I narrow my eyes. “You know where we’re going though, don’t you?”
“Yep, but my lips are sealed,” he says, miming the action.
I lean closer and bust out into my most annoying whine. “Come on! Tell meeee!”
He covers his ears, eyes full of mirth. “Nope, I promised him I wouldn’t. Husband rights trump those of everyone else.”
“Neptune’s nads,” I curse, crossing my arms and pouting.
He reaches over and pats my arm. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it. I think everyone will. And if you don’t, you need to fucking well pretend you do.” He cracks his knuckles. “Otherwise, I’ll kick your ass. No one makes my hubby upset on my watch.”
I look him up and down skeptically. Sasha is not a large man. In fact, we’re of a similar height, but I’d hazard to say he’s more petite than me. I’m certain I have a lot more muscle than he does.
“That threat would sound a lot more intimidating if I didn’t know I could KO you with the greatest of ease.”
He purses his lips. “Now you’re throwing shade.”
“Damn right, I am,” I agree cheerfully.
We lapse into silence, gazing out at the awe-inspiring vista in front of us. He’s right. It never gets old. But I do wish it was Gemma I was sharing this view with right now.
Sasha lets out a yawn and rubs his face. “Thanks for the kiki sesh, but I think I need to call it a night.” His mouth quirks. “You should too. You’ll want plenty of energy for tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes, and we fist-bump again, then he leaves.
Eventually, I make my way through the ship’s corridors and back to my own room, where I hesitate and glance at Gemma’s door. I’m about to knock when Najar rounds the corner and shakes his head at me, lowering his voice.
“She went to bed a little while ago after she and Felix finished talking, said she wants some alone time.”
My tentacles coil anxiously.
Najar sets a steadying hand on my shoulder. “Relax. I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. She didn’t appear upset, more… contemplative. She and Felix had a productive talk, and they both seemed pleased and calm afterward.”
That’s good news, at least.
My shoulders slump. Much as I would like to stay with Gemma and cuddle her all night long, I need to respect her boundaries. Even if my teenage love brain doesn’t like it so it now wants to go listen to emo music and indulge my nonsensical angst.
Najar smiles faintly. “I know what you’re feeling. I’ve been there too. Have faith in Gemma as well as yourself.”
He squeezes my shoulder and continues down the hall toward his quarters.
Then a Hallmark movie moment of inspiration hits me.
I hurry inside my room where I pull out some stationery I picked up at the last space station and pen a quick letter.
Dearest Gemma,
I hope this was a Christmas you’ll never forget—in all the best ways possible. I know it’s one I’ll always remember. Every moment with you is special. Cheesy, I know, but totally true. Spending this afternoon together in the virtual simulation I created was pure magic. Better than any Hallmark movie, if you ask me. When you kissed the stuffing out of me, I saw stars. Okay, now I’m veering into the super cheesy zone, but I can’t help myself. Your lips are an intergalactic treasure! Maybe we should get them insured…?
Anyway, I wanted to reiterate once again that I’m here for you. Anything you need, you come and see me pronto. If you want someone to listen or need an epic tentacle cuddle, I’m your girl! I will always support you in whatever makes you happy, no matter what—I swear to Thekmis.
Merry Christmas,
Luna
I stand outside Gemma’s door for several long minutes, then slip the note into the delivery chute and quietly turn back to my own room. No matter how much I want to be with her right now—and I want that so freaking much—I need to give her the space she wants and wait for her to come to me.
If only I was better at waiting, dammit!
