Astra's Haven

Astra's Haven (Nebula Five #1)
Marteeka Karland
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2016 Marteeka Karland

"I've been told the view of the stars from that particular mountain overlooking the sea is quite breathtaking."

The sultry, masculine voice sent shivers prickling over Astra's body, heat coiling through her middle. "So I've heard," she murmured, trying to pretend to be unaffected by the deep rasp that tickled her ear as he spoke. "I've heard it's the most beautiful sight on all of Stratan."

"Well," he drawled, resting his hands on her hips, his breath stirring the fine tendrils of hair loose from her thick, tight braid, "maybe not the most beautiful. I can think of at least one sight more fair."

He was definitely a smooth talker. Being the only daughter of the king of planet Stratan, Astra was used to compliments. "Flattery is a frivolous thing, good sir."

"Only if it isn't true," he answered without hesitation. "I've been to worlds that would stun you into silence with their beauty and worlds that would freeze your blood in terror of the monsters inhabiting them. But I have truly never seen a woman to compare to your beauty."

Astra opened her mouth to deliver a taunting remark, but nothing came to mind. Instead, she grinned, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. "I don't care if you mean what you say or not. You're good."

His smile was heart-stopping as he stepped closer to her. The slight breeze coming in off the sea blew tendrils of his blue-black hair across piercing blue eyes. Before she realized what she'd done, Astra had reached out to brush the silky strands away from his face, tucking them behind his ear with shaky fingers.

The stranger was a ruggedly handsome man with angular features. He reminded her of her father's new guests, but this man was more approachable than the party of dignitaries from the newly discovered Alliance of Worlds.

Astra hadn't been introduced; in fact, she'd stayed as far away from them as she could. But she'd been naturally curious about the group of intensely handsome and powerful men, so she'd spied from afar.

Before she could pull her hand away from his face, he caught it gently in his own bringing her fingertips to his lips. No man had ever dared take such liberties with her, but Astra had no desire to reprimand him. The warmth of his skin seemed to seep into her body, setting an ember smoldering deep inside her.

Reluctantly, she pulled her hand from his, lowering her eyes and looking back over the balcony of the grand ballroom where the formal party for her father's guests would continue well into the night. She'd sought refuge there for the view of the sea and mountains. In all the palace, this was her favorite place. Even the view from the turrets didn't offer this precise angle.

"My apologies if I offended you." He didn't sound a bit sorry.

"Judging from the grin on your face, I sincerely doubt you mean that."

He shrugged. "Perhaps I should clarify, then. I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable, but I enjoyed the feel of your skin on my lips too much to regret my actions."

Astra studied him a long moment. "You're not like any man I've ever met."

"I'll take that as a compliment."