Chapter 3

chapter three

The music thumped a fevered tune in the large main room with the kind of heavy beat that flowed up her legs and echoed in her chest. Aivey and the handsome, blue male skirted the dancefloor, aiming for one of the sleek bars dominating the side wall. Two open seats beckoned like a homing beacon. Aivey climbed onto a stool, tugging the bottom of her dress back down her thighs when it tried to bunch and ride up. It was her first time getting a good look at the main bar since Vesta had grabbed their drinks earlier at a smaller one in a longue room, and she nearly gaped at what she saw. Beyond the shimmering black bartop that looked like the view out a starship window, cybernetic series XX22E droids worked to mix drinks and serve patrons.

“No way,” she said.

The droids were famous for their skills, but not at bartending. Able to shift to multiple forms reminiscent of various humanoid species and genders, they were prized as the ultimate sex toy. And yet, here they were working the bar rather than pleasing customers in other ways.

“A shame, isn’t it?” her companion mused, watching one of the droids zip past them. “I’m guessing this is your first time at Incandescence, given your reaction to the droids?”

She winced before sliding a little more firmly onto the seat. “Is it that obvious?”

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, barely audible over the music. “A little. You’re not here alone, are you?”

“No, I came with two of my friends, but they’re…occupied.” Vesta certainly was, and if Rima was lucky, she was having a very good time off on her own as well. Aivey had briefly considered going to look for her, but just as quickly chucked that idea out her mental airlock when she remembered her friend’s shyness about her band and request to go it alone. “And you?”

He shook his head. “I came with my brother. This is really more his scene than mine, but he was insistent.” He shrugged. “He owns a private suite and comes often, and since I was visiting him, he dragged me along.”

A private suite. Fucking stars. Renting a suite for the night was expensive. Owning a private one? The amount had to be astronomical. On first impression, it was clear that he dressed nicely and in clothes well-suited to his build, but now that little tidbit had her giving him another thorough once-over, noting things she hadn’t before, like the nearly invisible seams and the little three moon logo barely on the far side of his chest. She knew that designer—heck, most people this side of the galaxy would. Knew it, but could never afford it.

“…I suppose you could say he’s occupied as well.”

Shit. He was still talking, and she’d totally zoned out while ogling him.

“So, I thought I’d grab a drink and relax for a little while. But then I saw that male grab you.” He shook his head. “You looked terribly uncomfortable, so I thought I needed to step in.”

“I’m so glad you did,” Aivey replied. She wasn’t above needing to be saved, especially by someone as gorgeous as him. Though more than that, he somehow made her feel comfortable. Safe. Almost like his presence was a balm to her nerves in and of itself. His looks were just a bonus.

He waved down one of the droids, who hovered over to their position. “A drink for the lady on my credits.” He held out armband for it to scan. “Whatever she wants. And I’ll take a Yenkoth Amber. No additives.”

It was tempting to go for something high-end, but that would be rude. Though if she went with the bottom shelf crap they drank at the academy, and apparently was served here too since Vesta had purchased it, her sexy new companion might rethink his stay. Instead, she aimed for something just a little nicer than her usual. “Astrian blue, please. No ice.”

He raised a silver brow. “Excellent choice.”

The hint of a flush crept up her neck as the droid floated off to make their drinks. “I just realized that I never got your name,” Aivey said.

His lips quirked up in one corner. “Baxian.”

Baxian. She repeated to herself silently. It was an interesting name, one that felt right even as it rolled silently across her tongue.

“May I have yours?” he asked.

“I’m Aivey.” She gave a nod of her head—the standard informal galactic greeting.

“Aivey. What a lovely name.”

The compliment rolled through her like a gust of warm air, spreading out from her center.

“So, what brings a young Earthean female to Incandescence?”

The droid zipped back, drinks in tow, somehow managing not to spill any despite its speed. Both of them reached for the glasses at the same time and their bands nearly brushed one another. Blue light flared. Aivey froze, her head twisting toward Baxian. Not only was he handsome and considerate, they were a match. His blue eyes sparkled as he stared at her rather than the droid and their drinks. A rope of tension drew tight between them, nearly pulling Aivey right off her barstool and toward her alluring savior.

The droid beeped, severing the taut connection. Aivey relaxed back onto her stool and grabbed her drink, immediately bringing it to her lips and taking a small sip. She savored the light burn as it slid across her tongue and down her throat, only to be followed by a cool and refreshing aftertaste.

“Ah, sorry, about that. Where were we?” Baxian rolled his glass back and forth between his hands before setting it on the bar in front of him.

Aivey’s lips twitched as she took him in. He almost looked as affected by the moment as her, but surely not. “I think you asked about why I came here tonight,” she replied.

“Ah, that’s right.” His confidence returned as he sat a light straighter. “What did bring you to Incandescence?”

“Well.” Aivey took another sip and crossed one leg over the other, trying to appear somewhat proper. “My friends and I are on break from Starborn Academy and are due back soon for our final term, so we thought this might be the perfect getaway to let loose during our time off.”

Baxian gave her an appreciative look. “Quite a challenging academy to gain admittance to.” It had been, damn it, though she was impressed he knew that. “What are you focusing on there?”

Should she tell him the truth or make up something to sound interesting? Most would probably find her research infinitely boring, but she opted to be honest with him anyway. “I’m finishing up my studies on the Crathian mountains on Elator and the impact recent mining practices have had on their sustainability and as well as the broader planetary environment.”

He leaned back, shooting her an incredulous look. “I love the Crathian mountains. My family actually has a home along the southern range.”

“You do!” She squeaked before plopping her drink down and leaning in. This male just kept getting better and better. The planet wasn’t home to any native humanoid species, but it had become quite the vacation destination for wealthy galactic citizens—a fact that might have annoyed her had their own appreciation for the mountains not led many of them to donate substantial credits towards its preservation and study.

As they continued to talk, the bar, the music, and even other patrons around them faded into the background.

By the time her drink ran dry, Aivey had completely forgotten about where they were, her friends, and the public play happening just a few feet away on the raised platforms—and above their heads, for that matter. She and Baxian had been locked in conversation, and more than once had scooted their stools closer together to talk over the blaring music. Not that she noticed that much anymore either, the world outside of the two of them and it had stopped mattering the more they talked.

Baxian’s long fingers flexed on the bare skin of her thigh where the bottom hem of her dress ended. His fresh, crisp scent enveloped her in its embrace, clouding out the scents of sex and booze that had filled her nostrils before she met him. Their legs rubbed against one another idly as they chatted, and Aivey discovered that this male knew almost as much about the Crathian mountains as she did, and even better, was a strong advocate for their preservation.

His skin was firmer than an Earthean, his body temperature just a bit warmer. He idly stroked her leg with this thumb, and though she tried hard just to focus on his words and his slightly hooded gaze, all she could think about was that touch. Back and forth. Firm and warm. Stars. Would the rest of him be so delightful? He would, wouldn’t he?

There was a catching sensation in her chest as she stared at him. It pulsed in time with the thrumming through her veins, one that beat heavily in the juncture of her thighs. She couldn’t remember being so interested in a male this fast, and not just for his looks, but his mind as well.

Finding someone she wanted to share the evening with had felt like a long shot when she first stepped into Incandescence, but now, after meeting Baxian, not spending the evening with him felt just as impossible. She yearned for him, plain and simple. The hesitation and uncertainty she often experienced with men, particularly potential hook-ups, was entirely absent.

All at once, the gentle stroking halted. “Aivey,” he started, his features going stiff. “I wanted to ask?—”

“There you are!”

Aivey startled, nearly falling backward. A new male threw an arm around Baxian’s shoulders. The impact had his hand sliding up her thigh, but not in the way she’d longed for. He lunged forward with his other arm to steady her. Their little bubble of peace popped, and all the sound and scents of the club washed over her again.

An unfamiliar curse burst from Baxian as he snapped his head toward the male. “Phazian,” he all but growled. Having steadied Aivey, he gave her leg one last squeeze and let go. She nearly whimpered at the loss of touch. He even slid his leg back from hers, leaving her suddenly cold and all too aware of her surroundings.

But that name slipped through the haze of lust and drink as quickly as a laser blast. Phazian. His brother? And now that she got a decent look at him, the resemblance was obvious. The same blue eyes and silver hair, though Phazian’s was cut short and barely made it past his ears. They had a similar build, too, and while they dressed in equally fine clothes, Phazian’s were even more elaborate and decorative with designs of shimmering silver and another pattern that had the hint of a rainbow hue.

Phazian smacked his brother across the back again, jolting him forward on the stool. “I’ve been looking for you, and you’ve ignored my comms. Are you ready to go?”

“Go?” Aivey squeaked before she could think better of it.

Phazian turned his head toward her as if noticing her for the first time. His pupils widened as he took her in from head to toe and then back again. “Well, aren’t you a delicious little female.” From the slur in his voice and slightly glazed look on his face, he’d had many more drinks than them already.

Baxian stood suddenly, placing himself between Aivey and his brother and giving the latter a little shove in the other direction. He looked back over his shoulder at her, his features pinched. “One moment.”

While the two males were locked in conversation a few feet away, Aivey’s stomach twisted itself in knots. She’d finally found what might be the only male in this bar she’d truly be interested in, and now his brother had to show up and ask him to leave. Could her luck be any worse? She should have just gotten to the point and asked him if he wanted to borrow a room with her. But, truly, she’d been enjoying their conversation and getting to know him first. It might be a little conventional for this unconventional club, but so what?

Baxian glanced over, catching and holding Aivey’s gaze though his brother was still speaking and gesturing with his hands. Another couple walked between them, breaking up her line of sight. When they moved on, Baxian was looking at his brother again, saying something she couldn’t begin to hear over the noise of the club and the surrounding patrons.

Her stomach dropped. Aivey grabbed her mostly empty glass and tipped it back, savoring the burn of the last few drops. She briefly considered ordering another, but what was the point? If he was going, she didn’t plan to stick around and start at square one with someone else.

There was zero chance she’d find someone else like him anyway.

Baxian looked over at her again, and this time, Aivey willed all her hopes and desires into one look. Please . Stay .

Another agonizing few moments passed as Baxian addressed his brother once more. The two males clasped each other on the shoulders. Phazian headed wandered into the crowd as Baxian turned back toward her. Aivey sucked in a breath and sat a little straighter. Baxian still wore a serious expression. His lungs expanded on a deep breath that swelled his chest before he smoothed out his suit and strode toward her once more, his powerful body cutting through the space separating them with authority.

Aivey hopped off the stool as he advanced. This was it, where he said goodbye and walked out of her life forever.

Baxian stopped directly in front of her, their bodies nearly touching. “I’m sorry about that.”

Aivey shifted from one foot to the other, unable to stand still. “You’re leaving, too?” Her chest swelled in nervous anticipation.

His eyes hooded once more, a grin returning to his face. “No. Not unless you tell me you’re done with me.”

The breath she’d been holding whooshed out. “Thank the stars,” she sighed.

“Although, I hoped you might want to get away from all of this”—he gestured around them— “and find somewhere a little quieter where we won’t be disturbed again.” The blue of his dark cheekbones deepened as he glanced away and then focused on her once more. “Since my brother is leaving, we can use his private suite. It hasn’t been touched tonight and should be ready for us. If you’ll join me, that is.”

All her worry evaporated into nothingness, even her concern about potentially hooking up with a stranger who might leave her feeling less than satisfied or with morning-after regrets. Baxian wasn’t that male. She knew it with a sudden certainty. He’d been nothing but respectful, and most of all, she felt comfortable with him. He was like Casac sugar: a sinful sweet that she could handle just fine. In fact, she ached for him body and mind, like even senses knew that he would be good for her. How could that not be just what she was looking for?

He extended a hand to her, and she took it without hesitation. “I’d love to.”