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Aculus

“Um, Aculus, I don’t think I need sunscreen in my ass crack. That’s not the part that’s exposed.” Nadzia glanced back at him, her brow arched.

It was pure torture helping Nadzia slather her soft skin with the salve that would protect her from the sun. His spurs throbbed and he wanted nothing more than to strip the off the revealing outfit, toss her down and impale her sexy little body.

“Sorry.” He shoved down his desire. This was a serious matter. He needed to focus.

“I think I’m good,” she said as he rubbed more salve onto her upper back.

“Are you sure?” He studied her, but couldn’t tell where he had and hadn’t covered her skin.

“It’s okay. Mind helping me put that armor on? You know, since my attempt with the suit worked out so well.” She pointed to the ceremonial shell.

“Of course,” he chuckled.

As he grabbed the greaves, vambraces and breastplate, something occurred to him that he never realized before.

“Why are you growling?” Nadzia asked.

“This shell will hardly cover you. It’s little more than decoration. It won’t expand beyond these chest, arm and calf guards.”

Aculus scowled at the ancient shell.It’s older than ancient, from a time when the best their technology offered was little more than a carbon plate to reinforce their own shell.It won’t protect her neck and head or her soft stomach.He’d found solace that she’d be wearing the shell, and though he’d seen it a dozen times before, it never dawned on him how very useless it was until today.

“Yeah, but it’s better than nothing.” Nadzia shrugged.

“I’m getting you a combat shell to put under this,” he growled.

“And that would be breaking the rules. No weapons or armor besides the traditional shell can be worn,” she countered.

“Vasta rules! It will make you…”

“Don’t say it,” she interrupted before he could compare her to his people.

“Sorry.” He cringed.

If he didn’t stop letting his worry for her safety rule him, he was going to drive her away with his stupid comments.

Now I’m seeing why Cadi warriors are driven crazy by their human females.

“I know, handsome.” Nadzia patted his thigh. “Now, how do I put this stuff on?”

“Yes.” He swiftly placed the pathetic excuse for a shell on her forearms, legs and chest.

“I’m just glad it covers my breasts.” Nadzia shook her head as she looked down at her clothing.

“I am, too. I don’t like your quick on display for everyone to see,” he grumbled.

“You know, if you keep making that face it will freeze that way.” Nadzia tapped his furrowed brow.

That was the oddest way of saying he had a sour expression.

“My face will unfreeze when this day is over.”

“How about you grab us something to eat while I check in with my mom?” Nadzia leaned forward and kissed him.

“Of course.”

I’m making her insane.And she’s kindly telling me to get out.He did need to assure his female ate, and she especially needed to hydrate.