Free Sex, Love, and Aliens, Volume 1 by Beth D. Carter, Ashlynn Monroe, Imogene Nix, Jaye Shields Page A

arrived.
    * * * *
    Gia stepped into the shower. The need to wash away Garret’s touch had been a palpable force. Her stomach remained touchy and food carried no interest right now.
    He’d been taken away. Joruzan had assured her that Garret would receive psychiatric care before facing the judicial gathering, where he would answer for his crimes. A modicum of sympathy raised its head. Gia supposed somewhere deep within, he knew he’d done the wrong thing. Then she filed that knowledge away. It wouldn’t help her now.
    Her hands splayed on the shower walls as she welcomed the pelt of hot water. Now she could cry and let go of the fragile barrier she’d somehow forged. Cedun had walked cautious circles around her, and that hurt almost as much as the scrapes and abrasions that decorated her body.
    Had she somehow caused Cedun to find her less than what he wanted? Had Garret’s touch shattered the connection between her and Cedun?
    “It’s not fair!” Her wail was lost in the torrent of water as was the sound of the door opening. A gentle touch on her shoulder had her flinching and throwing herself to the side. She slipped and nearly hit the floor but Cedun was there, his arm slung around her waist, stopping her fall.
    “You are well? Unhurt?” Such uncertainty threaded through his voice, and it sliced at her.
    Gia raised her eyes to his for the first time since he’d found her in the room. “I… Yes. I’m fine.” She felt anything but. The chasm between them scared her silly. Had she lost him?
    Shaking hands raised her until she stood before him, the water sluicing down both their bodies. He was still fully clothed while she was naked. Disadvantaged.
    Devastated.
    Gia gathered what remained of her dignity and stepped back, sliding her arms around herself. “Why are you here?” She searched his face but found no hint of what was going on. His face was an inscrutable mask.
    His gaze traveled over her, stopped on her defensive stance, and his shoulders drooped. “I was worried about you.” The strangled tones in his voice shook her. “I nearly failed you, Gia. I…”
    How could she answer him? “You came looking for absolution?” She bit her lip to suppress the moan of pain.
    “No. I…” He stopped and shook his head. “I needed to know… You said he did not hurt you.”
    “He hurt me, but not physically. Not really. But I need to know why you are here. Why now, Cedun?”
    “Because I could not stay away!” He surged forward, winding his arms around her. “He took you. Meant to brutalize you, and I did not… I couldn’t find you. I have never felt so scared.” Cedun shuddered. “I nearly lost you, and that is… It is not acceptable.” His voice thickened on the final word.
    Gia realized he’d been holding his own emotions inside, not building a wall around himself. Not pushing her away. Relief and love swelled. “I love you, Cedun. I always will. You saved me. In every way that counts.”
    His mouth crashed down on hers, every bit of restraint scattered to the winds, and he pulled her closer. When he tugged away they were both heaving. “Come.”
    A terse word turned off the stream of water and he pulled her from the stall, then folded a fluffy towel around her.
    His own wet clothes he discarded and pulled a towel around his waist while she watched him in silence. Then, grasping her hand, they left the bathroom and he led her to the bed. It dipped as she settled herself on the side. What is he up to?
    With a careful movement he dropped to one knee and she stared at him. “What…”
    Cedun slipped a finger over her lips. “I believe this is the custom?” He winked, and she barely breathed. “Gia, I wanted to do this somewhere beautiful, to give you your dreams, but this is right. Because it is about you and me. Our future together. I have spoken with De’ Valerie, and she is agreeable.” He shook his head. “This is not the words…” He growled his frustration and a smile blossomed