I know exactly how he feels.
"I could just put my hands all over your face," Alice points out.
"Yeah, but where's the fun in that? Kissing's a lot better…unless that's too fast for you. If it is, then feel free to pinch my cheeks."
Alice stares up at me, deciding.
22
ALICE
Do I want to kiss him? I know if I do, it's going to change this weird, quasi-flirty vibe between us. We're going to go from talking to doing. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. Then again, Kaspar said he'd go slow if I wanted to go slow…
I trail a finger up and down his chest. I'm having far too much fun being in a position of power over him. Sure, I've got a big scary tiger at my heels that might turn on me at any time, but Kaspar seems to be familiar with them and he says it won't hurt me, so I feel safe to do as I please…and that means tormenting the big blue alien at my side. For the first time in over three years, I'm in control.
And for the first time in over three years (or maybe my entire life) I don't hate it.
I'm playing the part of the tease voluntarily, and it's fun. I swing around to his front and dip my finger into his navel. "I thought your kind wasn't big into kissing? Because of germs?"
"I'm willing to overlook those kinds of things given that we've been drinking rainwater." He grins down at me. "I figure your mouth's probably cleaner than anything else around here."
"Wow. You're killing me with flattery here." I gaze up at him, pretending to consider his offer. Truth is, I'm absolutely going to kiss him. If he gets all weird and pushy about it, I'll let the cat eat him. But I don't think he will. Kaspar may talk a big game, but he's been nothing but courteous to me in every physical aspect possible. My experiences with aliens have been a lot of groping and misery. I've handled my situation pretty well, all things considered. I don't like the word “victim.” I refuse to be a victim.
Shit happens. I got over it. Maybe I have a few scars on the inside, but I'm not going to let some alien assholes ruin my life.
Maybe that's another reason why I want to kiss Kaspar. I want to prove that to myself.
So I squint up at him, eyeing his firm, pretty mouth. "There's a bit of a height difference between us, buddy. You think it's better if I climb you like a tree or if you get down on your knees in front of me? I know which option I like better."
He glances over at the big cat. The thing bumps its head against my hand again, clearly wanting pettings. I scratch at the teeny tiny bud ears on the crown of the enormous head and am rewarded with a happy purr. I can't believe this thing wants to eat Kaspar. He's such a love bug to me. But I've seen Kaspar eager and grinning facing down six armed aliens, and right now he's sweating and hasn't moved a muscle. That tells me a lot more than the sweet purring creature at my side.
"You need to take control," he tells me, gaze flicking to the cat. "If I move my hand, it'll bite it off."
"You sure?"
"Watch." Kaspar twitches a finger, thumping it against his bare leg.
As if a switch is flipped, the cat immediately goes on alert. Enormous white teeth are bared, and its attention focuses entirely on Kaspar. The thick shoulder muscles of the cat tense, as if it's getting ready to pounce.
Oh, no no no. "Come on, kitty," I say in my sweetest voice, putting my arms around the thing's neck. It nuzzles at my face, and as it does, I try to move it backward, away from Kaspar. It's like moving a brick wall, and all my efforts fail. Eventually, the cat just flops at my feet, tail thumping, and looks up at me with liquid eyes begging for more petting. I bend down and give him a bit more love, scratching at the chin until he seems good and drowsy, and then I glance over at Kaspar again.
At least his erection's gone down. Probably a good thing. He won't want it bitten off.
The thought makes me giggle.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing you'd want to hear about." I get to my feet, testing the cat, but he just rolls onto his back in the dirt and fallen leaves, presenting me with his belly. If he wasn't looking at Kaspar with such murderous intent, I'd want to keep him as a pet. I take a few steps toward the big blue guy, studying him. How do we do this without getting my newfound protector all worked up? I step between him and the cat, deciding that if I can block out most of the creature's view, that might be best. Then, I consider Kaspar. "It might be a good idea for you to act like you're scared of me."