But that didn't stop her from slipping onto the bed on his uninjured side and gently cuddling up against him, making contented noises at his solid presence beside her as she kissed her way up his arm.
“Um, hello,” he said, the words nearly a question at her almost aggressive display of affection.
“Have I told you lately that I love you?” she said, stretching up to press her lips to his.
Dax kissed her back warmly for a few moments, then pulled back and looked at her, the silvery color of his eyes in his disguise somewhat unnerving. “I think you might've mentioned it once or a dozen times while fussing over my injury,” he said wryly, wrapping his good arm around her. “I love you too.”
Even though he was never shy about saying the words, they still sent a thrill through Lana. She made another contented noise and nuzzled his neck. “Is it selfish to say I wish you weren't injured? I really want to make love to you right now.”
She felt him wince. “I'd have to be insane to say no, but I'm not sure I'm up to it,” he said apologetically.
Chagrin surged through her. The poor man had just had his arm burned to a crisp, and even with painkillers every movement or even the slightest pressure against it had to be searing agony. Of course he wasn't up to it. “I'm sorry, that was a terrible idea. But can we at least cuddle until bedtime?”
Her boyfriend's arm around her pulled her closer. “You never have to ask that. Want to talk about how the raid went?”
“In a little bit. For now I just want to enjoy this moment.”
“Sounds good.” He kissed the top of her head. “Right now, sounds just about perfect.”
Lana sighed contentedly and rested her head on his shoulder. Terra was ridiculous to think humans would ever get tired of this and decide to end relationships.
Now that she was with Dax, she never wanted to leave him.
* * * * *
The only thing worse than having to postpone his after combat routine with Ali, was having to do so because some irritating scientist wanted to probe at his relationship with the adult companion.
But he'd been putting Sarr off all day, and she hadn't given up. He'd finally been forced to admit to himself that if he didn't let her have her stupid interview, she'd probably sit outside his door all night waiting, knocking periodically to ask if he was ready yet.
Hardly the sort of relaxing or romantic setting he wanted for a massage from his companion, followed by whatever came next.
So the next time she buzzed his intercom, rather than curtly ordering her to go away he threw open the door. “Miss Sarr!” he said jovially into her surprised expression. “I was just about to go find you! Do you have a moment to talk about my feedback concerning your prototype companion?”
“Oh, um . . .” the willowy woman began, clearly flustered.
Aiden bit back a smile; he'd had her pegged as the sort who hated unpredictable behavior. Then again, most rational, cerebral types did, even when the surprise was a pleasant one. Something he'd learned over several years of going out of his way to irritate his unbearable Ishivi crew members.
“Come on in!” he said before she could regain her composure, stepping aside and pulling out a seat for her at the small table in one corner. As she hesitantly settled into it, he stepped over to a locker where he kept a few refreshments. “Can I offer you a drink?”
Sarr shifted uncomfortably in her chair, fiddling with her datapad. “Oh. No, thanks.”
“All right then, let's get to it.” He settled down in the other chair and directed his next words to Ali. “My dear, you comfortable where you are?”
The scientist jumped again, apparently just realizing that his companion was in the room and had been seated on the side of the bed. Ali gave her a warm smile as she answered. “I can excuse myself if you want some privacy for this.”
Aiden didn't, in fact, but Sarr looked relieved at the offer. “Thank you,” she said. “We find people are far more forthcoming with information in a confidential setting.”
Blast. If he wanted to play the good host, he couldn't reasonably refuse. Especially since his guest was probably expecting him to. “All right,” he told Ali pleasantly. “Maybe you can go do a last check of the ship, make sure things are looking good. I'll call you when we're done here.”
“Take your time, my love.” Looking as if she was biting back a smile, his companion stood and gracefully left.
Sarr was leaning over her pad, and before the silence could become uncomfortable she spoke up. “How would you describe your level of satisfaction with your companion, Captain?”
Well, that was an easy one. “Top notch. You guys at HAE know your work.”
“Interesting,” Sarr mused as if he'd offered some profound insight, nibbling her lower lip as she jotted a note on her pad. “And how would you describe your intimacy with your companion, both in terms of physical satisfaction and emotional comfort and support?”
Aiden blinked at the sudden shift in direction this conversation had taken. “Excuse me?”
The scientist looked up, seeming surprised by his discomfort. “I assure you, Captain, any information you provide will be kept in strictest confidence. Your feedback can be invaluable in helping us streamline our adult companions for optimum customer satisfaction, with an experience that feels authentic but has none of the usual drawbacks of relationships. Better than the real thing, you might say.”
He shifted awkwardly. “Giving you feedback is one thing, but I'm not sure how much I want to talk about my sex life with my companion.”
“Ah.” Sarr nibbled her lip
