Page 10 of Mate for the Space Cowboy

A few minutes later, I walk into the large room where they hold these weddings. I attended Nadine’s, so I know what to expect, but it still feels overwhelming. There’s a rushing sensation inside me. No one is here to give me away because they eschew such a tradition here. Women speak for themselves and pledge themselves freely to whomever they choose.

I choose Hunter.

I’m lost in the blur of his golden eyes throughout the ceremony as he pledges to protect me, to honor me, to cherish me, and to love me into infinity.

Somehow, I manage to repeat the words back to him. I’m finally grounded when his lips meet mine to seal our vows with a kiss. Although Hunter’s touch sends my pulse into the stratosphere, I feel safe with him. When he’s close, I feel even safer.

He lifts his head, his eyes locking on mine. “I love you,” he whispers.

I can’t even speak, but I press my palm to his heart, and he smiles. We are swept into the celebration after this. The food is plentiful, and the drinks flow. It is lovely to be celebrated in such a way, yet I am so impatient to be alone with Hunter.

I know we have our own house waiting for us and a week all to ourselves. At one point, I look up at him and can’t help but ask, “When are we allowed to go home?”

Chapter Seven

HUNTER

When are we allowed to go home?

“Now,” I say in response to Melody’s question.

Time has crawled by since I met her, and I knew beyond any doubt that she is mine and will be into infinity. Since then, all I have wanted is to be with her. In honesty, I’m a little concerned about how I’m going to even work after a week of pleasure with her. But the prince and Kayden seem to manage it, so I’m banking that I can as well.

I catch the prince’s eyes. He knows without me saying anything that I would like to depart. I’m sure he can understand after his own wedding. He stands, tapping his glass with a fork. The room quiets.

“The newlyweds are off. Let us cheer them and wish them nothing but love,” he announces.

When we leave, Melody’s hand is warm in mine. The walk to our new home isn’t far. Once we close the gates in our garden, I squeeze her hand a little tighter. I’m beyond impatient. I have been for the entire week. As soon as we are in the house, I press her against the door and begin kissing her.

She opens for me so readily as we stumble toward the kitchen. I lift her onto the counter and spread her knees wide.She’s flushed pink all over, and I dip my head to kiss her again, long and slow.

“You’re mine now,” I rasp when I lift my head.

Melody’s lips curl in a soft smile. “As you are mine,” she whispers in return, desire flashing in her eyes.

I want to take this slow, to savor every second of it. But I have been waiting for what feels like forever. I bring my lips to hers again. Our kiss is a lazy tangle of tongues. I push her knees apart before I finally break free of her sweet mouth to lean down and trail hot, open-mouthed kisses along the insides of her thighs.

She’s trembling when I finally bring my mouth to her sex. She cries out, and I feel the clench of her channel when I sink two fingers inside. Her taste is salty and sweet. I breathe her in as I tease her, driving myself to distraction as much as her. I lift my head to watch as I fuck her with my fingers.

Her skin is flushed, her lips parted as she pants. I finally give her the pleasure I know she needs, burying my fingers deeply just as I bring my mouth to her and lightly suck on her clit. She shudders, clamping down around my fingers. I ride it out with her until her trembling slows.

When I straighten, I bring my mouth to hers, kissing her and giving her a taste of her own arousal. When I draw back, it’s all I can do not to rip her dress off and take her right here. The only thing holding me back is that I want to feel all of her bare skin against me.

“Are you ready?” I ask against her mouth.

I catch her answer with another kiss when she whispers, “Yes.”

Chapter Eight

MELODY

Are you ready?

I feel as if I’m tumbling into this fire that Hunter kindles higher and higher with every touch, with every kiss. He draws away from my mouth, and for a moment, I feel bereft, wanting to drag him back to me. He lifts me in his arms, holding me against his chest in his strong embrace.

I feel so protected with him, so safe. The feeling is intoxicating because I’ve never experienced it. I take in glimpses of our home as he strides through the living room area with windows looking out over gardens and the blue mist of the mountains in the distance. A big couch with a brightly colored rug is on the floor. Everything feels open and airy and inviting.

He walks through a small arch and down a short hallway that leads to another door. He’s holding me securely as he opens it, saying, “This is our bedroom.”

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