Page 34 of Desperate Measures

“Compared to you, no woman is.” His grin was interrupted by a yawn.

“Enough of your silliness.” Cheryl headed for the lavatory. “Clothes off and in the laundry chute. Get in the shower.”

“Yes, my Matara.” He spoke through another yawn.

She began filling the tub, which was separate from the shower, with hot water, then went to the kitchen where his dinner waited to be warmed. Efficient appliances took care of the matter in seconds. She was glad she’d already eaten. It meant she could care for him. The shower was running by the time she returned, and the massive tub’s faucets had switched off. It steamed in readiness for the Nobek.

Besral emerged dripping. Cheryl waved him toward the bath.

“What? I’m not clean enough for you?”

“I know you. It doesn’t matter how tired you are. You’ll obsess over what still needs to be done and never sleep a wink. Climb in and relax.”

“Bossy.” There was only love in his tone, however. He obediently stepped into the basin and settled. He sighed, a note of some tension unknotting.

Cheryl brought a stool close and perched next to him. Balancing his food tray on her knees, she speared a chunk of rare meat and held it toward him.

“Kalquorian men feed their Mataras,” he grouched. “It’s wrong for you to feed me.”

“Do you really want to have an argument we both know I’ll win? Don’t worry. No one else need hear of this travesty of disrespect toward me.” She waved the steak under his nose, and his stomach loudly made its opinion obvious. He mock-snarled and accepted the bite.

She filled him in on the lighter happenings of the day, keeping to the mischief of the children and the celebrations planned for the half dozen who were on the verge of aging out of the orphanage’s guardianship…though the newest adults could always expect the staff’s continued support as they navigated their initial steps of independence and beyond.

“I hate we won’t be able to throw them the usual festivities, thanks to the evacuation,” Besral muttered between chewing.

“We’ll make it up to them. I’m sure Earth will offer help in that regard.” Cheryl refused to let him worry.

As soon as his plate was empty, she set it aside. She moved her stool closer and massaged his scalp. His eyes fluttered shut as he groaned in appreciation. “How did I get so lucky?”

“By being you.” She smiled, loving her big brute of a husband who possessed the heart of a teddy bear.

“Join me in here?” He cracked an eye open.

She had plans to sap his worries away so he could sleep, but she didn’t let him in on them yet. “Relax. This may be your last chance to rest for who knows how long?”

“It also might be my last chance to make you squeal until we’re free of Galactic Council space. Don’t you want to squeal for me?”

“Besral, you were barely on your feet when you walked in.”

“I don’t need to stand to fuck you. We do it lying down all the time.”

“Besral!” She pretended to be outraged at his crudeness, but the urge to giggle bubbled in her. “Such crass talk won’t put me in the mood.”

“I bet you are. I bet your gorgeous pussy is as wet as this bath.”

She slapped water at his leering face. “I put in effort and care to help you put the day behind you, and this is how you thank me?”

“Let me show you the strength of my gratitude.” He stood, his scarred body gleaming from the water streaming down it. A couple of other things stood proud and strong too.

She’d succeeded in distracting him from his many cares, so she gave up the farce of indignity. Besides, she was wet, and her sex throbbed in anticipation. “They are quite impressive.”

“I’m glad you think so.” He stepped out. The next instant, Cheryl found herself slung over his shoulder. He carried her toward the bedroom.

She had only one complaint. “For heaven’s sake. You’re leaving puddles everywhere.”

“I’ll clean them up after.” As he walked, he cupped and squeezed her buttocks, and yearning stabbed deep. She made a sound that was half-giggle, half-moan.

He set her on her feet by the bed and swiftly undressed her. Then she was on her back, his damp warmth settled on top of her. His fingers found her wet and ready. He spread her legs and eased his slick shafts in, filling her as only he could.

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