Free Alien Romance: RETURNED: An Alien Warrior Romance: (Acarnania Warriors Book 1) by Jane Hinchey

and his people had said, how did I know if this was a bad thing or not? I just knew that I was still alive and I'd do anything to stay that way. And even if Alrik didn't kill me, if he cared enough to spare my life, one of his crew would happily take care of it. It was, after all, the law.
    I must have dozed off for a while, for when I opened my eyes, it was dark. Mouth dry, I slid out of bed and made my way to the dining room, intent on a hot cup of tea. Keda, as they called it here. The ship was dark and silent; everyone slept. The door to the dining room slid open and I stepped inside, halting when I saw Alrik and Echo at the far side of the room, heads bent close together, murmuring in soft tones. Echo laughed softly, reaching up and laying her palm upon Alrik's cheek. A caress.
    I stepped back before they saw me, my cheeks heated with humiliation and regret. I'd had no idea they were a couple. My lust for him seemed embarrassingly gauche now. Confusion rioting through me, I backed further down the passageway, freezing when the two of them stepped out, their backs to me. As if it was totally natural, as if he'd done it millions of times before, he took Echo's hand and they headed down the passage in the opposite direction, away from me.
    I scowled at their backs, suddenly furious. The rims of my eyes stung. I didn't like the jealousy that burned through me, heating my blood, goading me to lash out, to hurt him like I was hurting. I wanted to run after them and demand an explanation, but pride held me in check. There was no need to humiliate myself further. After all, he didn't owe me anything. Nothing had actually happened between us, no matter how much I'd wanted to kiss him, touch him, devour him.  It wasn't fair of me to blame him for how I was feeling now. But I had been sure, so damn sure he felt the same way.
    I’d been wrong.
    No longer interested in tea, I returned to my cell, curling up on the cot. Only then, alone in the darkness, did I allow myself to cry. The tears fell hot and fast. The dam that held back my emotions had burst, and there was no going back. It all spilled out. Eventually, my sobs subsided and I drifted into a restless sleep.
    The door sliding open woke me, and I sat up to see Marat stride in, a sneer on his face and a swagger in his step. I slid out of bed, standing my ground, although my heart was pounding. This couldn't be good. Had he come to finish the job?
    “You look scared, human.”
    “Is it any wonder? You tried to kill me.”
    “Nearly succeeded. Not to worry, there's still time.”
    “What is your problem?”
    “My problem? You. I don't know why we are wasting time with such a low-life creature. It would be far easier if I just jettisoned you out of an airlock and be done with it. We're losing time because of you.”
    For the life of me, I couldn't work out his hatred toward me.
    “So it's costing you a few days. So what? That’s hardly reason to want me dead.”
    “I want you dead because I don't like you. You stink. Your human flesh is repulsive. Why the Bellatania thought you were a good match for breeding, I have no idea.”
    “So you're just a prejudiced bully?”
    My heart hammered in my chest as he stalked closer. I shuffled back until I hit the wall. I didn't want another round with him after what he’d done to me, now that I knew for sure he wanted me dead. He'd given it a damn good shot in the sparring ring.
    Sweat beaded across my brow and upper lip. Marat stopped inches away, stooping so his eyes were level with mine. I suddenly felt light-headed, even dizzy, as the gravity of my predicament rained down on me. He was here to kill me. He stared at me for what felt like endless minutes before whispering “Run,” and taking a step back.
    The exit was clear. Could I trust him to let me pass? He probably wanted to enjoy the thrill of the chase. One thing was for sure, though: I couldn't stay here.
    I darted past him and into the passageway, not knowing which way