Page 14 of Bound

“Not always.” I remove them with a dull popping sound.

The transport thankfully comes to a halt, and I’m able to leap from the door without further explanation. Chrissie gives me a strange look as she disembarks with her case following her.

I grab my weapons, stowing my swords in the straps between my wings. I run my hand through my hair as I contemplate the busy transport hub. We’re embarking from pier D-X23 which is right at the other end. I look down at my little Chrissie. She is tiny, and it will take an age for her to get there. So, I scoop her up, and she squeals out loud.

“Put me down!”

“No.”

“I mean it, Rych! Put me down!”

“No,” I growl, striding through the crowd. “I’m doing my job.”

She squirms delightfully, her skin soft against mine, and the scent rising from her goes straight to my cocks.

“If you don’t stop wriggling, I will put you over my shoulder,” I say.

With a final cursory movement, Chrissie goes still. All I have is a pair of eyes glaring up at me. Beautiful, fierce, filled with life.

This little female will be the death of me, I already know it. Because there is no way I’m ever letting her go.

CHRISSIE

I seethe in Rych’s arms, glaring at him in the vain hope he might relinquish his hold on me. I appreciate it is a long way to the dock where our air transport waits, but even so, I could have walked.

We reach the sleek silver craft in no time at all, and Rych gently lowers me to the ground.

“Don’t,” I say through gritted teeth, “ever do that again without asking me first. I might have this”—I lift the stick and wave it at him—“but it doesn’t mean I can be picked up like a doll whenever you feel like it.”

Rych runs his hand through his hair, his wings shivering before he drops to his knees in front of me.

“Myeregri, please accept my sincere apologies. I didn’t think.” He cocks his head on one side, a wicked grin hitching the corner of his mouth, one which makes my heart spin in my chest. “You see, it was a long walk and I only wanted it to be easy for you.”

“Yeah, well,” I grumble. “Next time, ask first.”

Rych’s grin somehow gets even badder. “May I assist you onto the ship, little spark?”

He’s a cheeky male, I have to give him that. Plus he has a smile which lights up my life in a way nothing has since I was taken from Earth. I know the way my heart skips a beat is ridiculous. Once he realizes how sick I am, he’ll run a mile, but then why shouldn’t I enjoy what I can get in the moment—a devilishly handsome male who thinks he knows me.

It’s been a long time since I did.

“Why not?” I respond.

Rych doesn’t hesitate, and I’m back in his strong arms, his feathers swishing as he carries me up and through the airlock into Fenek’s ship.

Inside, other than the whooshing associated with the engines, all is silent. Lights flow over the consoles in the bridge area, and behind us, the door seals shut.

Fenek’s ship is nothing if not a home away from home, with the same muted tones as his dwelling, same fabrics, same everything.

“Automated. I should have guessed,” Rych grumbles as he puts me on my feet.

“You expected nothing less from Fenek, surely?” I say, heading through the main leisure area to the cabins at the rear.

Only my way is blocked by seven feet of muscles and feathers.

“Where are you going?” he demands.

“My cabin. Fenek will have arranged quarters for you,” I respond.

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