Alien Architect Needs a Nanny (Alien Nanny Agency 1)

“Oh, Ra’as, always so grouchy,” his mother scolded him, smiling. “No one would ever believe you’re the son of the preeminent veterinarian on Ulfgard.”

“Preeminent?” he echoed teasingly.

“So I’m told,” his mother said with a wink that was accentuated by her spectacles.

It was true. She was at the top of her field. Pet owners from all over the metropolitan area traveled to bring their darlings to her for help. And hearing about all those troubles was exactly why he wasn’t eager to get into that kind of mess himself.

“Dyrk, hang on,” Emilia called out suddenly, jogging over to the boy and showing him something with the tool and the soil.

She looked so content, with the sun shining warm on her face, and that intent, enthusiastic expression she wore as she talked with Dyrk. It was hard not to notice how young she was.

And it was impossible not to want to grab her, kiss her and hold her close.

I’m a monster.

“She’s an angel,” his mother whispered.

“Hm?” he asked, trying to wrench his eyes from Emilia to pay attention.

“Emilia,” she said. “I absolutely adore her. You’ve got a really good one there. Do whatever you have to do to hang onto her.”

“Seriously?” he teased. “I thought you hated everyone I hired.”

“Don’t joke,” she said sternly. “This one is special. I hope you realize it.”

“Oh, yes,” he sighed, looking out at Emilia again. “She’s special all right.”

Right now, she was listening intently as Mimi gave a short speech and then bent to place another worm in the soil.

She and Mimi both waved to it while Dyrk laughed at them and rolled his eyes.

Emilia looked up and for a moment, her eyes met his.

The flicker of awareness when their gazes landed on each other was like lightning through his veins.

Emilia’s eyes widened.

She glanced down at Mimi immediately, breaking the spell.

But he could see the pink blush staining her cheeks. She wanted him, too. Their desire for each other was electric.

The knowledge had him stifling the rumble that wanted to rise from his chest.

But the children, and her job, and their very different backgrounds…

His mother’s words echoed in his head.

Do whatever you have to do to hang onto her.

But of course, his mother hadn’t meant sleeping with her.

As a matter of fact, she had probably meant Ra’as should keep his big hands to himself.

Emilia laughed, letting her head fall back to reveal the delicate column of her neck.

His throat went dry with lust and the rest of the world seemed to fade away around them.

How am I supposed to stay away?