Kai tips my chin up and kisses me. “We both won, my love.”
“Thank the galactic gods.”
I pounce on him, and we only leave the tub once the water’s turned cold.
CHAPTER FIVE
Starblade didn’t like the ugly, twisting sensation inside him while he watched another man trying to seduce Vardox. A part of him worried that perhaps he had rejected Vardox too many times in the past and he might be tempted to take his heart and his tentacles elsewhere.
As if sensing Starblade’s unease, Vardox pulled his chair close enough that Starblade was nearly falling into his lap.
“Stop frowning, darling. That Tranathian never had a chance with me, especially after being so abominably rude to you.” Vardox grinned. “He was quite wrong you know. You’re far more handsome than him.”
Some of the tension in Starblade’s body eased. “Ahem. Yes, well. Don’t let it happen again. If someone else tries to woo you, tell them to get lost.”
Vardox leaned closer, the tip of his forked tongue flicking against the shell of Starblade’s ear and making him shiver. “Now why would I do that, my dear captain, when watching you take care of them for me is so much more fun?”
Starblade looked daggers at him. “Don’t push it. My blood’s still boiling.”
Vardox licked his lips. “Tell me more.”
“You’re just trying to rile me up. Quit it.”
Vardox fluttered innocent eyes at him. “I would never, darling.” He ran a clawed finger along Starblade’s collar. “But I do have some ideas about how we could work off some of that hot-blooded energy of yours.”
Starblade gulped and his traitorous cock started to harden in his pants.
Vardox gave him a knowing look and stood. “I suggest we continue this scintillating conversation in private—and preferably naked.”
—The Tentacular Tales of Captain Starblade,Ch. 170
Kai
The next morningis technically Christmas back on Earth but, knowing we’d be gone during the actual holiday, River and I already did our celebration early with his family and mine. So after we sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast, we put on our swimming attire and head toward the public area of the lagoon.
“I want to people watch!” River tells me excitedly. “Just think of what kinds of inspiration I might get for my story. Vardox and Starblade need some new adventures now that they’ve shared their true feelings.”
Although I would much prefer to stay by ourselves in our private, closed-off end of the lagoon, I can’t say no to River,especially when he’s being so cute. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself smiling the whole way as he drags me toward the lagoon deck.
The place is busy but not so crowded as to make me antsy to leave, and we easily find two free loungers with shade umbrellas next to one another.
River flops down on his. “Ah, this is the life.” He studies the other guests with a keen eye, then winks at me. “Don’t worry, babe. I’m already making mental notes.”
A server from the open wet bar off to one side of the lagoon comes over to us, offering us each a free cocktail since we’re resort guests. River takes his eagerly, eyes sparkling as he inspects the fruity slushy concoction in a swirl of rainbow colors.
He takes a sip and grins at the server. “This is right up my alley, my good friend, please keep them coming.”
The server gives him a gracious bow and disappears as suddenly as they appeared.
I savor my cocktail more slowly than River. Despite its fruity flavor and deceptively nonthreatening appearance, it’s quite strong. River, however, decides to fully indulge in the experience, and after his third cocktail, he’s charmingly tipsy.
“I don’t know what they put in this intergalactic cocktail,” he says, laboring over his words, “but I’m feeling suuuuper fine.” He gives me a double thumbs-up that’s both dorky and sweet.
“I think you should stick to water from here on out, my love,” I tell him gently.
He hiccups and blinks at me a few times before flashing a blinding grin. “You’re so smart, boo. I fucking loooove you.”
Dear galactic gods.
