Page 50 of Ava Stargazer

“Yeah, from leftover parts in the engine hall.” Her fingers tangled as she demonstrated. The bird feeder was not beautiful, but it did work perfectly. There was a pause as Vox continued fiddling with it. Ava filled the silence. “I know your mother watched your birds when you were away before, but this can also help. It feeds them and is solar charged.”

The gift seemed even sillier in light of the attack Vox just underwent. Under her breath she said, “It’s downright primitive compared to anything you can trade for, but . . .”

Vox flushed a deep purple, then looked at her with heat in his eyes. “The fact that you thought of me like this ... your heart, Ava. Thank you, sweet bird.” He pushed into her, nudging her forward. “Into the house, Ava. I had a close call today, and I need you. I will show you how I am thinking of you.”

“Your injury.”

“It’s sealed enough. You can use the healing cream on it later. I need you now.”

Vox’s eyes shone in intensity as he pressed her against the wall the moment they were behind the door to their house. Ava felt shivers down her spine as his body radiated heat through her thin jumpsuit, warming her in a way that had been missing since he left.

He murmured into her skin, at the top of her collar bone, tugging on her jumpsuit. “Why are you still wearing this?” He opened his connection as he deftly took off her suit, throwing it to the corner.

Vox’s member was already extended out of its slit, coated in its own lubricant and ready as he shed his own suit. His eyes were luminous in the dark and flashed when he regarded her, keeping his hands on her as he pushed her back toward their bed.

Ava felt the connection between them surge as fast as the biologics, her heart lighter than it had been in several of Xai’s moons. “I’m not wearing it now.”

Vox chuckled as he leaned forward and gently cupped her face in his hands. “No, you are not, are you?” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I have missed you so much. Especially your thoughts, right now, how they race.” He sat up and closed his eyes, sharing so Ava felt it too.

She pushed his head back and climbed into his lap, arching her back into him. “It just wasn’t right with you gone. I was around a lot of others, but...” She spoke softly as his arms came down around her. “I’m glad you’re back.”

“Yes, Ava.” His gaze was leashed fire as he looked down at her, his hands moving between her legs, running his fingers up and down from her clit to her entrance, their joined minds enhancing the sensation. “I have missed every part of you. Especially this one.”

Ava laughed, but then stopped as he slipped his thumb further into her, taking her slickness and carrying it to her clit again. “I have missed this too.”

Vox trembled, his fingers insistent as they played with her. “Already, you’re ready. Your body as well as your mind sing for me.”

He leaned forward again, humming as he stroked around her entrance. He leaned forward to kiss her stomach while Ava whimpered from his hands. “Those sounds especially sing for me.”

“Vox.” Ava was tired of going slow. Their actions were becoming more familiar to her, allowing her to feel braver.

She leaned forward and grabbed his cock, guiding him toward her opening. “Now.”

Vox chuckled. “Insistent?”

“Yes.”

He let her lead though and thrust inside of her. She was tighter again after his absence for over a week and he paused, giving her time to adjust. Ava felt him open the connection more, feeling through her mind where to push, what angle to deepen. She was soon gripping the bed behind her with her hands, overcome with feeling.

He pushed up off her and looked down, giving them both a view of him entering her, but soon shook his head and leaned down over her torso, saying roughly, “I wanted to watch it slow, but I have missed you too much.”

Ava reached up with her legs to pull him in even deeper as his thrusts became more urgent and primal.

Vox opened the connection again as he reached his completion, adding his sensation to Ava’s. The intimacy of the moment pushed her over the edge. He stayed inside her for a time after before rolling to the side. Silence fell as Ava felt his heartbeats slow to normal. Vox spoke again, softly. “I always wondered what love would feel like. My parents loved, but it is different feeling it directly.”

Ava paused. “That’s...” Her heart felt light, feeling his words echo deep inside.

Vox ran his fingers through her hair. “It is so many little moments that build until they are the only moments that matter.”

He fell asleep soon after, but Ava stayed awake, watching him breathe. She idly ran her fingers along his scarred arms, then stroked his soft, frilled head.I love you too.

“Come outside with me tonight.” Vox rubbed Ava’s side, his fingers trailing lightly, as she rose at his words.

Ava was almost asleep and her body ached as she stirred.I’m so sore.In the days since Vox came back, they’d both sought connection with each other frequently. She’d felt an edge in mating with him the last few nights. A desperation that didn’t exist before. It both overwhelmed and excited her, but she noticed that he fought against it to remain gentle. A part of her was curious though.

“Why?” she said, leaning on her arm to look at him.

“Since we leave in the morning, I want to show you something.”

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