Page 88 of Master
"A lot of chits," Bartholomeus chortled.
"Thank you." I laid a hand on his dark gray cheek.
"It was my very great pleasure." Bartholomeus rose, bowing curtly from the waist. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to return to…." His dark eyes sparkled happily. "My mate."
We followed him out of the store. The afternoon sun rose in the pale blue sky, its golden rays painting the landscape with a warm glow. I tilted my face upwards, feeling the gentle caress of sunlight on my skin. Tarook's muscular arm wrapped around my waist, providing both comfort and a subtle thrill that sent shivers down my spine.
"A lot of chits," he repeated absently as we watched Bartholomeus walk away. Wrapping my hand with his, Tarook led me toward where the shuttle sat in a small grassy field. A heavy sigh tinged with sadness broke from his lips.
I cocked my head to watch his face, struck by the mix of determination and resignation flickering in the golden eyes.
"The Alliance is so grateful for the antidote…." He swallowed hard. "Khaion told me they are open to the possibility of returning you home."
"Home?" I blinked.
"To Earth. To your daughter. If that is what you want." The muscles in his jaw pulsed after each word.
"You want me to go home?" I didn't believe it for a minute, but I needed to hear how he felt.
"I want you to be happy." Tarook cradled my face between his palms. "If that means my heartbreak, I will gladly bear it."
In that fleeting moment, the realization struck me that while Curtis loved me deeply, what Tarook felt for me transcended mere love. It was a force of nature, a primal connection blessed by the gods that went far beyond our individual feelings.
I slipped my arms around his waist, squeezing tightly.
"I am happy. Happier than I ever thought possible." I beamed up at him. "I love my daughter and granddaughter. I'll miss them every day."
Callused fingertips stroked my cheek as he studied my face.
"You wish to stay… even though you could go home?" He said the words slowly, as though he feared to let himself believe them.
Raising on tiptoes, I pressed my mouth to his, feeling his lips curve upward in a smile.
"You are my home now, Tarook. I love you."
"My mate," he growled.
"Your mate," I whispered before he crushed his mouth against mine.
The taste of his lips was intoxicating, and our tongues danced together in perfect harmony. Nothing else mattered in that moment except for me and him, completely entwined in each other's love.
In the distance, an engine rev crested and ebbed over the sounds of breeze and birdsong.
Tarook gave a low, pained moan before breaking the kiss.
"The shuttle is summoning us," he groaned against my lips.
"Let's go home." I stole a few more kisses before we headed for the shuttle and a new life among the stars with my mate.
From the town square, the smooth sound of guitar strings filled the air, accompanied by a voice that was as surprising as it was familiar.
Take my hand,
Take my whole life, too,
For I can't help falling in love with you.
Glancing up at the male holding my hand… and my heart, I couldn't help the amused murmur that escaped my lips.
