Page 116 of Stars in Halo

She sighed for a moment while Xion remained silent, giving her time.

‘They’re a blessing and a reminder that maybe I, too, might be seen as cherished by someone.’

‘You are exceptional to me,’ Xion rasped. ‘To take on a dozen kids and you’re own and redeem their lives is nothing short of extraordinary, khaliya. From the moment I touched you and kissed you, I sensed I can just be myself, and since then, regardless of the crazy chase our love has been, I’ve experienced true pleasure.’

He leaned in and captured her lips in a long, sensual kiss.

His lips trailed from her mouth to her ear, whispering sweet words in velvety tones, sending shivers down her spine.

‘Damn, kodan,’ she murmured,’ Still can’t figure how someone so rough and rugged on the outside is so tender and gentle on the inside.’

Xion pulled back and met her gleaming gaze. ‘Rough? I’ll show you rough, woman.’

His lips crashed on hers, the intensity of their passion burning brighter with every touch, sigh, whispered word.

Katya felt as if she was living on the very edge of a precipice, the warm rush of her emotions threatening to spill over into something even more intense.

As the night wore on, the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window cast an ethereal light upon their naked limbs. Highlighting the curves and lines of their forms and the look of pure bliss on their faces.

At last, they lay spent, their bodies still entwined, their breaths slowing to a gentle rhythm.

You’re the only one who’s ever made me feel like I’m not alone, Katya,’ he murmured. ‘You’ve given me something I never thought I’d have - love.’

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him, her heart swelling with emotion.

‘And you, Xion,’ she whispered. ‘You’ve bestowed on me something I never thought I’d have either of - security and so much joy.’

He pulled her close, their limbs melding together in a passionate embrace. She felt like she could breathe again for the first time in a long time.

Extortion, Trickery and Skulduggery

‘Idon’t want you to leave you,’ Katya whispered.

The couple stood close to a private berth on Eden II’s spaceport, arms around each other.

Behind them, a Zanyria-bound luxury transport loomed, a stark reminder of their impending separation.

Xion gazed down at his woman, eyes hot on her. ‘We’ve planned as much as we can for every possible eventuality. I’ll be right with you, stealthed. When you arrive, I’ll be on your tail, albeit not looking like I do now. I’ll change my appearance. But I’ll always be with you, even if you won’t see me.’

Katya gave him a slight pout, leaned in for a long kiss, and resisted pushing away from him.

‘I’ll keep a discreet eye out for you,’ she whispered as she finally pulled away, her eyes filled with concern.

Xion smiled. ‘You won’t see me, khaliya, but if you do, don’t break cover.’

She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘No chance. I know how this game is played. Also, please don’t come to rescue me at the smallest provocation. I’m a big girl, and I’ve done this before.’

He smirked. ‘Wouldn’t dare. Got something for you, beautiful,’ he drawled, slipping a small jewellery box from his pocket.

Her eyebrows rose, and she gave him the sweetest smile, a teasing glint in her eye. ‘Really? A proposal at a spaceport runway? You shouldn’t have.’

He huffed and opened the box to reveal a set of sparkling xentium earrings. ‘These are priceless khaliya because they’re how we’ll comm each during this op.’

‘I couldn’t,’ she teased.

‘But they go so well with your eyes, I insist,’ Xion rumbled, tucking them into her ear holes. ‘And your hair, too.’

He finished with a long kiss that left her panting.

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