I whimper, digging my shoulder blades into the wall. His hand is on my hip, pulling me close, squeezing my ass. His tongue flicks against my clit, hummingbird fast flutters that make my knees weak.
He slides a finger inside.
“Danek,” I whimper, clapping a hand over my mouth to stifle my cries. He’s got two fingers inside me now. They’re thick enough to fill me and long enough to rub the needy spot on my inner walls. I rock helplessly as pleasure builds in my lower belly. My legs give out and I start melting down the wall. He’s holding me up now, anchoring me in place with his mouth. I’ve lost hold of my dress and it’s everywhere, bunching around my waist, falling down over his shoulders. He pushes it back, keeping it out of his face, and eats me out like he’s starving.
I’m so close. My orgasm is right there. One more thrust of his fingers, one more lick on my clit, and the dam is going to burst. “Danek—”
I’m so close. My orgasm is right there. One more thrust of his fingers, one more lick on my clit, and the dam is going to burst. “Danek—”
That’s when the lights snap on.
Danek moves. In an instant, he’s on his feet and shielding me from view. I hastily adjust my dress so my boobs aren’t hanging out. “Administrator Rannzar,” he says, sounding sheepish.
“Danek.” There’s a frown on the man’s face, one that fades as soon as he catches sight of our obvious dishevelment. “I was wondering why there was someone in my office,” he says with a chuckle. “I should have realized. Ah, newly bonded couples.”
I emerge from behind Danek’s back. “Sorry,” I murmur, my cheeks hot with embarrassment. There’s no hiding the fact that my dress is wrinkled, and my lipstick’s long gone. “We were just—”
The administrator lifts his hand. “Please, there’s no need to explain.”
“I didn’t realize this was your office,” Danek lies easily. “The door wasn’t locked. I’m so sorry. Please forgive the intrusion.”
“No, no.” Rannzar waves away the apology. “No harm done. Now, since tomorrow’s a rest day, we’re about to begin a game of lachwa. Any chance the two of you are interested in joining?”
I glance at Danek. “What’s lachwa?”
“A strategy game,” he replies. “It can go on for hours.” He runs his hand through his hair, smoothing it down. “Administrator Rannzar, we’re going to respectfully decline.”
Rannzar chuckles again. “Of course, of course. I totally understand.”
We take our leave. On the skimmer back, I glance at Danek. “When we were making out, did you know Rannzar was outside?”
“Yes. He walked by the door shortly after you came in. He was probably headed to the refresher, but I wasn’t sure if we’d have enough time to make our escape.” He shrugs. “This way, he just thinks we can’t keep our hands off each other.” He places his hand on my thigh. “And he’d be right.”
I grow cold. I knew that Rannzar might come looking for us, but Danek not only knew, but he’d also evaluated two plans, chosen one, and acted on it.
All while getting a hand job from me.
While going down on me with every appearance of enjoyment.
The desire is real. That much, I believe. But Danek is still focused on the mission. He’s still playing a role.
I’ve been foolish to let myself forget that.
24
Danek
Naomi’s shoulders are tense, and her face is a mask. She’s clearly upset.
My brain starts to work a little too late. Fuck. Naomi thinks that the only reason I kissed her was because I'd heard Rannzar in the corridor.
Danek, you’re a fucking idiot.
Bast. Naomi doesn't realize that the second I touch her, nothing else matters. Not Rannzar. Not this mission. Not the wounds of the past. Not even the Draekons that could be imprisoned on Noturn until they lose their minds. Nothing in the universe is as important as Naomi.
We pull up in front of our house. Naomi opens the skimmer door and jumps out. Inside the house, the three floofs chatter in excitement—their favorite person is home. As soon as the front door slides open, they tumble out in a rush of brightly colored fur. Pumpkin stands on his hind legs, wraps his arms around her knee and starts to climb. Either that, or he’s humping her leg. Plague and Pestilence wait for her to scoop them up.
I program the skimmer to return to its parking pad. As soon as it slides away, I follow her inside. “Naomi,” I begin.
“I’m exhausted,” she says, not meeting my eyes. “I ate too much and drank too much. I’m going to take a quick shower and fall asleep.”
No. Not okay. She’s pulling away. Panic bubbles in my gut. She can’t go. She can’t leave me.
Before she volunteered for this mission, I might have been able to remain stoic. I might have been able to let her go. But now, that’s impossible. Not when I’ve shared her bed. Not when I’ve seen her smile, and I’ve heard her laugh. Not when I know that no matter what position she starts the night in, she’ll end up sprawled diagonally across the bed, her legs over my hip. Not when I’ve memorized the spark in her eyes when she tries eating something new. Not when the scent of her is etched into my heart.
“I heard Rannzar,” I blurt out from behind her. Plague—or is it Pestilence?—snarls at me, showing me her sharp little teeth. Can’t say I blame her. “And then I kissed you.”
She stops in her tracks but doesn’t turn around. No matter. It’s easier this way. See, I’ve never done this. I’ve never, ever put my
