Numbers Read online

  He chuckled. “We’ll take precautions from now on if you wish. I have the condoms Paul gave me. I would be happy if you had my baby, but I know you aren’t ready for that yet.” He tensed. “The food. We haven’t eaten.” He lifted her off his lap and they stood. “Let me go get our dinner. We’ll eat.”

  “I am hungry.”

  He took her hand and they walked to the living room. He released her. “I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll find plates and things.”

  “Thank you.”

  He exited the house and strode to the Jeep. His mind was on Dana as he leaned over and hooked a strap of the duffle bag that was closest to him on his shoulder, and slung it over his back. He lifted the box and spun, returning to the house. He dropped the duffle bag inside and used his foot to close the door. He could get the other bag later. He joined Dana in the kitchen.

  She had put plates on the island and found the silverware. He put the box down and removed the sealed containers with their dinners. He watched Dana move to the fridge and open it.

  “Wow. They really packed this. What do you want to drink? It seems they gave us about everything. There’s milk, sodas, iced tea, juice and bottled waters.”

  “I like soda.”

  She removed two cans and came to him. He studied her face to see if she was upset about the possibility of being pregnant. He wouldn’t blame her if she was angry. She didn’t look it though. She smiled and took a seat on one of the barstools. He passed her the fried chicken dinner and rounded the counter to take a seat next to her with his own container. They were silent as they transferred the food onto plates.

  It was a comfortable silence as they ate. He’d never seen someone use a knife and fork to cut fried chicken. He’d have eaten it with his fingers. It made him consider their differences. Mourn had so many things he wanted to ask Dana and discuss with her but he waited until she stopped eating. She couldn’t finish it all but she wasn’t a large human.

  “What is that odd look for?” She drew him from his thoughts.

  He chuckled. “The way you eat is amusing.”

  “Why?”

  He shook his head. “It’s just cute.”

  She tucked her head, but smiled. Mourn longed to reach out and touch her. He held back, not wanting to do anything that might make her withdraw from him. He finished his dinner and stood, taking their plates to the sink. Dana came up behind him as he rinsed them.

  “Do you need help?”

  “I have a lot of experience at this. Why don’t you take a seat on the couch, and I’ll be there in a moment?”

  She moved away and he finished cleaning up. He found her on the couch, and sat down close. “We could watch a movie. There are some left on the shelf by the last couple who lived here.” He’d noticed them earlier.

  Dana surprised him by turning to face him. She grabbed his hand and peered up at him with a worried look. “Did my brother upset you? He was out of line.”

  “I wasn’t upset. I’m just glad I didn’t have to physically restrain him.”

  “He shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”

  “You’re apologizing again for what others do.” He leaned in and touched her, lightly caressing her arm. “I know you come with family, Dana. I considered that before I attempted to become more than your friend.”

  She hesitated. “I worried the NSO would be upset with me because we spent last night together. Darkness set me straight on that.”

  “Why would they be upset?”

  “You know, like I took advantage by having sex with you.”

  He laughed.

  “That’s exactly how Darkness reacted.”

  “You’re thinking like a human. You couldn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do. They are more worried about what I might do to you.”

  “You’re not like that Vengeance guy you told me about.”

  “No, I’m not. I am so glad you’re here with me.”

  “I am too. I enjoy our time together.”

  He studied her features. “Are you willing to consider moving to Homeland and living with me if you learn that I’m your male?”

  “I wish I had your confidence in us working out long-term.”

  “You will.”

  She broke eye contact and leaned back on the couch, out of his reach. “That’s so not fair.”

  His shoulders sagged. “I know it’s asking a lot for you to give up your world for mine but I’d do everything to make you happy, Dana.”

  “I understand why we’d have to live here. That’s not what I was talking about.” She twisted to face him, but kept back. “You make me want to do crazy things when you look at me like that and your voice gets husky.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I want to say yes. I’m trying to stay rational and not make a mistake.”

  “We are not a mistake.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  He scooted closer until his hip pressed against her leg. “I’m not going to change my mind about us, Dana. I won’t regret asking you to be mine. I want you to be my mate. I won’t leave you. I’m the one who worries that you’ll do that to me.”

  Her expression softened. “I don’t want to hurt you in any way, Mourn.”

  “Then agree to be my mate, move to Homeland and stay with me.”

  “I…” She seemed to falter for words.

  “You need assurances that we’ll be good together. I plan to convince you.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come with me.”

  “Where are we going?” She allowed him to pull her to her feet.

  “To our bedroom.”

  Her eyebrows arched, but she didn’t jerk away from him.

  He smiled. “I’m going to show you how good we can be together, Dana. I’ve thought all day about the things I want to do to you once I strip you naked. I’ll do much better than what we shared last night.”

  “Now you’re really not playing fair.”

  “I’m Species. I go after what I want, and that’s you.”

  Chapter Eight

  Dana waited in the bedroom while Mourn ran outside to retrieve the condoms. She wanted him, but their relationship was so new that she worried sex would be uncomfortable between them. The first time might have been a fluke. He returned quickly, an eager look on his face.

  She couldn’t help but laugh. He closed the door and paused to toss a large padded envelope on the bed. He bent and tore at his work boots. Dana hovered near the dresser, watching him. “In a hurry?”

  He straightened. “I’ll slow down.”

  “Now I’m nervous,” she admitted.

  “There’s no reason to be.” He walked right up to her and gently gripped her upper arms. “I’ll be gentle.” He caressed her skin with his thumbs. “Didn’t you enjoy it when I put my mouth between your thighs?”

  The memory flashed through her mind and she nodded. “Yes.”

  “Remove your clothes. No pressure. Just let me touch you, Dana. I’ll stop if you don’t enjoy it. I will never make you do anything you don’t want.”

  “I guess I’m kind of worried that all we’ll have is sex.”

  He cocked his head. “I don’t understand.”

  “You know, like our relationship is solely going to be based on sex.”

  “We talk and enjoy spending time together. I’m hoping I can convince you, with sex, to be my mate. I’m determined to learn everything about you. Do you want to return to the living room? We don’t have to share sex. We could talk, or watch one of the movies.”

  She felt torn. “I want you. I’m just trying to stall taking off my clothes. It’s bright in here.”

  He frowned. “The lights bother you?”

  “I look better in dimmer lighting.”

  “Is this a human thing?”

  She laughed. “I guess so.”

  “I like you naked. You’re beautiful, Dana.”

  She just decided to be blunt. “Your women are kind of muscular, and I’m