Page 35 of Captain's Companion

“You like this stuff,” he said. “My mother used to arrange and rearrange, and it never seemed to make her happy, but we spent hours doing it.”

“The doors make a walk through but having this sofa here, interrupts the flow. If we put the chairs here, it will be more welcoming.” She lifted her end as he lifted. He stepped backwards, turned the sofa so it would be ready to slide into place once they moved the chairs. She picked up one chair and walked with it to where the sofa had been. He brought the other. She stood back to look at the arrangement as he set the table in between.

“Maybe I should take down the hanging,” she murmured.

“No,” he said. “It’s beautiful and I like it. Hanging over the table it’s featured.”

“Are you sure,” she asked.

He saw she wasn’t confident. “I love it,” he said. “Now you promised me kissing.” Picking her up, he sat in the chair he just moved and held her close to him. He felt the softness of the material and rubbed it against her skin.

Her hum of pleasure made him grin. “I think we may have to put you in clothes more often,” he said. “I’m taking this off you slowly.”

“Not now,” she said. “It’s nearly time for them to be here.” She rubbed her hands over his chest, smiled at the feel of fabric beneath her hands. “You look really good in these colors.”

“One of my sisters sent me this shirt,” he said. “Do you like it?”

“It’s soft and your muscles show,” she said leaning towards him.

Their lips touched and the buzzer for his door sounded. “Damn it,” he growled.

Gwyn pushed her lips against his, held tight to him for long moments, and withdrew. “Let’s bring them in so we can socialize,” she said. “After, I have plans for you, captain.”

“Naughty plans, I hope,” he said. Holding her hand, he walked with her to his ready room.

“Are you formal with your commander or less formal,” she asked with a slight quiver to her voice.

Squeezing her hand, he said, “You’re only with me. I’m not sharing you ever. Plav is Sinivite and his mate is human. He won’t share any more than I would.”

“Is she nice,” Gwyn asked as they approached the door.

“I don’t know her well,” he said. “They’ve only been together about a year.”

“Why not,” she asked.

“Plav has not wanted to share,” Ulrik said.

“Will this be awkward,” Gwyn asked stopping short of the door.

“Do you plan to flirt with him,” Ulrik asked.

“No,” she said. “You’re the only one I want touching me.”

“Not awkward,” he said but he still waited for her to step forward.

She stepped up to the door, still holding his hand. He stepped up right behind her, inhaled her and knew he’d make do with the smell and touch of her until their guests left.

“Hi,” she said smiling as the door slid up and revealed the couple on the other side. “I’m Gwyn Meinen.”

“Mina Appleton,” Mina said stepping forward. Her blond hair swept up into a pile of curls at the top of her head. Her warm brown eyes smiled before her wide mouth did.

“Captain,” Plav said.

“Come in,” Ulrik said.

“Commander Plav Do,” Mina said stepping near him. “The men won’t introduce other men to their mates. It’s the possessive thing.”

“Commander, it’s nice to meet you,” Gwyn said which had Ulrik standing straighter, his fists balling at his sides even though she didn’t attempt to touch Plav.

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