Freeing Luka: The Clecanian Series Book 2 Victoria Aveline (story read aloud TXT) 📖

Dwelling on something that was done and gone didn’t make sense. Why couldn’t she just find someone who wouldn’t take advantage of that?

“Can you tell me what happened…in the cell?” His fists clenched at his sides. “I can’t remember much, and the little I do remember…well…I’m not sure I’m recalling everything accurately.”

Alice let out a slow breath. He wanted to do this now? Programming the synthesizer to produce a hot beverage similar to tea, she thought about what to say. Over her shoulder she asked, “Do you want a drink?”

He jerked, crossing to her in an instant. “I can get this for you. Please sit down.”

She tilted her head at him, trying to figure out his angle. Slowly she retreated to the table, too exhausted to scrutinize his actions for long. “What do you remember?”

He leaned back against the counter, clearing his throat. “I remember being chained and alone for a long time. Then, I remember you. Talking to me…touching me.”

Heat crept up her cheeks. “Sorry,” she muttered.

“Sorry?”

Glancing up at him and noticing he wore a confused expression, she explained, “It wasn’t right for me to touch you when you were in that state. I’m sorry. Helas threatened to electrocute you if I didn’t, so I hope you understand.” It was a lie. She knew it. Eventually, even without threats from Helas, she would’ve touched him.

He began walking toward her then stopped, rushing to the counter to fetch her drink. Setting it on the table, he sat catty-corner to her. “You should never apologize for that.”

She clutched her glass, raising her eyes to meet his.

A wolfish grin spread over his face. “Never.”

Heartbeat picking up speed, she hid her smile with her cup, taking a long sip. A weight had been lifted, knowing he didn’t despise her for what she’d done. “I thought you were mad about it.”

He laughed, displaying perfect white teeth. “You thought I’d be mad about a beautiful female, my mate no less, running her hands over me to keep me from being tortured?”

Charming. What a dangerous quality. She focused on her tea.

“I have a proposition for you concerning your work with animals.”

She eyed him. “If you tell me again that I can’t have a man teach me to read your language, then—”

“No. No,” he said, shaking his head. “As part of my research, I have access to a wildlife reserve open only to me and a few others in my field. If you’d like, I could take you there. You could see some of the animals for yourself.”

“I…” She was lost for words. On the surface, his suggestion seemed very thoughtful. What was the catch? “And in return?”

“I’d like to have dinner with you.”

“Dinner. That’s all?” she said with narrowed eyes.

He licked his lips again, his gaze flashing to her mouth for an instant. “I can’t promise I won’t attempt more, but dinner is all that’s required.”

She felt a pang of pleasure shoot to her sex at his admission. Would she be able to resist his attempts? His nostrils flared, and a low purr sounded in his chest. A predatory grin spread across his face. “Just dinner,” she said shakily.

This was too much. The effect he had on her was too visceral. She needed to bring up his stalking. Because it had to stop, but also because she needed a reminder of why she should be cautious around him. “Are you planning on being a peeping tom again?” At his confused expression, she amended, “Watching me. Are you planning on hiding in the woods and watching me again?”

Leaning back, he regarded her for a moment before finally answering. “I could say no. You wouldn’t know one way or another if I did. But I don’t want to lie to you. I can’t promise the mating bond won’t force me back.”

Alice scowled. Why hadn’t his answer dampened her attraction? “It’s obsessive. You don’t even know me.”

“My very DNA has been altered by you. I’m stronger now. Faster.” Like lightning, his hand shot out and gently gripped hers. Immediately, her heart rate sped up, and a purr rumbled through him. “Do you feel that? It’s physical. Biological. I may not know much about you, but my soul recognizes yours.” She tugged at her hand. After a moment’s hesitation, he released it. “When I’m not near you, I feel…wrong. I walk around all day, unable to concentrate. Like I’ve forgotten something but can’t recall what it is. It’s maddening.”

Warning! Warning! Keep your guard up! Hadn’t she always felt an oddly intense connection to him? Did what he say make sense, or was he just really good at forming an argument in favor of his bad behavior?

His eyes bore into hers as they silently stared at each other, her breaths coming quickly. “What if I end up hating you?” she whispered.

Leaning toward her until only a few inches separated them, he rumbled, “Do you hate me, Alice?”

A loud pounding on the door made her jump.

Luka let out a low growl, holding her gaze for a moment longer before rising and walking to the door.

While his back was turned, Alice took a few calming breaths. Well, that didn’t go my way.

In the open doorway stood Zed. He glanced between them. “Metli sent me to find you. Figured you’d be here.”

“Hello, Zed,” Alice said, walking to the door.

“Zed?” Luka said, clenching and unclenching his fists.

“Yes, I told Alice she may call me Zed.”

Alice watched as the two men seemed to have a silent argument. “Do you guys know each other?”

Luka’s eyes softened when he looked at her, making warmth spread through her. “Yes, he’s my brother.”

“Your brother?” That’s why Auzed looked so familiar to her. “I thought this planet had an infertility issue. How many siblings do you have?”

Both men relaxed, shoulders