Page 37 of His Brazen Bride

She reaches up and touches my face. “Don’t cry,” she whispers.

I grab her hand and kiss it repeatedly. Then I lean down and kiss her face, her mouth, trying to remember everything about her—every contour, every texture, every taste.

“Why? Why did you jump in front of the laser?” I plead.

“Your people need you, Ryz. I couldn’t bear to live with myself thinking you died saving me from the most stupid decision of my life.” She wheezes slightly, and I press my fingers to her lips.

“I would die thousands of times to have you next to me. You are my wife…and my love.”

She smiles, and I nuzzle her cheek. “You’re just saying that because I’m dying,” she jokes, but her cheeks are as wet as mine.

I pull back and stare into her amber eyes. “I’m saying that because it’s the truth.” Then I kiss her again, feeling the softness of her mouth.

How could I have denied this…connection? From the moment I saw her lying there under me, eyes wild, I knew she was special. I just refused to believe it. And now I realize I need her.

Forever.

She wheezes again.

“Hurry, Zadren.Please!”

“I’m going as fast as I can. We’ll be there momentarily. I contacted Chom. They are ready for her as soon as we land.”

“Good,” I say, as Gwen tugs at my shirt.

She’s too pale. Even paler than normal.

“Ryz, I’m sorry. For everything…even kicking you in the junk.”

“You shouldn’t be sorry for anything,” I say, kissing her fingers. “I’d take an infinite number of knees to my junk for you.”

“So romantic.” She laughs, then moans.

“Careful, my love.” The word rolls off my tongue easier than I ever thought possible.

“I love you so much, Ryz. You are magnificent in every way.”

I can’t stop these vreking tears.

The ship moves into a hover bay. “We’re docking. We’re home!”

“Home,” she whispers, a faraway look in her eyes.

“Gwen, look at me! Stay with me forever. This is your home now.”

“Calvij,” she says, and I realize it’s not translated. She’s said ‘home’ in Ydrin. When did my beloved learn that?

Ferg comes aboard with a floating gurney and I lift her onto it.

“She’ll be okay, yes?” I ask. “You can heal her?”

Chom looks her over as we hurry into the corridor. “This is deep, Commander. Her body is so fragile?—”

“But we have the tech,” I say as we enter the medical bay. “Please. You must heal her. Youmust.” I choke on the last word.

“Maybe you should wait elsewhere with Xi, Commander,” Ferg says. “This may take a while.”

“No!” I take Gwen’s hand in mine. “I will not leave her side.”