"You know, my being here is dangerous. Not just to me, but to your approval ratings." She'd seen the crowds, had seen how his own military officers had lost respect for him. "Maybe it would be better for everyone if you sent me home."
She saw the regent stiffen, but she pressed her case anyway. "You must have crafts capable of taking me home. Now that your mom has signed off on me being innocent, surely you can't justify keeping me captive anymore. So send me home."
He didn't respond.
"Please."
X turned around suddenly and Sylvie yanked her knees back to her chest.
"You're not wrong, you know," he said, approaching the tub and taking a seat on its wide lip.
"So you'll send me home?" Her tone was hopeful, but inside she felt a strange stab of... disappointment?
"You're a distraction I can't afford," he said, lifting the errant hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear. "So I will send you home."
"You will?" She hadn't expected him to give in so easily.
"Yes, on one condition."
So he wasn't giving in easily. She should have never expected him to. She didn’t want him to.
"Name it." She reached up and took his hand, pressing it to the side of her face.
"I will send you home to Earth if you spend one night with me. In my bed. As my mate."
Sylvie stared up at him, her mouth open and heart suddenly picking up speed.
Leaving now would ensure she felt only a twinge of regret, but sharing her body meant giving him access to her heart. Could she afford that? Would she want to leave?
“Sylvie. What do you say to my request? Let me make love to you tonight.”
She looked down at her legs tucked against her and realized how badly she wanted the passion he offered. She glanced up and pursed her lips.
