I was afraid to reach out to him—fearful I messed something up between us when he was the only person who truly cared for me. Perhaps I was taking everything too fast. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of what I might have lost, angry at myself for not thinking before I acted, not taking the time to ask him if it was okay. My breathing quickened as I struggled not to begin crying again.
A large splash and two strong arms wrapped around me, startling me. They pulled me into a hard chest, one hand stroking my hair as the other slid around my waist.
“Shhh, Selena! It is okay. Everything is fine,” Xylo whispered into my hair as my sobs returned anew at his tenderness.
“What do you mean? How can it be? I hurt you!” I wailed against his chest.
Xylo sat down on the ledge and pulled me onto his lap, nestling me into the secure seat formed by his waist petals. His vines wrapped around my legs, securing me closer to him.
I closed my eyes, embarrassed and upset, and struggled to get my emotions under control.
He ran his fingers through my hair. “What do you mean you hurt me?”
“You collapsed! You wouldn’t answer me, and you flinched away from me.”
His body shook with laughter, vibrating through me, and I stared at him in surprise and a little hurt.
“You mistake the situation, Selena. Our vines are extremely sensitive. They do not only produce venom—they also taste by touch and can absorb any fluid. When you slid my vine inside your mouth, the warmth and taste overwhelmed my senses. I passed out from pleasure, not because you hurt me.”
“But why’d you flinch when I touched you?”
His laughter ceased.
“I was trying to muster every bit of discipline I possess to keep my vines from having their way with you. When you touched me, it nearly destroyed my concentration. I was almost unable to prevent them from seeking out and entering every one of your holes to gorge on your taste.”
I pulled my head back in shock and wiped my eyes to better see his serious teal ones.
“Is that the truth?”
“Of course. I will never lie to you. You do not understand how addictive you are. Your mind puts mine at ease... but your scent drives me crazy. And your taste is something I wish I could live off—I would sample you all day if I could. Other nestqueens only produce an alluring scent and taste at the time of their heat-year. You are clearly pregnant, so your continued allure caught me off guard.”
“So, the allure should be gone while I’m pregnant?”
He nodded.
“But if it’s this strong now, what will it be like when I’m no longer pregnant?”
A wicked grin flashed briefly across his face. “I may never let you leave the nestbed—which means I may need some help to provide for all your needs.”
I was both surprised and pleased by his daring though my face burned at his insinuation. To my surprise, Odelm slid into my mind.
I blinked.
Xylo’s arms tightened around me.
“I am doing a poor job of comforting you. How about I help you wash?”
“I’d love that.” I eyed the soap in the baskets along the bathtub’s edge. “Pick a scent you like since your sense of smell is better than mine.”
He unwound his vines and lowered my body to the ledge next to him. I watched him reach over to pick up the basket of soaps, taking the time to smell each one. He nodded and chose a lightly floral, pink-swirled soap, then replaced the basket.
I turned my back to him and pushed my hair behind my shoulders. Water fell onto my head, and I tilted my head up and back. Hands massaged the top of my head, stroking along my scalp, fingers kneading, rubbing the soap into my hair. I moaned at the incredible sensation.
His hands felt amazing, and I didn’t want him to stop.
The exquisite care and focus with which he bathed me—taking the time to lather and rinse every millimeter of skin—warmed my heart. My instincts had been right about him having a gentle soul. I would cherish moments like this—and strive never to take him for granted.
He worked his way methodically down my neck and shoulders, and I collapsed against his chest. I took advantage of his concentration on his task to trace the elegant planes of his face. He really was beautiful, and only grew more so with each passing day.
He glanced up and met my eyes. “Tell me if something does not feel good or you need something a different way. I am not as familiar with human musculature. I have only just begun to study your species.”
His hands found a knot on my right shoulder and kneaded. My eyes rolled up in pleasure, and I let out a long groan.
He paused, looking at me with concern.
“No, don’t stop! It feels incredible.”
Xylo’s focus was single-minded as he worked his way down my body. When he finished, I felt both clean and boneless. He lowered me carefully into the water to rinse off the soap, then carried me out of the bathtub, sitting me on the tub’s edge. My gaze was glued to his strong body, watching the play of his muscles as he pulled a pair of black towels from one of the cabinets. He placed one beside me, using the other to carefully dry me.
When he’d finished, he scooped me into his arms again and carried me to our nestbed, laying me in the center. He smiled as he tucked the silver blanket around me.
“I will be right back.”
I eyed his muscular butt as he returned to the bathroom.
I was ashamed of my earlier overreaction. I should’ve remained, made sure he was okay, waited for him
