He wasn’t good about dealing with males who were experiencing emotional upheaval but he liked Snow. The male was easygoing most of the time and had a quick wit. He also didn’t avoid direct eye contact, something Darkness appreciated.

“We’ll work out a solution. I need to go in there and act stupid. It will be difficult.” He smirked.

Snow nodded. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

“It hasn’t been a good day. Why don’t you work off some of your energy by helping with cleanup? The front of the security building is a mess. They’ll need to rebuild as fast as possible and that means removing the debris.”

“I’m on it.” Snow stalked away.

Darkness watched him go and took a few deep breaths. Kat, or whatever her real name was, worked for the FBI. It alleviated his fear that she was a hired killer sent by someone associated with their enemies but that didn’t make her a friend either. She’d come to Homeland for an undisclosed reason. He was going to figure out what it was. He just wouldn’t be doing it by keeping her on that table. Part of him regretted that, while part of him felt relieved. She was too tempting.

He opened the door and entered. She slid off the table and watched him. He closed the door behind him and approached her slowly.

“We need to talk.”

Wariness filled her eyes. “About what?”

“Someone in Security messed up. They are new. Some Species are learning their jobs and this one was in charge of running your background check.” She’d accept the excuse easily if he gauged her right. She desperately wanted them to believe her cover identity. “Another ran your information and everything came back just as you said. Your name is Kathryn Decker and you work for the Bakersfield Police Department as a crime technician.” He grimaced, hoping it passed for a show of regret. “I apologize.”

She blinked rapidly and he could almost see that information spinning in her mind. “Good.” She licked her lips and straightened, her shoulders going back. “Great. I told you that.”

“You did.” He reached in his pocket, located the key to her cuffs, leaned over and unlocked them. She withdrew her wrists and rubbed the skin. “I am sorry for what you suffered at my hands.”

Her cheeks colored and she broke eye contact. “You have nothing to apologize for, except for being a tease. I’ll survive.”

He could still smell her. His dick stirred but he quickly imagined the worst moments of his life. That killed his sexual desire. “I’m certain you’ll want to leave us now, rather than being escorted to guest quarters. Your car was damaged but we can provide your passage home. We’ll return the rental to the company you leased it from after repairs are done to it. It’s the least we could do.” He knew she wouldn’t go. She was formidable and didn’t disappoint.

“No. I came to teach classes. Shit happens. I’m good. I wouldn’t mind some clothes though.”

He admired her spirit. Some females wouldn’t recover quickly from facing a difficult situation to dealing with a new one. The only flaw in her armor was the slight trembling of her legs. He noticed everything about her.

“Of course. Stay here and I’ll retrieve your clothes. Would you prefer someone else bring them to you? I’m sure I’m not your favorite person.” He couldn’t resist baiting her.

Color rose in her cheeks again. “I don’t care who brings them.” Her chin lifted and she held his gaze with determination.

She was so appealing. He wanted to smile but kept the grimace in place. “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” He purposely lowered his gaze down her body. “I owe you.”

He caught the quick intake of her breath and the way her eyes widened. He’d shocked her with his subtle sexual offer. She didn’t answer immediately.

“It’s probably best for both of us if we leave it as is. Just get me some clothes. It’s cold in here. It would be nice to know if my suitcase survived so I have something to wear tomorrow. It was in the trunk of my car.”

“I’ll look into that. Relax, Kat. Welcome to Homeland.” He spun and stalked to the door, picking up his discarded tank top on the way. “Someone will be in shortly with your things. Stay here. There are a lot of males outside who would enjoy the view of you in so little.”

He walked out and closed the door behind him. He’d be keeping a close eye on that female and she’d be dealing with him often. First he’d have to change his current living arrangements. He looked forward to seeing her surprise when he became her neighbor.

Chapter Four

Kat walked around the small home after her shower and appreciated how well the NSO accommodated guests though she wasn’t allowed to leave without picking up the phone and calling for an escort. Visitors weren’t permitted to roam Homeland without one.

The two-bedroom cottage had charming furnishings and a comfortable feel. Her suitcase had been searched and delivered. Some new damage showed on the plastic case but she was grateful it had survived the explosion. All her clothes had been put away in one of the bedrooms that faced the cute little patio area.

The doorbell rang and she tensed, not expecting anyone until morning. She opened it, though, feeling safe. NSO had security up the ass. A female stood there, one she hadn’t met before, and held out a covered tray.

“Darkness asked me to deliver your dinner. I know you’re stocked with food supplies but he told me this is his way of apologizing for being mean to you.”