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She tensed, knowing what that meant, and he felt it.

He touched his lips to hers. ‘Still, I won’t rush you. I’ve waited this long, I can endure an eternity more. ’

She stroked his temple again. ‘Ever the romantic poet. You never cease to amaze me, Xander Roman.’

‘And you never cease to perplex andfokkin’ stress me. How much time do you need to work things out?’

She took a breath. ‘I’d like to speak with my family first.’

He arched a brow. ‘About me?’

‘Maybe.’

When he frowned at her, she laughed. ‘Naam.’

His eyes lit up. ‘That’s progress.’

She rolled her eyes. ‘It’s not a yes to the claiming yet, Xander, but it’s a confirmation that I want you. I’m just not sure how that’ll play out.’

He shrugged. ‘It’ll be what it’s meant to be.’

He dipped his head, and they shared another long kiss.

When they pulled apart, he gave her a lingering look. ‘Promise me, next time you have any concern, you’ll speak with me, not jump to conclusions.’

She nodded. ‘OK.’

They made love again, on her bed in her new quarters.

A synth bot came by hours later with a covered tray of food and drinks from the kitchens, courtesy of Xander.

They ate, in between stealing kisses and nuzzling each other.

He rose from her side at 2 AM, standard time. ‘I’m on night shift,’ he groaned.

‘You haven’t slept,’ she chided him.

He reached for her chin and cupped it. ‘You were more important than sleep,mi reina. You rest.’

She gazed at him as he moved around the room gathering his gear and dressing.

Too amped up, not ready for slumber, she wondered how she’d ever rest.

That’s when she remembered his sleek, twin-engine fiend of a dream machine.

He’d said she could take it for a ride anytime.

‘Xander?’

He turned at her husky call.

‘I think best when I’m out in space. I was wondering whether I could please take your racer out for a spin,’ she chanced, dragging a hand through her hair.

‘Now,micielo?’

‘Best time for it, honey.’ Her lips curled in a wry smile. ‘You offered, Alexandr.’

‘I did,fokk.’