Page 76 of Kryxis

“Where is Kryxis hiding now?”

“My place.”

Myrell gave her a look that made Dani flush and glance away. “It’s the only place I can keep an eye on him.”

“Is that all?”

“All what?”

“Oh, don’t. I’m no idiot. I’m aware Kryxis is more intelligent than some wild beast. He’s probably more intelligent than ninety percent of the people on this ship. I also noticed that necklace around your neck when we were taking off from X110. It wasn’t there when we first stepped on that rock. I can only guess who gave it to you.”

Dani took a moment before she answered. “It’s…complicated.”

Myrelle snorted. “You could say that. I’d even say a little crazy after everything he put you through.”

Dani frowned. “I know.”

Myrell tapped her cup against Dani’s. “Guess the heart wants what the heart wants. Just be ready if it all comes crashing down. I don’t mean it will but…”

But the chances were high. Even if it hurt to admit it. And Dani was surprised at how much it did hurt.

She took one last drink and set the cup on the table. “I know.”

The lights flickered across her hallway just as the elevator opened. Heart fluttering, she clutched at the small package in her hand as she made her way over to her door and plugged in her code. Slipping inside and locking the door, she peered around the darkened apartment and froze when she saw Kryxis’ silhouette standing by the window next to her shelf of plants, including those from X110.

“Good, you’re back,” she greeted, stepping into the kitchen and placing her package on the counter. The engineer’s control pad was the only thing remaining on the table. That was no surprise. Kryxis still had to use it to not be seen by cameras. Eventually, she would have to sneak it back somewhere.

She went over to the sink and flipped on the switch for water to wash her hands. “I take it your mission went well. You hungry? I’ll make you something.”

She hadn’t heard him move and jumped when he nuzzled the top of her head, his tail brushing against her ankles. His red hands settled against the counter on either side of her, enclosing her, while his blue ones crept along her thighs.

“Rissinak,” he breathed against her, making her shiver.

She’d take that as ayes.

Tensing, she watched his hands slide up to her hips then along her stomach. They paused only briefly before dipping down to her center, fingers pushing against the fabric of her pants.

Ah, that sort of hunger.

Swallowing, she clung to the edge of the sink, feeling his intense heat behind her, until he pressed himself closer and rubbed against her. She could feel how hard he was as he pinned her to the counter.

She shut her eyes, wanting badly to roll her hips back into him. But she knew that would be his undoing and they wouldn’t stop, and she needed a small moment to collect herself. Slowly, she twisted around to face him.

“Trust me, I want to keep going too,” she whispered, making circles on his stomach with one finger. “I even got…” She glanced over at the small package next to her. “Something to help make things a little smoother in that regard.”

Kryxis grunted, his blue hands now clutching her waist. “Need more, Dani.”

“I know. I want it too.” She steered him back. “But first you have to eat.”

He grumbled, stepping away. He muttered in his tongue, something along the lines of, “I’ll wait a little longer, but I need you,” followed byVassalla. My love.

Her stomach flipped just hearing those words. “Not long,” she said. Her eyes flitted down to his bottom half, where she could clearly see how badly he wanted her. It would be difficult to do anything with him walking around like that. “Where are your pants?” she asked.

Kryxis pointed to a small alcove next to the door where her washer and dryer combo sat.

“You figured that out, huh?” Guess she shouldn’t be surprised. He had plenty of time on X110 to learn how computers worked, so a washing machine would be simple. She went to the fridge and took out some leftover rice and a package of meat, then reached up to a cabinet and found a can of vegetables. Not the most decadent meal but it had to be better than what he’d been eating for so long on X110. As she started to prepare the meal, Kryxis watched behind her shoulder. She opened the can of vegetables and showed it to him. Kryxis sniffed it then grimaced, turning away. Dani laughed.

“It’s good for you, you know.”

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