Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3 Victoria Aveline (best book club books .TXT) 📖

Lily cracked her last guren with a dreamy smile.

“What is it?”

Her eyes focused on his. “Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about some treatments I’d like right about now. A massage, a hot-oil scalp treatment, a manicure.” She frowned at her small, somewhat dirty nails.

“I received high scores in my massage classes.” Verakko’s voice came out a little huskier than he’d intended, a small, rattling hiss punctuating his words.

Verakko couldn’t believe it, but for a moment, Lily appeared to be considering his offer. His fingers twitched in anticipation.

She shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll wait.”

Verakko had to stop himself from breaking his newly sharpened spear in half.

***

“Are you ready to learn how to make a fire?”

To Lily’s surprise, Verakko didn’t argue or hesitate. Instead, he sat quietly and listened as she showed him how to use the bow drill and explained what to do after he managed to get an ember in the soft bundle of tinder.

“Got it?”

“I think so,” he replied, brows drawn in concentration.

At least he didn’t mind being taught by a woman, she thought, her estimation of him rising a fraction. Lily stood. “Good. Then I’m going to refill our canteens so we can purify the water before it gets too dark.” She neglected to mention that she was also going to bathe. Better he didn’t know.

He stood suddenly, and she had to take a step back. He peered around the clearing, then up to the sky just visible through the large leaves, worry evident in his eyes. “Maybe I should go with you.”

Placing a hand on his arm, she tried to not sound too eager when she said, “No, it’s fine. Someone needs to start a fire, and I want you to learn how to do it.”

The muscle beneath her palm tensed, and his eyes traveled to where she touched him. His skin was warm and smooth. Awareness of his large, solid frame washed over her. How much better would she sleep curled against his warm chest after he’d used his strong hands to massage her stress away? Lily had been a breath away from agreeing to the massage before his dark tone had registered.

She jerked her hand back and awkwardly continued. “Okay, so…uh…you just stay right here and start a fire, and I’ll be back before you know it.” Lily gathered her water container and bowl, avoiding his intense stare that had darkened at her touch. “See you soon,” she called, scurrying toward the river.

When she’d ventured far enough away and the frustratingly pleasant scent of cedar no longer hung in the air, she allowed herself a moment to breathe. It was funny how she’d been so lonely for so long, and now all she wanted was to be alone so she could gather her thoughts in peace.

Peering up at the sky, she estimated she had an hour or so before she’d need to head back. She picked up her pace and gave herself permission to finally think through what she’d learned. So much.

This planet wasn’t at all what she’d thought. Her heart sank. If Verakko was to be believed, she’d have to get used to it, though. She’d never be allowed to return to Earth. Lily shook her head and dismissed the idea. Laws could be changed, and laws could be broken. Figuring out how to get back to Earth was a winnable fight, she was convinced of it, but it was a fight for another day. Besides, what was the rush? It wasn’t like she’d have anybody waiting for her on Earth.

Lily’s upbringing had instilled an unrest in her that she’d never been able to shake. As far back as she could remember, her family had constantly traveled. Even as an adult, she tended not to live anywhere for more than a few years.

A couple of friends she didn’t stay in contact with and her globe-trekking parents were the only people who’d even notice she was gone. They’d probably assume she’d moved again.

Her parents would be okay; she didn’t have any doubts. Her chest swelled. That thought hurt more than anything else. Sure, they’d miss her and wonder what had happened, but over time, she’d learned her mother and father didn’t feel or express emotion in the same way most people did. They thought of themselves more as guides and teachers than parents. At sixteen, when she’d asked to emancipate herself from their care, they’d been thrilled. Overjoyed that she’d felt confident enough in what they’d taught her to venture out on her own. Although she’d never mentioned it, she’d been crushed at how easily they’d agreed.

The river came into view, and Lily let out a low breath. She had to hand it to them. Without their endless camping and survival training, she might not have made it out here. She supposed she owed them a thank you.

The river was curved here, creating a wide, sandy beach with shallow, calm water on one side and a sharp cliff on the far side, where the water rushed past. When she reached the sandy bank, she paused and took a second to admire the tranquil scene.

The sun was just setting behind the towering trees in the distance, turning the surface of the water gold. A cool breeze blew, carrying the crisp scent of the forest. Lily slid her eyes shut and inhaled. She bent, unbuckling her ankle straps, and toed off her flats. The wet sand between her curling toes was still gritty, yet a bit more velvety than most sand on Earth.

Lily waded into the water without thinking. Halfway in, she froze and glanced down at her wet shirt. Every other time she’d bathed, she’d made sure to clean her clothing as well as her body. She’d dive into the water then take off her clothes, scrubbing them as best she could. She’d lay them out