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The way he kept listing out the rooms features, filling the quiet with his voice, reminded her a lot of how Rima would ramble if something made her nervous. But Baxian couldn’t be nervous, could he? She was usually the apprehensive one, always over thinking things and pondering worst-case scenarios.

“I thought this might be a more quiet and comfortable place for us to talk, free of interruptions. We don’t even have to touch if you don’t want to. There’s plenty of seating.”

Aivey ran one finger across the back of the smooth leather-like material of the black sofa before looking back over one shoulder at Baxian. He still hovered near the door, the dim light of the room casting shadows across his bold features and shining off his hair and the black of his horns. “I want you to touch me, Baxian.”

He went absolutely still before loosing a heavy sigh. “Thank the fucking stars.”

A giggle caught in her throat. “You’re that surprised?”

“I wasn’t sure.” His powerful stride ate up the space between them before he stopped just in front of her and cupped her cheek, his long fingers threading through her hair. “I wanted. I hoped. But I was a little afraid you just wanted to hear more about my experiences in the Crathian mountains.”

Aivey laughed. “Truthfully, I wouldn’t mind that either, but there’s so much more I’d like to experience with you.” She leaned her head into his touch, his warmth, savoring the way that simple act had her whole body tingling. Without a second thought, she stretched up on her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and met him halfway in a kiss. His lips were softer than she expected given the firmness of the rest of him. Soft—but hungry, eager.

Baxian wrapped his arms around Aivey, pulling her close. She’d suspected he was strong, but now, her chest pressed against his, there was no doubt. Embracing him was like hugging a one of the stone statues as the academy entrance. She’d done that once after a long night of drinking, but even then, those had never stirred anything beyond mild curiosity. Baxian lit her aflame from within as he conquered her mouth. His lips parted, and in the midst of their kiss, her tongue swiped against one elongated fang. It was her first time kissing a fanged male, but the oddity of it only enticed her further, beckoned her to discover what other unique features the male possessed.

The fingers toying with the back of her dress slipped lower to cup her ass. And then he was lifting her, hauling her up and further against him. Aivey wrapped her legs around his waist, holding tight and never breaking their kiss as Baxian backed her across the room.

Then they were tumbling backward, but never once was she afraid. Her back landed on the soft mattress, the feather-soft coverings tickling her arms as Baxian finally broke their kiss and stepped back. He rubbed his jaw as this gaze raked over her as if admiring a piece of artwork.

“Stars, you’re beautiful,” he said, his voice gone rough and low.

Aivey pushed up on her elbows. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Her attention dipped to the impressive bulge in his pants, her mouth going dry in anticipation.

Baxian noticed her stare and chuckled. The deep rumble in his chest made her thighs squeeze together to try and stifle the growing ache there. It wouldn’t do if she came apart the moment he touched her.

Or maybe that would be the perfect compliment to such a glorious male.

“Have you been with a Vriks male before?” That intense blue gaze still roved over her, lingering briefly on her chest and the juncture between her thighs as if he could peel back her clothing with his sight alone and see what lay beneath. She didn’t know a lot about his species but she didn’t believe they could do that. He certainly seemed to be trying, though.

The flush in her cheeks burned hotter. Would he mind that she hadn’t been with his kind? Aivey bit her bottom lip, and his gaze snapped right to that spot, his eyes flaring slightly wider. She shook her head slowly, watching him in return and waiting for his reaction.

The disappointment she feared didn’t appear. Instead, the upturn of his lips hinted at pleasure or amusement. “Then there’s something you should know before we go any further.”

Aivey sat all the way up as Baxian claimed a spot on the end of the bed beside her, their sides touching. His large palm came to rest on her thigh, his fingers rubbing the hem of her short dress as he spoke. “Vriks males need to come twice to achieve full release. It’s part of our mating ritual. The first time prepares our partner to receive our seed. The second release is the seed itself—not that we have to worry about any unintended consequences tonight.” He lifted his braceleted wrist for emphasis.

Her brows pinched. “And that’s a problem? Needing to have more sex?”

He shrugged. “I would hope not, but some only focus on their own pleasure, not their partner’s.”

Didn’t she know it. Unfortunately, she’d been with a few partners like that, they were the ones that always left her with regrets.

“For a male to be left in between is not ideal,” he continued. “My cock needs to be in the presence of my first spend to achieve the second. Otherwise, I’ll be in some discomfort until my body resets.”

How unique.She filed the data away in her brain for later. He worried it might be a turn-off, but the concept intrigued and excited her more than anything.

“Well…” Aivey turned, coming to straddle his lap. Her dress rode up, undoubtedly giving him a tease of her sodden underwear. She lowered herself onto his lap, her head spinning at the hard length of him pressing against her pussy. A small rock of her hips earned a deep groan from the male who had gone eerily still beneath her. “I’d like to think I’m not one of those people. I’m with you the whole way, Baxian. I don’t plan to leave you wanting.” Needing to fuck him multiple times was enticing. It meant even more chance of reaching her own release.

A deep rumbling, almost like a purr, vibrated his chest beneath her groping palms. Baxian grabbed her hips, pulling her tighter against his cock. He inhaled sharply. “Stars, Aivey.” The way he said her name, so full and rich, nearly made her whimper. “I can smell your desire.”

One large hand slid inward, his thumb finding the seam of her underwear and slipping beneath. “So wet for me. Fuck. No, you won’t leave me wanting, will you, little beauty?”

All sensation narrowed down to his digit stroking the sensitive skin at the edge of her pussy. “Never,” she promised.

His finger inched further, slipping across her clit, and she jolted against him.

His eyes widened. “Sensitive there?”

A breathy chuckle slipped from her lips. “I take it you haven’t been with many Earthean females?”