“This is so fucking cool,”I tell Kai.
I know I’ve said that about a million times during this epic intergalactic honeymoon adventure, but it’s true every single time—like right now.
This morning, Kai and I are exploring a local market that has set up shop in the plaza square at the center of the resort. Vendor booths are tightly packed in the quad, and vendors are selling a dazzling array of goods, from clothing to jewelry to technical gadgets, food, and unique arts and crafts.
Kai leans down and kisses me on the cheek. “I had an inkling you’d enjoy this.”
“That’s because you know me so well, life partner o’ mine. We’re in sync and a totally unstoppable duo.”
“We will live long and prosper—together,” Kai says with a little smirk.
I gasp and clutch my heart. “Now you’re channeling your Mr. Spock hotness? Swoon! There’s only so much sexiness I can handle from you in the morning.”
Kai looks quite pleased with himself.
And now I want to get him a Spock costume so we can role-play Kirk and Spock—in bed.
“Ground control to River?” Kai waves his hand in front of my face.
I startle out of my geeky porn fantasies and flush. “My bad. I got a wee bit… distracted.” I take hold of his hand and pull him along with me. “We have to get something to take home with us to commemorate our time here, but I think the hard part’s going to be deciding what. There’s so much here!”
Kai chuckles. “I’m sure we can figure it out together.”
That’s when something occurs to me that really should have much sooner. I slowly turn my head to stare at Kai in dawning horror. “Oh my freaking god. How are we going to pay for something here? Does Earth currency have any value?” I pale. “I didn’t even bring any cash. I hardly ever carry it since I pay for everything with my phone or credit card.”
“I’ve got it covered. Don’t worry.”
I blink several times because I’m a fucking idiot. “Kai, I never even asked how you paid for this resort.” I stare at him in shame-filled embarrassment. “I’m a terrible husband, aren’t I?”
Kai ruffles my curls affectionately. “Easy there. Take a deep breath. Everything’s okay. Intergalactic Standard Currency is the most common form of payment across the universe. Much like on Earth, the universe has largely done away with physical forms of payment and relies on digital exchanges. Working forthe Alliance, a portion of my pay is always in Intergalactic Standard Currency that is added to my Iyaran account every month so that I can have appropriate funds for when I travel off-planet. Now that you and I are married and things have settled down, we can do the same thing for you to use for our future space travels together.”
I bite my bottom lip. “Truthfully, I don’t love the fact that you’re paying for all of this. Is there a way I can pay you back for half once we get home?”
“There’s no need for that. What’s mine is yours.”
Kai is far too generous and selfless when it comes to me sometimes. Sure, it’s romantic and swoon-worthy knowing he’d give me anything I asked for within his power. Someone else might use and abuse his giving nature to those he loves, but not me.
I level him with my most intimidating stare, which is probably undercut by the love shooting out of me like fucking laser beams. “Kai Genaro, I love you more than anyone else. But I’m not a douche who mooches off others, and certainly not off my husband. I’m all about equality and believe in a fifty-fifty partnership—and that includes our expenses.”
“Here I was hoping you might become somewhat more flexible about that now that we’re married.”
I lift my chin proudly. “Not on your life, babycakes. So here’s what I propose.”
His mouth quirks as he fights a smile. “I’m all ears, my love.”
“Why don’t I pay for our first anniversary extravaganza!”
“Hmm. Extravaganza, huh?”
“Your honeymoon planning has ignited my competitive spirit, boo. Just wait and see.”
“You drive a hard bargain, but I accept,” Kai says, shaking my hand firmly.
My mouth curves up in a slow, satisfied grin. “Now we’re talking. It’s a deal. I’ll be covering our anniversary bash and pulling out all the stops, but the next time we have an intergalactic journey together, we’ll pay for it together, capiche?”
“You sounded like Chewy just now.”
“I’ve learned a thing or two from the furball over the years. He’s still enjoying his own extended vacation among the stars, by the way. Last time he messaged me, he was staying at a space station not too far from Quintharia so his family could meet him there.” I sigh. “For all kinds of sucky reasons, he didn’t want to step foot on his home planet, far too risky.”
