Page 43 of Dark Awakening: New World

Kalugal nodded. "I bet that's what Brandon wants to talk to me about."

"Are you going to help?"

He sighed. "Do I have a choice?"

Kalugal hated politics and wasn't overly fond of humans, but he had created InstaTock with a specific vision in mind, and even though things hadn't worked out as he had planned, it was still a powerful tool.

"Not really." Jacki cast him a stern look. "If you have the means to stop the inferno, you cannot stand idly by and let it consume the world. You have to save them."

He arched a brow. "Even the idiots?"

"Yes, Kalugal. Even the idiots."

27

ELL-ROM

As Ell-rom stirred awake, the first thing he noticed was the comforting weight against his side. Jasmine was still nestled close to him, her breath soft and even against his neck, her breast pressed against his chest, and her leg resting over his hip.

The previous night's events came flooding back, bringing a mix of emotions: joy, discovery, embarrassment, and a lingering sense of inadequacy.

He remembered the heat of their kisses and the way Jasmine's bare breast had felt pressed against his palm, but he also recalled his fumbling responses, his uncertainty about where to put his hands, how to move, what to do next…

Jasmine had been patient and kind, but Ell-rom knew he had disappointed her, even if she would never admit it because she was just too nice.

He draped his arm over her narrow waist and caressed her back, tracing her delicate vertebrae through her shirt.

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet his, and a soft smile spread across her face. "Good morning," she murmured, kissing his lips.

"Good morning. Have you been awake long?"

Jasmine stretched languidly. "Yeah, but I knew that you would be disappointed if you woke up and I wasn't in bed, so I got back in. Besides, I enjoy being close to you."

"I love having you close." He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

It felt so good, and what she had said felt even better. She enjoyed his closeness as much as he enjoyed hers.

Except, she deserved an adult male, someone who knew what they were doing, not a boy.

Jasmine yawned and turned on her back, nearly falling off the bed. "I need to go up to the apartment to get fresh clothing. I was just waiting for you to wake up." She slid out of his arms and out of the bed. "Gertrude peeked in about an hour ago, asking if you were ready for breakfast. I told her you needed more sleep, but now that you are awake, I suggest that you get out of bed and ready yourself for the day."

"'Yeah, good idea," he managed to murmur as panic gripped him.

What if she wasn't going to her apartment for clothes but using it as an excuse to get away from him?

What if she didn't return because he was such a great disappointment?

"Jasmine. About last night…" he said hesitantly.

"It was awesome." She leaned and kissed him on the lips. "Baby steps, lover boy."

Oh, no! She'd called him a boy!

Ell-rom was mortified.

Jasmine frowned. "What's wrong? You suddenly look like you are going to vomit."

"I'm so ashamed." He turned on his back and covered his face with his hands.