Page 22 of Marked By the Bounty Hunter

“I know. I’m okay.” I touched his face, tracing one of his markings. “We need to check this.” I bent to retrieve the id bracelet, trying to ignore how my body still hummed from Tyrix’s kiss.

“Can Dasari hack it?” he asked.

“Her shop won’t be open for six cycles,” I sighed. “She keeps strict hours - says it maintains her mystique. Really, I think she just likes making everyone work around her schedule.”

His hands settled on my hips. “Any ideas how to pass the time?”

“A few.” I grinned up at him. “Though I might need checking for injuries.”

“I’ll be very thorough,” he promised, pulling me close again.

TYRIX

My hands refused to stop moving over her arms and shoulders, reassuring myself she was unharmed. My instincts demanded I track Grot, follow the trail while it was fresh. But the need to ensure Nalina’s safety overrode everything else.

Blood rushed south at her teasing tone. I pressed her harder against the wall, breathing in the spike of arousal in her scent. “My ship-”

“Is probably being watched.” She shook her head. “I hear the docks are crawling with Consortium eyes lately.”

“Your place?”

“Also under surveillance, probably.” Her fingers traced one of my markings. “I’ve noticed watchers the past few days.”

I growled in frustration. Even the local hotels would have eyes and ears now. The Consortium’s reach grew by the hour.

“The storage bay,” Nalina said. “From earlier. The bunk is small, but private.”

“Good enough.” My voice came out rougher than intended. I didn’t care where we went, as long as I could get my hands on her properly.

The route back was quicker this time - she knew exactly which turns to take, which maintenance hatches to use.

It was exactly as we’d left it hours ago. Our earlier footprints still the only marks in the dust. Nalina worked the familiar lock sequence while I guarded the corridor, tracking scents and sounds. No pursuit yet, but better safe than dead.

“Here.” She pressed the hidden panel we’d discovered earlier. Beyond the wall, a small space opened up. “Previous owner’s bolt hole. Not much, but it’s private. And secure.”

The room was barely large enough for a narrow bunk and some storage, but I approved of the defensible entrance and secondary escape route. More importantly, we were alone.

I turned to tell her it would work - and found her already reaching for me.

The kiss started desperate, all teeth and need. Her fingers dug into my shoulders as I lifted her, pinning her against the wall. My claws pricked her skin through her clothes.

“Sorry-” I started to pull back.

“Don’t you dare.” She wrapped her legs around my waist. “I’m not going to break.”

I growled and kissed her harder, drinking in her gasps. My tongue traced the curve of her throat where Grot had grabbed her, replacing those marks with my own. Her pulse raced under my lips.

“Tyrix...” She arched as I found a sensitive spot. “The bunk. Now.”

I carried her the few steps, laying her down carefully despite the urgency burning through my veins. Her dark skin glowed in the soft light as I helped her out of her clothes, revealing more of her to my hungry gaze.

“Your turn.” Her fingers worked at my belt. “Show me what you’ve been hiding under all this tactical gear.”

I stripped efficiently, watching her reaction as my markings were revealed. Most species found Vinduthi anatomy... challenging. But Nalina’s scent only grew headier as she took in my features.

“Beautiful,” she breathed, tracing the swirling patterns down my chest.

I grabbed her hand, pressing it against my chest, needing her to know I wasn’t rejecting her. Just... needed to touch her first.

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