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“Likewise. I don’t want to say something that makes you unhappy. We’ll be honest with each other.” She drew in a slow breath as her gaze traveled over his body. Even in a jumpsuit, he made her feel warm and tingly. “Since you have a hard time telling me how you feel, why don’t you show me instead?”

Faron grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips against hers. “Like this?” he whispered against her mouth.

“Oh, yeah.” She returned his kiss with equal passion and pulled him close as she lay across his lap. His kiss stole her breath, and she clung to Faron, desire pouring through her. How did he manage to do this every time he touched her?

Faron pulled back and shook his head. “No. This must be done the right way.”

“What do you mean? It felt right to me.” Kendra’s vision was blurry with lust. All she wanted was to get Faron out of his clothes and into her bed.

“I mean, my courtship dance. I’m happy to incorporate human courtship symbols, but my desire to dance for you is strong.”

Kendra groaned and rested her forehead against his shoulder. “For real? You want to get naked and dance for me?”

He tilted her head up with his hand, and his smile made her heart pound. “For real. You must see me perform. I promised I would, and I never break a promise.”

Kendra wasn’t sure she was up to the challenge. She’d explode with desire if she had to watch Faron naked and writhing when she couldn’t touch him. But this was important to him, so she’d be on her best behavior, even if she had to tie herself to the chair when she watched.

“Okay then, we’ll make a date to dance.”

Chapter 24

Two long, torturous days had passed since Faron reunited with Kendra.

He’d kept to his usual routine of getting up early, completing his work, and then returning home. Once he was home, he’d spent his evenings preparing for his dance for Kendra. His room had been transformed from a sparse, practical environment into a place of passion. He’d hunted for the most luxurious bedding, placed scented candles around the room, and purchased enough food so they could stay locked in here for days. He planned to give Kendra his undivided attention. There would be no distractions.

Faron had arranged with his boss to have three days off and had done the same with Kendra’s boss, Vegas, making sure she didn’t tell Kendra what was going on.

Vegas had been surprised and had grilled him about his intentions toward Kendra, but from the way she was smiling as he’d left her office, Faron believed he’d convinced her his mating ambitions with Kendra were genuine.

His body paint and dance thong were laid out ready, but before the dance, he’d arranged to meet Kendra at a private bath on the station. Nobody else would be there. It would be the two of them alone. It was another part of the mating ritual. It was one he hoped Kendra would enjoy.

He scrubbed a hand down his face. He was uncharacteristically nervous. This mating would be unique. This would be his female for the rest of his life. He had limited experience with females, and what he did have was with Tolong females. That had been short, clinical, and not particularly helpful. From his conversation with Sala, he knew Kendra would not expect a swift, hard mating. Yet, he had no experience doing anything but that. He would not disappoint her. He would figure out how to please her.

Faron did one final check of his room and gave a satisfied nod before striding to the bath.

Pleasure slid through him as he saw Kendra waiting outside. Her hair was clipped off her face, revealing her beautiful neck. She appeared nervous, her hands clasped in front of her.

She looked up and smiled as she heard him approach. “What are we doing here?”

Faron took her hand and kissed the palm. “It is a part of our courtship ritual. This way.” He led her to the bath he had hired and looked around. As requested, candles lit the room, and the steam smelled of musky essential oils.

Kendra gasped and dropped his hand. “This is for us?”

“It happens before the dance. On my planet, this is a symbol of purity, both physical and mental. We use this time to focus on the two of us and our upcoming joining.”

Kendra turned and pressed a hand against his chest. “Our joining? Is that a subtle way of saying you plan to get me naked?”

“There is nothing subtle about this. I will have you naked.”

She sucked in a breath. “I can’t wait. Are we both getting in the bath?”

“Only if you wish to. It’s an enjoyable experience.”

“I’ve used these baths before. I’ve just never shared one.”

“We can take our time. There’s no need to rush.” Although, he was more than ready to see Kendra naked. It was something he’d fantasized about ever since she’d agreed to this.

Kendra was already pulling down the zipper of her jumpsuit. “I’m good. I want in.”