Page 13 of Loving the Alien Spy

“Are we going to talk about what just happened?” Devon asks once we’ve left the market square.

No matter how much I love her, I wish she hadn’t witnessed that whole exchange with Bannik. Apparently, she gets a front-row seat to all my humiliating interactions with guys on this planet. I shrug. “There isn’t much to talk about.”

She barks a laugh. “Do you really expect me to believe that after what I just saw?”

I toss my hands up. “What do you want me to say, Devon? I’m suddenly the heart’s fire of a guy who not so long ago was extremely interested in one of my friends, but who also happens to have been a rebel intent on overthrowing Alik.”

“Janik used to lead those exact same rebels, and he and Olivia are ridiculously in love.”

I side-eye her. “Yeah, well, it wasn’t Janik’s intention to kill close to seventy of his people. It was Mohneek’s, her lover’s, and those loyal to them.”

Devon winces. “You don’t know for sure Bannik was one of those who actually did any of that. You know Mohneek and Orvak tricked nearly all of them.”

Logically, I do know that, but there’s a part of me that can’t reconcile the fact. Anytime I try, I keep picturing those dead bodies sprawled out on the streets of Preska and the other dead body from so long ago.

“The not knowing for sure is why there’s nothing to talk about. Because nothing happened, nor can it.”

Devon’s look of pity punches me in the gut. “I’m sorry.”

So am I. “Let’s talk about something else. Please?”

She nods. “Janik and Olivia are going to finally see Vornak later today at the clinic for his blood and DNA tests.”

“Really?”

“It’s inevitable, especially with what’s happened to Alik. They both figure it’s time to stop ignoring reality. If Janik really is the rightful heir to the throne, then the whole dynamic of the planet is going to change.”

It’s still so wild to think that after today we’ll all know if Janik is truly the firstborn of Queen Veroneek and King Danik. Which means he’ll not only be a prince, but Olivia will be a princess. She’s already joked about making us all curtsy to her anytime she enters a room.

“Do you think he is the queen’s son?” Because I do.

“Yeah, I do,” Devon answers. “You should have bought that plant before storming off.”

I startle at the abrupt switch in topics, considering it’s far too close to the previous one that I have no interest in continuing.

“We both know I didn’t need it.”

She snorts. “Since when has that stopped you?”

I grin at her. “True. I can’t help I love flowers. They’re so pretty and brighten up my apartment.”

She pushes me playfully. “You know I love your little obsession.”

“It’s not an obsession.” I draw back in mock offense. “It’s a normal amount of like.”

“If you say so.” She laughs, but I know she’s teasing me. “Wanna head to the botanical garden or home?”

Neither option sounds appealing at the moment, but I don’t know what does. Truthfully, I sort of want to be alone with my thoughts, but I don’t know how to say it without sounding like a terrible friend.

Devon puts her hand on my arm, stopping me. “If you need some time alone, it’s totally okay. I promise I understand.”

I hug her hard. “You’re the best friend I could have ever hoped to find. I love you.”

She squeezes me back just as tightly. “I love you too.”

We release each other, and both of us sniff.

“I’m heading back to the dorm,” Devon announces. “Let me know when you’re home safe, okay?”