He might have chuckled. She wasn't sure.
It was an affirmative response.
It was intense. A lot of kissing. More than she'd expected in a single moment. That he was kissing her so intently.
The side of her that wanted to question it was quickly silenced by the part of herself savoring this moment. She could overanalyze this later and decide if she wanted to keep kissing him.
Who was she kidding?
She could do this all day.
He indeed was a drug she was overcome with.
"Khalzin," she whispered in his ear as she kissed the shell.
Her gaze darted around, and she saw the guard in the corner.
And froze.
Khalzin pulled away. "Are you okay?"
"I just," she started to push away, and she glanced back at the guards again.
Khalzin turned and must have realized they were there. "Get out. I don't need you in my residence. We are secure enough if you are outside."
The guard nodded, and he and the other guard left the apartment.
Khalzin glanced at her. "Now, where were we?"
She sighed. Even them leaving wasn't enough to return her to where she was. "I--"
He retook her hands. "I adored kissing you. We will move at the pace you wish. No faster."
She nodded. "I am not used to guards and security and threats against my existence."
"I know. We will get this sorted soon."
"I hope so."
He stroked her face, his finger running down her nose, right over her ridges.
She didn't even have a chance to pull back. He just did it.
"Uh,"
"I will take care of you."
She nodded. Took a breath.
Glanced at him. "Did you still want to go on a tour tomorrow?"
Khalzin nodded.
Janae got an idea. "I will bring my friend. What about your friend? The one who was with you when we met her? Would he want to come? He would be good protection, wouldn't he?"
He raised his eyebrow. "Are you trying to arrange something?"
Janae shrugged. "She asked about him. Maybe she thought he was cute."
