Page 35 of Stripe for the Picking
Mallory leaned closer to her screen, her eyes sparkling. "Interesting career development, sleeping with your boss on an alien planet. Very professional of you."
"It's not like that." Wren's voice took on a breathless quality that made her friend's expression soften. "He told me last nightthat I'm his fated mate. To a tiger shifter, that's like soulmates but deeper—a fated connection that's undeniable. The crazy part is I feel it too, like I've known him in other lifetimes."
"Hold up." Mallory held up a hand, processing. "Your soulmate is a tiger shifter on an alien planet? Honestly, I guess that doesn't surprise me. You've always been destined for bigger things than Earth could ever offer."
The certainty in her friend's voice made Wren's chest tighten with emotion. "Speaking of which, my job here is pretty incredible too. Every day on Nova Aurora is exciting, like a new adventure waiting to unfold." Wren paused and took a deep breath. "And I'm probably not leaving."
"That's a pretty massive decision, Wren."
"I feel it in my heart and soul that being here is right." Wren's voice grew stronger and more confident. "This is exactly where I've always belonged. This is the life I was meant to live all along."
Mallory's smile turned radiant. "Then I'm happy for you. Just make sure to send me an invite to the wedding."
After ending the call with promises to stay in touch, Wren navigated to her next task. Her landlord answered on the second ring, his gruff voice familiar through the speakers.
"Mr. Peterson, this is Wren Calder from apartment 4B. I need to terminate my lease immediately."
"What's the reason for the sudden departure?"
"Important business matters have arisen that require my permanent relocation. I'll pay the full lease amount and arrange for a company to empty my apartment. I won't be returning."
"I'll email you the paperwork. Good luck with whatever's got you running off."
If only you knew.
Next came the hardest call—thankfully her parents' answering machine picked up after four rings. "Hi, Mom andDad. I'm going to be unreachable for a while, but I'll be in touch later. I'm away on urgent business matters. Don't worry about me."
She ended the call before her voice could betray her emotions. They wouldn't understand her choice and would probably call her crazy for abandoning everything for a man she'd known for three days. Their criticism was the last thing she needed when everything finally felt right.
The final task required some creative hacking. Rylan hadn't shown her how to access external websites, but her genius-level IQ made quick work of the system's security protocols. Within minutes, she'd updated her business website with a simple message. "Services temporarily suspended due to urgent matters requiring immediate attention."
Maybe permanently suspended.
She leaned back in the chair, a sense of completion washing over her. Every loose end was tied up, and every bridge was either mended or burned. She was going all in on Nova Aurora and on Rylan, ready to see wherever this wild adventure took them.
The sound of approaching footsteps made her pulse spike. Rylan appeared in the doorway, still gloriously shirtless, carrying a steaming mug of coffee and wearing that gorgeous smile that made her forget how to breathe.
"All finished, beautiful?" he asked, his voice low and laced with a possessiveness that sent a thrill down her spine.
Wren nodded. "All handled. My business, my apartment, my life back on Earth—it's all taken care of. I'm officially giving you and Nova Aurora my undivided attention."
The satisfaction that flickered across his face was unmistakable. "That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say." He set the coffee down on the desk and extended a hand. "Come on, breakfast is ready."
She grabbed the coffee mug and took his hand with her free hand, letting him lead her to the dining table where two plates were already set. Scrambled eggs, crispy toast, and a side of vibrant purple fruit that she'd come to love since arriving on Nova Aurora. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning light shining through the windows.
Rylan sat across from her, his eyes locked on hers as they dug in. He wolfed down his food with an urgency that made her laugh.
"Someone's excited for our shower," she teased, taking a bite of her toast.
"How could I not be?" he replied, his voice rough with anticipation. His eyes darkened as they roamed over her, and she felt the heat of his gaze like a physical touch.
She laughed, the sound light and carefree, but her own hunger—not for food—was building. She hurried through the rest of her meal, her body thrumming with anticipation. The connection between them was electric, and she couldn't wait to feel his hands on her again.
When they were done, Rylan stood and held out his hand. "Come on, my beautiful mate."
She took it without hesitation, letting him lead her to the bathroom. It was surprisingly large, with sleek black tiles and a rainfall showerhead that looked like it belonged in a luxury spa. He tapped a panel on the wall, and the shower roared to life, steam quickly filling the room.
With a quick, possessive motion, he pulled the borrowed t-shirt over her head, his eyes drinking in her naked form. Wren watched as he stripped off his athletic pants, her breath catching at the sight of his hard, chiseled body. His arousal was more than evident, and her stomach coiled with desire.
