Page 77

“Two days.”

His eyes widened. “The war didn’t start?”

“The war was averted. The bombs were disarmed, and everyone who needs to be is under arrest. You’ve got nothing to worry about, other than recovering.”

Rane stared into Nell’s eyes, and her stomach flipped. “It sounds like I’ve missed a lot.”

“It has been a crazy couple of days.”

“But you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“How do you feel about aliens?”

Nell shrugged as she stroked his arm. “I’m getting used to them.”

“You don’t hate me?”

“I never hated you.”

Rane laughed. “You did for a while.”

“That was the old me.” She grinned at him. “So, about this erotic dream of yours.”

His smile was lazy. “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen was stroking my neck frill. She wouldn’t let up, her fingers dancing over it. She made her intentions clear as to what she wanted to do with me.”

Nell grinned. “What were her intentions?”

“I opened my eyes and decided to find out.” Rane reached up and caught hold of her hand. “You do know what that means? I did warn you about playing with my frill.”

“I listened to the warning, and I’ve done my research. I knew what I was doing when I touched you.” Nell swallowed, her voice thick with emotion. “I had to get you back. I had to tell you how much you mean to me. You almost died saving my life.”

Rane let out a sigh. “I should have been more focused. Your Doctor Kingsbury shouldn’t have beaten me so easily.”

“I’m going to pay you back for saving me for the rest of your life, if you want me.”

“Want you?” Rane’s stare grew intense. “I’ve wanted you for such a long time. Every touch of your hand and every moment we spent together, I wanted you. I needed you to be sure that’s what you wanted. I would never force myself on you.”

“I know. I love that about you.” Nell glanced away. “In fact, I might be in love with you.”

“It’s about time.” Rane pulled her down for a lip bruising kiss.

She held on to him and drank in his taste as his arms wrapped around her. Rane pulled her onto the bed next to him.

Nell pulled back, laughing and more than a little breathless. “I’m guessing you’re happy?”

Rane’s hands slid down her side, and he cupped her ass. “Let me show you just how much I want you and how happy I am that you’re here.”

Nell straddled his thighs. “Are you sure about this? You’ve been sick. I don’t want you overexerting yourself.”

“This is doctor’s orders. I’m sure of it. Olickie recover better with their mates by their sides. In fact, I’ve been so sick, you’re not leaving my side for a very long time, possibly never.” His hand slid down the zipper of Nell’s jumpsuit, and his fingers grazed across her nipples.

Nell leaned into his touch. This was something she’d never imagined herself doing, but all she wanted was this gorgeous alien’s hands all over her naked flesh.

She gasped in pleasure as he freed her from her bra and slid the jumpsuit off her shoulders. Rane kissed every inch of exposed flesh.

As his mouth went to sample each nipple, Rane hummed low in his throat.