“Security clearance is going to be tough,” I said, my voice wavering. Cikarius squeezed my hand reassuringly, his firm grip a reminder of the countless times he had protected me during our perilous journey.
“Trust me, Mia. We’ll get through this.” His deep voice soothed my nerves, a hint of warmth beneath the usual frosty tone.
We made our way to the customs clearance area, our steps synced, determined. The line moved quickly, and it was our turn to face the station official. He looked us over, his eyes lingering on Cikarius’s imposing figure before scanning our identification and travel documents.
“Your purpose on Dufair?” he asked, his voice monotone.
“Work.” My voice was steady, despite the pounding in my chest. “I’m a botanist.”
Cikarius’s grip tightened. “Her bodyguard.” His gaze locked with the official’s.
The man’s gaze slid to Cikarius, lingering on his violet skin and inhuman eyes. After a long moment, he handed our documents back with a curt nod.
“Welcome home.”
Relief flooded me as we strode into the station, the familiar scents of metal and ozone filling my senses. Cikarius pulled me close against his side, his warmth seeping into me and easing the tension in my muscles.
“See? I told you we’d make it through,” he said as we walked further into the station, his eyes sweeping the area for potential threats.
“Thank you, Cikarius. I couldn’t have done this without you.” I smiled up at him, my heart swelling with gratitude and something deeper—a connection that had grown between us despite the danger that surrounded our every step.
“Anything for you, Mia.” His eyes softened, the ever-present coldness momentarily lifted by the warmth of our shared bond. And as we ventured deeper into Alfataken Station, a shred of hope bloomed in this new, uncertain world we were about to face together.
Suddenly, my communication device vibrated with an incoming message. I glanced at the screen and saw that it was from Caelum, my boss. With a mix of curiosity and apprehension, I opened the message.
Take all the time you need. Your safety and well-being are our top priority. We’ll handle things here while you’re away.
A wave of relief washed over me as I finished reading Caelum’s supportive words. The weight on my shoulders lifted, knowing that my boss understood my situation and was giving me the time and space I needed.
I fired off a quick response.
Thanks. We have so much to talk about when I return.
“Good news?” Cikarius asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
“Very,” I said, showing him the message. He scanned it quickly and nodded in approval.
“Seems like we’ve got some time to figure things out,” he said, the tension in his muscles easing slightly.
I glanced up at him, losing myself in the glow of his yellow eyes. “You promised we’d continue what we started in Ivor’s base. But this isn’t exactly private.”
A faint smirk curled his mouth. “Your quarters are nearby. And I fully intend to make good on that promise, my love.”
He paused for a moment, lost in thought, before making a decision. “Since I’m done with the Sionagog Syndicate,” he said, “maybe I could become a mercenary instead, work alongside Griff.”
The idea of Cikarius abandoning his life as a hit man and starting anew sent a thrill down my spine. Together, we could face whatever challenges lay ahead, forging our own path through this dangerous world.
As we walked hand in hand towards my - our - quarters on Alfataken Station, anticipation and a sense of new beginnings pulsed through me. Our eyes met, bound by love, trust, and the promise of a future we would create together.
Stepping into our quarters, a sense of intimacy and privacy immediately enveloped us. The soft lighting cast warm shadows on the walls, and the faint hum of the station’s machinery seemed to fade away, leaving only our breaths and heartbeats as company.
Cikarius pulled me into his arms, one hand cradling the back of my head as he gazed down at me. “You’re safe now. No one will hurt you again, not as long as I live.”
His vow resonated through me, chasing away the last shadows of fear and doubt. Here in the circle of his embrace, I felt secure, knowing that he would always protect me.
“I can never thank you enough for saving me,” I whispered, taking Cikarius’s hand and guiding him towards the bed. “I’m yours. Forever.”
His eyes filled with desire as he looked at me—my violet phantom, my protector, my love. Without another word, he shed his clothes, revealing the muscular body that had shielded me from harm time and time again. My gaze was drawn to his already hard cock, my hands aching to touch him, to feel the heat and power of his body beneath my fingertips.