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“This is the issue.I don’t know why they made me that way, but they did.I am rather happy with how things have worked out.”

She nodded and then dozed against him, warm and limp.She used her computer back home to greet petitioners and continue her work as comptroller.

He murmured against her temple, “You are working again.”

“Mmphf.”She grunted.

“You have my markings on your forehead under your skin, and they are glowing white-gold as you work remote.”He chuckled.“I will be able to see if you are splitting your focus with a computer.”

She smiled and patted his chest.She tried to find instructions on caring for a Hmrain, but it always ended in sex position manuals.Reem would check again later; for now, she was a limp, warm cinnamon bun.

She was in the shower but didn’t remember getting there.The large male she was leaning against might have had something to do with it.

“How are you feeling, Reem?”

“Less sore than I have a right to be.The massage did the trick.When are we home?”

“Forty-six hours.Eager to be back?”

“Yes.Do I still have to wear the consort uniform?”

“Of course.You are my consort, after all.”

“According to the contract, I am a companion.”

“I have the addendum and change in terms on the tablet in the bedroom.”

She chuckled and arched into him as he massaged her tailbone.“You are getting very good at that.”

“I gave you visual clues.Your markings help me know what you are feeling.”

She looked up at him and slid her hands up his chest.His white-grey was in evidence, but a soft lavender was visible beneath her skin.“That isn’t fair.”

“Fair or not, I am glad for it.”

She chuckled and reached around his ribs and stroked the skin where his wings and back became one.He froze, and his designs were white and blazing under his skin.“I am taking the hint as well.”

He lifted her for a kiss, holding her as the heat built between them.

He cut off the water and walked to the air column that dried them from top to toe.At first, she thought it was strange to use a shower like that on the ship, but then he blandly explained that he was a Hmrain, and he would have a sunken tub if he wanted one.The water was recycled and was fine for reuse over and over.

He sat at the edge of the bed and pulled her onto his lap, rocking her against him while kissing her senseless.She rocked against him until she gasped and held onto him as a low groan ripped through her.

“I believe you would have broken the machine if I brought you in in this state.”He chuckled.“Or rather, I would if I were there to witness it.”

She swallowed and rasped, “Why?”

He pressed his mouth to her neck.“I touch you, not a bot.I make you gasp, not a bot.I take that dazed expression in your eyes, and I remember it.”

She shuddered and clutched at his shoulders.Her body was still hot, and she wanted more.

Wenvari lifted his head, smiling.“I admire your capacity for pleasure.”

Reem smiled.“If not my stamina?”

He aligned them and slowly slid into her.

Reem let her head fall back as he lifted her and lowered her with delicate slowness.