Read Online Domestic Duet: Domestic Alliance & Asset by Cora Blu - Free Book Online Page A

knew the line of questions he asked meant he tested her motives
    “Yes." A trained nurse; she’d seen evidence of terrible things done to children that broke her heart. "Why do you ask?"
    The tension between his eyes lessened, giving Sadie a glimpse of how dangerously handsome her alien captor was. “Norese is the reason I accept humans to remain a part of my world. I don’t have the most respect for your kind, Sadie. But, what’s best for Norese is what's best for me in this matter. I expect her to become your first and last concern every day.”
    That brought her to her knees. His love for his daughter surpassed his prejudice against humans. “Norese’s mother had to be incredible to bring down your wall of hate.”
    Aroc offered her a piece of the pink meat inches from her mouth. It slipped between her parted lips, the tips of his fingers brushing her mouth when she bit off a piece. Something important happened at that moment when she didn’t shrink from his touch. Hair fell around her shoulders as she shifted on her knees on the towel. Sadie followed his hand smoothing her thick hair behind her ears.
    “I’m not looking for a replacement for my wife, Sadie. I’m searching for a positive female role model so Norese has every advantage of her two heritages, honoring her mother’s memory.”
    Impressed by his commitment to his daughter, she looked away out over the water sparkling under the manmade sun. He ate the other half of the meat he’d offered. Settling on her behind, Sadie brought her knees up and shared the rest of the meal in silence.
    Startled when a hand touched her foot, Sadie jerked back. Aroc was holding her foot as if he’d never set eyes on nail polish.
    “Sadie,” he said, releasing his hold when she tensed. “In your backyard on Earth, why were you crying?”
    She rested on her palms then stared out over the water. “My parents were killed in an accident over a week ago and you found me hours after the funeral.”
    “I’m sorry. You have my sincere and deepest sympathy.” The honesty in his words brought tears to form which she forced back. She wasn’t ready to feel that pain right now, instead gave in to his hand returning to her foot, the grip gentle. She let him ease it out until he held it entirely in his hand. He scooted closer, wrapping both hands around her foot, settling his thumbs to put pressure on the arch. No one spoke as he massaged one foot then the other, tugging on each toe individually, the sensation moving through her entire body.
    “Then you are not as upset with me for bringing you here as you pretend.”
    “This is completely new to me, Captain. You, your world, your race, all of it I’m digesting the information as fast as I can. Something’s are more difficult to absorb than others are. Be patient.”
    He tipped his head in a gesture sh took to be of understanding.
    Norese came barreling out onto the beach with Crandall.
    “Here comes your world now,” she said, startled when Norese ran into her arms instead of his. “I take it we’re going swimming?”
    Norese smiled, tugging on Sadie’s hand. “I swim, Sadie. Come.” Her plea brought Sadie to her feet. Feet Aroc patiently massaged until she wanted to purr.
    Aroc stood, offering her his hand, then led them out into the bright clear water, lapping around her ankles. Small plants grew on the bottom, cushioning her steps. As she waded out, tugging her hair up into a ponytail on top of her head, Sadie let herself relax and swim with Norese.
    It was difficult to read the captain. He appeared distracted one minute and completely focused the next. Under the warm breeze and saltwater, the captain taught her about their culture and people. They once lived strictly on the moon, adapting to the weeks of frigid air then two weeks of hot air. That explained their skin, but the captain’s was smooth and pleasant to the touch.
    She shielded her eyes when a female karuntee approached from the right side of the beach