Leena's Men by Tessie Bradford Read Free Book Online Page A

day with a large meal?” she asked, walking to the prep area.
    “Usually our breakfast consists of copious amounts of coffee only,” Adam said, eying the large carafe with steam wafting from the spout that sat on the counter. “Whatcha got brewing over there?”
    “Chorba. It has a mild stimulating effect when served warm. I take it with a splash of goffa cream.”
    “Sounds perfect.”
    She prepared and handed them steaming mugs. Adam gave his a sniff then took a sip. It tasted like spiced hot chocolate.
    “This is delicious.”
    “But not enough to start the day with,” Leena stated. “Try one of these.” She pulled two small rectangular bars out of the refrigerator unit. “They’re rich in nutrients.”
    “You’re not having one?” Adam asked.
    “I did, earlier; I’ve been up for a while.” She leaned back against the counter, watching them while they ate. “If you’re up to it, would you like to see your ship today? It’s out by my work building, not a very long walk.” Her brow furrowed slightly. “Maybe we should take the hover car, though.”
    “We’re fine, sweetness,” Craig assured her. “Please stop worrying about us.” He moved closer to Leena.
    As she gazed at Craig, Adam noted, with great anticipation of things to come, how her hardened nipples were now poking at the bodice of her dress.
    “I’ll try,” she said somewhat breathlessly.
    They left the house, following a trail that wound through the dense foliage and rock formations. Leena indicated which fruits and berries were edible, and which were not.
    “Those are interesting,” Adam said, pointing up at the vibrantly colored plants that seemed to be actually growing from tops of some of the stones.
    “Harissa is beautiful, but don’t touch it or you’ll be itching for days.”
    “Good to know,” he said, loosely taking her hand as they continued their trek. Leena glanced at him and laced her fingers through his.
    The path veered sharply, and they entered a much more expansive clearing than the one where her house was located. Adam figured it to be ten acres at minimum. There was a large building off a bit in the distance to the left. The much smaller structure ahead to the right sat in the middle of a fenced area and was definitely a barn. Three beasts, covered in flowing blue feathers yet similar in build and stature to horses, meandered around the enclosure.
    Leena went to the waist-high fence and made a clicking noise. The animals trotted over to her. “These are my xanders, Cloey, Rah and Lucca.” Leena patted each of their heads as she said their names.
    “Are they for riding?” Craig asked excitedly. He held out his hands, and the xanders eagerly licked his palms.
    “Yes, and for pulling crop carts or hauling other burdens on their backs.”
    “From what you’ve said, farming is obviously a large part of your economy, but I didn’t see any indication of it on the trip from the infirmary.” Adam scratched along the xanders long noses.
    “Our hydroponic units, cultivated fields and pastures are centrally located in the district.
    Getting here didn’t take us through those areas. I’ll give you the grand tour, ah…soon, if you like.”
    For a moment, she seemed supremely uncomfortable then it was gone. That, along with the snippet of conversation he’d heard earlier, had Adam’s curiosity solidly piqued.
    “Your ship is parked out back of my work building.”
    “Well, let’s go see the damage.” Adam motioned for Leena to lead the way.
    Adam was shocked at the mangled mess that used to be Elsie. “Shit, this is so much worse than I envisioned.” He set his hand on Craig’s shoulder. “No more risky deliveries, ‘kay?”
    Craig wrapped an arm tightly around his back. “You got it.” He placed his lips close to his ear and whispered, “I love you.”
    Adam pulled him into a full-on hug.
     
    Leena staggered back a step at the visual confirmation of Adam and Craig being a couple.
    She may not