“Do we have to? It’s just sex. We’re attracted to each other, so one thing led to another… No big deal.”
“It is a big deal. I didn’t use protection.”
She felt like a cold bucket of water had been dumped on her. All her insecurities were right there on the verge of coming out. She had to harden herself up, push the emotions down.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I can’t dismiss this, Heather. Your body accepted my seed and it’s possible that you are pregnant.”
She shook her head sadly. “I can’t have children.”
He frowned, looking her up and down. “You are still of breeding age, and your body shape is very conducive to carrying a child.”
“Wow, I’m glad I have a body type conducive for breeding, but the issue is that my eggs don’t release regularly.”
“I am confused.”
“I tried for years to get pregnant with my ex, but it never happened. I miscarried once but couldn’t get pregnant after that.”
“Could your doctors not do anything to help you?”
“I had problems with ovulation and most of the procedures the doctors could perform were just too expensive. Mark said we could always adopt, but we never did. I’m glad of that now, because Mark would have been a horrible father.”
“What of the young child? You have a bond with her.”
“I do. I can’t help but love her. But as much as I want her, she needs to have a family, siblings to grow up with. I can’t be selfish about it. If it means I’m alone, so be it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ve accepted that I’ll never be a mother. Now I’m older, and even if I could get the procedure, it would be a difficult pregnancy on my body. So you see, you have nothing to worry about. Our one and only time together won’t have any consequences.”
Just was she was turning to leave, he grabbed her arm gently, halting her. “That’s where you’re wrong. There are always consequences, and...I hope that won’t be our only time.”
She looked up at him in surprise just as his lips came down to claim hers. She should fight this, break apart, slap him. Instead, she sighed and leaned into his embrace. Damn the consequences, she wanted him again.
Heather gasped when she felt herself being lifted up in his big arms and carried over to his floating cot. The quilt got knocked down onto the floor, but who had time to care about that? He lay down on top of her body, and she loved the feel of his weight pressing into her.
She opened her legs, letting him ease between her where she’d been imagining him being since the last time they made love. He’d been on her mind all day, driving her crazy. Getting one taste of Devlon wasn’t enough for her, and she was glad he felt the same way.
His fingers plucked her nipples through her shirt, making goose bumps spring up all over her body. As he pulled away to break their kiss she leaned forward and used her teeth on his bottom lip to tease him. She planned to nibble every inch of his perfect body.
“Clothes off,” he growled out.
Yes, she wanted them to be skin-to-skin, no barriers. She reached for her shirt to pull it off…and then their intimate bubble was broken.
“Commander, there’s a situation that needs your attention,” a voice called from outside his tent.
Devlon groaned as he leaned his head against her neck. “Sometimes being the commander…”
“Sucks?” she offered.
“Yes, it sucks.” He moved to stand up and reached a hand down to help her to her feet. “I suppose I couldn’t convince you to stay until I got back?”
She shook her head. “I’ve got some things to check on before going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yes, I’ll see you in the morning.”
She didn’t prolong the moment. She exited his tent, and ignoring the curious looks his men gave her as she passed them on her way to her subcar. It was probably a good thing that they were interrupted. She couldn’t have a relationship with him; he’d be going back to his own world and she would remain here, taking care of her tribe. Better to keep their distance, keep from getting attached now and then hurt later when he finally left. At least that was what tried to tell herself.
