Page 13

Jaryk awakened to dim morning light with a fuzzy mouth, a slightly aching head, and a throbbing conscience.

It had been years since he’d overindulged the way he had last night.

He truly hoped he hadn’t behaved as boorishly as memory suggested he had.

He’d lost all inhibitions and caved to the temptation he’d been fighting.

It wasn’t just the effects of the spirits.

His actions had been motivated by the combined effect of the epiphany he and Charday were a bad match—and the liquor.

But, in his heart of hearts, he didn’t regret kissing Kismet—unless she regretted it, in which case, he did, too.

He would have to seek her out and find out. Apologize if need be.

He sighed and rolled over.

She’s still here! She lay facing him, a hand under her cheek. She wore last night’s clothing—as did he. She had looked stunning in Kaldoran attire, the native garments suiting her so well.

Like she suited him.

He touched her hair. Was her presence a positive sign? Or had she simply fallen asleep? He blew into his cupped hands. Ugh. His breath would shrivel the hardiest plants at the Museum of Horticulture. The scent of spirits was never better the second day.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed and padded into his bathing chamber, praying she wouldn’t disappear in his absence.

After cleaning his teeth, he peeked into the other room.

Still sound asleep. Did he have time for a quick wash?

He didn’t wish for her to wake and catch him in such a disreputable state.

He needed to improve upon his bad impression, not reinforce it.

He shed his wrinkled clothing and stepped into the cleansing unit, emerging fresh and dry. He donned a robe and returned to the bedchamber. Still here. He eased into bed and lay facing her, the better to study her.

Dark hair framed her face, calling attention to her delicate features—a pert little nose and a sexy mouth that quirked off center in an adorable way when she smiled. He knew she had pretty brown eyes that crinkled into half-moons with amusement.

He ogled her, noting a tiny twitch of her nose and the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Recalling the softness of her breasts, his cock began to harden.

He lifted his gaze to her face.

Her eyes were open. “What are you doing?”

“Watching you sleep?”

Her gaze took in his changed attire. “How long have you been awake?”

“Just a little while.”

“How are you feeling?”

“After my loss of self-control last night?” His mouth twisted. “Embarrassed, but physically fine.” His head ached a tad, but the shower had helped. “I’m sorry for getting drunk and passing out on you.” Literally on her—he had a vague recollection of collapsing on top of her.

“No harm done.”

“Do you, uh, have any regrets?” he asked.

“About kissing you?” She hesitated. “Not if you don’t.”

“If you don’t, then I don’t.” He paused. “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for a long time.”

“So, it wasn’t just the alcohol?”

“I’m 100 percent sober now.” He scooped her close and kissed her.

Part sigh, part moan, she released a sound of contentment and relaxed against him. He growled with satisfaction and relief, tangling his fingers in her hair, holding her even closer. He pressed soft kisses to her closed eyelids, her cute, alien shell ears, and her smooth creamy throat.

She slipped her hands inside his robe and splayed her palms across his chest. Nerve endings lit up at her touch against his naked skin. Heat sizzled, and he pressed his mouth to hers, his tongue dancing with hers. Her sensual alien scent filled his head, and he couldn’t get enough of it.

He ached for her. “If you wish to leave, now would be a good time to do so.” Don’t go. Don’t go.

“I want to stay.”

Elation coiled with desire into an intense heat. This time, he would not fall asleep! He still couldn’t believe he’d done that—but in a way, he figured it had worked out for the best, enabling him to be clearly present and alert during their first encounter.

She pushed his robe off his shoulders then rolled away and tugged at her tunic. He assisted with the removal, pulling it over her head and flinging the rumpled garment aside. Pants, underwear, and his robe were shed.

His erection felt hot and heavy. Being with her like this, her warm, womanly softness pressing against him, it amazed him he’d ever had any reservations.

Her hands were moving, igniting tingling heat.

She clasped his cock and caressed, causing him to shudder with need, but he reached out to her, cupping her breasts, stroking her hard nipples, smoothing over her stomach, and finally delving into the wet curls at the apex of her thighs.

Satisfaction filled him as she gasped and shuddered when he fondled her folds and clit.

Until this moment, he hadn’t considered physical compatibility.

Of course, he’d entered into this marriage assuming they would not become intimate.

He’d appreciated her exotic beauty without thinking of her as different, yet he realized that had been a bit na?ve.

With satisfaction and a small measure of relief, he noted her anatomy didn’t differ greatly from female Kaldorans.

“Do I look the same as males from your planet?” he asked.

“Mm…better.” She stroked his cock.

He chuckled and nuzzled her ear. “You do know how to stroke my ego.”

“Is that what this is? Your ego?” She squeezed his erection.

Rising desire coursed through him, and he claimed her mouth while he caressed her clit, eliciting drenching wetness from her pussy.

Sweet nothings became gasps of desire and moans of encouragement when their bodies joined.

His balls drew tight, and his cock ached with intense pleasure as they found a timeless rhythm.

Mouths met in an open, wet kiss. Sensation coiled and centered in his throbbing erection as he plunged into her tight, contracting channel.

When she came, her pussy fluttered around his cock, and it ignited his own orgasm.

She dragged her fingertips along his spine, the slight scrape heightening his climax. His body convulsed, and he released his seed in a shattering rapture.

Afterward, he panted while she lazily stroked his back, their bodies still joined, reluctant to part. He could stay like this forever. He lifted his head to seek her gaze. The satisfaction and tenderness in her smile brought an answering grin to his lips.

Smiles turned to chuckles. For him, it was the intimate joy of the moment, that something so unlikely—a Cosmic Mates marriage with an alien stranger—could turn out to be what he’d needed. Their laughter caused his softening cock to slip out of her, which caused them to shake with mirth even more.

He rolled to the side and pulled her into a fond embrace.