Page 59 of Stripe for the Picking
The rest of their clothes landed in a haphazard pile, and then he was stepping into the bath, the water sloshing as he settled back. He held out a hand, his eyes locked on hers. "Come here."
She didn't hesitate. Sinking into the water between his legs, she sighed as his chest pressed against her back, his arms wrapping around her. But soon, his hands were everywhere—soothing at first, kneading the tension from her shoulders, skimming down her ribs, and tracing the curve of her waist. But then his touch grew heavier and more possessive, his fingers dipping between her thighs with a knowing pressure that made her moan.
"You're too tense," he murmured, his lips at her ear. "Let me fix that."
She arched into his touch, her head falling back against his shoulder as his fingers worked her with slow, deliberate strokes.Every brush of his fingertips sent sparks through her, her body tightening in anticipation.
"Rylan." His name came out as a plea.
His free hand cupped her breast, his thumb circling her nipple in time with the rhythm of his fingers below. She bit her lip, her hips rocking against his hand as pleasure coiled tighter and sharper. His touch was relentless, his control absolute—until she shattered with a cry, her body trembling as waves of sensation crashed over her.
Before she could catch her breath, she turned in the water, straddling him in one fluid motion. His hands gripped her hips, his gaze burning into hers.
"I need you," she demanded, guiding him to her entrance.
He didn't argue.
She sank onto him with a loud moan, her body stretching to take him, every inch a perfect, aching fit. His groan vibrated through her as she began to move, her thighs flexing as she rode him, the water sloshing around them.
His grip tightened, his hips meeting hers with deep, driving thrusts that stole her breath. The pleasure was sharper now, more intense, the mate bond amplifying every sensation until she could barely think.
"Look at me," he growled softly.
She did—and the raw possession in his eyes sent another wave of heat through her. His rhythm faltered, his control slipping as his release tore through him, his body shuddering beneath hers. She followed him over the edge, her cry muffled against his neck as pleasure ripped through her.
For a long moment, they stayed like that—breathless and tangled, his arms locked around her as if he'd never let go.
"I love you," she whispered against his skin.
His lips brushed her temple. "I love you."
The water cooled around them, but neither moved. Today had been a battle, a test—but they'd won. Together.
Several hours later, Wren smoothed her hands down the silk of her red evening gown, the fabric hugging every curve as she and Rylan approached the grand ballroom's entrance. The dress had been a last-minute purchase from a boutique near their apartment—crimson silk that pooled elegantly at her feet and showcased just enough cleavage to make Rylan's eyes darken with possessive hunger every time he glanced her way.
"You're going to cause a riot in that dress," he murmured against her ear, his hand warm and steady on her back.
She tilted her head to admire his perfectly tailored black suit, the red tie that matched her gown making him look devastatingly handsome. "Says the man who looks like he stepped off the cover of a magazine."
The grand ballroom stretched before them in a symphony of polished metal and soft golden light. Holographic banners celebrating the Protocol Trials shimmered from the vaulted ceiling, casting colorful patterns across the assembled crowd. Council members mingled with distinguished guests, their formal attire creating a sea of elegant silhouettes against the backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of Nexus under the twin moons.
Wren took it all in, marveling at how surreal this moment felt. Seven days ago, she'd been sitting on Earth, bored out of her mind and yearning for adventure. Now, she stood here as the fated mate of Nova Aurora's most respected military commander wearing an engagement ring that caught the light with every gesture.
Seven days. It felt like a lifetime—every moment packed with intensity, danger, and discoveries that had reshaped her entire world. The cyber attacks, their flawless teamwork during the Trials, the terrifying confrontation with Arvox inthat abandoned warehouse. Their bond had been tested under the most extreme pressure imaginable, and they'd emerged stronger.
"There's Kael," Rylan said, guiding her toward their table.
General Kael stood near the head table, resplendent in his dress uniform, his weathered face breaking into a genuine smile as he spotted them. "Now there's a sight worth celebrating. You two clean up rather nicely."
"We had good motivation to," Wren replied, accepting his offered arm as he escorted her to her seat.
The Council leader approached the podium, his voice carrying easily across the hushed ballroom. "Distinguished guests, we gather tonight to celebrate not just victory in the Protocol Trials, but the exemplary leadership and courage displayed during this week's unprecedented challenges."
Wren's pulse quickened as all eyes turned toward their table. She reached for Rylan's hand beneath the crisp white tablecloth, their fingers interlacing naturally.
"Commander Rylan Kaedor," the Council leader continued, "your skill, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to protecting Nova Aurora have been demonstrated beyond question. Your partnership with Wren Calder proved not only victorious in the Trials but instrumental in exposing and eliminating a serious threat to our planet's security."
Applause thundered through the ballroom as Rylan rose and walked to the podium, his posture radiating the quiet confidence that had first captivated her. He accepted the ceremonial medal—a gleaming crystal pendant suspended from midnight blue ribbon—with the gracious humility she'd come to adore.
