Page 32 of Survivor (A Space Pearl’s Treat #2)

I wrapped my arms around Vraxxan’s neck and grinned saucily.

Vraxxan’s laugh drowned out the teasingly grumbled goodbyes, but not my yelled, “Say hi to Marcia for me," that I directed at Vysar’s retreating form.

“Stop teasing my father,” Vraxxan playfully growled, bouncing me in his lap. “I am glad he has found female companionship.”

“Me too,” I insisted. “That’s why I tease him. Besides, how many times did he have me blushing when we were at the treehouse?”

“Touche,” Vraxxan chuckled. “But my father's teasing was your fault.”

“My fault?” I sat up in his lap, my arms dropping from around his neck to his biceps, where I gave him a playful squeeze. “How was it my fault?”

Vraxxan gripped my waist, lifting and shifting me until I straddled his thighs. “You made it impossible for me to keep my hands off you.”

“That sounds like a personal problem,” I quipped, letting my fingers splay through his thick, dark purple hair.

“It’s the best problem to have,” Vraxxan growled before his lips touched mine.

Our lips brushed together lightly, sending a shivering heat cascading through me, settling deep in the pit of my belly.

The sensation was both electrifying and comforting.

Then Vraxxan growled—a low, primal sound that reverberated through my very soul—and the kiss intensified, the universe around us dissolving into a symphony of shimmering sparkles.

He tasted of the Verdesian ale he favored, a sweet reminder of our daring escape, its spicy and savory notes dancing on his lips.

My arms slid around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer as he tightened his powerful grip around my waist, drawing me firmly against the heat of his body.

I could feel the undeniable hardness of his cock pressing beneath my thighs, and arousal surged through me like a powerful, unstoppable tide, washing away all thoughts but him.

His lips left mine reluctantly, trailing down the sensitive curve of my neck with a tantalizing slowness that made my heart race. His breath was hot and rough against my flushed skin.

“If we stay out here, you’ll have to be quiet,” he rumbled, nipping at my skin with gentle teeth, sending delicious shivers down my spine.

“Me?” I playfully faked outrage, my voice breathless with wanting.

“The staff gets upset when they hear you scream.” His large hand stroked the swathe of flesh along my back, exposed by a cut-out in the blue silk gown I wore.

Since returning to the castle, Vraxxan had tailors working for days, making me a wardrobe fit for a queen.

Every piece was stunningly beautiful, crafted to accentuate my curves.

It was like being dressed for a role on Downtown Abbey but with the natural waists, full skirts, and puffed sleeves that marked fifties fashions.

“That’s your fault,” I insisted, squirming on his lap and grinning at the deep, primal groan my movement elicited.

“Again, it goes to the issue of you making it impossible for me to keep my hands off you,” Vraxxan insisted, his thumb brushing across my nipple through the silk, making me sigh helplessly as pleasure bloomed beneath his touch.

“We could take this somewhere more private,” I suggested, my voice a breathless whisper against his ear.

Vraxxan let his lips trail between my cleavage for a moment, the heat of his mouth burning through the thin fabric before sighing helplessly.

“There is nothing I would like better, my sweet mate, but unfortunately, I have a meeting with a Minister of Finance shortly.” His lips closed around where my nipple pebbled beneath the silk. “And I want to take my time with you.”

I moaned in regret and let my head fall against his shoulder, my fingertips tracing along the mesmerizing pattern of his purple and teal scales. The color ran all over his body now, iridescent in the soft light and breathtaking in their beauty.

“I promise to make it up to you.” Vraxxan shifted me on his lap so I could feel the hardness of his cock, a tantalizing promise of pleasures to come.

Stopping was as hard for him as it was for me.

He gave a low chuckle, and I felt his lips tease along the ridge of my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

“You know, I read about a species called the ezintathu . It is said they have three cocks.”

I squeaked in surprise, then noticed the teasing glint in his eyes, like stars dancing in a teal sky.

“And you get to shift,” I murmured. The new law allowed for Vraxxan’s ability to shift because the goddess blessed him, not because it was forced.

He was the only one so far as we knew, but there was enduring hope the goddess would bless others.

While shifting was meant for the purpose of protecting me, sometimes it had other uses—very pleasurable uses. A few nights ago, he’d sprouted a tail, which, to my surprise, was rather enjoyable in ways I never could have imagined.

I cupped his handsome face between my palms, the teal eyes regarding me so full of devotion it caused my breath to catch and my heart to hammer furiously against my ribs.

“While I appreciate the offer, you’re perfect just the way you are.”

His smile widened, transforming his face with a radiance that rivaled the crimson sun overhead. I had to wonder if this was the first time he’d ever heard those words. Knowing how his mother treated him, I wouldn’t be surprised.

“I love you, my mate, “Vraxxan whispered, kissing me gently, his lips a tender promise of our future together.

“I love you,” I murmured, my heart overflowing, and proceeded to show him just how much.

The Minister of Finance could wait—some things were far more important than politics.