Page 146 of Stars in Nova

‘Kisan!’ Malik shouted, breaking away first.

The boy sprinted toward him with the unrestrained enthusiasm a child could muster.

The Rider just had time to brace himself before Malik launched into him, enfolding his waist.

‘Whoa, kid!’ Kisan laughed, steadying his feet.

He swept the lad up as Liora reached him, flinging her arms around his neck.

‘You’re back!’ Liora squealed, her voice high-pitched with excitement. ‘Finally!’

Kisan crouched, enclosing both of them in a hug.

Their laughter filled his ears, causing his heart to swell with a fierce love that almost overwhelmed him. He pressed a kiss to Liora’s hair and ruffled Malik’s.

‘Miss me that much?’ he teased.

Malik grinned. ‘Only a little.’

Liora rolled her eyes. ‘We missed you a lot, of course.’

As the children chattered, Kisan’s gaze lifted to Samira.

She sauntered toward him with the confidence that always made his breath catch.

Loving how her long hair shifted in the wind, those freakin’ gorgeous eyes, and herfokkin’raw sensuality.

He’d never tire of gazing at her.

Her smile was warm, her eyes sultry as they met his, the bond between them palpable even across the short distance.

‘Damn,’ Kisan muttered.

When she reached him, he stood, letting the kids tumble away with squeals of laughter. ‘Kaissa,’ he growled, the word’s significance holding everything he felt.

Her beam deepened. ‘Kralji.’

Without waiting, he tugged her into his arms, the world fading as their lips joined in a kiss that was slow, deep, and full of longing.

She melted into him, her hands sliding up his chest to his shoulders. His embrace tightened around her, grounding them both in the moment.

‘Yuck!’ Liora’s voice broke the spell. ‘That’s so gross!’

‘Disgusting!’ Malik agreed, making exaggerated gagging noises.

Samira stepped back, laughing as she shot her children a mock warning glance. ‘Behave, you two,’ she said, her tone light.

Kisan chuckled, still holding her close. ‘Kids. Always the buzzkill.’

She turned her gaze back to him, her expression softening. ‘How was it?’ she asked, concern on her face.

The Rider exhaled, his forehead touching hers. ‘Tense,’ he admitted. ‘I braced for worse, but they understood. They accepted that I’m here to stay.’

Her smile widened. ‘Good. They let you have your ship?’

He shook his head in disbelief. ‘Didn’t expect that. Turns out, once a Rider, always a Rider. Best of both worlds, I guess.’

Her fingers brushed against his cheek. ‘You are full of surprises, Kisan Sable.’

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