Part 9 (1/2)

I dont think Ive ever had so much fun, she admitted.

You were made for this kind of lifestyle.

Maybe in your world. In mine, this kind of lifestyle would either kill me or see me landing in jail.

You could come with me when I leave. He made the offer spuriously and, for a moment, wondered if hed had his body taken over by some kind of spirit. But no. As far as he could ascertain, he was in control of his mental faculties. Which means I meant it.

When he dissected the idea further, he could see how Jilly would prove a fascinating companion to bring along on his travels.

There was just one problem with his plan. She didnt want to come.

Sorry, dude, but no thanks. I might drive like a speed demon, but even I know that leaving my planet and everything I know to fly off into s.p.a.ce with an almost virtual stranger is nuts. I mean, we barely know each other.

I would beg to differ. I can state with a.s.surance that I am familiar with most aspects of your body.

Thats physical. Ill admit, when it comes to s.e.x, we are extremely compatible. But a relations.h.i.+p needs more than that to work. Im talking about the other stuff, the mental s.h.i.+t. Like love and friends.h.i.+p.

What does that have to do with joining me?

Everything. The very fact you dont grasp it is why I cant go. Maybe aliens like you dont get the whole love thing, but with humans, its huge. Really huge, she added as she swerved around a large truck, only to confront an even bigger one coming at them head-on.

For a moment as she spun the steering contraption, the vehicle lifted and teetered on two wheels before slamming back down.

How Vhyl missed the more stable method of travel exhibited by hovercrafts.

Are you claiming you love me? And why did the thought elate him?

Of course not. Its too soon for that. But, in order for me to give up my life here, my home, everything I know, I should at least hope the possibility of love between us exists.

He couldnt help but make a face. Affection makes a warrior weak.

I highly doubt that. And even if that were the case, its different for humans. We need affection to thrive.

I cannot promise you that.

Then I guess were at an impa.s.se.

So you are saying no, even though we would have grand adventures together?

For a moment she didnt reply, and when she did, she let out a big sigh first. Yeah, its a no.

While the scream of sirens had faded as Jillys expert maneuvering with her archaic land transport gained them a lead, Vhyl could still spot the red and blue flashes of her police force following in the distance.

We should turn off this road when an alternate route becomes available and see if we can lose our pursuers.

Good plan.

With no warning, she spun the wheel, sending the back end of the truck fishtailing before its tires caught the pavement and they shot off in another direction, one lined with trees and dark.

Vhyl held on to the dash, certain he was about to die.

But Jilly managed to keep them upright and on the road.

A miracle.

His wristband beeped.

What now? she asked. More enemies coming?

No. My vessel has made it into your airs.p.a.ce and is currently tracking me overhead. If we can find a large open area, it will only take a few moments of stoppage for it to lower enough to transport me aboard.

Leaving already? She sounded so disappointed. Before he could reply, she snorted. Of course youre leaving. Theres nothing keeping you here. You found the artifact. And its probably best you go before you start some kind of alien war.

True, yet he found himself reluctant to go. Things felt unfinished between him and his barbarian. There is the question of payment.

She waved a hand at him. Forget it. Ill consider the fact Im alive and that you gave me the adventure of a lifetime payment enough. Beside, the quicker youre gone, the quicker I can go back to my old life.

Odd. She refused to leave with him and live a life of adventure and yet, at the same time, seemed less than enthused at the prospect of staying.

And he thought the females of his planet were complicated.

It seemed theyd lost their pursuers for the moment. No lights gleamed behind them, and they only pa.s.sed the occasional pair heading in the opposite direction.

When the forest opened up, the moon chose that moment to unveil itself, illuminating the world in a white glow that reflected off the snow on the ground. A poetic male would have found the scenery beautiful and probably waxed eloquent”which meant Vhyl would have had to kill him. He did so hate the artsy types.

Jilly pulled to the side of the road and did something to extinguish the lights s.h.i.+ning from the front of her truck, but she left the engine running, probably so they wouldnt run out of heat. Her world was cold.

However, the low temperature wasnt why she s.h.i.+vered. She might claim they were still almost strangers, but Vhyl begged to differ.

In their short time together, hed learned to read his human. To understand the varied emotions she expressed, both with her face and body language.

Vhyl slid his hand around her nape and drew her close to him, wondering if he could change her mind with a kiss, as he found himself reluctant to leave her.

It made no sense.

I want her.

Not because she would complement his collection of rare and priceless things.

Not because, as an attractive human, shed fetch a high price on the Obsidian market.

Not because she was a fabulous coital partner”although it did help.

Vhyl wanted her because, despite their short acquaintance, he felt a connection to Jilly. An urge to discover the different facets of her personality. A desire to further explore her intriguing personality and nature. A need to protect her imbued him. A jealousy that another might kiss those lips burned him.

So many things he felt.