Page 58 of All You Need is Alien Love
My research taught me that the conditioning process is particularly important since River’s hair type can often suffer from dryness, especially in a desert climate like Vegas. As I finger-comb the conditioner through his golden locks, I hum happily to myself.
There’s something incredibly soothing and satisfying about doing this, about taking care of my mate.
Never in any of my past relationships did I ever show such infinite care and downright pampering toward a partner. It’s further proof that River is the perfect life mate for me.
River brings out in me those things that make me a better man and a more giving partner.
Once I’ve rinsed out the conditioner, I grab a soft washcloth and lather it up with the citrus body wash River loves. I set about meticulously cleaning every inch of his body with all the reverence it deserves.
“This is the life. It’s like I have a life mate and a cabana boy all in one,” he says with a satisfied sigh.
I can’t help but chuckle. “So my plan for tonight wasn’t so bad after all, was it?”
He snorts. “Well, I’m feeling a whole hell of a lot more mellow and chill with things now that I’ve gotten one good orgasm out. Undergoing the different trials was nothing in comparison to the torture of not being able to touch you for three whole days.”
“I completely agree. In fact, I didn’t sleep a wink the first night. Thank the galactic gods the ceremonial elixir knocked me out last night or I might not have had the energy to get through today’s events.”
“Poor baby,” River coos. Then he sighs dramatically. “It was tough but we survived.”
I chuckle. My mate is a bit of a drama queen, but I wouldn’t have him any other way.
River snuggles closer and intertwines his fingers with mine. “I respect your cultural traditions, I really do, even if I think some of them are really damn antiquated.”
“You demonstrated great forbearance given the circumstances, my darling,” I murmur.
“Really? Wait, are you teasing me?” he asks, tilting back his head to squint at me.
“No, not at all. For you, you were very patient.”
He rolls his eyes and splashes me with water. “Now I know you’re teasing me.”
After playfully tussling around in the water for a bit, I finish cleaning every inch of him then nuzzle my nose into the crook ofRiver’s neck, inhaling his clean, fresh scent and feeling at peace. I can’t help but marvel and the amazing man who will now be officially recognized across the universe as my life mate.
“I’m so lucky to have found you, my love. You are utterly captivating, not just to me but to almost anyone who meets you. Hell, even though you haven’t traveled the universe yet, you’ve already garnered considerable intergalactic clout. When we go on our honeymoon, I have no doubt you’re going to be approached by many who want to get to know you.”
He snickers softly. “First of all,I’mthe one who foundyou, buster. You’re welcome by the way. Also, I’m not sure that my tentacle porn story has garnered meintergalactic clout.”
It’s my turn to lovingly roll my eyes. “That’s not what I meant. You’re so much more than just an incredible author. Word of your work with the Alliance has spread throughout the galaxy, and your popular advice column has already begun to reach even the farthest corners of the universe. People want to hear what you have to say, and they value your empathy and your wisdom.” I hold him tighter, two of my tentacles petting him appreciatively. “I’m so damn proud of you, and I hope you know it.”
River turns around in my lap and straddles me. His hands come up to cup my cheeks and he gazes soulfully into my eyes. “Thank you.” His lips quirk. “I’m pretty proud of me too, but I’m also equally proud of you. You’re an incredible man, Kai Genaro, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t met you. Together, you and I are an unstoppable force. Shit, if we wanted to, I’m convinced we could probably take over this galaxy and give Vardox and Starblade a run for their money.”
My lips twitch and I fight back a laugh. “Hmmm. Thought about this, have you?”
He flashes a wicked grin. “Well, maybe just a little. I am a writer, after all, and ideas flow into my brain on the fast trainexpress all the time. Different scenarios and situations arrive out of nowhere and play out like mini-movies in my mind. Sometimes, they go in unexpected directions.” He strokes my cheek. “You’ll get used to it, my hubby-boo.”
I facepalm. “You are going to besomuch trouble at Tentacular Tales Con, aren’t you?”
His eyes sparkle brighter than a supernova. “It’s going to be so freaking awesome! Not only do I get to meet all my intergalactic fans, which is going to be supercool, but Ifinallyget to travel to outer space.” He follows that up with a passable imitation of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. “To boldly go where no one has gone before. Well, no human anyway.” He winces. “Okay, duh, I’m not fully human, but you know what I mean.”
My hands glide down the wet skin of his back and cup the smooth and glorious globes of his ass, squeezing and kneading them with deliberate intent.
He gasps. “You’re trying to distract me again, aren’t you?”
I hum in agreement as I lean in and nibble gently on his bottom lip, flicking my tongue out to taste him. Then I nudge him with my hips, and he inhales sharply when my erection brushes against him.
“It’s only fair I get to share in some of this mutual sexual pleasure, don’t you agree?”
As I expected, he gets a determined and clearly competitive glint in his eyes.
