Page 78 of Starborn Husbands

He gives a cautious smile, but his fears aren’t gone. “You were glowing. I thought you were dying.”

I shake my head. “That’s not possible. This,” I say as I hold my wrist up, kinda hoping it somehow fell off. But nope, it’s still there.

He inspects it because it should prevent me from glowing. “Seems intact to me. We already have enough going on with you.” He sighs. “What if we don’t mention this to anyone until we figure out what happened?”

I laugh. “You know I’m all for that, but I’m starting to think I’m corrupting you.”

“And I’m starting to realize some things are just plain survival with you.”

“Has this ruined rough play? I hope not. Do not treat me like glass, Centaurus.”

He shakes his head. “I won’t insult you like that, but maybe we ease into it. I, um, read one of your books and you had a lot of highlights and notes in a section with this kink. I wanted to surprise you.”

Only stars can surprise their lovers in this way. Humans, don’t try this at home.

“You read one of my books?”

He nods. “I missed you, and I was worried about what they’d do to you. Atlanta commented that you’re as resilient as a starlight cockroach and you are, but I should be the one protecting you. It’s my job.”

“And that’s a job only you get. I think I missed you too. Also, know what other animal is super resilient? A penguin. They experience some of the most extreme conditions on Earth and don’t get me started on what they do to have a baby. I’d rather be compared to a penguin.”

“Okay. You’re not a cockroach, you’re my resilient penguin who I protect anyway.”

The water cocoons us in a warm blanket. His red hair webs around his face and he’s still beautiful as sin. The orange rims of his eyes burn with adoration.

“I’m glad that’s straight. Now, show me what else you read in my books.”

* * *

Zhang pulls me close and begins with a simple kiss, which is maybe where he should have started. It’s just like him to open with advanced moves. I laugh against his lips.

“What?”

“You’re a fucking show off even when you shouldn’t be.”

He responds with a kiss instead of the retort he’d like to say. I can see it on his lips. “Afraid I won’t put out if you insult me?” I say.

“I’m afraid we’ll never get to consummating our marriage if you keep talking.”

I try to push him away, but he’s a firmly rooted tree. “Jackass!”

“I’m not wrong and you know it.” He scoops my leg and encircles it around his waist so that we’re pressed together.

“Do not treat me like porcelain, Centaurus, or I’ll make the rest of your existence hell.”

He pulls his bottom lip into his mouth, trapping it with his teeth until it slowly tears away, leaving it plumper. Gods, I want my lips on his.

“I won’t.” In a fluid movement, he pulls himself onto the side of the pool, and his large hands reach under my armpits to lift me out of the water.

My ass grazes the head of his dick, hungry for it. I grind against him, and he spanks my ass—the same one he tortured yesterday. “Mmmph—!” I cry into his lips.

“No.”

“But I waited.”

“Wait a little longer.”

“This was your plan all along, wasn’t it? Make me marry you and then keep me celibate for the rest of my life.”