Page 7 of Faron

“My cybernetic arm?” Faron’s top lip curled. This was a burden he carried with him. After his accident, he’d fallen to the lowest rank on his planet. No one would employ him. No woman would look twice at him. If she did, there was derision in her eyes. He’d hated that. It was why he’d left home and moved to Prodigy. He’d needed a new start, to be surrounded by others who would not judge him on the way he looked. And now he was here, this human was doing just that.

“No, that’s not a problem.”

“This is a mistake.” Faron pushed back his chair to stand.

Kendra grabbed his arm, and her hot fingers curled around his wrist. “Wait! You can’t leave. If you walk out, it will look suspicious. My boss will want to know what I did wrong.”

Faron stared at her small fingers circling his wrist. He could break her hand. She had no power over him. Still, he didn’t move. He liked the feel of her skin against his. Whereas his skin was rough and scarred, there wasn’t a blemish on Kendra. He reached over to touch her hand but pulled back at the last-minute before his artificial fingers touched her living flesh. She would find his touch abhorrent. She would not want him anywhere near her. And she was right to think that. He was an abomination. It was appropriate that others saw him as such and acted accordingly.

“I’m sure I can find you somebody lovely if that’s what you want,” Kendra said softly. “You might be blunt, but at least you speak your mind. Some women will enjoy that.”

He frowned at her. “There is no point in being otherwise.”

“Some consider social niceties important.” Kendra raised a hand. “But I know Tolongs are different. I’ve worked with single Tolongs and understand it is not your way. You said you’re not here for love, but maybe you can find some special friends to hang out with. You should give it a chance. Stay here and finish your dates. I can definitely fix you up with somebody. Wouldn’t you like that? Isn’t there a female in here who catches your attention?”

“Human females are not repellent. I may stay.” Faron stared hard into Kendra’s eyes. He didn’t know why he’d said that. Why was he considering staying when his logic told him otherwise? He always followed a logical path. He hadn’t come here looking for anybody, so he should leave.

Yet he found himself wanting to help this pretty human. He didn’t want her in trouble because of his actions. He also didn’t dislike the fact she’d told him to watch his manners. It had been awhile since any female had spoken to him so plainly. In fact, it had been awhile since any female had spoken to him at all.

“I’m glad you don’t find me repellent.” Kendra blinked up at him. “What do you say? Shall we help each other?”

Before Faron let his logical side dominate, he nodded. “I agree to your terms. You want your boss to see us as a successful couple?”

Kendra tilted her head. “It doesn’t have to be us.”

“You’re as good a match as any. I can get you what you need.” He stood, pulling Kendra up using the hand she’d attached to his wrist. He wrapped an arm around her waist and bent her backwards as he crushed his lips against hers.

Chapter 3

Holy stars! This was not what Kendra had expected when Faron agreed not to abandon her in the middle of their speed date. His arm yanked her toward his broad chest. Her lips fizzled, and their kiss deepened as his mouth opened.

Kendra tried to speak, but there was no hope of saying anything as she was squashed against a wall of solid muscle. Not that she wanted to speak that badly. This was the most amazing kiss she’d ever had.

She gasped as they pulled apart and stared in shock at Faron. “What was that for?”

“You said you wanted tonight to be a success,” he said. “Dates of this nature usually end in mating.”

Kendra’s attention shifted, and she groaned as she saw a camera bot hovering above them. It had captured everything.

Seconds later, Ivy appeared beside them, a smug smile on her face. “What a wonderful surprise. We have our first successful couple of the evening.” She arched an eyebrow as she looked at Kendra.

“It’s not what you think.” Kendra stepped away from Faron.

“It’s exactly what I think.” Ivy’s eyes narrowed. “Tell everybody what you saw in this strapping candidate.”

Kendra glanced at Faron, painfully aware the camera bot was watching. “He’s straight talking.”

“What else?”

Kendra swallowed. “Faron knows what he wants.”

“And it appears he’s not afraid to get it.” Ivy smirked. “Is there anything else that drew you to this gorgeous, muscly Tolong?”

Kendra licked her lips. She wasn’t sure what Ivy was playing at, but she wished she’d get the hell out of her face. “He’s interesting. We have different backgrounds.”

Ivy spun toward the camera bot. “And that is why My Single Alien is such a great success. We welcome everyone here and guarantee you a match with an amazing partner. You’ll get the chance to learn about a new culture and even visit your loved one’s home planet. What an adventure that will be!” She gestured the camera bot away.

Kendra let out a shaky sigh. She might just have gotten away with this.