Page 54 of Stripe Theory

“You’re brooding right now.”

“I’m contemplating.”

“Broodingly.”

He silenced her teasing with a kiss that made her toes curl. When they came up for air, she found herself somehow in his lap, his hands warm under her sweater.

“Still think I’m brooding?” he murmured against her neck.

“Mmm. Maybe you need to convince me more.”

He was happy to oblige.

FORTY-ONE

Later, curled together on the blanket, Alora traced the stripes that had emerged on his forearms. His tiger always came closer to the surface when they kissed, which she found fascinating both scientifically and personally.

“I can hear you thinking,” he murmured into her hair.

“Just wondering what other interesting reactions I might be able to provoke. For science, of course.”

His laugh rumbled through his chest. “Of course.”

She propped herself up on an elbow to look at him properly. The usual tension had eased from his face, making him look younger, more relaxed. His fingers played with her hair as he watched her with soft eyes.

“What?” she asked.

“Just wondering how I got so lucky.”

“Pretty sure I’m the lucky one. Not every girl gets a sexy tiger shifter who puts up with her crazy experiments.”

“Put up with?” He raised an eyebrow. “I admire your crazy experiments. Even when they explode.”

“Especially when they explode?”

“Especially then.” He pulled her down for a sweet, lingering kiss. “Though maybe warn me next time before you turn lab equipment into weapons.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

His phone buzzed, making them both sigh. But it was just Maya:Sierra’s stable. Take your time. But not too much time because we all know what you’re doing up there.

Alora groaned. “She’s never going to let us live this down.”

“Don’t care.” Rehan tossed the phone aside and rolled them so she was beneath him. “Now, where were we?”

“I believe,” she wrapped her arms around his neck, “you were helping me with some very important scientific research.”

His eyes glowed amber in the starlight. “Happy to assist.”

Their kiss tasted of promise and possibility. Tomorrow they would face Leeta’s schemes and fight to protect their people. But tonight was theirs – filled with stolen kisses, shared laughter, and the certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together.

Back in his office, they kissed on the sofa for what seemed like forever. Rehan caressed every part of her.

“Rehan, you’re driving me insane. Please, I want you so much.”

He met her gaze. “Are you sure?”

She glanced at his lips and then back at his eyes. “There’s zero probability of me changing my mind.”

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