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“Oh,” she gave a slight laugh and sighed.

It was a little ridiculous to think his friends had taken off into space just because they hadn’t arrived at high noon. They’d come to rescue them. Still, it was hard to believe this day had come, she was finally being rescued.

“I want to hear that story later, but I think we need to land and look for their vessel on foot. I imagine seeing a Jurou Biljana cruiser, they cloaked themselves.”

“Ah, that’s probably smart.” She nodded. “Take it down there, near the ridge. The vegetation isn’t as thick.”

“Smart. I am not dressed for thorns,” Payim commented with a straight face.

Her mouth dropped open. No, he was not dressed for thorns. He wasn’t dressed at all.

“You are putting something on!” she laughed, though she was completely serious. “I don’t care if you do know these people. You are covering your bait and tackle.”

“Bait and tackle?” Payim’s brow arched as he landed the cruiser.

“It’s a fishing reference. On earth we use a fishing pole.” She giggled that she had to explain this. “So, well, bait and tackle.” She pointed her index finger, then made two fists, to demonstrate.

“Ah.” Payim laughed as he powered down the cruiser, unstrapped and stood. “Will this work?”

Her eyes widened when he cupped his crotch then she pursed her lips, repressing a grin. Although his hand was large it really didn’t sufficiently cover his impressive package and he knew as much.

Damn tease!

“No! And I don’t want that fine, tight ass exposed either!” Her gaze strayed to his rear as she climbed out of her seat.

“Oh?” Payim glanced over his shoulder at his own rear and flexed his glutes, as if he had no clue his ass was tight enough to bounce quarters off of.

The rogue was a show off and he was intentionally baiting her. The glint in his eyes and the way his tail swayed like a tiger on the prowl said it all. She knew it, and still, he had her, hook, line, and sinker. She bit her lip as a dozen X-rated things sprang to mind, her nipples hardening. Choosing between rolling around the cruiser with Payim and being rescued was growing more difficult by the moment.

“No! Nope, nope, nope,” she declared, shaking her head. “This will have to wait.” She accusingly pointed her finger, warding the rake off as he stepped closer.

Payim drew closer until her finger was poking the upper set of ridges on his rock-hard, droolworthy abdomen. She stared straight up at the giant imposing man, her gaze fixed to his intense dark one as he bent low, invading her personal space.

“Yes,marita,” he husked his version of yes ma’am, his deep, raspy voice vibrating from her ear all the way to her womb, and her panties nearly burst into flames.

She stood still in anticipation, her heartbeat and breath speeding up, but instead of wrapping his arms around her, Payim reached for the floor. Her brow furrowed as she glanced beside her to find him rummaging in the bag by her feet.

“I will cover myself, so no one has illicit thoughts.” Payim pulled his kilt out of his bag.

The glint in his eyes screamed that he knew she was having tawdry thoughts.

“Mmm hmm.” Her gaze narrowed on the evil tease. “Later, Payim, later,” she threatened. Two could definitely play this game.

He cast her a sardonic grin as he methodically wrapped his kilt around his trim waist, playing peek-a-boo with his cock.

“Incorrigible.” She rolled her eyes and went to the hatch, waiting with her back turned.

“I’m dressed,” Payim chuckled as he joined her.

“Dressed but not decent,” she snorted as the door opened.

“I am wounded.” Payim clutched his tail, feigning devastation.

“Then I’ll kiss it better later,” she taunted, blowing him a kiss as she prepared to hop to the ground.

Payim snagged her around the waist and pulled her into his arms. “Your knee,” he reminded her.

The way he went from perversely teasing her to being sweet and protective, cradling her in his big capable arm, reminded her of why she’d fallen deeply for the big red warrior.