Page 58 of Alien Charming
“Did you think I needed assistance in that area?” he growled in mock outrage.
“Never,” she assured him. “But we think it could be very profitable as a trade good. Males—human males,” she added quickly, “can be very insecure about such matters.”
Based on some of the things he’d overheard in the tavern, she wasn’t wrong.
“It might be a good addition to the first set of goods through the pass,” Scarlett said confidently, but both Tessa and Elli looked more doubtful.
He didn’t pursue the matter then, waiting until Finnar and Korrin had collected their mates before bringing it up again.
“Are you worried about the new route?” he asked once they were alone. “I will put an end to the project if it concerns you.”
She smiled and came over to him, settling down in his lap and snuggling against him.
“I appreciate that. I’m not worried exactly, but…”
“But Malrik is still an unknown?”
“Exactly. But Bella doesn’t seem worried, and it’s a good idea, despite the source.” She hesitated, slipping her fingers beneathhis shirt and absently stroking his chest. His shaft immediately stiffened at the provocative touch but he did his best not to show his reaction, waiting patiently for her to continue. “Is it strange that I still worry about Aunt Margaret?”
He bit back a growl. His sweet mate was far more forgiving than he.
“No, little one. You have a kind heart.” No matter how little the female deserved it. “She has settled in at the coast. I am reliably informed that she is already lording it over her neighbors, despite her diminished circumstances.”
Her eyes widened. “You checked up on her?”
“More accurately, Korrin did. I anticipated that you might be concerned and asked him to investigate.” And he’d wanted to make sure that Margaret had no intention of causing further trouble.
“Thank you,” she said happily, giving a little bounce that made him stifle a groan. “You’re such a good male.”
“I only wish to make you happy.”
His hands had been resting on her waist, and now he let one drift down to her stomach, still flat and smooth. Not for much longer, he suspected, although he didn’t think she realized yet.
“You do, Seren. Happier than I ever thought possible.”
She wiggled closer, the soft curve of her ass caressing his now aching shaft, and this time he couldn’t entirely suppress his groan.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, giving him an innocent look.
“You’re teasing me,” he growled as the realization swept over him.
“Who me?” She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Maybe I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need any of Tessa’s special tea.”
He laughed and pulled her astride him, rocking her against his erection. Her eyes went heavy with pleasure.
“Does that feel like I need any help?”
“No,” she said breathlessly. “But perhaps we should experiment. Just to be sure.”
“Yes,” he agreed. “We should definitely experiment. Over and over.”
And then he carried her off to the bed to make sure she had absolutely no doubts about his desire for her.