“Our technology is far more advanced than what you’re used to.”
“So you keep mentioning. Even the robot doctor was amazing. It almost looks like a person. Only metal. We have some robots on Earth but nothing like that. Some high-end stores have robot mannequins for their clothing. They strike poses.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
Kelsey carefully scooted a little to the right and stood. Crath was fascinated as she took a few steps away, turned, and then smiled at him.
“Like this.” She spread her bare feet apart, dramatically cocked her hip to one side, then planted her hands on her waist. “Display robots have very limited programming. They move around a bit and can tell you available sizes and prices of whatever outfit or accessories they’re modeling. But that’s about it.” She shifted into another position. “Posing.” She moved again, bending her knees a little and throwing her arms up.
“That is strange.”
Kelsey straightened and lowered her arms. “It wasn’t like I could ever afford to shop in those places, but I’ve gone to pick up plenty of shoplifters the store security caught in the act.”
“They tried to carry the store away? Are they very small?”
She laughed. “A shoplifter is what we call someone who steals things inside stores, like clothing or jewelry or other small items. Not all the calls I was sent out on were code reds. We tended to do transport duty when things got slow. That means we’d pick up criminals arrested by others and drive them to the police station or transfer them to a different district.”
“I understand. Your Earth has a strange way of wording things. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Shoplifting is a good example.”
“That’s true. I can’t even try to defend that.” Kelsey retook a seat on the bed and glanced around.
“There is no need to worry. You are safe.”
She met his gaze. “I’m a little nervous.”
Crath reached for her hand. “There is no need to be. You are home.”
He could tell by the way her eyes widened slightly that he’d surprised her.
“The Vorge is our home for now. I’m having a large vessel built for us to move onto much later, but I know it’s important for you to adjust to your new life away from your previous planet first. Having humans onboard to interact with will aid in a smoother transition. They are family and will comfort you.”
Her eyes grew even bigger.
“Unless,” he quickly amended, “you wish to remain on The Vorge. I want you to be happy. That’s my priority. If you find that you do not like living in space, we could travel to my home planet to see if you like it there better. Tryleskian is beautiful. The choice will always be yours.”
“But you just met me.”
“We’ve already had this discussion, my Kelsey. I’m not a male from Earth. I don’t need months or years to decide if I wish to spend the rest of my life with you.” He touched his chest. “I know it in here.”
She sighed. “You’re crazy.”
“About you.” He smiled.
Kelsey stared at him for long moments but then shook her head, a small smile curving her lips. “I don’t know what to do with you.”
He grinned. “Everything. I’m going to win you over.”
Chapter Twelve
Kelsey couldn’t possibly eat another bite. They’d had a picnic-style meal of assorted alien foods on Crath’s huge bed. “I ate too much.”
Crath leaned closer to her, holding her gaze. “I’m very glad that you enjoyed the food. Midgel, the cook, is talented. You will never know hunger again, my Kelsey. I won’t allow it. I’m going to be an excellent husband.”
The sincerity in his eyes made her swallow hard. “You’re talking crazy again.”
“I know what I want. That’s you. Forever.”
She stared at him, silently contemplating. Aliens certainly weren’t like humans when it came to relationships. He honestly seemed to want to commit to her as if they were a married couple. It was difficult for her to wrap her mind around. Marriage had never crossed her mind as a possibility for her future. She had to admit, though, that she’d never envisioned someone like Crath coming into her life.
“I realize that your race tends to take more time with these decisions. I’m willing to perform date ceremonies with you.”
That had her smiling. She was pretty certain what he meant but she wanted confirmation. “What are date ceremonies by your definition?”
“Spending time together, eating meals and finding activities that we will enjoy doing together to prove that we are compatible.”
“Going on a date really isn’t considered a ceremony.” Her gaze drifted around the large cabin. “Besides that, people who date don’t live together right away.” She stared into his eyes.
“We’re not on your planet. I don’t want to be separated from you. The best way to get to know each other is if we keep spending all our time together.”
“That’s…true.” She couldn’t deny his theory. The idea of being all alone in a room of her own wasn’t appealing. The two humans she’d met so far had unsettled her with their talk of a werewolf-looking alien and their rescuer being compared to a blue vampire. She felt secure that Crath would keep her safe by not letting anyone hurt her. He had become her rock in the span of a day. It was nice to have someone to depend on for once. She’d been alone ever since her mother’s death.
“Let me show you how everything in our cabin works.” Crath slid off the bed, removing the two trays they’d used for tables and stacking them on what passed for a wide nightstand.
Kelsey shook her head, motioning for him to sit again. “Later. I’m perfectly content to just relax for a while.”
Crath sat back down. “Are you tired?”
“I could sleep. We’ve been through a lot since yesterday.”
His gaze slid down her body. “You can remove everything to be comfortable. I tend to sleep bare. Nara would have delivered you clothing but we didn’t wish to be interrupted. I could give you one of my shirts until we’re ready to receive visitors. The choice is yours.”
It was her turn to glance down his body while she imagined Crath naked. That cave hadn’t had much light, unlike his cabin. She knew she’d get to see every inch of him in vivid detail if he stripped for her. “Um…”
“Whatever pleases you, my Kelsey.” He licked his lips. “That is what I live to do now. Making you happy is all I want.”
“Now you’re purposely being sexy,” she blurted.
He chuckled. “I am succeeding, aren’t I? I would like nothing better than to strip you bare to show you a feeding again. It may convince you to bond with me for life.”
It was tempting. She couldn’t deny that.
Crath glanced at her lap before peering deeply into her eyes. “I promise you will enjoy it. Let me.”
She stood, stripping. Kelsey was tired of overthinking everything. She wanted comfort and to feel connected to Crath. He was offering that.
It was quick work to remove the medical outfit since it was only two pieces. Crath slid off the bed to stand, his gaze on her every movement.