“All day, Elex?”
He nodded in the dim moonlight. “I am sorry. There were some major breakthroughs today, and I needed to be there to supervise.”
“Anything you can share?”
“No.” He was brusque but softened a moment later. “Actually, yes. I can share everything with you because you’re part of the council now.”
I rolled to face him. “So what was so important?”
He sighed. “Now?”
“Why not? We have no obligations in the morning, do we?”
Elex rolled to face me. “The fellows in the department have found a way to predict the temblors and tremors that have been happening. I had to oversee some of the experiments.”
My gasp was small but stunned. “Really? Predict?”
“Yes.” His grin was huge. “We’re not sure how accurate or how much time it’s going to give us, but even just a little warning will at least get the residents to safety in their own homes.”
I grasped his hands. “That’s wonderful!”
“Yes, it is. I’m so glad I was a part of this. The system uses all new technology we’re developing to read the ground. It’s exciting.”
Silence fell for a moment, and Elex found my hand and held it. “Kimber, I’m going to be called away a lot in the next few weeks. I want this system working, and we’re going to be testing it. If it comes back positive for indicators, I’m going to have to go. No matter what.”
“I understand.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to be here—”
“Elex, it’s fine. We’re both doing things for the greater good. There are going to be times I can’t be here, either, and you have to be good with that, as well.”
His hand caressed my cheek. “This isn’t going to be an easy life.”
I nodded. “I know. I’m okay with that. I just wish it could have waited a little while longer.”
Edging closer, Elex whispered his offering. “It can always be safe in here. With you and I in this cocoon of sheets and blankets.”
The kiss was welcome. Slow and soft, he made no demands of me. It was just a sweet low kiss that went on and on for a long few minutes.
I felt…bold. Elex liked to be in charge, but I needed him right now. I snaked my hand around his hip and pulled him closer to me.
His smile played on his lips. “What’s this?”
“I want you,” I whispered against him.
“Mmm, a little horny?”
Hot and bothered from all the huge cocks that were swinging around me today.“More than just a little.”
“Good.” I felt his fingers on the silk of my sleep shirt, finding my pussy.
For the first time in my life, I had crawled into bed without underclothes. It felt decadent and sexy, proved to be the absolute right decision.
“Oh, I like this, Kimber,” he breathed, his hand finding the hem of the shirt and working it up.
He didn’t bring it up far. As soon as he could, his fingers found the soft lips and traced them.
“Elex…” My core trembled at his touch, and I let out a breath, slowly.
