Free Alien Attachments by Sabine Priestley Page A

never had any children though, and didn’t really know what to do with a teenager. Don’t get me wrong, she’s great, but not too affectionate.”
    “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine losing my parents. If you ever need an ear or just want some company, promise you’ll let me know, okay?”
    “Thanks, Ria. Same goes for you, although I don’t think there’s much I could do to help you.”
    “Are you kidding? Girl time! Gina’s wonderful, but she’s older, and from what I’ve seen so far, has a ton of friends and family around. Being close to my age, you give me a better perspective of Earth girls. Deal?”
    “Now, that I can do. Deal.”
    Ria slid off the bed. “Before I go, any boyfriends or anyone you need to call?”
    “No. I prefer to keep my relationships uncomplicated.”
    Ria paused a moment before continuing. “You want to go downstairs? I’ll get Battista to get rid of those clothes and air the place out for you.”
    “Sure, sorry about freaking out earlier.” Dani stood. “I saw Ian come around the corner and there was no pause. No ‘taking in the situation.’ He just fired and hit the Torog millimeters from my head.”
    Ria turned to face her. “Dani, we’re not like you. You do mixed fights and you’re good at it, right?”
    Dani nodded.
    “So you understand how important both accuracy and reflexes are. We are so much faster than humans. We assess the situation and move before you know what’s going on. Millimeters is a foot for us. Maybe two.”
    “You don’t think he was careless?”
    “No way. Ian is anything but careless. Besides”—Ria gave her a gentle nudge—“I think he likes you.”
    The butterflies in her stomach stirred. “Ha, pretty sure I put an end to that.”
    “He understands,” Ria said. “You’ve been through a lot. Don’t worry about it.”
    “I’ll try, and thanks.”
    “That’s what friends are for, right?”
    “Right. So,” Dani said, eyeing the boots, “those for me?”
    Ria grinned and reached down for the black leather boots. “They’re a little big for me. Not custom made, but they’re a size nine. Edwardo stretches out the leather before he makes his shoes so it’s like slipping into a pair of old favorites. Here, try them on.”
    Dani took the boots and inspected them. Slightly pointed toe and a two-inch heel with a zipper up the side. The bottoms were rubber with some serious tread. They were calf height, with intricate designs stitched into the leather. She grabbed a pair of socks and slipped them on. “Wow,” she said, taking a stroll around the room. “These rock. Thank you.”
    “My pleasure, friend. My pleasure.”
    Dani was in a much better mood as they left the room.
    Downstairs they found Battista and Gina serving drinks from the bar in the corner. The rest of the group were scattered around the room, some sitting, some standing. Ian paced in front of the windows and raised his glass to her when she entered. Dani accepted a wine from Gina and went over to him. He stopped his pacing and leaned against the windowsill, ankles crossed as she approached.
    “I want to apologize for earlier.” Dani toyed with the stem of her wine glass. “I was out of line. You saved my life and I bit your head off. I’m sorry.”
    “It’s all right. I probably would have done the same thing in your shoes. Which are nice, by the way.” Ian glanced at her boots.
    “These are amazing. What do I owe you for all of this?”
    “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
    Clearly the man wasn’t lacking for money so she was okay with that. “Thanks. I’ll try and keep my brain ahead of my mouth from now on.” Dani laughed. “Although I haven’t had much luck with that so far.”
    Ian chuckled in a quiet, private manner. It warmed her insides. She liked the feeling of complicity with this man.
    Apology complete, she stepped over and eased into her favorite chair.
    Armond, who sat brooding across the room, broke the silence. “Anyone care to guess