Free The Bond That Ties Us by Christine D'Abo Page A

understatement was amazing.
    “We may want to consider getting dressed and returning to our quarters.” His gaze slipped to the door.
    “Your place or mine?” She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose.
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    He knew she didn’t understand the complications their joining would have for them. And while he needed to tell her, the selfish part of him, the one he usually ignored, told him to keep quiet. Just for a bit longer.
    “We can figure that out later. I’d hate to be…interrupted.”
    Haylie pouted and Kamran immediately wanted to kiss her again.
    “It didn’t look like there were too many people in this area.” But despite her protests, she slid from him and went in search of her clothing.
    “Nonetheless, I’d rather not make love again on the floor.”
    He watched as her blush moved from her face to the tops of her breasts. “Shit, I can’t believe I did this.”
    “Mated with a Briel?”
    “No, had sex on the floor in a public room. I’ll never be able to come in here again.”
    “That may prove difficult. There are many functions that are held here and, as security chief, you’ll have to attend.”
    Haylie pulled on her pants and tugged her shirt over her head. Kamran watched, fascinated, as she raked her hair into a knot on her head.
    Shifting her hands to her hips in mock impatience, Haylie said, “Well, are you coming?”
    A combination of lust and pride filled him as he admired her beauty. How was he going to keep his hands off her?
    “I’m impressed. I keep hearing human males complain about the speed in which their women dress.”
    “First off, I’m not most women.” Haylie grinned again. “And second, beauty cannot be rushed. In my case, I take practicality over primping.”
    Kamran thought she looked absolutely gorgeous. Time to primp was unnecessary.
    Getting himself dressed took a bit longer. Who knew a boot was aerodynamic enough to fly halfway across the room with a single toss? Finally, he stood beside her, ready to unlock the door.
    “All set?”
    “Of course, Ambassador,” she said and slipped her arm around his.
    His gut clenched and he stiffened as he barely managed to contain his panic.
    Humans would think nothing of such an act of affection. Especially after what they had done. To the Briel, it would be the same as declaring over the com system that he’d found his mate.
    And he had. She simply didn’t know that part yet.
    “What’s wrong?”
    Haylie’s voice was calm, yet held an edge to it. Taber spoke much the same way when he was puzzled. Her face betrayed none of the emotion that he was sure she was feeling.
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    “For my people, contact between males and females in this manner indicates that they are bonded. You would call it married. I wouldn’t want to confuse those who might see us.”
    She pulled her arm away almost a bit too quickly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of that.”
    “I didn’t mind. But you may not wish to marry a man you just met.”
    Not wanting to see her response, Kamran opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Why now? Everything he’d ever wanted was before him. A family of his own.
    Someone to grow old with. A life beyond serving others.
    What if she didn’t want the same things? He knew it wasn’t the same for the humans, their relationships tending to be more casual.
    He tried to push those thoughts from his mind as Haylie dropped into step beside him.
    “Tell me about yourself.” He kept his tone soft, not wanting to disturb the calm that had descended over them.
    “Well, I’m from Earth originally, but I’ve spent most of my life on Luna. And, as you know, I arrived on the colony this afternoon.”
    He saw that she’d laced her hands behind her back and walked half a step behind him. Kamran mentally cursed. He’d done that to her, caused her to distance herself from him. While he still wasn’t sure what to do about their situation he much preferred the close contact of earlier.
    “Let’s see. My