Page 34 of Stripe for the Picking
God, I actually had sex with him last night.
The memory sent a delicious shiver through her body. She didn't regret one second of it—not the way he'd worshipped every inch of her skin, not the desperate hunger in his blue eyes, and not the way he'd made her feel like she was the only woman in the universe.
He was everything she'd never known she wanted in a man. Strong without being overbearing, intelligent without being condescending, and tender in a way that made her heart ache. The crazy part was she'd only known him three days, but this mate bond thing was no joke. It transcended logic, time, and every rational thought she'd ever had about relationships.
Her mind wandered to her life back on Earth—her apartment in Vermont, her cybersecurity business, and the mundaneroutine that had left her feeling empty. The thought of going back to that colorless existence made her stomach twist with dread. She didn't want to leave Nova Aurora. More importantly, she didn't want to leave Rylan.
She needed to make some calls, tie up loose ends, maybe find a way to make this permanent. Her business could probably be managed remotely, and honestly, what she was doing here felt infinitely more important than helping people fix their careless mistakes.
Rylan stirred behind her, his arm tightening around her waist as he pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.
"Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep and desire. "Sleep well?"
She turned in his arms, finding herself face to face with his piercing blue eyes and that devastating smile that made her knees weak. His dark blonde hair was perfectly tousled, and she couldn't resist running her fingers through it.
"Best sleep of my life," she admitted, heat creeping up her neck. "You make an excellent pillow."
His laugh rumbled through her body. "Just one of my many talents."
"Mmm, yes, you demonstrated several others last night." She traced a finger along his collarbone, delighting in the way his muscles tensed under her touch. "Actually, I need to ask you something. I want to make some calls back to Earth, arrange some things. I don't think I want to go back anytime soon."
His eyes darkened with satisfaction and something primal that made her pulse race. "So does that mean you're staying here with me?"
"If you'll have me. This fated mate business is pretty compelling." She tried to keep her tone light, but her heart hammered against her ribs. "Plus, someone needs to keep you in line."
He rolled her onto her back with lightning speed, his powerful frame caging her in. "If you promise to shower with me afterwards, I'll let you use my computer. It has Earth connectivity—better than Skype and more secure. You can make whatever calls you need."
"I suppose I can shower with you since you're being so generous." She traced the line of his jaw, marveling at how right this felt.
"Perfect. I'll make us breakfast while you handle your business." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling back. "After breakfast and our shower, we should really head over to Defense Nexus. The opening ceremony of the Trials is in two days, and even though we're in perfect sync, more practice wouldn't hurt."
He climbed out of bed, and she couldn't help but admire the view—all lean muscle and confident grace as he pulled on athletic pants, leaving his chest gloriously bare. The man was a work of art.
She slipped out of bed and grabbed one of his black t-shirts from the dresser, the fabric hanging loose on her smaller frame. It smelled like him—cedar and something uniquely male that made her want to bury her face in it.
"One more thing," Rylan said, his voice taking on that alpha edge that brooked no argument. "You're staying here from now on. After that attack last night, I'm not risking your safety. You don't leave my sight until we handle this Arvox situation."
"Rylan—"
"Non-negotiable, Wren." He stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. "You're mine now. That means I protect you, no matter what."
The fierce protectiveness in his eyes made her breath hitch. "Okay," she whispered, surprising herself with how easily shesurrendered to his demand. "I guess I can live with that arrangement."
His smile was pure male satisfaction. "Good. Now come on, let me show you to my office."
Wren settled into the ergonomic chair at Rylan's sleek desk in his small office next to his bedroom. As she familiarized herself with his computer, the cool metal surface of his desk reflected the soft morning light filtering through the large windows behind her. The communication system on his computer hummed to life with a series of holographic displays that would have made NASA weep with envy.
Here goes nothing.
She initiated the video call to Mallory, her heart hammering as the connection established. Within seconds, her best friend's face filled the screen, her blue eyes widening with relief.
"Wren! Thank God, I've been worried sick about you. How's the alien planet treating you? Are you—" Mallory's words died as she took in Wren's appearance. A knowing smirk spread across her face. "Is that a man's t-shirt you're wearing?"
Heat crept up Wren's neck as she tugged at the oversized fabric. "Maybe."
"Things must be going pretty damn well if you're wearing some guy's clothes." Mallory's eyebrows shot up. "Please tell me you're not fooling around with random aliens."
"It's actually my commander boss that I've been assisting." Wren couldn't suppress the smile that bloomed across her face. "And he's... God, Mal, he's everything I always dreamed of and could want in a man."
