Page 17 of Stripe for the Picking
"Who cares?" she said boldly, focusing back on Rylan. "Let them watch and be jealous of two people who are actually having a good time instead of pretending for appearances."
That devastating smile spread across his face again. Her heart stuttered at the sight.He's absolutely perfect when he smiles like that.
"The Council expects me to be calm and disciplined," he said, though his grip on her waist tightened slightly.
"Well, you're not at work right now," Wren pointed out, moving fractionally closer. "They shouldn't expect you to act like this is some military operation. It's supposed to be enjoyable, and you're allowed to let your guard down occasionally."
As the music continued, she felt emboldened enough to slide both hands up to wrap around his neck, her fingers threadingthrough the short hair at his nape. Rylan's breath hitched audibly, and both his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his powerful body.
This is dangerous territory, but I can't bring myself to care.
The sexual energy crackling between them was so intense she was surprised the air around them wasn't actually sparking. She could hear the whispered comments growing louder now, catching fragments of conversations that made her stomach clench with worry.
"—human presence is risky?—"
"—questionable judgment bringing her here?—"
"—distraction from his duties?—"
Guilt crashed through her enjoyment like a bucket of ice water. Her presence was becoming a liability to Rylan's leadership, creating political drama she'd never intended. She'd come here to help him protect Nova Aurora, not undermine his position with the Council.
Rylan must have sensed her sudden tension because he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Ignore the comments. Just focus on me."
Easier said than done when people are questioning your judgment because of me.
But she tried to push the worry aside, losing herself in the feel of his strong arms around her and the way he moved with surprising grace for someone who claimed to be a terrible dancer.
"You're my secret weapon, remember?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Your brilliant mind is my advantage, not a liability."
The music ended, but neither of them stepped apart immediately. They stood frozen in each other's arms, staringinto each other's eyes while the romantic tension stretched taut between them.
"Let's leave this place," Rylan said suddenly, his voice commanding and decisive. "Go somewhere quieter and less stuffy."
Yes, please. Anywhere but here where every move we make is being analyzed and judged.
EIGHT
RYLAN
Rylan placed his hand on Wren's lower back and guided her through the grand ballroom doors with protective authority. His black suit moved flawlessly with each stride, and he couldn't help but steal glances at the vision beside him. The way her black cocktail dress hugged every perfect curve, how her dark hair fell over her bare shoulders, and the elegant click of her heels against the polished floor—she was absolutely breathtaking tonight. His tiger stirred with possessive satisfaction, wanting to claim her right here in the corridor, but he made himself maintain control. This wasn't the time or the place.
They strode through Defense Nexus's winding corridors toward the front entrance, the artificial lighting casting a soft glow across Wren's beautiful face. Each stolen glance made his chest tighten with something he wasn't ready to name.
"Thank you for getting me out of there. I was starting to feel really uncomfortable," Wren said quietly, her voice carrying relief. "I felt like they don't trust me, or they think I'm going to make you lose focus somehow. Distract you from your priorities while I'm here."
Damn, she's intuitive.
Rylan's jaw clenched as he processed her words. She'd picked up on the political undertones swirling around the Council and Arvox's scrutiny, even without understanding the full significance of those dangerous currents. Her instincts were sharp—another reason why she was perfect for him.
"You did nothing wrong, Wren," he said firmly, pushing open the front doors of Defense Nexus. The cool night air swept over them, carrying the unique scents of Nova Aurora—ozone from the twin moons' energy and the sweet fragrance of night-blooming flora. "You're doing us a favor. You're helping not just me, but the entire planet by protecting our security systems."
The two moons hung high above them, one bright yellow and the other blood orange, casting ethereal light across the landscape. Rylan felt his tension ease slightly in the open air, away from prying eyes and whispered judgments.
"If anything, they should be grateful. You didn't have to come here and help us," he continued, his voice holding that commanding edge that made his officers snap to attention. "Besides, you already proved today that you're more than capable of handling our cyber threats and protecting everyone on Nova Aurora."
He watched as her shoulders relaxed, the stress lines around her green eyes softening. Something protective and possessive flared in his chest—his fated mate shouldn't have to endure doubt about her worth or abilities. Not when she was already proving herself invaluable.
Rylan led her toward a peaceful boardwalk that stretched along the pink ocean's shoreline, a place he'd discovered years ago when the pressure of command became overwhelming. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the pale yellow sand created a soothing rhythm that helped clear his mind during the most stressful moments of his leadership.
