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As he stepped closer, she couldn’t help but keep glancing at the bulge at the front of his form-fitting pants. She also found herself wondering what he would look like naked, and the brief mental image that flitted through her mind caused the quaking in her nether area to deepen. As her breath caught in her throat, the faintest hint of a smirk passed over Errik’s face.

Well. Maybe he could flirt a little.

Her heart danced again.

He crouched in front of her and reached for the straps that secured her to the co-pilot’s seat. He unbuckled each strap, his movements leisurely and almost teasing, as his fingers grazed over her arms and legs through the thin material of her cardigan and dress.

Could he see the outline of her red panties from this position? She wasn’t sure, but she somehow resisted the urge to glance down at her own crotch. Her face heated anew when he laced his fingers through hers and pulled her to her feet.

She expected him to lead her away from the bridge immediately, but he didn’t. Instead, he gathered her close in his arms and stared at her with a profoundly gentle expression that almost brought tears to her eyes. He was doing it again. Looking at her as though she meant something to him.

He slowly brushed his fingers through her hair, glancing at her tresses as he did so, seemingly transfixed by her dark locks. Or perhaps her hair was just softer than his or different in another way. Delicious tingles spread over her scalp, and even though she felt increasingly hot and flushed, goosebumps rose on her arms and the back of her neck.

He leaned down, bringing his lips to her ear. She almost choked on a gasp when his warm breath danced along her earlobe. His rich masculine scent teased her senses, making her dizzy with need. And the aching in her core only pulsed harder and faster.

“Come with me, Holly. I promise I will take good care of you.”

He straightened, stepped back, and met her eyes. Then he grasped her hand and led her into the corridor.

Her heart raced.

They were going to his bedroom.

Where they would become better acquainted.

And consummate their mating union.

Chapter 8

Errik prayed he would be able to maintain his restraint. He didn’t just want Holly to feel safe with him. He also wanted to earn her absolute trust.

He only hoped he knew what he was doing.

Was it wise to spend time talking to her before he officially claimed her as his mate? He hoped she didn’t feel as though he was stalling for some reason or because he didn’t really want her. Star God knew how fiercely he was drawn to her. It was all he could do to keep walking toward his quarters as his pants grew tighter with every step.

As he guided her down the corridor, he realized he liked holding her hand. It was casual but intimate, and he was pleased that she wasn’t pulling away. She seemed content to hold his hand, allowing him to lead her toward his bedroom. His heart lifted. Perhaps she was already coming to trust him.

Her earlier comment about possibly becoming obsessed with him kept replaying in his head. Fluxx, he hoped he would be so lucky to have a sweet and beautiful female like Holly constantly preoccupied with thoughts about him.

Despite knowing her for such a short time, he felt certain he was already obsessed with her. He was enchanted by every little sound and movement she made. He loved watching her blush, blink, and even breathe.

He couldn’t imagine parting from her. If something happened and they were no longer together, he would go to the ends of the universe to find her and bring her back. The dark deeds he’d committed during the cage fights when his opponents refused to surrender were nothing compared to what he might do to keep Holly at his side.

At last, they reached his quarters. He ushered her inside and started guiding her toward the bed, only to realize that might not be the smartest course of action. If they sat on the bed and talked, his restraint might collapse. The last thing he wanted to do was claim her before she was ready and willing. Yes, he could still smell the pungent sweetness of her arousal, but he doubted it was something she could control. Just as he couldn’t control his desperate need for her.

A single glance at her was all it took to rouse his desire and make his cock throb harder in his pants.

Rather than lead Holly to the bed, he guided her to a padded bench that faced a large viewport. He helped her take a seat and immediately wrapped an arm around her, overwhelmed by the need to keep her close, the need to keep touching her.

“So…” she began with a brief smile. “I guess this is the part where we tell each other about our likes and dislikes, and what our favorite foods, colors, movies, and books are. And about our families, our careers, and our hobbies and interests. Our dream vacation. Our perfect day. And the first thing we would do if we suddenly won a million galactic credits.” Her eyes widened, and she shook her head slightly and gave a nervous laugh.

At least Errik thought it was a nervous laugh. She folded her hands in her lap and stared straight ahead, peering at the stars.

He turned toward her and studied her demeanor.

Yes, she was nervous.

Not only was she fidgeting, but her hands were trembling slightly.