Miran huffed out a laugh. This woman was not to be underestimated. “Brillant little human. I can’t wait for you to realize the truth.”
“Yeah, right,” she muttered with another eye roll. She regarded him with curiosity. “You know, most guys would be pretty upset if I tried to drug them. You laughed.”
“It's hard to explain because you don't believe my intentions are honorable, but it's good that you're so feisty despite your years of captivity,” he paused, searching her face. “Did they abuse you, little human? Did they punish you because your spirit is so strong?”
She gave him a perplexed look. “Why would it matter to you?”
“Because if you tell me who hurt you, I would hurt them back. Once you're safely on Hissa, I’ll go back to the Delight. I will exact revenge on your behalf.”
She shook her head. “It wasn't like that. I was treated just like any of the acts, well except I didn't get paid. But, uh, thanks for being willing to wreak vengeance on Riff.”
“Do you care for their well-being?” Miran found jealousy rising in him. “Riff and Sanian?”
“Of course not, they sold me! But they’re good at keeping the Delight going and a lot of my friends depend on that ship for their livelihood.”
“You care for those you were raised with,” Miran nodded with understanding. “They’re like family to you.”
“I guess you could say that,” she admitted reluctantly. “Look, could we change the subject? Maybe you could tell me some more pretty lies about your planet and all the ways you guys are going to make me happy.”
Miran grinned at her, finding her discomfort mildly entertaining. “I’m enjoying the topic. Who were you closest to? Did all the performers live together or did you guys have separate rooms? What—”
As if to shut him up, she pressed her lips to his.
Chapter 5
Miran
He was so stunned that he went perfectly still. Then he opened his mouth and slid his tongue along the seam of her lips. She gasped, opening to him. He pressed his tongue into her mouth, remaining gentle so she could pull back if she didn’t like it.
With a moan, she ran her tongue along his.
She tasted sweet, like every dessert he'd ever had all rolled into one. He didn’t force her to maintain the kiss. If anything, she was the one pressing her tongue against his, inviting more intimacy.
The smell of her arousal, faint before, grew stronger, making his flagging erection pop back to life. His cock was wedged between him and her, making it both painful and wonderful.
She might’ve started the kiss as a way to shut him up, but it was turning into something more. He didn’t want the moment to end because he did something she wasn’t ready for.
She wiggled on his lap, torturing his dick and making him moan deep in his throat. The shuttle around him disappeared. His world narrowed down to Nova and the kiss.
Then he felt her hands move. Worry for his safety cleared away the lust haze. He pulled away from the kiss and grabbed her hands, expecting to find another drug gun or some other kind of improvised weapon. But her hands were completely empty.
“Hey, I wasn't done,” she protested.
He blinked, his head all twisted around first from the kiss, then the sudden panic. Did she mean she wasn’t done trying to incapacitate him?
“Hissa guy, I didn’t want to stop. You taste good, get back over here,” she demanded and stretched her face toward his again.
“Miran,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “My name is Miran. Second son of the family Goshun and…”
His words trailed off when she nuzzled his cheek. Her skin felt unbelievably soft.
“Miran. That’s a good name. I like it.” Her quiet words lit up his brain. He wanted more compliments from her.
No, that’s not how it should be. He needed to shower her with eloquent words and accolades.
“Nova is a good name too,” he said, wincing at how clumsy he sounded.
She made a humming sound and licked his chin just like he’d licked her neck earlier. Sensation zinged down his spine, making him wish they were both naked. He kept both of her hands in his, sure that she couldn’t cause him any trouble if she wasn’t able to grab anything. That assurance let him relax into what she was doing.
