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He set the glass on the bar and shook his head. Even considering a compromise was an outrageous idea, but probably the only way he would get anywhere with her. “You have secrets you don’t wish revealed to the public. I can understand and appreciate that, because so do I.” He met her curious gaze and suppressed a sigh. “I give you my word as a gentleman that anything you tell me will remain between us. Once I am certain you are not a threat, I may feel inclined to be more forthright.”

“That sounds one-sided.”

“It is all I’m willing to offer, at least at present. That I grant this much is more than I should be disposed, under the circumstances.”

She deflated with obvious reluctance. “You won’t turn me over to your government or think I’m insane?”

“I have no more use for my government than they have for me. As for thinking you’re mad, I’ll reserve judgment until I hear what you have to say. You should know, however, that I am inclined to accept the bizarre and unusual more readily than the common man.”

“Very well.” She returned to the sofa and took a firm grip on the braid, twisting it while meeting his gaze with a bracing expression. “I’m from another planet. We call it Bricia.”

Colton almost gaped and betrayed his shock. Life in space had been speculated upon, but never proven to his satisfaction. “The manner in which you arrived appeared supernatural in nature,” he argued.

“It seemed that way to me as well.”

He sized her up and shook his head. “You too closely resemble the people of this world. I’ve encountered several with uncommon mental abilities, though I’ll admit you are…unique. I’d more easily believe that you’re a being from, as you put it, the Way Beyond.”

“It would save time and trouble if I could show you, but I dare not risk it. Your mind must operate on a wavelength I cannot tolerate. If I try to share my memories, the damage to my brain might be irreversible.”

He sank to his chair, but kept his eyes on hers for any sign of deception. “Tell me of your world.”

She blew a deep, calming breath. “It is my impression your planet is divided into continents and those into countries, each with its own separate government and culture.” She waited for his confirming nod. “Bricia is similarly divided into provinces, each overseen by a governing squire, but all fall under the rule of Emperor Gregor. We are a peaceful race—deeply spiritual and…I suppose you’d say mentally advanced.”

“How far away is this planet?”

“I don’t know. The name you give yours is unfamiliar. Without a common point of reference…” She shrugged. “I’m sorry I can’t be more precise. I’m not accustomed to being so ill informed.”

The honesty on her face made him believe the fantastic tale more than he wanted to. “James tells me you are from a position of wealth and privilege, accustomed to personal servants. And…I believe you were about to be married.”

“All true,” she confirmed, lowering her eyes.

This line of questioning was of an obviously sensitive nature. Either her people did not discuss private matters openly, or he’d struck an unexpected nerve. He decided to press, but softened his tone hoping to relax her guarded state. “Tell me of this man you were to marry.”

Color rose to her cheeks. “It is the custom, among the more privileged families at least, for a father to select his child’s mate. Mine granted me the freedom to choose from among suitors he deemed worthy. I…” Deep inner turmoil added weight to her expression. “I was to announce my choice and become mated when the storm came to bring me here.”

“You couldn’t choose,” he observed with growing understanding. “Was there more than one who tempted your heart?” The distaste twitching her lips gave him the answer. “You did not favor any of them.”

She wrung the now-fraying end of the braid. “Father and I argued the matter for some time. If I didn’t agree on a match, he would’ve chosen for me.”

“Why was he so anxious to see you wed?”

“With privilege comes responsibility. I should’ve delivered an heir by the time I reached the age of nineteen. Last night was the twenty-first anniversary of my birth.” She rose and paced toward the terrace again, her posture suggesting severe distress. “Can we not talk about this? I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect, but it’s my duty. Father will be angry with me for leaving.”

“You speak as if you had a choice.”

She lowered her head. “I had a choice, and I made it blindly. I can only pray for the Creator’s mercy and a speedy resolution to this crisis.”

He went to her, drawn to sympathy by the pain she struggled unsuccessfully to withhold. “I think I understand. You chose to escape what seemed an impossible situation rather than follow the path your father laid out for you.”

She nodded once. “I should not have. My…my station restricts…It was inappropriate for me to consider…” She choked on the thickness in her voice. “I have to believe I was brought here for a reason. I cannot see what that is at present.”

“Your situation requires some thought. Why don’t you turn in for the night?” He put a hand on her arm to turn her, meaning only to offer a reassuring smile. The sensation he’d experienced the previous night surged through him again, taking both of them, apparently, by complete surprise.

She spun around, eyes wide and mouth agape. “Great Creator!”

“What just happened?” Darker emotions rose to threaten his control. “What did you do?”

“It wasn’t me,” she said, stepping back in obvious shock. “I did nothing.” When he stepped toward her, she retreated more quickly. “Don’t touch me. Stay away!”

Ki’ara sprinted from the room, and he let her go to battle his own distress. Judging by her reaction, the sensation ran just as deep and terrified her as profoundly. As to its meaning, he could not hazard a guess. He closed the doors and poured another bourbon, and drained the glass in one pull, needing the steadying effects of pain to calm his inner beast. The liquid dropped like napalm, burning a trail that stayed lit long after he swallowed.

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