He offered a hand. “Let’s go into the living room. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Vanni. We’ll sit and talk. I won’t ask again to see your injuries.”

She timidly reached out and put her trembling hand in his. It was as warm and big as she remembered. He gently closed his fingers around hers and turned, waiting for her to follow. She appreciated it when he moved slowly, mindful of her hesitant steps until they ended up next to the couch. He released her.

“Have a seat. Please.”

She sat, tugging the shirt hem down to cover her knees. Smiley didn’t take a seat next to her but surprised her by crouching and pushing the coffee toward one end of the couch. He faced her, dropped to his knees and sat back on his heels. His smile looked a little forced.

“Relax,” he urged. “We’ll just talk.”

“Why are you there? You can sit on the couch with me.”

“I’m better off here.”

“Why?”

He licked his lips. The slide of his tongue over them drew her attention and she focused on his mouth. “First off, thank you for not screaming when you discovered I’d let myself into your home. I was worried about you when you didn’t answer the door. I came in through a back window. I’ll fix the lock later.”

She stared into his eyes, unconcerned that he’d just admitted to breaking into the house. “It’s okay.” It really was. It was kind of sweet that he’d do something that drastic to make sure she was well.

“I have an important question but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable again. It has bothered me every waking moment since the other night. I need to ask.”

She braced for it. “Okay.”

“Did I hurt you, Vanni?” His gaze lowered to her lap and then lifted to stare directly at her. “Was the sex too rough?”

“I’m fine.” She hadn’t expected that and was glad she was seated.

“Really.” He frowned, studying her.

It was an awkward topic. He’d said it was important for him to know but she wasn’t about to admit she’d been a little sore the next day.

“You didn’t hurt me. I have a few bruises but it’s no big deal. You’re strong.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. They don’t hurt.”

“You passed out afterward and I feared I’d damaged you.”

“I think it was from being drugged. I told you I’m a chair jockey. It was…” She wasn’t sure how to explain it without humiliating herself.

“It was what?” He leaned in a little closer and flattened his hand on the couch next to her knee. “Please talk to me. Don’t allow your shyness to stop you from being blunt. There’s no need with me. You can tell me anything.”

“I don’t talk about sex with men,” Vanni admitted hesitantly. “I haven’t dated that many guys and they always tended not to appreciate a discussion about it.”

“I’m not them.” His voice deepened as he continued, “I welcome this conversation.”

She licked her lips and pushed herself to be more forward and forthcoming than normal. “I’m out of shape. I told you I don’t work out the way you do. That drug put me through the wringer, okay? I was sweating, then freezing and then we were touching.” Embarrassment forced her gaze to his chin at that point. “I think I was exhausted. That’s why I conked out.”

He said nothing so she looked up again. She didn’t see any negative emotions in his expression. He actually appeared happy when he smiled. It reached his eyes that time. It encouraged her to go on.

“Plus it was really extreme, you know? I’ve never felt that way before.”

“You are talking about the sex?” He lowered his tone to one that gave her chills. It was the good kind again and she remembered that about him too. He could talk a certain way that turned her on.

“Yes.”

“Sharing sex while drugged is very powerful.”

“That’s an understatement if I ever heard one. I thought I was going to die.” She’d survived the uncomfortable talk and breathed easier, her tense muscles relaxing. “Are you okay? I worried about you too.”

“I’m fine. Species are tough. There were a few uncomfortable hours after I woke but my jaw was only bruised.”

“I hurt your jaw?” She leaned forward, peering at his lower face. She didn’t see any scratches or bruises. He had flawless skin.

“No. Brass punched me to knock me out. I had some marks but they faded fast.”

“Why would he do that? I don’t remember that part. I thought I remembered it all.”

“It was after you passed out. We were about to be driven to Homeland and I was extremely worried about you.”

Vanni realized their faces were inches apart and her gaze locked with his. “Why would he hit you?”

“He was afraid I wouldn’t be able to resist touching you again even though you were unconscious.”

It took a moment to sink in. “He thought you’d…” She couldn’t finish that sentence.

“Mount you while you were out.” He didn’t have a problem speaking the words. “It was a genuine concern. I was highly aroused and wanted to keep touching you. I believe I would have resisted the urge but it was best that I wasn’t tested.”

“Oh.” She leaned back a little. “Does your jaw hurt at all?”