Despite everything Bartlek had told him that morning, Faron still wanted to be around Kendra. He’d gone to meet her with every intention of telling her this would not work. There was no way they could continue their association.

Then he’d seen her standing with that annoying, spiky human, and his logic had vanished again. Kendra had seemed so nervous when he’d arrived that he couldn’t hurt her feelings by rejecting her invitation. Then he’d made the mistake of revealing he’d planned to dance for her.

It was then he’d seen something in her gaze. Faron hadn’t been able to decipher it, but he wondered if it was hope or excitement at the thought of them being a couple.

After that, Faron had given up fighting his emotions and decided to see where the day would take them.

The twisted, smug words of his brother still stung if he dwelled on them, but they seemed less important when he was with Kendra. She made him feel special.

His thoughts went to the way she’d snapped that fruit out of his fingers and licked the juice from her lips. It made him hard just thinking about that mouth. Kendra was passionate and exciting. She made him feel the same. He’d never felt that, and he couldn’t decide whether he should run from these intoxicating sensations or continue to follow them.

Faron’s hand drifted to the small of Kendra’s back as they reached the holo suite booths. He kept finding excuses to touch her. There should be no reason for them to be close, but she’d said she liked the way he looked out for her. If it gave Kendra pleasure for him to be around, then it gave him pleasure, and he’d continue to do it.

Kendra stopped outside a booth. “This is us.”

He eyed the booth with suspicion. Faron had never been one for playing make-believe games. “What are we supposed to do?”

“Go inside and see what Ivy’s got in store for us.” Kendra pressed a hand against the access panel, and the door slid open. She walked inside, and Faron followed her.

The booth lights raised. “Welcome, Kendra Hilton and Faron Tiket to your trust exercise.” The soft, low female voice of the holo suite echoed around them.

Faron glanced at Kendra. “What is this?”

“Please listen to the following instructions and do as requested.”

“I don’t have to do anything if I don’t want to,” Faron muttered.

Kendra grinned at him. “You never know. You might enjoy yourself.”

“If there’s more food involved, I’ll enjoy myself. I don’t usually share my breakfast.”

Kendra laughed. “You’re telling me you eat that much food on your own?”

“Of course. I’m three times the size of you. I need my fuel.”

She shook her head. “You’re lucky it doesn’t all turn to fat.”

He flexed a bicep. “That is not possible with my genetics.”

Her smile only widened as her gaze ran over him. “I can believe that.”

Faron swelled with pride. She did find him attractive. It had been a long time since he’d felt desire from a female.

“Participants in this trust exercise have to rely on each other to survive,” the holo suite computer said.

“Our survival is at stake?” Faron did not like the sound of that. He did not want Kendra’s life to be at risk in some ridiculous game.

“Kendra Hilton, you are to be blindfolded. Your partner will guide you through an exercise.”

“Why would he do that?” Kendra asked.

“To show you trust each other,” the holo suite computer said. “You will be putting your life in his hands.”

Faron shook his head. “This is a bad idea.”

“Let’s give it a go. It’s a holo game. Nothing dangerous will happen.”

“The safety protocols in the game are removed,” the holo suite computer said.

Faron’s brow wrinkled. “Which means?”

Kendra’s smile faded. “Which means you need to make sure you don’t let me have an accident.”

“I can do that by stopping you from taking part.”

“Let’s give it a go. We can always stop if it’s not fun.”

“Place the blindfold over your eyes,” the holo suite computer instructed. “Faron, remain by the wall and navigate Kendra safely across the ravine.”

Faron watched, his anxiety growing, as a realistic ravine appeared. Far below was the sound of churning water. Large, vicious birds circled overhead, and a strong wind blew.

“I’m ready when you are.” Kendra stood with her back to him, the blindfold over her eyes. Was she insane? This was not fun. Faron had little experience with holo booths but knew they were often too realistic for their own good. People could be injured, especially since the idiot who’d designed this trust exercise had switched off the safety protocols.

“Give it a go,” Kendra said softly. “I trust you not to hurt me.”

“If you’re worried at any point, just say so and this ends,” Faron said.

“I’ll scream if I get scared.”

“The object of this exercise is to move Kendra safely from one side of the ravine to the other,” the holo booth computer said.

Faron sighed. “Fine. Kendra, walk two paces forward and turn forty-five degrees to your right.”

“You’re so exact. Are you sure it isn’t forty-six degrees?”

“I am sure. And I am exact because I do not want you injured. There’s an extremely unsafe looking bridge in front of you,” Faron said. “Reach out and you will feel the rope sides.”

Kendra waved her hands around until she clutched hold of the rope. “It feels rough and worn. Are you sure this bridge is stable?”

“Most likely not. It looks perished in several places. Do you want to finish the game now?”

“No!” She laughed. “Let’s hope you don’t have to rescue me from the waters below when I plunge to my doom.”

Faron shuffled forward and glanced over the edge of the ravine. “Yes, let’s hope not. I’m not much of a swimmer.”

“Now you tell me.” Kendra’s laughter suggested she wasn’t scared as she stepped onto the rope bridge.

“Keep walking. I’ll let you know if you’re heading in the wrong direction.”

“I’ll know that myself because I’ll fall to my death.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” Despite knowing this was a game, Faron felt a flicker of nerves as he watched Kendra inch her way across the bridge under his guidance.

A wind buffeted the bridge, and Kendra shrieked and dropped to her knees.

Faron ran to the edge of the ravine and grabbed the bridge to keep it steady.

“Single player participation only,” the holo booth computer said.

“What are you doing?” Kendra’s laugh sounded shaky as she climbed to her feet. “Are you trying to save a damsel in distress?”

“Did you hurt yourself?”

“I’m fine. I guess there’s nothing you can do to warn me about the wind. I’ll be better prepared next time.”

He glowered at the fake sky. “It shouldn’t be so strong. How can people find this entertaining?”

“Come on. We’re making progress. We might win a prize if I get to the other side.”

Faron shrugged and instructed Kendra to continue across the bridge.

As she reached the halfway point, an enormous, midnight-black bird swooped from the sky, its talons pointing at Kendra’s face.

“Duck!” he yelled as the bird’s talons skimmed Kendra’s hair.

She flattened herself on the bridge, screaming and laughing at the same time. “What was that?”

“A giant bird wanted you as an entrée.”

“It stank.”

“I would kill it for you, but it’s not real.”

Kendra giggled as she got to her feet. “There’s no need to go all Hulk on the fake bird, but thanks for the offer to murder on my behalf.”

He didn’t know what a hulk was. “I’ll watch out for them.”

The birds continued to hover, but no more attacked as Kendra inched her way across the bridge.

After another half-hour of encouragement, Kendra had made good progress. “You’re almost there,” Faron said. “Another ten steps and you’ll be on solid ground.”

“Then we’ll win our prize.”

“It had better be a good prize.”

“You get to spend more time with me,” she said. “Isn’t that what you’re hoping for?”

Faron smiled to himself. He would enjoy spending the rest of the day with Kendra. She was fun to be with, and despite the occasional ear-splitting scream, he could tell she was enjoying herself.

“Five more steps. Four more, three, two, one. You should be there.”

Kendra cheered as she climbed off the rope bridge and took off her blindfold. “We are winners.”

Faron’s smile faded. “The only problem is, we’re on opposite sides of the ravine.” He went to stand on the rope bridge, but it vanished.

“Now, it’s your turn, Faron,” the holo booth computer said. “You are to be blindfolded, and Kendra will instruct you to the other side of the ravine so you may join her.”

He gritted his teeth as Kendra roared with laughter.

“Brilliant! Now I get to torment you.”

“I did not torment you. I guided you safely across a dangerous ravine. I took great care of you.”

“A dangerous fake ravine.” She grinned at him. “I’ll do the same for you. Put the blindfold on.”

Faron looked around and saw a large blindfold hanging by the door, which he reluctantly collected. He turned back to the ravine, and his steps faltered. There were forty large wooden posts sticking up in the air. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“It’s no problem,” Kendra said. “I’ll tell you where to put your feet, so you don’t fall.”

Faron touched the first pole with his foot, and it wobbled. “They are not secure.”

“Then you’ll need excellent balance.” Kendra clapped her hands. “Blindfold on, let’s go.”

Faron stared at the blindfold. He wasn’t sure about this. It had been a long time since he’d trusted anybody.

“Faron Tiket, I’m ordering you to put that blindfold on and get your butt over here.”

His head shot up, and he saw the stern expression on Kendra’s face. A shiver of desire ran through him. He liked it when she got bossy. He hadn’t seen this side of her before.

Kendra gestured him toward her. “Come on. Let’s go. I want my prize.”

Faron smiled as he placed the blindfold on and inched to the edge of the ravine.

“Left foot forward and feel around until your whole foot is on the first pole.”

He did as instructed and spent a few seconds getting used to the shifting weight beneath him.

“That’s great. When you’re ready, move your right foot. Hold your arms out to assist with your balance.”

His smile widened. He’d love to hear that bossy voice in his bedroom. His cock swelled at the thought, and he took a moment to compose himself before he was ready to take his next step. He’d never live down the shame if his engorgement ruined this exercise.

It took about an hour, but other than a few shaky moments, Kendra’s instructions were clear and concise. Before he knew it, Faron was on the other side of the ravine.

As he removed his blindfold, Kendra ran over and pressed a kiss on his cheek. “We did it. We won.”

Faron stroked a finger down her cheek. “We did. We work well together.” He’d trusted her, and she hadn’t let him down.

“Congratulations on successfully completing the trust exercise,” the holo booth computer said. “You have won a meal for two.” The ravine vanished and was replaced with a candlelit setting in a restaurant.

“How romantic.” Kendra ducked her head as she looked around their new environment.

Faron turned as he heard a whirring and noticed a food replicator churning out dishes.

“We deserve this,” Kendra said. “Being terrified works up an appetite. Although, I don’t have that much room after our delicious breakfast.”

“Indeed. As does being bossed around by you.”

“You loved it. I could tell.” Kendra looked up at him and winked.

Faron shrugged. When he was fully erect, it was impossible to hide. Kendra would have seen his arousal. It was nothing to be ashamed of. He busied himself with bringing over the food and placing it on the table.

“We can eat on the floor if you’d prefer,” Kendra said.

“No, we did it my way this morning. We can do it your way now. It’s only right that we share.”

She nodded and her eyes glimmered. “Absolutely.”

Faron lifted the covers from the dishes, and his stomach grumbled in appreciation. Curried dishes were a speciality on his planet. There was a selection of those alongside some items he wasn’t familiar with.

“I love Indian food,” Kendra said. “Although, I don’t know what they are.” She pointed at his favorite dish of dried Tyland spiced rootac.

“This dish is so hot it will blow your head off.” He sampled the dish, and the spices exploded on his tongue. “You should stick with what you know.”

“No way! We try each other’s food. I can handle your curry.”

Faron grinned as he settled in the seat opposite Kendra. “If you insist, but I’m giving you fair warning. This spice is not for the fainthearted.”

“Who said I was fainthearted?”

He nodded. She was right. Kendra was anything but fainthearted or weak-willed. She’d proven herself and stood up to those who’d caused her problems, including him.

Without thinking, Faron scooped a handful of the curry dish and held it out to her, the sauce dripping from his fingers and onto the table.

Kendra’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

He blinked and jerked his hand back. “Feeding you.”

“Erm, that’s sort of sweet, but I prefer to use a spoon.”

Faron scowled as he dropped the food back in the dish. What was he thinking? He’d reacted on instinct and had tried to feed her like he’d done this morning. He was only supposed to do that with a potential mate. It was a way of showing he could provide for her and nourish her.

His head dropped, and he scowled. He’d been an idiot doing that with Kendra.

“Hey, I lost you for a minute.” Kendra tapped the back of his hand. She held out a small, flat piece of what looked like crispy bread with sauce on it. “I appreciate the feeding gesture. I just wasn’t expecting it. Try this.”

Faron shook his head and looked away. “I didn’t mean to offend you by offering you food.”

“I wasn’t offended. No one has ever tried to hand feed me curry. I’m getting used to this eating with your fingers thing. Eating everything with your fingers, dripping curry included.”

“No, you misunderstand. I didn’t mean to do that. I thought we were getting on so well that...” His words wouldn’t come out. Faron hunched in his seat. “I didn’t think.”

“Try this,” Kendra said. “I insist. It’s really good.”

Faron reluctantly took the bread and bit into it. He was surprised by how crunchy it was and how sharp the flavors were. “What’s this?”

“Lime pickle and poppadoms. I love them. I could eat them with every meal.”

“They’re spicy. It’s a perfect complement for my dishes.”

“Our dishes. We share everything.”

He smiled and nodded. “Of course, we can share.”

“That includes you sharing what you meant by trying to feed me,” Kendra said.

He sighed. She should know the truth. Despite his better judgment and the warnings from his family, Faron couldn’t stop himself around Kendra. He wanted to show her he was a suitable mate. He didn’t think he could stop himself if he wanted to, even if it meant disagreeing with his family and the offer they had made of a Tolong mate.

“You have heard me talk about Tolong courtship rituals.”

“I can hardly forget that you were planning to dance for me in just a thong. That’s a part of your ritual?”

He grunted. “Over a period of seven days, we undertake several rituals. They are designed to show our potential mate how suitable we are. One of those rituals is the provision of food. A male Tolong provides the meals for a female and feeds them to her. We make sure she wants for nothing.”

Kendra’s mouth fell open. “You’re serious? You were trying to feed me because you see me as your mate?”

He stiffened in his seat, and his fists clenched. “I do not. I mean, not seriously. You are not appropriate. It’s my emotions taking over. I enjoy your company, but it causes judgment errors.”

“You sure can insult a girl,” Kendra said. “You want me as a mate, but you think I’m not suitable. I’m an error in your judgment?”

Faron scowled, hating himself for his inability to conceal this from her, but she should know his turmoil. Why should he hide the conflict inside him? It felt like he was being torn in two. His family had found him a Tolong female, something he’d desired for a long time. Just when that happened, he found Kendra. Sweet, non-judgmental, gorgeous Kendra. Their joining would make him even more of an outcast. But he didn’t care. He wanted Kendra, and he needed her to know how much he wanted her.

He looked up and swallowed. “I desire you in my life.”

Her eyebrows shot up, and she lowered her spoonful of food. “The inappropriate woman? You want someone in your life who makes you have poor decisions?”

Faron’s mouth twisted. “I did not mean that as an insult. My people will not see our match as proper.”

Kendra scowled. “I get it. They’ll hate me. They’ll fight me just like you’re doing.”

He leaned back in his seat. “I do not fight you.”

“You fight this.” She waved her spoon between them. “We are wrong for each other. I’m not denying that. You’re rude and weird, and you never say what you’re feeling—”

“I avoid my emotions.”

“Exactly my point. You hide from your feelings, which makes you say rude things. Like I’m inappropriate. I’m never inappropriate.” She stuffed a huge spoonful of curry into her mouth. Her eyes widened. She gasped and gestured for the water.

Faron shook his head and passed her a dish of plain yogurt. “Eat this. It will take away the burn.”

Kendra’s eyes watered as she downed the yogurt. Despite a red nose and watering eyes, she still looked adorable.

He waited until her face had stopped glowing before speaking. “Let me try again. I want you in my life. I know it is not right for either of us, but I cannot ignore this.”

Kendra placed her spoon down and wiped her eyes with her napkin. “Okay, in what capacity do you want me in your life? We are becoming friends. Is that what you mean?”

“No, not as a friend.”

She licked her lips. “As a girlfriend?”

He sucked in a deep breath. He had never said this to anyone before. “As a mate. As my only mate.” Faron could barely look at Kendra as he said the words. He was so sure she would reject him. She should. He was defective.

She was silent for so long that he had to look up.

Kendra cleared her throat. “In order to prove yourself as a suitable mate, you feed me all my meals?”

Faron nodded. “That is correct.”

“Well, okay then. I’m open to that.”

He watched, surprise jolting through him as Kendra stood and walked around to his side of the table. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and sat in his lap, her warm body molding against him.

Faron stiffened. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m making it easier for you to feed me. I’m hungry.” Her smile looked tentative.

“You wish for me to court you?” Faron’s heart raced as he inhaled her sweet scent. He would kill to have this scent around him for the rest of his life. He knew he shouldn’t, but he let her in. He needed this woman in his life. His logic was screaming at him, but he ignored it. Forget his family and the traditions they held dear. He needed this. He needed Kendra.

Kendra opened her mouth. “I’m waiting. You’d better hurry, or I might think you’re not a good enough feeder.”

Faron scooped some food, selecting the milder dishes. He fed Kendra carefully, watching as each tempting bite slid down her throat.

She licked sauce from her lips. “That’s good. More.”

As Faron leaned toward the table, his mouth brushed against her ear. “I promise you this. I will dance for you in private, when there are no camera bots watching. I want you to see me as worthy.”

He felt her fingers tighten on his shoulder. “You have nothing to prove to me, but that’s something worth waiting for.”

Faron nodded as he continued to feed Kendra. No matter what it took, he would win her. He would win every inch of her. Even if his family rejected him and he could never return home again, she was worth it.