Jennifer and the Alien Badass (Intergalactic Brides 15) Read online

  She was breathing hard and her pulse raced in her throat. Good. She was every bit as affected as he was. And Siril had meant every damn word. He’d never wanted a female the way he wanted her. It wasn’t just the mesmerizing tilt of her lips when she smiled, or the way her eyes flashed with sass and amusement. It was the way she’d gone after Tyril, determined to find out what had happened to her daughter. It was the fire he saw in her whenever she talked about being a mom. And all right, a big dose of it was just wanting to feel those incredible legs wrapped around him. He’d always admired the female form, and hers was exceptional.

  She lifted her glass and took several gulps of her tea before setting it back down. Her hand trembled as she dropped it to her lap. The look in her eyes said she clearly hadn’t expected him to be so open with her, but he had never been one to stand by and wait for things to happen. If he wanted something, he went after it. For the most part. A mate had been the one thing he’d stopped looking for, after being rejected a few times too many.

  “When you offered to take me as your mate, it wasn’t just you being altruistic, was it?” she asked. “You really do want me.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “No one’s ever…” she trailed off.

  “No one’s ever what?” he asked.

  “No one’s ever wanted me like that before. I mean, I’ve slept with guys, obviously, but it’s always just been two drunk people trying to feel good for a minute. It’s never really been all that passionate or…” She bit her lip. “Intense. I think being with you would be intense, and that scares me a little.”

  “I don’t mean to frighten you.”

  “I didn’t mean it quite like that. It’s very tempting to say screw dinner and tell you to take me to your hotel room. But then we wouldn’t know anything about one another except whether or not we’re good in bed. And while that would definitely be something I’d want to know before agreeing to a mating, I think a relationship should be built on more than that. Sex isn’t everything.”

  “When’s the last time you were with a male?” he asked.

  Her cheeks flushed. “That’s rather personal.”

  “Perhaps sex doesn’t seem as important to you as other things because it’s been missing in your life for a while. I’m not saying we should forget dinner and find the nearest bed, but I think you’re not putting enough importance on the act of intimacy.”

  She nodded. “You may be right. So, why don’t we spend dinner getting to know one another, and then see where things go from there.”

  “I can agree to that.”

  “Are you an only child or do you come from a big family?” she asked.

  “I had a sister, one of the last females born to my people, but she took sick and never recovered. Our doctors did everything they could for her, but in the end, the disease was too strong for her body to overcome it.”

  “I’m sorry. What was her name?”

  “Leandara. She was younger than me by two years and would have had a family of her own by now. She died when she was still quite young. My parents were never blessed with more children after the two of us.”

  “How do your people control the population? Do you have birth control?” she asked.

  “I’m familiar with the human ways of not having children, but no, we don’t use birth control on my planet. All children are welcome. If it becomes too dangerous for a mate to have more children, either the male or female is sterilized. For those who go off-world and enjoy females while they’re away, it is usually the female’s job to make sure no children come of it. Brothels in space are required to sterilize their females, or provide some other methods to avoid pregnancies.”

  “Well that hardly seems fair, putting it all on the woman,” she said.

  “Not all males think that way and may take precautions, but most assume the female has it covered.” He shrugged. “Things are different in other places than here on your Earth. In some ways, I feel humans can be more advanced than other races, but in a lot of ways you’re still growing and learning. Your space program is laughable.”

  “Agreed. You’d think with aliens living on Earth now, they would make improvements, but they seem content to let your people take care of things. I’m assuming the presence of your people on my world is why no one has brought an intergalactic war to Earth. And now more races are coming here. Just the other day, I saw a blue alien walking down the sidewalk.”

  “We are inviting the possibility of more races joining the bride program. My people aren’t the only ones hurting for females. While I don’t believe brides will be sent to any other planets, we have agreed on a case by case basis for other races to come here to seek a mate. It hardly seems fair that we have a monopoly on the females of your world.”

  “It amazes me that when I was little, no one even knew there were other people out there. We just assumed we were the only ones. And now, aliens of all shapes and sizes are parading around town and it’s possible for us to travel to other worlds.” She smiled. “It’s all rather remarkable.”

  “I know it’s common for human females to have jobs. Since you are the sole provider for your daughter, I’m assuming you work?”

  She nodded. “I’m a clerk at the dollar store. It’s not a glamorous job, but it pays the bills and the work is steady. I’ve been there a few years now. Before that, I was a barista at a coffee shop. I didn’t finish high school, but I did get my G.E.D. later, after I found out I was pregnant with Lila. I wanted to be able to offer her a better life, although I think I failed at that.”

  “Why do you feel like you failed?” he asked.

  “We have a cramped two bedroom, one bath house that I rent, in a questionable part of town. My car is falling apart, and doesn’t always run. We struggle, and there’s never been money for big Christmas gifts or extravagant trips. I saved up once a year to take her to the amusement park, and the last two years I’ve been saving so we could have a real vacation. But I guess it wasn’t enough for Lila, since she’s run off to another planet.”

  “Sometimes we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone. She’s in a strange place, surrounded by people she doesn’t know. I’m going to assume this is her first time away from you for any length of time and she’s lost her only support system. There are hundreds if not thousands of males begging her to choose them, and doing their utmost to earn the right to take her out and get to know her. They’ll pressure her to choose them and settle down, even if they’ve only known her for hours, and I have a feeling that about now, she’s feeling a little overwhelmed.”

  “I don’t fool myself into thinking she’s a virgin, but they won’t force her to have sex with them, will they?”

  Siril shook his head. “A male would never do something so dishonorable, but I wouldn’t put it past them to try tempting her. Some males would wait until after an official mating to try to claim her that way. Not all, but some. Rest assured that whoever she mates with will treat her well.”

  “I guess I should be thankful for that at least. I’d always thought she’d go to college, get a job, and settle down when she was older. I didn’t want her to struggle the way I have. I hadn’t figured out the college part yet, but I hadn’t given up. There are scholarships and grants out there, and she could always get student loans if she needed to.”

  “I understand your worry, but on my world, she won’t need a job. She will never struggle as you have. Food will be plentiful, she’ll have a mate who adores her, and there are a lot of human females on my world now so making friends shouldn’t be too hard for her.” Siril sighed. “I suppose I’m not doing myself any favors by soothing your fears. Now that you know she’ll be all right, there’s no reason for you to mate with me.”

  “I want to see her,” Jennifer said. “I want her to know that what she did hurt me, that I would have supported her decision if she’d only talked to me. But despite how much I want that, I promise that I won’t agree to be your mate just for that purpose. It wouldn’t be fai
r to you. If by the time you return to your world, I decide to mate with you, then know it’s because I think we have a real shot at a relationship.”

  “You would still consider a mating with me?”

  Jennifer tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re obviously a nice guy, trying to help me. And yes, I know you want a mate so it wasn’t completely altruistic, but you saw my temper and for some reason seem to like it. Most guys run away. If you’re willing to accept me, flaws and all, then I’m open to the possibility of a relationship with you. Just understand that if we do this, if you take me to your world as your mate, you aren’t getting just me. You’ll be gaining a daughter too. Lila is the most important part of my life and I’ll expect her and her mate to come over for family meals. Are you sure that’s something you want?”

  Siril smiled. “I like the idea of having a daughter, even if she is fully grown already.”

  There was warmth in Jennifer’s eyes and he knew he’d said the right thing, and he’d meant it. He wouldn’t have cared if she came with ten kids. The thought of finally having a family made his chest ache. He’d been alone for so long, losing himself in his work, but it was time for a change. He was getting older, and the thought of spending all those years without a mate, without children, made him lonely.

  If she would give him a chance, agree to become his mate, he would make sure she knew every day how very much she was wanted and cherished. She could have anything she wanted because in giving herself to him, she would be granting his fondest wish.

  Chapter Four

  Jennifer was getting nervous as the night wore on. Not because Siril himself made her nervous, but the way he made her feel made her nervous. She’d seen plenty of attractive guys, but it had been a really long time since one had paid any attention to her. After she’d given up on dating, she’d avoided bars and clubs. The few times she’d had a sitter, she’d used the time to just grab a burger and eat in peace, or stop by the coffee shop and linger over a cup of hot coffee.

  That wasn’t to say no one ever noticed her. But the last guy who’d paid her a compliment had stopped her at the grocery store to tell her she looked amazing. He was probably a perfectly nice guy, even if it had creeped her out a little, but he’d been short, balding, and had a pot belly. Of course, going after the model-like guys was what had gotten her into trouble in the first place.

  Siril wasn’t perfect, if his eye patch was any indication. She’d also noticed he had a finger missing, probably lost while defending his planet. It made her curious about what the rest of him looked like, the parts hidden by clothes. She wanted him, more than she’d ever wanted anyone before. He was mysterious, even though he was answering all of her questions. His one eye stayed trained on her, his gaze intense and scorching, as if he were mentally undressing her between bites of dinner. He’d admitted he wanted to see her without her clothes.

  The shirt he wore was stretched across his broad chest and shoulders, and did little to hide how muscular he was. She’d been with fit guys before, but none as built as Siril. Would those arms hold her gently? She’d found him to be witty and entertaining, but could he be tender too? She really, really wanted to find out. They’d finished their meal and he’d ordered dessert, insisting that they should share the massive skillet brownie in the middle of the table, topped with drizzled chocolate and caramel syrup with a scoop of ice cream. It was the most divine thing she’d ever had. The entire meal had been wonderful.

  “I love the look of bliss on your face every time you take a bite,” Siril said. “I wonder if you’d make that same expression with me deep inside you.”

  Jennifer nearly choked on her bite of brownie. He was certainly direct. But then, she rather liked that about him. He didn’t play games. Siril said exactly what he meant, whether it was outrageous or not. Perhaps part of that was him being an alien, but she suspected a lot of it was just who he was. And the more she talked to him, the more she liked him. Adult conversations were few and far between, unless she counted talking to her coworkers on her breaks. And while Lila was technically an adult now, she was still Jennifer’s baby. She’d thought she had a close relationship with her daughter, one she loved, but now she was questioning everything.

  She’d lived every day of her life for the last eighteen years for the daughter who had run away. Maybe it was time to take something for herself. Every night she’d gone out, she’d felt guilty for leaving her child at home. She’d worked herself to the bone, picking up as many shifts as she could, trying to give them a decent life. Now, she wondered if any of it had ever mattered to Lila, or if her daughter had only seen the things her mother couldn’t do for her, instead of everything she gave up to give her a safe and happy home.

  “You’re thinking too hard,” Siril said.

  “Despite my best effort to raise a well-adjusted child who appreciated the things she had, I think I failed. I was just thinking that maybe my Lila left because she was so unhappy with her life here, and everything I couldn’t do for her. I’ve sacrificed every day for eighteen years so she could have the things she needed, and I guess it wasn’t enough. So, maybe it’s time I do something for me.”

  “That sounds reasonable. What is it you want to do for yourself?”

  “I want to leave this restaurant, as amazing as it’s been, and instead of going right back to the Terran Station, I want to drive around for a while.”

  He smiled a little. “Drive around?”

  “There’s a human custom of making out in cars. Do you know what making out is?” she asked.

  “I’m not familiar with the term.”

  “It means that we kiss and your hands are free to roam where they will.” She smirked. “And it means I get to remove that shirt and see if that chest of yours is as impressive as it seems.”

  His eyebrows rose. “I think I like that plan. And is anything else allowed on this car ride?”

  “We’ll see. Depends on how good you are.”

  “Or maybe how bad?”

  She giggled and covered her mouth with her hand, surprised it had slipped out. It had been a long time since she’d giggled like a young girl. Not that thirty-eight was ancient, but being with Siril made her feel younger, and she definitely felt like a desirable woman first and a mom second. Maybe being with him would be good for her. Her life had been in a rut for pretty much ever. She’d laughed and smiled more tonight than she had in ages, and it felt incredible.

  Jennifer waved at their server and Siril paid for their meal. On the way to the limo, she looped her arm through his. He towered over her, but walking beside him didn’t feel awkward. If anything, she felt safe. His size and strength made her feel protected, and she was able to let down her guard. As a single mom, she’d always been ever vigilant, as any woman should be. Having Siril by her side allowed her to relax and enjoy herself. She’d pity the mugger who tried to take on the sexy alien.

  When they reached the limo, the driver held the door open for them. Before Siril slid into the vehicle, he requested that they drive around town for a while, and suggested that the dividing window remain closed. Jennifer felt giddy as he eased onto the seat next to her, his thigh brushing hers. The driver shut the door and a few minutes later, the limo glided forward.

  Feeling brave and bold, Jennifer threw a leg across Siril and straddled his lap. Her fingers toyed with his shirt, easing one button free, then another. She paused partway down, his chest partially exposed. There were faint scars marring his skin, but they were barely discernible. She wondered if he had marks elsewhere, or anything else missing. Obviously his cock was in perfect working order with the way he’d been talking to her in the restaurant, unless it had just been talk. She somehow doubted that, though.

  “Before I strip this shirt off you, is there anything else I need to know? Is there a chunk of flesh missing out of your side or something?” she asked.

  He grimaced and reached around her to bang on his lower leg with his fist. It clanged. Jennifer eased
off his lap and lifted his pant leg. The silver limb surprised her, but she wasn’t the least bit repulsed by it. Curious, perhaps, about what had caused him to lose the leg, but plenty of soldiers came back from war missing a limb or two. Siril was no different, even though the wars he’d waged had been in space.

  “If you wish to stop, I’ll understand,” he said.

  Jennifer slid her hand up the metal leg, beyond his knee, and came to rest on his well-muscled thigh. “Nothing about you disgusts me. You lost your leg fighting for your people, right? It’s honorable. I’m only sorry that the cost of their freedom caused you so much pain.”

  “You aren’t going to ask me to keep my pants on even during sex?” he asked.

  Anger made her cheeks flush. “Who the hell made you keep your pants on?”

  He shrugged, which told her it was more than one person. Bitches. Every last one them needed a good hair pulling and a slap across the face. What the hell was wrong with them? Obviously they just weren’t good enough for Siril. Not that she felt worthy of being with him, but he’d been mistreated by females in his past, and she’d had shit luck with men. Maybe they would be good for each other.

  Jennifer sat on her knees between his splayed legs and finished unbuttoning his shirt. The material parted and she wasn’t disappointed with the view. Reaching out, she caressed his hard chest and chiseled abs, a shiver raking her spine at having so much power at her fingertips. If he was the best at what he did, it meant he was probably the deadliest, and yet he seemed hesitant to reach for her. How could someone so powerful be so uncertain when it came time to get undressed? It touched her, and Jennifer decided she would do whatever it took to prove to Siril that he was desirable.

  He leaned forward so she could pull the shirt down his arms and toss it on the seat across from them. Her fingers itched to remove more of his clothing, but that hardly seemed fair when she was still fully dressed. Jennifer removed her shirt and tossed it on top of his. Her bra was plain and she wished she had something lacy and sexy to wear for him. Her breasts overflowed from the cups and she reached behind her to pop the clasp. The garment slid down her arms and landed on the floor of the limo.