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Nell’s eyes opened, and she stared at him but didn’t stop moving.
He continued to hum, not pressing any influence on her, wanting her to see his intention. He wanted to dance with her. He wanted to touch her body as it swayed.
Nell reached out a hand, beckoning Rane closer.
He closed the gap between them.
Her movements slowed, but she kept swaying, her eyes wide as they dropped to Rane’s mouth.
He hummed, using the tone that identified him as a strong and capable mate. He’d never considered coupling with a human female before. Not that he didn’t find them attractive, but he’d always assumed he’d be with another Olickie.
Rane brushed Nell’s sweat dampened hair from her forehead. For a second, she flinched away but then nodded and allowed him to continue. He ran his hands over her hair several times, pushing it off her face.
She turned her head and kissed the inside of his wrist. It was a quick movement, almost as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to do it, and if she did it fast enough, it wouldn’t be noticed.
“You are so beautiful,” Rane said. “Like the starlight.”
“Starlight! I’ve never heard that compliment before.”
“I always try to capture starlight when I paint. It’s such a beautiful, elusive quality of light. I’d like to paint you among the stars.”
“You will. I agreed to do it. It can be my payment for everything you’ve done for me.”
“I don’t want you to consider it a payment. I want you to do it because you’ll enjoy it.”
Nell’s nose wrinkled. “I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy being scrutinized by you. What if you paint my flaws in?”
“Not possible. You don’t have any.”
“You’re as cheesy as the music we just played.” Nell stepped toward him and tilted her head up to look into his eyes. “I’d like to...”
Rane’s gaze went to her mouth. He knew what he wanted to do with her, but she had to make the first move. Nell had to be ready. He slowed his hum until it was a background purr. “You want to what?”
“I want to—” a blast of eighties music shot out of the speakers.
Nell jumped back and laughed. “This is one of my favorite songs.”
“Computer, stop the music.” Rane gritted his teeth as he turned away. He glared at the speaker, wanting to put his fist through it. He adjusted his pants to hide the bulge and turned back to Nell. “Are you ready to sleep?”
“Yes, more than ready. All that dancing and your lovely humming have chilled me out.” She walked over to his bed without hesitation and sank onto it.
Rane watched as she snuggled into his sheets. He loved to smell the spot she’d slept in. He breathed in that scent as he pleasured himself after she left him alone in bed.
He needed a time out, or he’d do something they might both regret. “I’ll go get some food.”
“Use your replicator,” Nell said as she curled onto her side.
“I need a walk. I won’t be long.” Rane looked back at Nell as he left the room. Although what he was doing seemed to help her, it made him an unsettled, anxious mess.
That was a side-effect of spending too much time with one person and using his ability on them; he absorbed some of what they felt. Rane knew how anxious and full of fear Nell was and how desperately she clung to a facade of calmness.
If he hadn’t discovered her when he did, she’d have broken by now. That was never going to happen, not with him around.
Rane dealt with the anxiety he absorbed from Nell by eating his favorite Olickie dessert. It was a dark chocolate pudding with layers of cream, garnished with a sweet biscuit that crumbled in the mouth.
Rane was already salivating at the thought as he hurried into the dining hall. It was late, and there was barely anyone else around. He placed his order and sat at a table, resting his back against the wall as he watched the occasional late night snacker come in.
He needed to get his head straight when it came to Nell. He was in too deep with her. Being around her all the time and using his ability on her made the bond grow stronger.
