She stopped a few feet away, just out of his reach and took a moment to admire his handsome features now cast in a soft orange glow by the setting sun.
“Alice,” he warned, pacing back and forth along the shore like a predator tracking prey. “Don’t think I won’t come in there. I can handle a few stings.”
The dark hunger in his eyes gave her pause. He might actually do that.
Not wanting to see him hurt, she hurried forward. Before she’d set foot on land, he’d reached out and snatched her, kissing her like he hadn’t seen her in months.
He started walking toward a cruiser waiting beyond the entry gate and she trailed behind, her hand clasped in his. It took her a moment to catch her breath.
Once inside, he pulled her under him, pressing sizzling kisses to her neck.
“Luka…” she said in a whisper, lids gone heavy.
Circling the cuff of her ear with his tongue, he murmured, “Hmm.”
“I need to talk to you.”
Letting his head rise a few inches above her, he pressed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “Then talk, love.”
She shook her head to clear it and pushed on his shoulders, managing only to force herself deeper into the padding of the cruiser bench.
He chuckled, kissing the other side of her mouth before rising and helping her to sit upright.
Knowing she needed to be away from him to think clearly, she moved to the seat across from them. His brows lowered and his jaw clenched. Resting his elbows on his knees, he clasped his hands.
“You’re worrying me, little mate.”
She brushed her hair away from her flushed face, then took a deep breath. “Do you know of any way to transport someone back to Earth?” When his head reared back, hurt flashing in his eyes, she added, “Not me! Vanessa. Do you remember her? One of the women from the outpost?”
His eyes grew distant as he thought. “Vaguely.”
“Well, she really needs to go back to Earth, and I’m trying to figure out a way to help.”
She could see the wheels turning in his mind, but she couldn’t wait and nervously babbled, “She left her sister, and she really needs to get back to her. I’m worried if I don’t figure out a way to get her there safely, she’ll do something crazy. I couldn’t live with myself if she tried to hop on some lowlife’s ship and ended up hurt or worse. I know it’s illegal—”
“I could find a way if it’d make you happy,” he interrupted, his expression revealing nothing.
Alice blinked at him. “No, I can’t do that. It’s my friend, my risk. I didn’t want you involved at all, but I don’t even know where to start, and you’re the only person I trust here.”
“I won’t allow you to be taken away from me, Alice, and I won’t let myself be taken from you, either.” He sat back, and his gaze grew unfocused again. “Transporting a Class 4 species to their planet is illegal, but keeping an eye out for a good opportunity and teaching her what she needs to know to take advantage of that opportunity is not.” Leaning forward, he clasped her hands in his. “We don’t have to do anything illegal to help her. Please trust me with this.”
Her heart swelled. His magnificent mind was working through a plan even as she watched. Dashing across the cab, she threw her arms around his neck and stared down into his pale-blue eyes. “I love you,” she breathed.
A hesitant purr stuttered through his chest. He rested his palms on either side of her head and his wide gaze searched her face. “Truly?”
Hot tears dampened her cheeks. Why do I always have to cry at the wrong time?
Emotion welled in her throat, so she just nodded.
His purr revved to life, full force. He didn’t grin or frown, but stared at her seriously, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. “Over the last few days, I’ve grown to like you more than I thought possible, but my soul knew it loved you even when I was drowning in the void of my mind. I’m humbled you feel I’m worthy of your love.”
The kiss he gave her made her toes curl and mind blank. She had a wonderful, honest, sexy, affectionate mate, and he loved her.
Suddenly, he broke their kiss and stared deeply into her eyes, expression serious. “Are those words taken lightly on your planet? Because, they aren’t here. I love you, Alice. I’ve never said that to anyone else and never will. Are you sure about me? About us? There won’t be any going back after this.”
Alice couldn’t contain the happy tears that streaked down her face. “I’m all yours, forever.”
Chapter 23
Luka gazed down at his mate while she slept. The female who loved him. He still couldn’t believe his good fortune. Alice was more than he could’ve ever dreamed her to be. She cared about everyone and everything. When he was with her, he felt he could finally exhale. She allowed him to be himself. Hell, she allowed him to discover himself. He’d been fixated on work and achievement his whole life, but with her he’d rediscovered facets of his personality he’d forgotten he had.
He enjoyed being playful and teasing her. He liked that she argued with him and challenged his domineering instincts. She allowed the Traxian side of him that ached to keep her close and safe to surge to the foreground when they had sex. She’d fight tooth and nail for what she believed in, but once in the bedroom, she’d submit so sweetly. He’d never felt so free.
