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Alik claims my lips in a searing kiss that takes my breath away. His tongue teases at the seam of my mouth, coaxing me to open to him. It doesn’t take much effort on his part, because I’m already so far gone for him it’s not even funny. I silently ask my sisters for forgiveness for all the ribbing I gave them when they found their mates and how schmoopy they were over them. Because it appears I’m as schmoopy as them over my guy.

For a second, fear shoots through me. Fear that this isn’t going to last. Fear that I’m going to fall tits over ass in love and Alik’s going to be taken from me. I’m being irrational, but that’s how fear works. Instead of letting it get the best of me, I push it all away and focus on this sexy guy who is all mine, and the intense pleasure I feel at his hands. And his lips. And, my god, his cock.

It takes a herculean effort, but I rein in my desire enough that I’m not ripping off Alik’s clothes and mine. I break our kiss and rest my forehead against his chin. “We’re supposed to be resting and saving the funny business for after.”

“My heart’s fire is a cruel female,” Alik says on a husky laugh that makes my toes curl and my clit throb with need.

“You’re a bad influence.” I nip the small cleft in his chin and he growls in response.

Being the mature adult that I am, though, I take his hand and lead him over to the bed I actually can’t wait to curl up in. I imagine it’s even more cloud-like than my bed back at my apartment and that’s saying a lot. Gently, I nudge Alik to sit on the edge of the mattress and kneel down to take off his boots.

Before I can even get the first one off, his hands are beneath my armpits and he lifts me onto the bed. “It is my duty and pleasure to assist you with removing your clothing, not the other way around.”

“You’re going to spoil me.” Am I really complaining?

“You are mine to spoil. Please let me.”

I crawl backwards and don’t stop until my back touches the padded headboard. “Okay, then, baby. Do your worst.”

Alik quickly kicks off his boots, but leaves on his pants. He gets onto the bed on his hands and knees and prowls toward me like the virile predator he is. First, he slides off my feet the slip-on shoes Lindsey brought to the healing facility for me.

When he tugs my hips downward and I collapse flat onto my back with a sharp cry of laughter, Alik tugs at the waistband of my lounging pants. I automatically lift my butt up so he can draw them down the length of my legs, thankfully leaving my panties in place. He nuzzles his nose against my inner thighs, and my breath catches.

Alik breathes in my scent. For a second I swear I’m going to die of embarrassment because I’m sure he can smell my arousal and feel how wet I am. He kisses along my pelvis and lifts my shirt enough to expose my belly that he kisses next. Just when I think he’s going to keep kissing his way up to my mouth, he helps me sit up so he can tug my top up and over my head so I’m clothed in only my bra and underwear.

He scans my body, and the red-black in his eyes brighten. “You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”

Chapter 19

Alik

For the first time in a number of moon cycles, I wake feeling rested. I credit the female at my side. A few curls have slipped from Devon’s plaits to frame her face. She appears younger. I’m curious to know how many anums old she is. I brush a stray spiral back from her forehead and she stirs. Her eyes flutter open and she gives me a sleepy smile.

“You’re staring.”

“How can I not when a goddess lies in my arms?”

“Ohhh, you’re smooth,” she says. “Has anyone ever told you that before?”

“Only you.” I have been told many times I am charming, but none of them mean anything to me. People compliment me, because I’m royalty and for no other reason than the hope to remain in my favor in case I can do something for them.

“What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” Devon asks.

I brush my lips across hers in a tentative kiss. “You mentioned something earlier about funny business.”

She laughs and places her hand on my chest. Her touch adds to the fire already burning through my veins. “I mean, I’m willing if you are.”

“I am more than willing.”

“I’m happy to hear it.”

We kiss again. Our kiss deepens and grows hotter. Devon lashes at my tongue with hers. We spar, each of us trying to take control, but soon, she cedes to me. I roll her onto her back and kiss my way down her neck, cursing the contraption she wears that bars her breasts from my view.

With great care, I unsheathe a single claw and slice through the narrow section of fabric between her plump orbs. The two pieces fall to each side exposing Devon to my view.

She gasps. “You’re lucky that wasn’t my favorite bra, mister.”

I kiss down her sternum, mumbling along the way. “I will purchase you a replacement.”