Page 30 of Badass Alien Boss

Muscles were screaming when he stepped onto the eighth-floor landing and pushed into the corridor. She was still climbing. He leaned against the wall, massaging his thigh, and waited for her. A moment later, she pushed through the door.

“Oh…my…god,” she gasped. Hands on her knees, she bent over. “I had no idea I’d gotten so out of shape. I swear your stairwells have more steps per flight than on Earth.”

“Twenty steps per flight.” He’d counted every one. He let her rest, knowing she’d attempt whatever he did. Provinghismettle would only taxher. Though formidable in numerous ways, she lacked the advantage of his musculature. Humans and Luturnans shared a biological, genetic fact—in both species, the male had greater muscle mass.

Even injured, he was physically stronger than her.

“Ready?” he asked when her gasps quieted.

“You aren’t breathing heavy hardly at all.”

“Luturnans have greater lung capacity than humans,” he said.

“Huh.”

They strode down the corridor to their apartments. He walked her to her door. “You’re coming in, aren’t you?” she said.

He bracketed his arms on either side of her body and brushed his lips against her mouth ruefully. “I want you. So much.” His cock started to harden again. “But I think it would be best for both of us to step back and think about whether we want to move forward—and if we do, perhaps the trip to Elyxis 4 would be the time and place to do that. I would like our first time together to be intentional.”

His feelings wouldn’t change. But hers might, and it would kill him if she regretted their sexual encounter. He could envision the post-coital awkwardness—stilted conversations,avoidance of eye contact, avoidance period. She might even decide to leave. He would rather creep forward than take a leap and lose her altogether.

She gripped his shirt and tilted her head. “What ifyouchangeyourmind?”

“I won’t.”

She smiled. “That’s the nicest rejection I’ve ever gotten.”

“It’s not a rejection. It’s a promise.” He kissed her. “Go inside before my noble intentions lose the battle to my baser instincts.”

“Fine. I’ll see you in the morning—but I want a proper good-night kiss.” She rose on tiptoe and kissed him with slow, teasing deliberation, showing him what he was giving up. “Good night, Ruyn.” She let herself into her apartment.

Hard and aching, he limped to his unit alone.

Chapter Thirteen

Michaela stepped up to the hospitality desk. Ruyn’s warm hand against her lower back sent tingles of anticipation through her. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d looked forward to an assignment with such alacrity. Since the solar storm two days ago, his every move, the rumble of his voice, every fleeting touch enflamed her libido.

GAL Friday prohibited sleeping with clients. She could be fired. Normally a rule follower, she felt a little guilty, but not guilty enough not to do it.

On occasion, she’d been attracted to men she’d worked with, but she’d never been even a little tempted before. No one had turned her on or intrigued her like Ruyn did. The cooling-off period had only made things hotter. Or maybe that was his diabolical, seductive plan.

The clerk was speaking, and she forced her attention to the man behind the desk. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“Two checking in?” He flashed a practiced smile.

“Yes. The name’s Perine. Michaela Perine.” Now that he had her attention, she tried not to gawk at his shock of red hair. It wasn’t auburn or carrot-red; itglowedlike a neon light. Maybe he was an android? She dropped her gaze to his name badge.Bob.Bob?

“Your name is Bob?”

“It’s easier for people to say and remember.”

“What’s your real name?”

“Sleidndlaiocindalndneklsn.”

Beside her, Ruyn had turned to study the spacious lobby. In the center, a waterfall tumbled into a pool. Hover lights floated over a conversation area furnished with comfortable seating. Tiny lights twinkled in the soaring ceiling like stars against a faux night sky.

“Everything looks new,” he commented.