Close Remembrance (The Krinar Chronicles 3)

Before Connor could ask any more questions, their pod touched the floor of the ship, landing softly. Marisa clapped. “Bravo! That had to be the smoothest ride ever.”

Korum laughed, rising from his seat. “We’re here,” he said. “Until we reach our destination, this will be your new home.”

When they disembarked, Korum gave them a tour of the ship. Despite its unassuming outer layer, the inside of the spacecraft was as beautifully decorated as any Krinar house. Light colors, floating furnishings, exotic plants – the ship had everything Mia had gotten used to in Lenkarda, and she immediately felt at home there.

Mia’s parents were beyond impressed. “Korum, this is so gorgeous,” her mom kept saying. “And the view! Dear God, the view!”

The view was truly stunning. The outer walls of the ship were see-through from the inside, just like in most Krinar buildings, and there were plenty of areas where one could observe space in all its glory. Without the interference from the atmosphere, everything was sharper, clearer, the stars looking brighter than anything Mia had ever seen on the ground.

Korum had prepared special quarters for Mia’s family, closely replicating the interior of her parents’ house. “I hope this works for you,” he told them. “If not, I can change it to anything else you prefer.”

“Oh, no, this is perfect,” Mia’s dad said, walking over to sit down on a big overstuffed couch. “All that floating stuff is a bit intimidating, to be honest with you.”

“Good, I’m glad you like it.” Korum smiled, and Mia wanted to kiss him for his thoughtfulness. “I’ll have a special area made for Mocha as well, to make sure she can run around and use the bathroom there.”

The few Ks they met during the tour were pleasant to Mia’s family, having been already apprised of their presence by Korum. They all stared, of course, but Mia was already used to that. Two of the female crew members seemed particularly intrigued by the little dog that Mia’s mom insisted on carrying around with her.

“That is so cute!” One of them exclaimed, reaching over to pet Mocha. “Oh, I’ve never seen one of these up close!”

The dog tolerated the attention, but Mia could see she wasn’t happy about it. It seemed Korum was the only K Mocha truly liked.

After the tour, Mia’s family decided to rest. Her sister was particularly tired, worn out by all the excitement. “It’s nap time,” Connor said, smiling at his wife, and she nodded, stifling a yawn.

Mia and Korum were finally on their own.

* * *

“Looks like it’s just us,” Mia said, smiling at Korum. They had just gotten to their own private quarters, complete with a large circular bed similar to the one in Korum’s house.

“Indeed.” His eyes were starting to gleam with the familiar golden light.

Holding his gaze, Mia slowly and deliberately hooked her thumbs under the straps holding up her sundress and pushed them down over her shoulders. “Oops,” she whispered. “I can’t seem to take this off. I might need your help . . .”

Korum’s nostrils flared, and she could see the tension invading his muscles. “Come here,” he growled.

Mia shook her head. “No. You come here.” She knew exactly what she wanted, and it did not involve Korum taking over this time.

His eyes narrowed. He looked dangerous now, like a wild predator who couldn’t be controlled, and her heart started beating faster from the thrill of what she was trying to do. “Come,” she repeated, crooking her finger at him.

He came. Or, rather, he practically leapt across the room. In a second, he was next to her, his muscular body large and intimidating, pressing her against the wall. “You need help with this dress, do you?” His fingers tugged at the flimsy straps, the thin material nearly coming apart in his strong hands.

“Yes,” Mia breathed, looking up at him. “I do. Be gentle, though. And after you take it off me, I want you to undress for me.”

His eyes turned almost yellow. “Is that right?”

“That’s right,” Mia said. “And then I want you to lie down on the bed.” Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was about to explode, and her body was melting with need. She wanted him badly . . . but on her own terms.

For a second, she thought he wouldn’t comply, but then he took a step back. “All right,” he said, his voice unusually rough. “Turn around.”

Mia suppressed a triumphant smile and did as he asked. The dress she was wearing was human-style, with a zipper in the back, and his fingers felt hot on her bare skin as he unzipped it all the way. As soon as he was done, Mia stepped to the side and let the dress drop to the floor. Underneath, she was wearing a tiny blue thong – something she’d put on this morning specifically with Korum in mind.

He sucked in his breath. “Mia . . . You little tease . . .”

She lifted her brows. “You don’t like?” She did a little twirl, pretending not to see the explosive heat in his gaze as he stared at her.

A muscle pulsed in his jaw. “Are you torturing me?”

“I don’t know,” Mia purred. “Am I?” Turning her back to him, she bent over and slowly pushed down the thong, the way she’d seen it done in movies. Then she stepped out of it. When she turned toward him again, he looked almost feral, his eyes glittering and his hands clenched into fists.