Page 24 of Chosen By Swift

“Pleasured?”

“Rapturous?”

Alys let loose a wild and noisy laugh. “Rapturous? Really?”

Zadie shrugged and giggled. “It’s a word!”

The spaceship started to move, and their giggles died down as they realized this was their last moment on the only planet they had ever known. Zadie reached for her hand, and Alys interlaced their fingers. She didn’t know what awaited her, but at least she wasn’t alone.

Chapter Six

“I gotta say this was not how I envisioned my return trip with my claimed mate going,” Tirade remarked as theValiantgrew ever larger in front of them.

“Being used to do grunt work or watching your mate take a nap?” Swift gestured to the live feed from the passenger cabin where both women were asleep. They had figured out how to recline their seats and had succumbed to exhaustion facing each other.

“Both,” Tirade replied and accepted the updated landing assignment that came across his console. “Maintenance 7.”

Swift frowned. “That’s a tight fit for this ship.”

“I’m feeling romantic so I’m going to let that prime opportunity for a filthy joke to pass unspoken.”

Swift chortled. “You’re disgusting.”

Tirade laughed. “They say a woman smooths out the rough edges. Maybe my Zadie will be the one to shape me into a gentleman.”

“We can only hope,” Swift replied dryly. Then, more seriously, he said, “She seems like a very good choice.”

“There’s something special about her. To me, at least.”

“I know what you mean.” Swift considered Alys. There were other men who wouldn’t have given her a second glance, but he had known from the very first glimpse that she was the one he wanted.

“It’s good they’re friends,” Tirade decided. “It’s easier when they have relationships and friendly faces from before we take them.”

“Easier,” Swift agreed, “but I expect it will still be hard for them.” He glanced at the screen and watched Alys for a moment. He thought of her bruised lip and the fear that had driven her to abandon her home and ride all night to be chased and taken. “I don’t think I’m going to press the issue.”

“The issue?” Tirade repeated with some amusement.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes. Fucking. Lovemaking. Intercourse. Sexual relations.”

Swift shot him an irritated look. “Really?”

Tirade laughed. “Well, not me, Swift. I figure my father had it right.”

“How’s that?”

“He told me to make it clear from the first step inside my quarters who is the master. Get her on her knees asquicklyas possible. Be firm but gentle. Give pleasure freely the first night but make her earn it after that.”

“You let me know how that works out for you,” Swift grumbled, thinking that was the worst possible tactic.

“I will. You can let me know how it works out for you letting your mate lead you around by the balls.”

“I’d rather be led around by the balls than be feared by my woman. I don’t want her dreading my every touch. I want her to want me.”

“You know what I hear? The admiral’s voice coming out your mouth,” Tirade said with a shake of his head. “I know you’re his new favorite and the one he’s grooming to follow in his footsteps but—”

“But?”

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