Wanted: Handsome Alien Abductor by Myra Nour

the park and the people around them, then back to him. His face was mere inches from hers, and she wanted him more than she could ever remember desiring a man. Her body was weak from one kiss. What would lovemaking be like? Of course she already knew the answer.
    Closing her eyes, Amber took a grip on herself. What happened to her standards if she had sex with him now?
    Opening her eyes, she smiled gently, and pushed from his arms. “I think I'd like to go back to the ship. It's been a long day."
    Ryja nodded but she could tell from his expression he knew it was an excuse. Standing, he drew her up, and then held one of her hands as they strolled back toward the restaurant. “We're going back to the alley?"
    "It's the safest place if it is still clear.” He stared around them. The streets were filled with people.
    When they arrived at the narrow alley, Ryja walked in first, looking around. “I
    don't see anyone."
    Just as he spoke, two tough looking men jumped from behind the dumpster. One had a knife and said, “Give us your money buddy.” He was a small, wiry fellow, but his eyes were mean.
    Amber's heart raced. Would Ryja comply, or try to fight? She didn't even know if he knew how. Just because you looked like a warrior didn't mean you knew how to be one. He stared at the men, then at her.
    "Sure.” He withdrew his wallet and pitched it at them. “No use anyone getting hurt."
    "Listen to the pussy,” the other man said in a gravelly voice, sneering. He was a big man, with tattooed sleeves.
    She watched Ryja apprehensively. He sure didn't seem to like what the thief said, his eyes turning dark. Was that anger? She couldn't tell, but he didn't act afraid.
    The man with the wallet was counting the money, then said, “Let's go."
    "Nah.” The large man stepped toward them. “I'd like to get to know the lady better. She's pretty as a playgirl."
    The knife wielder ran his eyes over her figure and she suddenly wished the wrap was around her shoulders instead of hanging from her arm. “That right girlie, have you posed for Playboy?"
    "Of course not.” Amber couldn't seem to stop herself from replying.
    "Don't converse with these men.” Ryja held one hand up in front of her face. “They are beneath you."
    "Hey.” The deep voiced, burly character stepped forward.
    Ryja moved so quickly Amber wasn't sure later what she'd seen. But he flashed his arm toward the man and then the thief was groaning on the ground. The guy holding the knife stabbed at Ryja, who was ready, blocking the man's hand with his forearm. Super fast, he squeezed the hand with his free one, and twisted. The knife dropped and Ryja kicked it away.
    "Mother fucker,” the man yelled and swung at him.
    Moving slightly to the side, Ryja allowed the man to stumble and then punched him in the stomach. Powerful blows were exchanged, a few from the criminal landing on Ryja, but most were received by their attacker.
    Amber eyed the man groaning on the ground. He lay there, gripping his ribs and she wondered if that one blow had broken them. Turning back to the action, she watched as Ryja pummeled the man. Finally, wheezing and weak, the thief turned and ran down the alley. His friend got to his feet slowly and followed him.
    Speaking into his hand held device, Ryja had them beamed aboard.
    "You were playing with that man, weren't you?"
    "What makes you say that.” Ryja wiped a drop of blood from his cheek.
    "Because,” she took the corner of her wrap and dabbed at his injured cheekbone. “You knocked down the first man with one blow."
    "Good observation.” He grinned as they walked toward the bedroom. “He deserved a beating. Bastard."
    Amber raised an eyebrow. She had never heard him curse. Couldn't blame him
    though. “It was a frightening experience, at least for me.” She squeezed one bicep and then let go. “I'm glad you know how to defend yourself."
    "All Arrak youth go through battle training, even if they do not choose to join the Federation