Close Remembrance (The Krinar Chronicles 3)

Korum took a small step back, but still held her close. “It’s true,” he said, his voice low and husky. “If I win, I would be expected to celebrate that way. Would it be a problem?”

Mia stared up at him. “You mean . . . You’d want to do it in public?”

“It’s not exactly public, my sweet,” he said, one corner of his mouth tilting up. “We’d be in a shatela – a structure specifically designed for that purpose. But yes, I would very much like to fuck you after the fight. Your sweet body

would be my reward.”

* * *

Korum could see her pupils expanding, making her blue eyes look darker. Her breathing was uneven, and her cheeks were a pretty pink color. She was turned on, almost as much as he was right now. If this was already after the fight, he was sure she wouldn’t protest if he brought her to a shatela, stripped off that tight dress, and plunged his cock between her thighs. He liked the idea of claiming her in front of everyone; it appealed to something primeval deep within him.

“Korum, I –”

“Shhh,” he said, lifting his finger to her lips in a gesture he’d seen humans make. “Don’t worry about it now. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

And Korum meant it. He had not set out to prove anything when he kissed Mia, but her reaction clearly demonstrated her susceptibility to him. Despite the memory loss, she was as strongly attracted to him as before – a realization that filled him with bone-deep masculine satisfaction. He would never force her, but he also likely wouldn’t have to. He suspected his little charl was more adventurous than she thought herself to be.

She was still watching him warily, so he bent his head and kissed her delicious mouth again. Just a brief kiss this time, no more than a brush of his lips against her own. His body screamed for him to do more, to take her now, but there was no time. He had to go get ready for the fight.

But even a small kiss was enough to distract her right now. Her eyes looked soft again, hazy with desire. Korum had to force himself to look away in order to regain control.

“Come,” he said hoarsely, “let’s get you to your seat. I have to go now, but I want to make sure you’re settled with Delia before I leave.”

“Of course.” She seemed anxious again, some of the color leaving her face. “Is it starting at noon sharp?”

“Yes,” Korum said, taking her hand and starting to lead her through the crowd. “We tend to be punctual, so we have exactly ten minutes before the ceremony begins.”

They walked toward the front row, where Delia and Arus were already in place. Only one float next to Delia remained empty, and Korum led Mia there. As they approached, the crowd parted, letting them through. His acquaintances gave him polite nods as they passed, while others stared at him and his charl with unabashed curiosity. This didn’t bother Korum one bit. As a Council member with a certain reputation, he was used to this type of attention. Mia was a figure of interest as well, given rumors of her involvement with the Resistance. The Krinar did not consider staring rude; on the contrary, it was a sign of respect to look at someone directly.

“Oh, good,” Delia said as they got to her seat. “I was worried you wouldn’t make it before the start of the fight.”

“No worries, we’re here,” Mia said, blushing a little. Korum suppressed a smile, knowing she was embarrassed about their public make-out session. His little darling was still such an innocent; he enjoyed her shyness almost as much as he liked curing her of it.

Arus gave Korum a level look. “We’ll take good care of Mia, I promise. You don’t need to worry about her right now.”

“Thanks,” Korum said, glad that the other Councilor understood his unspoken concern. Even knowing that it was safe, he still felt uncomfortable leaving Mia alone in public. What happened with Saret had left an indelible impression in his mind, and he knew he would have to work hard to overcome his fear of losing her.

All around them, other Krinar settled in their floats, clearing out of the aisles and emptying the Arena field. Less than five minutes remained before the start of the ceremony, and Korum still had to prepare, mentally and physically, for what was to come.

“I have to go,” he said reluctantly, watching Mia’s eyes fill with moisture at his words.

“Be careful,” she whispered, looking up at him. “Please, Korum, be careful.” And wrapping her arms around his waist, she gave him a fierce hug, holding him for several long seconds.

Touched, Korum hugged her back and then gently stepped out of her embrace. “I love you,” he said, giving her one last smile.

“And I love you,” Mia whispered as he started to walk away.

Korum stopped in his tracks, hardly daring to believe his ears. Turning his head, he saw that her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. He wanted to grab her, to ask her if she really meant it, but there was no time. Instead, he gave her the biggest smile he could and continued on toward a small structure on the far side of the Arena.

The ceremony was about to begin.

* * *

Mia sat down on her floating seat, feeling like a vise was squeezing her heart. Despite all of Korum’s reassurances, she knew there was a very real chance that she was seeing him for the last time.

The thought was so agonizing that Mia couldn’t breathe for a moment.

“Mia? Listen to me, Mia. He’s going to be fine, okay?” It was Delia, her voice calm and soothing.