“Hi.” She kept her voice cheerful.

“I have a question.”

“Ask away.”

* * * * *

Darkness plowed his fist into the punching bag without restraint. The chain that held it suspended groaned. The bag swung out and came back. He threw his left fist into it. The top of the bag ripped at the hook and the weighted container slammed to the floor four feet away.

“That was impressive but you aren’t supposed to break our equipment.”

He clenched his jaw and slowly turned to stare at Bluebird. She was the last person he wanted to talk to, besides Kat. “Hello.”

She glanced at the bag then up at him. “That’s a whole lot of frustration. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’m fine.”

“I was at the class earlier. I saw you take our teacher behind the stage. I was curious so I crept forward enough to see what happened. You want her.”

He didn’t enjoy being spied on. “How did you come to that conclusion? She needed to be instructed on what to teach Species and was irritated that I intervened during the class.”

“You’ve never pinned me to a wall when we talk.”

“You’re smart enough not to insult me.”

“So that’s what it takes to get your hands on me?” She arched her eyebrows.

“I don’t want to share sex. I told you not to take it personally.”

“I’m a caregiver. It’s my nature, it seems. I’m drawn to damaged males with anger issues.”

“It’s not an issue.”

She glanced at the downed bag again and smiled. “The equipment would say otherwise if it could speak. I imagine it would be crying right now or at least muttering ouch.”

Her sense of wit amused him. He smiled back, relaxing a bit. “I suppose it would.”

“I’m attracted to you. Call it a flaw of my nature but any time I see a very aggressive male it turns me on.”

“All of us are aggressive.”

“True, but you more so than others. Perhaps I miss the sense of danger when undressing for a male who doesn’t have his emotions under control.”

“I’m in control.”

“For now.” Her smile faded. “You are on the edge. I watch you closer than any other male because I want you. It’s only a matter of time before you break.”

“I’d never allow it to happen.”

“I just insulted you but you don’t have me pinned against a wall.”

“You’re testing me?”

“I’m just proving what I said. You feel something for the teacher.”

Bluebird irritated him. “Fine. I am attracted to her but I’d never act on it.”

“Why not? I didn’t see her struggling or yelling for help when she could have. That implies she didn’t mind your hands on her.”

“Mind your own business.”

“Fine.” She took a step back. “You know you don’t have to talk to her during shared sex. She’ll only be here for a short time unless you were to ask her to stay. I don’t see that happening since I was working the day she arrived. We both know she’s not who she pretends to be. You’ve never shown interest in a female before. You should take advantage of it.”

“Use her?” He didn’t like the concept.

Bluebird shrugged. “Humans used us. You’re walking a fine line, Darkness. I don’t care how tough you are. Everyone has a breaking point. I don’t need to tell you that though.” She paused. “Perhaps I do. You’re damaged, by your own words. You avoid our females but she isn’t one of us. She won’t have any expectations if that’s what you worry about.”

He scowled.

“I don’t mean sexual worries. I’m certain you’re skilled. We expect to be treated a certain way but she wouldn’t know that.” She seemed to appreciate the sight of his body. “You’re full of sexual frustration. I can spot it a mile away.” She looked into his eyes. “Unleash some of it on her and release the pressure. You’re about to boil over. She’s perfect for that. You know not to trust her and she’s playing games. I think you’re a master at that too.”

She turned without another word and strolled away. Darkness clenched his teeth and spun, wishing to hit the bag again. It remained on the floor, damaged. “Fuck.”

Bluebird had a point. A few of them, actually. He was sexually frustrated. Kat wasn’t anything like a Species female and she also wasn’t some innocent human. She’d come to Homeland with a hidden agenda. A highly trained individual never took sex personally when they were on a job. He couldn’t hurt her feelings and she wouldn’t expect any commitment.

I could have her. His dick stirred and it pissed him off. It was a matter of pride. He’d never fall into that trap again. It had cost him too much.

He left the training facility and returned to the guest cottage. After a quick shower, he sat on the bed with his laptop open. He watched Kat in the home next door. She fixed a sandwich for dinner and ate it at the bar.

His fascination with her wasn’t healthy. She was the exact type of female he needed to avoid the most. It frustrated him that she was also the one who piqued his interest. Why couldn’t he have formed an obsession with a harmless human?

The answer came easily. He’d destroy some soft-hearted female with his cold ways. They’d want to be with a male who could feel and show emotion. He kept everything inside where it was safe. Memories surfaced but he pushed them back. It only brought pain to remember the one female he’d ever allowed to get close to him. She’d fooled him and the price had been far too high. Lesson learned.