Page 48 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

“Did she have good friends?”

“Not many.” His grim gaze met mine. “But someone must know something.”

“All we can do is ask.”

“Exactly.” He turned on the bed to face me, stroking my cheek with his knuckles. “It means a lot that you believe me.”

“I see your goodness, Nevarn. How kind you are. Look at how you’ve indulged Molly. How you protected me even when you were wounded yourself. That showed me your character more than words could ever do.”

“Kerry.” He said my name almost reverently. Leaning close, he kissed me, his mouth light on mine. It was a kiss of warmth and promise, and it made my heart hurt even more.

He lifted his head and gave me a tusky smile. Everyone had a different image in their mind of the perfect face and form, and sometimes, when you met someone, their image replaced that perfect being in your mind. That was Nevarn for me, from his silver hair to his blue skin to the softness in his eyes when he looked at me.

“Would you like to bathe?” he said. “We can eat after. We’ll remain here for the night and venture out into the village tomorrow.”

I’d enjoyed my swim in the river but the thought of sinking into a tub and soaking made my skin tingle with excitement.

But my heart was full of Nevarn, and it was time.

“I would like to bathe,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Would you like to join me in the tub?”

Chapter 24

Nevarn

Had Kerry just offered to bathe with me?

Standing, I studied her features. I must’ve misheard her. “I’ll start the water for you. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with our facilities, so I can explain how to use them if you’d like.”

“I’m sorry.” She stared down at her hands clasped on her lap. “I won’t push you again. I know we’re still trying to figure this out.”

Wait. Shehadsuggested we bathe together. Did she mean just washing or . . .

My cock stirred behind my loincloth.

“You want to bathe with me?” I croaked.

She glanced up at me before directing her eyes to the floor. “I shouldn’t have suggested it. If you don’t want more with me than just friendship and—”

I stooped down in front of her and lifted her face, making her eyes meet mine. “There is nothing I want more than to be with you, Kerry. When a male meets his fated mate, he falls fast. That’s what’s happened with you.” I showed her the mark on my wrist. “This appeared when I met you, and I don’t need any other proof than that. We’re meant to be together. All my thoughtsare consumed by you. I’m falling in love with you, and while it’s probably a mistake to say it, I want you to know.”

She sucked in a breath and her eyes shimmered with tears. “Really?”

My throat was so tight, I could only nod.

She slid off the bed. “Then what are we waiting for?” Taking my hand, she tugged me into the bathing area.

Inside the smaller room, I held her back, turning her to face me. “You’re sure? I’m not sure I can hold myself back. I crave you, Kerry, and I always will. If you’re saying you want me now, that means everything. My heart. My body. My very future.”

She stood on tiptoes and stroked my face. “All my life, I’ve been searching for a home, for someone who could make me feel complete, someone who’d understand me when no one else ever could. That’s you, Nevarn. You. I had to cross I don’t know how many galaxies to find you, but now that I have, I’m not letting you go.”

“Mate,” I growled, tugging her into my arms and holding her. “I never thought my life could include you. I’m going to prove to you that you’re not wrong in trusting your future to me.”

She smiled up at me. “And I’ll prove that you weren’t wrong in trusting me.”

“I want to love you completely, but I understand if you’re not ready for something like that.”

Was I ready to be with him completely? If I didn’t take a chance, I might never know.

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