I glance around, catching Asher’s gaze. He’s seated across from us. I mouth, “We’re leaving.”
He nods in acknowledgment before leaning over to say something to Jane. A few moments later, they stand and discreetly organize the security team to escort us to our new home. I know where it is, but I haven’t actually been inside yet. The grounds are nearby, though.
Romi’s hand is warm in mine as we walk, flanked by the men and women who usually help me guard the royal family. A hum of desire buzzes through me. I know I will need to be gentle with Romi, to contain the primitive force of desire that runs through me like a rushing river whenever I’m near her. This is her first time, and I need to honor that.
When we reach the stone wall surrounding our new home, I lead her through the gate and close it behind us. There’s a magnetic click once we step through.
Romi glances toward me. “Is it always closed?” she asks.
“When we’re here,” I say.
This woman, who has so thoroughly stolen my heart, who is so strong and brave with an independence that carries an edge of defiance to it, catches her breath. Her eyes widen as she glances around. “Is this really ours?”
Protectiveness surges through me, along with a sense of pride. This is our planet, where we take care of each other and the women here. I know she’s seen the royal compound because she’s lived in a house there for months now. I know she’s also seen where her friends live in similar homes. Yet I love how surprised she appears.
“Yes. Did you expect anything less?
Her eyes hold a sheen of tears. “No, I just…” She lets out a quick breath.
Her eyes arc about our private grounds. It is, of course, much smaller than the royal grounds. But it’s private, with lush flowers, fruit trees, and a well-tended vegetable garden.
“Come with me,” I say, giving her hand a light tug as I begin to walk forward.
We follow the short path from our gates to our home, which is a typical home for our area. Even for the royal family, we don’t waste space. Here, we make things beautiful but economical. Most of the homes are single story and built to withstand the occasional space storms that blow across our planet. Every planet faces weather events throughout the galaxy.
We have learned in our travels over the centuries that planning for what we may face is the key to our survival. On this planet, we mostly get blasted by fierce winds and rains, so we keep our buildings sturdy. Beautiful and simple in design, they are also sustainable so as to not waste resources.
Romi’s lips curl in a soft smile as we walk up the stone steps onto a wide porch with a roof. The home is built into a small hill to optimize power and heating during the cooler months.
The main area has a tall ceiling with windows offering plenty of light from our planet’s sun, which burns brighter but softer than the sunshine on Earth. There’s a comfortable sitting area with furniture facing a large stone fireplace. The kitchen is on the other side with a large island for seating. A hallway just beyond leads to three bedrooms and another room that could be a playroom for children or an office.
“Would you like a tour?” I ask.
At her nod, I simply swing my arm around in a circle in the main room before leading her by the hand to show her the bathroom off to the side of the kitchen, which also has laundry. We make our way down the hallway as I point out the roomsuntil we reach the door to our bedroom at the end. This leads into a suite, a large room with windows facing the front gardens and our own private porch area. The bed is set against the wall. The bathroom suite has a tub and shower and a large shared closet.
Romi peers into the closet, her eyes widening slightly to see the clothing for her.
“Jane took care of that,” I say. “She had your clothes brought over from the house where you were staying, and your other friends helped select more from one of the clothing stores in town.”
Romi presses her lips together. “I’m still not used to having more than one or two things to wear from Earth.” She lets out a bemused laugh.
She walks back into our bedroom and spins in a small circle before approaching the windows. Just being in the bedroom causes my pulse to kick faster and faster, my need for her burning hotter with each passing second.
I stop behind her, resting my hands on her shoulders. Forcing myself to take a slow breath, I feel my shaft lengthening and hardening. This is how it always is with her, and I presume it always will be.
Stepping back slightly, she leans the back of her head into the curve of my shoulder. I let one hand slide down her side to wrap around her waist, resting on the soft curve of her belly.
There’s no doubt she’s aware of my arousal. She shifts back slightly, the motion nestling my cock between the curves of her lush bottom. I dip my head, my cheek resting against hers, as I dust a kiss along the side of her neck, savoring her sweet, slightly sharp scent. The sharpness is more on the surface of her personality, but underneath is the sweetness that she hides so well.
I can’t help but nip lightly on her neck, nearly growling when she lets out a little whimper in the back of her throat. I rock my hips against her bottom, gratified when she shimmies against me.
I force myself to lift my head and take a slow breath. “I want you,” I say, my voice gruff and frayed from the desire I can barely contain.
She turns in my arms, boldly dragging her palm over my shaft. “You know I want you. I wantallof you.”
I have to clench my teeth as I breathe her in. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You could never hurt me. I want you to fill me completely. Please,” she whispers, leaning close and pressing a kiss just over my heart. I can feel the heat of her lips through the fabric of my shirt. It’s like a brand on my skin. Her eyes are burning hot when she lifts her gaze to mine, once again boldly dragging her palm over my length.
