I don’t entirely know. But the lust component is most certainly the real deal, as the need-filled throbbing sensation between my legs can attest to.
None of us are surprised when Felix lets go of Najar and runs toward his sister, sweeping her up in a tight embrace as they both laugh in joy.
The rest of us follow but remain a short distance away.
“Gemsy, is it really you? Oh, my God. I know it hasn’t been that long, but damn have I missed you.”
She lets out a tear-filled laugh. “I missed you too, bro.”
Felix pulls back, holding her shoulders. “What are you doing here?”
Gemma grins and dashes away her tears. “Ask your friends.”
Keeping an arm around her shoulders, Felix turns back to us, and we move to stand closer to the reunited siblings. “What on earth—no pun intended—is going on here?”
“Merry Christmas from all of us,” Najar says, his eyes glowing with affection.
Kheph removes one of his tentacles from around Sasha and we high-tentacle one another again. The crew of the Sleigh Belle knows how to rock this holiday like the bosses we are!
Gemma lets go of her brother and tosses her hair over her shoulder, then turns and pops open the trunk of the vehicle. “Nice to finally meet you all in person. Now, can you guys help me get a couple of things out of my Subaru?”
She eyes me with a knowing smirk. “After all, you have quite a few extra appendages on you, so I say, all the better to help carry my bags with.”
“So feisty,” I whisper in appreciation.
“Be careful, I think you might be drooling,” Najar warns, his tone sardonic.
I scowl at him but wipe my mouth surreptitiously—just in case.
Then we all help Gemma empty her car and carry several heavy suitcases and boxes toward the ship.
“Wait, hold up. What the hell is going on here?” Felix demands as he watches all of us, looking beyond bewildered.
I can’t help but grin when Gemma puts her hands on her hips and levels him with a confident gaze. “I’m saying sayonara to Earth, big bro, and coming along for the ride of a lifetime to explore the universe with you, your hubby-to-be, and all your new friends. That’s what’s going on.”
My lips twitch as I fight back a laugh. Galactic gods, this woman is so fucking cool.
Felix’s mouth drops open. “Say what now?”
Gemma rolls her eyes at him, but I can tell it’s with obvious fondness. “Stay focused, will you, Felix? Here’s the dealio. Your fiancé and the rest of the crew reached out to me a couple of days ago and told me of your predicament.” She shakes her head. “Honestly, you should have called me yourself as soon as possible. We could have figured this out together from the start.”
Felix’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. “I didn’t know how to tell you I wanted to stay, and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you alone.”
“I don’t know, maybe you could have done what they did and invited me to join you? Duh!”
Preach, honey!I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Men can be so dumb sometimes. Sigh.
Felix bites back a sob. “I thought about it, but I didn’t want to unintentionally pressure or even guilt you into doing something you didn’t want.”
Okay, I can relate to that. I had similar concerns when I brought up the subject with her, and I’m sure Najar did too when he spoke with her after I did.
Gemma’s expression softens. “As if that would ever happen. You, of all people, should know that I have a will of my own.” She grins. “But that being said, wherever you go, I go. We’re family, and we always will be.”
Najar nods approvingly, looking weirdly fatherly if you ask me.
Personally, I’m super glad Gemma wants to be wherever her brother is—because that also happens to be where I’m at. I am now officially a true believer in the magic of Earthling Christmas!
Felix stares at his sister with a mixture of amazement and awe. “I know, but this is such a big ask. Are you really prepared to leave behind all that you’ve worked for?”
