Bride for the Space Cowboy (Match Made in Space #2)

3. Nadine

Chapter Three

NADINE

Anxiety spins in my belly, spiraling upward to tighten in my chest. My eyes keep darting over toward where Kayden stands with Jane.

Princess Jane. She’s a freaking princess! You have to call her that.

Even though Jane has told us we don’t have to stand on ceremony and call her by her title, I’m so fearful of losing my chance to stay here. I don’t want to mess up.

I shouldn’t have let Kayden kiss me. Because now I can’t forget it. I should be preparing myself to meet someone else. So far, I’m a little bit blown away by this planet. It’s beautiful, and it’s not boiling hot like it is on Earth. Outside on Earth, I used to feel like an egg baking in the sun. People do actually bake eggs in the sun. It’s a delicacy there because eggs are so rare. On Aphroditea, the environment is more temperate. The air is soft with a touch of humidity. There are trees and flowers and lakes.

For my entire life, they’ve been working on making Earth pretty again. They tell us that it will take centuries for the planet to recover from its nearly destroyed environment.

I shake my head. I need to stop thinking about Earth. That’s my past. This is my new life. I don’t ever have to travel back there again. Even if I don’t get married off to someone who kisses like Kayden, they truly do seem to revere women here. No matter what, my life will be better. If I can just be safe from the man abusing me, that’s more than enough.

I tear my eyes away from Kayden, trying not to linger on his broad shoulders and to wonder about his tail. Most of the men here have them.

Jane’s assistant, Helena, has politely explained that some women also have them, but not as many. Helena has a pretty tail with hints of pink. The women here are taller and have the same shimmery skin as the men. However, their hue is silver rather than bronze. Helena has also explained this planet is a central hub for transportation all over the galaxy and that we will see many other alien people. I’ve already seen other beings, including a female orc. She was startlingly tall and intimidating at a glance but very friendly.

I twist my fingers together nervously, telling myself this will be okay. I have a safe place to live. I never have to see my abusive ex again.

I nearly jump out of my skin when I feel a light tap on my shoulder. My palm flies to my chest. I glance over to see Jane with her warm smile.

I let out a quick breath. “Sorry. I’m just a little nervous.”

Jane nods. “Of course. It’s a lot to come to a new planet. Ask me how I know?” she teases lightly.

I take a steadying breath, shrugging sheepishly. “It is a lot to absorb. When are we going to meet”—I circle my hand in the air— “the men?”

“I promise we won’t parade you around. This event is intended to be casual. I came over because Kayden would like to speak with you.”

My heart lunges in my chest. “He would?”

“Yes. Would you like to speak with him?”

“Should I?” I squeak

“If you’re not comfortable, you don’t have to talk with him.” She paused, tipping her head to the side as she studies me. “Do you know what you want?”

“I have an idea, but I’m not totally sure.” My voice is breathless.

Jane’s gaze sobers. “Kayden wants to mate with you. Like I mentioned before, I believe you have what is called an infinity pulse with him. Asher has explained that Kayden may have some fears about it.”

“Oh.”

I think to myself that simply not getting beaten is more than I ever imagined before. I can handle any baggage that comes my way. Even though this concept of the infinity pulse is, well, alien to me, I think I know what Jane means on an instinctive level.

“Will we be able to talk privately?” I ask.

“Of course. Follow me.” Jane turns, sliding her hand through my elbow and squeezing gently. She walks me over toward where Kayden is speaking with Asher—Prince Asher to be specific.

Although the prince and princess, along with the king and queen are spoken of breathily, no one seems to bow or curtsy for them. When we reach them, Jane releases my elbow, saying to Kayden, “She’s all yours.” She gestures to a doorway just beyond us.

My heart pounds so hard that I can’t hardly hear over the rush of blood in my ears. Kayden’s golden gaze sweeps over me as he reaches for my hand.