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“This.” She reached up to touch his face, tracing the ridge behind his ear. “Us. Whatever is happening between us. I don’t want to miss the chance to explore it.”

“You do not even know what we could be.” Despite his words, his hand covered hers, engulfing it completely.

“I know enough.” She held his gaze. “I know you’re kind and honorable. I know my son trusts you, and he doesn’t trust easily. I know you make me feel things I thought were dead inside me.”

His breathing quickened. “We do not know what the future holds.”

“No one ever does.” She smiled sadly. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the future isn’t guaranteed. All we have is now.”

“And if now is all we have?” His thumb stroked across her knuckles. “Would that be enough?”

She considered the question seriously. “I hope for more,” she admitted. “But if now is all we get, then I want to make it count. I don’t want to look back and regret what we didn’t try.”

His eyes closed briefly, as if her words had struck something deep within him. When he looked at her again, the guardedness was gone, replaced by a hunger that matched her own.

“Are you sure?” he asked one last time.

In answer, she rose onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. It was the same kiss she’d given him before—soft, questioning, seeking. But this time, he didn’t hesitate. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him as his tail wound around her waist.

Heat surged through her at the contact. His body was hard and warm, his muscles flexing beneath her hands. She could feel his arousal pressed against her belly, the sensation foreign but not unwelcome. It had been a long time since she’d felt this kind of desire—the kind that made her blood sing and her skin tingle with anticipation.

“I have never…” he started, then hesitated, as if embarrassed.

“Been with a non-Cire female?” she finished for him, pulling back just enough to look up at him.

“With anyone.” His tail twitched nervously around her waist. “I am familiar with the theory, but I have never had the opportunity, or the desire, for more.”

His vulnerability tugged at her. She reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw. “Then we’ll learn together.”

He nodded, some of his usual confidence returning. “I will do everything in my power to bring you pleasure, my little human. You have my vow.”

“I know you will,” she murmured, her lips brushing his once more. “Now show me.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Thraxar gladly obeyed, accepting Kara’s invitation with a low growl. His tail tightened around her waist, holding her against him as his hands roamed over her body and she murmured encouragement.

“Tell me what feels good,” he whispered against her skin, and she gasped as he nibbled on the sensitive spot just below her ear.

“That. Definitely that.”

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. “I can do better.”

He kissed his way down her neck, his tongue teasing the hollow of her throat. She clutched at his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin. When he reached the neckline of her nightwear, he paused, looking up at her with a question in his eyes.

“Take it off,” she said breathlessly, tugging at the fabric.

He growled in approval and helped her pull the garment over her head. The cool air of the ship’s cabin hit her skin, making her nipples harden and goosebumps rise on her flesh. He gazed at her exposed breasts, memorizing the sight. She was even more beautiful than she had been the night before.

“Beautiful,” he murmured before dipping his head to suck one stiff peak into his mouth.

She cried out, arching against him as his tongue swirled around her nipple. His tail slid up her leg, the tip slipping between her legs to brush against her core. She moaned at the contact, the scent of her arousal perfuming the air.

He switched to her other breast, giving it equal attention, his hand stroking down her belly to caress her hips. Then he drew back again to relish the sight of her naked body, but she was reaching for his belt.

“You’re wearing too many clothes. Take them off,” she demanded.

He chuckled, and obeyed, his clothing joining hers on the floor, and her eyes widened.