”

“You mentioned a bathing facility?”

“This way.” Njkall led them through the door at the rear of the room and through a set of tunnels that sloped gently downward.

Somewhat to Aidon’s surprise, they were dry, warm, and softly lit by small collections of glowing crystals. Not crystals, he realized on second look as the cluster shifted. Some type of living organism instead. Despite the circuitous path, he would have no trouble retracing his steps, and he gave Hanna’s hand a reassuring squeeze when she looked up at him anxiously.

The Hothian finally led them into another chamber, much larger than the entrance chamber but similarly attired with low couches, small tables, and a central firepit.

“The bathing rooms are through there. She will be undisturbed.” Njkall looked at him. “You have my word.”

Hanna hesitated, giving him a pleading look. “Can’t you come with me?”

A brief vision of her naked body, gleaming with water, danced through his head, and once again, he had to force his cock under control. He never had this much trouble restraining himself around a female, and his voice was harsher than he intended when he spoke.

“No. Go cleanse yourself.”

She looked so stricken that he immediately regretted his words.

He put a hand on her cheek and softened his tone. “Go on, pet. You’re safe here. No one will get past me.”

Her small shoulders straightened, and she nodded, heading for the archway Njkall had indicated.

“Do you need assistance with the controls?” Njkall asked.

“No, thank you. I’m quite capable of using an indoor bathroom.” Her chin lifted, and he felt another flash of pride. Despite her obvious fear, she faced the Hothian directly. Then she disappeared through the archway with her head held high.

Njkall also nodded approvingly as he turned back to him. “That one has courage.”

“No doubt. But she is not your concern,” he growled. “I will also need clothing.”

“Very well. How do you intend to disguise yourself?”

Keeping a watchful eye on the opening through which Hanna had departed, he allowed himself to be drawn into a discussion about the advantages of various personas.

Chapter Four

As soon as she was out of sight, Hanna leaned against the rock wall and forced back a sudden wave of tears. Damn, she was tired of this. Of feeling so helpless. But was it any better to place her trust in an unknown alien, no matter how kind he had been to her so far?

Perhaps it was because when their eyes had first met, she’d felt as though he’d truly seen her. He was the first alien to have done so since the day she’d been captured. Even Khuda, as kind as she had been, had only seen her as another slave. But it was more than that—he made her feel safe. Despite his gruff words, she had absolutely no doubt that he would stand between her and whoever threatened her. She also had no doubt that he would do so successfully.

Her thoughts traveled back to his broad shoulders, long, strong legs, and the big hands that closed so comfortingly around hers. To her shock, she felt a warm flutter of desire low in her stomach. Up until today, she would have sworn that she would never have felt the least interest in any of the endless variety of aliens who had poked, prodded, and leered at her. She had been supremely grateful that it hadn’t gone further than unwanted touches.