Page 26 of Cherished By the Alien Outlaw

“That would be wonderful.” Her head tiltedand a smile teased across her mouth. “Would you let me wash your hair?”

Any day or night. “Of course. You don't . . . We don't . . .”

She placed her fingertip over my lips and peered toward the hall. “I know what you're saying. And though we haven't known each other long, I want more. But here?”

I wouldn't put on a display for those in the cells around us. “I understand.”

“Get us out of this place fast so we can . . .” She coughed. “You know.”

“I'm working on it.”

“I know you are. If you're anything like me, you're determined to do everything you can to get us to a safe location.”

The stone gods deserved endless praise. They'd gifted me with this lovely woman, and she actually liked me. She might even want more than just liking with me, and that made my heart pound like a herd of hepadons thundering across a plain.

I requested drying cloths from the gods and when they appeared, I lifted one, spreading my arms to create a shield.

Talia slid off the bunk and quickly stripped behind the cloth.

I tried not to gape at her beauty. She'd been hesitant and shy when she expressed her growing feelings, but this female was bold, alluring, and much too tempting.

Flashing me another smile, she stepped into the tuband sunk down until only the top of her head showed above the surface. The tub was Zuldruxian-sized, and she was a tiny human. The water only sloshed around her neck, which must feel perfect.

Her groan rang out, telling me this was the perfect gift for my mate tonight. She looked up at me. “Hurry. Get in before the water gets cold.”

I didn't need any more invitation than that. Since I didn't care if Brax saw my ass, I tossed the cloth onto the bunk and quickly stripped. My clothing was absorbed by the floor and a new, clean outfit took its place in the same spot.

“Thank you,” I whispered to the god as I joined my mate in the tub.

Chapter 13

Talia

We settled across from each other inside the rough stone tub that was the perfect size for the both of us. I could stretch my legs out, and while he couldn’t, he didn’t appear cramped. Steam coiled off the surface, and I savored the hot water swirling over my sore muscles and hands. The latter stung, and later, I’d ask him if there was a way the stone god could craft me some invisible gloves. Although, would the guards notice or care if I wore them? I wasn’t sure I wanted to test it.

I leaned back against the cold surface and smiled. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Despite our dire situation, and the worry that I’d be dead soon, this time and place felt filled with promise because of Firion.

He was bringing joy to my life when I should be wallowing in sorrow. I felt like I was on the cusp of something wonderful, and I was going to grab onto it and hold on tight. I worried about Maggie; worried about myself and Firion, but in my heart, I knew I’d be afool if I didn’t see where this was going between us. Everyone would tell me this wasn’t the place, but what if we never escaped? This could be all we’d have together.

My parents died, and their loss was a gaping hole in my heart that would never be filled. I was going to latch onto whatever this was and let it take me away.

“I'll do your hair first,” I said, spinning my finger in the air to urge him to turn.

He did so, handing me a square lump that must be soap, also courtesy of his stone god. I still wasn’t sure I believed such a thing existed, but what I’d seen couldn’t be explained away. They must exist, and they cared about the Zuldruxians.

And maybe even me.

As I worked the soap through his hair, he braced his hands on the sides of the tub. I ran my fingers through the strands, being as gentle as I could as I threaded out the tangles. Once I was sure his hair was clean, I rubbed his scalp and neck, determined to give him a tiny bit of escape in this harsh world.

He muffled his groans, and I looked toward the hall, though I couldn’t see more than shadows beyond our cell.

“It feels so good,” he said in a soft voice. “Thank you.”

I grinned, loving that I could do this for him. I lathered my hands and rubbed them up and down his back to his ongoing groans. His body trembled, telling me how much my touch moved him. We were alike in that way,each seeking a tiny bit of pleasure from the other to balance the situation.

After washing his shoulders and his chest, he turned and took the soap from me, quickly taking care of the areas I didn’t reach. I would’ve gladly washed there myself but stimulating him when we couldn’t do anything about it would be unkind. The intimacy of the moment was almost too much, and I found myself growing increasingly aroused.

Soon, I promised him and myself in my heart.

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