Free Michaela by Tracy St. John Page B

“So you’re not staying for lunch? I don’t know that I can eat Raxstad’s portion.”
    That made easy laughter return. Once more, the group relaxed.
    Korkla said, “A starving Tragoom couldn’t eat Raxstad’s portion. I think we can keep enough control over ourselves for lunch. Right, my Nobek?”
    Raxstad brushed a tendril of Michaela’s hair back that had escaped her ponytail. His calloused fingertip grazed her cheek. That little bit of contact was enough to send a shiver down her spine. The big man’s eyes darkened at her reaction.
    He said, “I might maintain my senses if you blindfold me.” He caught Korkla’s hard look and sighed. “Yes, I will behave myself. Try not being so beautiful, all right Michaela?”
    Govi chuckled. “After this, we will be chaperoned. Do you believe your friend Jessica would be agreeable to that, Michaela? Perhaps she can join us all for dinner tonight.”
    “I suppose. I’ll ask.”
    Michaela wasn’t sure how she felt about being chaperoned. How could she and the clan explore intimacy with Jessica around? Did Michaela even want intimacy since it would give the three men ample opportunity to discover they didn’t want her after all?
    Maybe they didn’t want to have sex with her again. That might be why they were suggesting a babysitter. Having Jessica with them all the time would ensure nothing else sexual would happen. Yet the way all three men looked at her – especially Raxstad – seemed to indicate they did want her.
    Michaela had no clue how the situation would turn out. The encounter in the garden had muddied the waters when it came to figuring out how Clan Korkla felt about her. This morning’s confusing mix of hope and dread were back in full force.
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
    By the time evening and her chaperoned date rolled around, Michaela’s nerves had settled somewhat. As she walked between Govi and Korkla, she felt extraordinarily good. She’d come up with an amazing dance for the Coming of Age Festival, rehearsal for it had gone well, and she wore her dark purple dress. The deep aubergine of the fabric made her cappuccino skin glow. The cut minimized her wide shoulders and turned her figure into an hourglass. She’d put on her wig, which gave her long corkscrew curls to the waist. Her own hair would have the same spirals once it grew out. Michaela felt both pretty and happy, especially after Raxstad’s strangled groan when he saw her dressed for their date.
    Jessica had agreed to come along. Normally, Michaela would have felt self-conscious with her elfin-featured friend. Jessica was the epitome of what a petite female could look like in the intersex’s opinion. The former nurse was as lovely as ever, but she had come along dressed in a long skirt, flat-heeled shoes, and a nondescript blouse. Michaela thought Jessica had taken great pains to not upstage her tonight. She felt beyond grateful to her friend.
    It didn’t hurt that Korkla’s clan, while polite and pleasant to Jessica, reserved most of their attention for Michaela. They complimented both women, but their most lavish praise went to their official date. Michaela basked in it after reassuring herself Jessica didn’t seem to mind being the odd woman out. For her part, Jessica was cheerful. She even refocused the conversation on Michaela when one of the men spoke to her. She seemed determined that the limelight would remain on the younger woman.
    Michaela was even more delighted to discover the eatery Korkla’s clan took them to was one of the best in the unnamed capital city. The Saucin’s home had a staff that made exquisite dishes, but they reflected Israla’s preference for simple cuisine with few seasonings. Michaela looked forward to something a bit more elaborate to treat her palate to.
    The night was cool, but the Kalquorians steered the two women towards the outdoor dining area of the restaurant. Michaela didn’t mind, not with the beautiful scenery of Plasius’ second sun setting,