Free Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor by Myra Nour Page A

like a dangerous place to land."
    "It has to be an area the computer has scanned as open and free of people."
    "I see."
    "If there was trouble, I can handle it."
    She stared at him, seeming to gauge him. “You are right. I believe you could.” Slipping her hand through his arm again, she asked, “Which way?"
    His chest had expanded slightly at her vote of confidence. Amber was unaware of his warrior training, for they had been shielded on their journey through time. There had been no need for protecting her from danger either. As he moved out of the dark alley, he wondered if they just might encounter menace of some kind tonight.
    Shaking his head at himself, he threw off thoughts of acting the knight rescuing the princess like in the fairy tale movies. This was reality. It would put Amber in danger and it wasn't something he wished, no matter the results.
    They turned the corner and bright lights and the sound of pleasant music floated out to the street. The sign on the building at the corner read “Antonio's Bistro.” When they entered he was pleased by the pleasant atmosphere. Subdued colors and lighting, mingled with people speaking softly over a fat candle in the center of each white tablecloth draped table, created an intimate setting. In one corner a young man strummed a guitar and sang a romantic song.
    He'd have to thank Mica later for his help with research. “The food is supposed to be first class and the place nice."
    "It is wonderful.” She smiled sweetly. “I'm sure the food will be as good."
    Amber was impressed with the date so far. The small bistro had the romantic atmosphere she hoped for, and Ryja drew every ladies eye as they passed. She held in a giggle. While she had dated some good looking men, no one had received the attention her alien date did. Following his usual habit, Ryja pulled out the chair for her.
    The waiter appeared after they got seated, naming the night's special, which was salmon. When he left, Amber read the menu, not sure what she wanted really, but not fish. It was written in French which made it look fancy, but if not for the English translation she'd have felt like an idiot. I knew I should have taken French in college.
    Yum. She found what she wanted. Medallions of veal tenderloin with mushrooms in a luxurious Cognac cream sauce with vegetables and potatoes would do very nicely. Ryja ordered them both Potage du jour, the Chef's soup of the day. When had he learned French? Oh, she'd forgotten about the translator.
    Ever since Mica had whipped up different Earth recipes, Ryja had become a big fan of steak and baked potatoes. He ordered hand cut, Black Angus striploin steak, pan-seared with cracked pepper in demi-glace with vegetables and potatoes.
    The soup was divine and they chatted over it slowly. They had chosen a Merlot wine and sipped it while waiting for dinner. By the time it arrived, Amber was hungry. Her mouth watered when the waiter set the plate down, but she almost hated to dive in, it looked so beautifully displayed. Ryja had no qualms and cut into his steak, smiling at the first bite. He did grumble that there was no loaded baked potato, which made her smile.
    Amber couldn't take another bite when they finished. She sat back, sighing in satisfaction.
    "Can we see the dessert menu,” Ryja asked when the waiter returned. The smaller menu was filled with tempting confections.
    "I really can't.” Amber waved the menu away.
    "Okay,” he grinned. “Bring one of these and we'll share it.” He pointed to an item.
    Amber groaned inside. He'd picked out a slice of cake that was smothered in chocolate frosting, raspberry drippings and slivers of chipped chocolate. That would be hard to resist. Once the plate with the overly large slice of cake was set between them, Amber found she could not resist. Several bites later, she discovered she had room in her stomach that she didn't think existed.
    She really did push back this time, shoving the plate toward Ryja. “You