I knew that in this moment I was supposed to be comforting and consoling Marissa, and that was every bit of my intention.

There was only one problem.

I was becoming hard again, and my cock bulged with arousal next to her soft skin. I stiffened up, anticipating that she’d notice immediately, since I wasn’t clothed. I slowly moved my hips away from her so that my erection wouldn’t be as noticeable.

Fat chance of that happening. She ripped herself from my embrace in one swift movement away from me.

“Are you fucking kidding me with this shit?” Her eyes flamed with anger.

“I’m sorry.” I fumbled and grasped for the right words, but I had none to make her feel better or that would convince her I wasn’t an enormous sex-crazed jerk.

“How can you possibly want to have sex again, especially right after I just told you I didn’t want to?” She flashed an accusatory stare at me.

“It’s not like I can help it.” I threw my arms up in exasperation.

“Well, you need to try a little fucking harder.” Marissa turned her back to me and I was struck with agony.

“Marissa, why aren’t you flattered that I’m so attracted to you?”

“What do you not understand about me not wanting to be held here against my will?” She spat the words at me.

“I’m not trying to hold you against your will!” I bellowed, really frustrated now. “I just want you to stay with me because our connection is strong.”

She pondered this a moment and something changed in her eyes. I decided to use this opportunity to continue making my case.

“Marissa, this reaction is natural and I can’t stop it. When I’m around you, I get hard, plain and simple.”

She just stared blankly at me, so I pressed on. “Your scent drives me crazy.”

“My scent? Ew gross!” She seemed disgusted and I became confused.

“What’s wrong with what I just said?”

“You like to smell me like some kind of animal? That’s so creepy.”

“Perhaps it’s a language barrier issue again?” I questioned. “I just mean I love the way you smell, so beautiful and feminine.” I smiled for effect.

“Well, it would have been better if you had said instead that you liked the smell of my perfume or something.” She crossed her arms.

“I do, and I am sorry, but it’s true. I’m extremely attracted to you and I thought you felt the same way.”

Her expression softened after she saw that I was hurt. “Kadic listen, I am attracted to you. I think you are incredibly handsome and the sex we had…wow. It was fucking amazing. But I can’t just agree to marry you and get pregnant with your babies this fast.”

“Are you telling me there’s a chance?” My heart pounded with hope.

“I’d really prefer to go back to Earth…” she dodged my question and answered vaguely.

I wanted to try to seduce her again, but I could sense that she was too upset. Her energy was that of a very pissed off woman and I had been around enough in my lifetime to know when to stop.

I had to allow her time to cool off, even if I didn’t want to.

“There’s more to the story than you know,” I began, thinking of something to bide my time.

“Oh yeah, and what would that be?” she said with sarcasm.

“Please don’t be mad at me, Marissa. I promise you I’m one of the good guys.”

“Then let me go home.” She raised an eyebrow and locked eyes with me.

“If you’ll just give me a little more time…”

“Time for what?” She sighed with frustration.

“I need to show you something,” I said in desperation.

“Oh fuck no, please put that weapon away!” she shouted.

It took me a moment to realize she was referring once again to my cock. Instinctively, I looked down. “I’m not talking about my cock.”

“You aren’t?” She seemed confused.

“For once, no, I’m not.”

“Well, would you mind putting some pants on again?”

I was annoyed. “I already told you pants are uncomfortable.”

She glared at me. “And I’ve already told you I want to go home,” she barked.

“Fine, I’ll put on pants.” I rolled my eyes and walked to the closet where I stored clothes I hardly ever wore.

“There is a reason behind all of this. There is an important reason I must take over the throne and not my brother.”

“I’m listening,” Marissa called from the doorway.

“I have to show you,” I said and came up to stand beside her. “I have to show you why my brother can’t become king.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go then,” Marissa instructed and motioned for me to lead the way.

She was a piece of work, but I clung to her for an unknown reason. She reminded me of my past love and if I had a chance to get that back, I didn’t want to miss it.

“Let’s go,” I said and left the room with Marissa a step behind me.