Free Jacie and the Alien Bodyguard (Intergalactic Brides 6) by Jessica Coulter Smith Page A

this was just a one-time thing, as far as Barimere was concerned, she still loved being in his arms.
    “I’ve never felt anything like that before,” she said, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “I know it took a lot for you to hold back like that…”
    “I have a warrior’s control. I didn’t hurt you?”
    “No. It was… perfect.”
    His lips tipped up at one corner. “There’s that word again.”
    She wanted to tell him that he was everything she’d ever wanted, but she didn’t dare. Her stomach saved her from coming up with something else to say, rumbling its displeasure. It had been a while since she’d eaten and she knew Vyrex would be upset with her not eating those five small meals like they’d discussed. She’d missed lunch and probably should have eaten prior to and after that. Looking out the window at the setting suns, she realized it was now dinnertime.
    “I told you I would be a bad mate,” he grumbled. “I should have fed you instead of taking you to bed. I’m already breaking every rule the doctor set in place today.”
    He disengaged their bodies and rolled away from her, quickly jerking on his pants. She felt his loss and wished he’d come back and hold her again. With a sigh, she realized there would be no soft words. As Barimere walked out of the bedroom, Sugarbutt rushed inside and leapt onto the bed, purring and rubbing his head against her arm.
    “Sugarbutt, I think I screwed up.”
    Maroo . Sugarbutt bumped his head against her chin, then hopped down and went back to the living room. Jacie hadn’t heard the outer door open, so she assumed Barimere was still in her suite. She rolled to her feet and padded into the bathroom. After a quick shower, she pulled on a sundress and some canvas slides. She braided her wet hair, then steeled her nerves and went into the living room, looking for Barimere. He stood by the window, surveying the city below.
    “I’m ready to go eat,” she said quietly, feeling rather subdued. This hadn’t gone at all the way she’d hoped. If anything, she’d just pushed him farther away instead of drawing him closer.
    Barimere faced her with a grim expression and escorted her out the door. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm, but it felt like he was miles away. His posture was stiff and he was tightlipped. The closeness she’d felt with him was long gone, and she despaired of it ever returning.
    When they reached the restaurant, Jacie followed him meekly inside and took the seat he offered. Barimere sat opposite her and began looking at the menu. Jacie selected the first thing she saw, not really caring what she ate. What little appetite she’d had was now long gone. Her future was looking rather bleak. Barimere might be forced to spend time with her, but it was obvious that he didn’t want to. After he returned her to her room and went to his own quarters, she’d contact the council about assigning her a new bodyguard. And the idea of sharing a home with someone else was displeasing, so she’d insist on staying in the tower. She wasn’t completely helpless and could take care of herself, if they’d allow her to.
    Not a word was spoken the entire meal and the tension between them grew. By the time they returned to the tower, Jacie was near tears. Opening her door, she slipped inside and closed it in Barimere’s face. She tensed, wondering if he would unlock it and follow her, but she heard his footsteps recede down the hallway. A tear slipped free and she hastily wiped it away.
    It took her several tries, and many wrong calls, before she reached Councilman Larimar. He smiled when he saw her, then the smile slipped from his face.
    “What’s wrong? Has something happened with the babies?” he asked.
    “The babies are fine. I’m calling to request another bodyguard.”
    “You think you need two?” He frowned. “Are you sure something hasn’t happened?”
    “Not two. I need one to replace Barimere. It… it’s not working out. He should be