Before I get down to work, I cook us a light dinner from scraps in the fridge. Afterward, we wash up together, kissing in between drying dishes, and then I say to Clem, “I have to get on with some coding.”
“Is it so urgent?” she says, a little wistfully.
“Yeah, we’re on a tight timeline.” I am not going to tell her how tight, or what dangers await.
“Oh, sure, I get it.” Her face falls a little, then she murmurs, “Maybe I’ll go to bed and wait for you…”
My huge grin says it all.
I work away at the coding until I finally I get the tiny bugging devices to read inside the portal elevators. That is one step closer to them reading in Sparkle when Jax places the bugging devices up there. I give the air a victory punch with my fist.
Tomorrow we will finalize the plan for Jax to disseminate these devices in Sparkle, first in the army barracks in the Periphery, then further afield, striking into the very heartlands of Sparkle City… even mayor Ronald DeVine’s golden tower itself.
We have to understand the true extent of the evil they are perpetrating.
Is it truly malediction? And if so, who the fuck is in charge?
I push the thought away. One step at a time. I don’t want to dwell on the dangers ahead. I have to remember there are good things happening too. Wonderful things.
Arlo and Sammy are expecting the first human/monster youngling in recorded history.
Clem and I are…
What are we exactly?
I can at least speak for myself. Yep, I’ve fallen for her, big time. Should I be cautious with my heart? After all, it got badly trampled on by Leanna. But somehow, I know I can trust Clem. I feel this deep affinity with her that goes beyond logic.
Logic.
For years, that’s how I’ve operated, the scientist in me taking the lead, but maybe it’s time to set logic aside and let my emotions come to the fore. I sigh and push back the chair. Stand,and stretch, then tidy up the scrawled papers so Clem won’t have too much mess to sort out tomorrow.
No more thinking. It’s time for bed. Even though I’m exhausted, I’m still certain that Clem’s beautiful body will turn me on. I tiptoe into the room and quietly call her name.
No answer.
The bedroom light is burning low, and I see her splayed out on the mattress, her little face a perfect heart shape, her long dark lashes sweeping her cheeks. I stare in awe. Glancing lower, I see one arm is slung over her head and a perfect nipple peeks out from the coverlet.
She’s breathing slow and steady, deeply asleep.
And although my cock obligingly hardens, I am not going to wake my princess from her slumber.
I climb gingerly in beside her and nuzzle into her neck. She lets out a little mewl of happiness, but doesn’t wake, so I spoon gently into her and tell my hard-on to take a hike.
Very soon, exhaustion engulfs me and I fall asleep with my little human in my arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY
CLEM.
When I wake up, there’s something heavy weighing me down.
My sleepy gaze drifts down to see Otis’s arm looped over my midriff, one big green hand resting on my ribs, just under my breast. My heart expands and my pussy clenches. I love seeing the green of his fingers so close to my rosy pink nipple.
Memories of yesterday flood back. Of how lovely it was to share special moments with his mom, to bake together, eat together, and then… oh, damn, he worked late and I fell asleep, and we didn’t get to…
But maybe there’s time now…
Gently, I lift his hand. Initially it’s still limp, but as I maneuver his fingers to my nipple, I realize he is making a deep growling sound. His fingers start to circle my nipple and I know I’ve woken him, and that he’s enjoying the moment as much as I am.
