“Yes. In battle situations, you act like any other soldier and obey commands. In every other situation ever, you can just be in charge.”
She chuckled. “So I’m telling you what to do.”
“Any time, sweetheart.” He grinned. “Just no heading off into battles, if you don’t mind.”
“You are one confident male, Talen Kayrs.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to go fight people, for goodness’ sake. I’m a botanist.”
He rubbed a smudge from her cheek. “Okay?”
She swallowed and glanced down at his neck. “There’s some new research into crossbred plants that may have healing properties for humans. I need to teach the next generation of humans how to expand on that.”
Ah, hell. The woman had handled herself well in battle, and he could continue training her. The soft heart of hers was what he loved most about her. Plus, she’d shown her skill and great abilities by just meeting the Sandovskys. She was talented and strong. How could he not let her follow it in helping people? It’s who she was.
“I understand, and if that’s really what you want, then we can create a safe way for you to do that. But you have to figure out the timing that works for you.” His heart warmed. The woman was so sweet she wanted to help a species she was no longer even a part of.
“Timing?”
“Yeah. You’re immortal. So you teach a few years like a normal career, and then you have to disappear from human life for years until trying again.” He had to allow her to have a life, the one she wanted, for her to be happy. He got that, finally.
She didn’t look back up. “I’ll have to look at the timing, then. Do it just right.”
“Okay.” Heck. Maybe he could teach something at the same time. Military strategy or something. The idea of them posing as a normal couple, both college professors, tickled his mouth into a grin.
She straightened. “I know you have money, but I’ve been investing, and I can float us for years. Honest.”
He smiled. “My only advice would be to talk to Logan’s mum before you choose a bank to invest in, if you plan to continue investing. Make sure it’s not one she’s planning to rob.”
Cara’s entire face lit up.
Talen shook his head and pressed a kiss to her nose. “You are not robbing banks with that crazy demoness.” A guy had to draw the line somewhere.
“We’ll see.” She kissed his neck and snuggled down with a soft sigh.
Talen closed his eyes and held tight, like he always would. For some reason, sleep eluded him.
He held Cara for the entire trip, and she slept quietly. With every passing mile, his arousal grew until it was all he could do not to strip her bare and feast for the rest of the time. But she needed sleep, and he’d cut off his own arm before harming her.
The plane finally touched down, and private transport met them at the airport. Soldiers had already lined the way, so he was nearly relaxed when they reached the private villa set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific.
“Oh, Talen.” Cara danced around the master bedroom, which was open to the outside. Glass doors could be closed at night, but for now, only wispy curtains billowed in the soft breeze. “It so beautiful. I love Hawaii.” She eyed the large bed and bamboo furniture before giving a happy hop at seeing the pool right outside.
Shewas beautiful, and he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
As if sensing something, she stilled and looked around. Her gaze landed on him. Mirth filled her eyes. “You have got to be kidding me.”
He shook his head and slowly advanced.
“I can barely walk.” She chuckled.
“I’ll be gentle.” If he didn’t have her, he’d explode.
She ripped off her dress. “I could be persuaded.”
Thank God. He shucked his clothing and reached her just as she tossed her panties to the ground. A flick of her front-clasp bra, and the most beautiful woman in the world stood before him, offering him everything.
He kissed her, going deep, enjoying the throaty murmur she gave. Trying to be gentle, he lifted her, his chest settling upon discovering she was already wet.
Pressing her back to a column, he worked inside her with short, smooth thrusts, taking his time and letting her body adjust to him.
