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“Just this once,” she consented with a nod as she felt how thick his biceps were.

The words were barely out of her mouth and Aculus’ grip tightened around her then leapt out of the heated pool, making her gasp at the insane feat. His strong arms cradled her as he strode to a row of padded benches surrounding the pool. His heated gaze raked over her naked body as he lay her on her back.

“Are you warm enough? Would you like me to dry you off?” he asked, his intense expression gentling.

“I’m good. It’s pretty warm in here.”

“Are you sure? You shivered and your skin has these little bumps.” He knelt beside her and ran a finger over her arm. “I noticed your skin did this when you were cold on Earth.”

He noticed that?She stared at him, slightly stunned by the considerate observation then looked down at herself, and sure enough, she had goosebumps. Even her areolas had puckered up along with her nipples.

“I sometimes do that.” She smiled, feeling a little awkward.

For some reason she expected Aculus to dive right in and have his wicked way with her, except that’s not what he did. He was taking his time studying her and it was slightly unnerving.

“Is there any place I can’t put my mouth?” he asked.

As he spoke, his fingers continued their slow trek up her arm and over her shoulder.

“Um, probably my toes. Sucking my toes is kinda weird. And the inside of my nose and ears.” It felt strange voicing that, but he was alien and had asked. The last thing she wanted was him sticking his tongue up her nose.

“What about the bottom of your little feet, the bridge of your nose and the shell of your ear?”

His roaming hand reached her neck and she shivered again.

“That’s okay.” She pulled in a deep breath.

It was amazing how such a giant guy could have a feather-light touch.

“The inside of your wrist, elbow and right here on your neck are very sensitive.” He stroked the spot beneath her ear. “Tell me when I do something you like and especially if you don’t like anything.”

“Okay.” She tilted her head, exposing more of her neck.

While continuing to caress her neck, he picked up her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips parted and he placed the tip of her index finger into his mouth. He sucked her finger, his talented tongue rolling around the digit. She laughed nervously. He was showing off. This was obviously a prelude to what he’d do to other parts of her body.

Oh hell.He was good.This is how he’s bedded so many women.

A smile tilted Aculus’ lips while he intently stared into her eyes, like he knew the effect he was having on her. As he released her finger, he let it graze across his teeth. They were sharp, his canines longer than the rest, though not what she’d call fangs. But he didn’t hurt her or bite down. She noted the stark contrast between his teeth and the soft warmth of his tongue. It was bizarrely erotic. She never imagined having her finger licked would turn her on so much.

“Do you have any idea how good your skin tastes?” he asked in between open mouth kisses along her palm.

“No.” The word came out sounding breathy.

He kissed then laved the inside of her wrist with his warm tongue and her breath sped up. She gasped when he released a cool puff of air, again making goosebumps erupt on her skin. At the same time her pussy cramped, flooding with moisture.

“Your plan was to torture me, wasn’t it?” she asked, sounding desperate.

It was nice being pampered, but she was also impatient. As good as his kisses felt on her hand and wrist, she wanted his mouth elsewhere.

“I want to savor this,” he replied with a slightly roguish glint in his eyes.

“No, you’re being a tease.”

She hooked her arm around his neck, pulled him in and planted her mouth on his.

“Mmm,” he groaned as his tongue tangled with hers.

It was crazy how ravenous she was. Like she’d been celibate forever when it had only been half a year at best. Her tongue explored his mouth, tasting a hint of citrus that tingled in her mouth. As her lips brushed against his she noticed how soft they’d grown, feeling nothing like the hard, bony surface they appeared to be.