Page 25 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

Her lips meet mine, soft and sweet. When we part, her green eyes lock with mine. Something electric passes between us. Something ancient and powerful that transcends species.

This time when our mouths crash together, there's nothing soft about it. Her fingers dig into my shoulders as my tongue sweeps past her lips. The taste of her, the feel of her pressed against me, threatens to short out my image inducer completely.

A soft chime from Aileen's phone breaks through the haze of desire clouding my mind. She pulls back, her lips swollen fromour kisses, and checks the screen. The loss of contact makes my scales itch beneath the hologram.

"They need me back at the Pizza Place." Her fingers trail down my chest, sending sparks through my nervous system. "I know you're planning for us to take a trip after the weekend, but maybe we could spend some time together tonight?"

"Yes." The word bursts from my throat before she finishes speaking. My tail would be twitching if I wasn't maintaining human form. "Yes, what time should I pick you up?"

"It'll have to be late. Probably around ten-thirty by the time I close up."

"It's a date." The words come out in a growl that I hope sounds human enough. The image inducer strains as my scales ripple with anticipation beneath it.

I grab Aileen, pulling her into a fierce, passionate kiss. My hand finds her ass, firm and insistent, kneading her pliant flesh. Her soft moan vibrates against my lips, igniting a fire within me.

My fingers trail through her rounded ass cheeks, stroking her pussy through her jeans. The denim grows hot and damp beneath my touch as I conquer her mouth with my tongue. Aileen writhes, her body responding to my every movement.

Her breath hitches, and she moans louder, the sound echoing through my office. I can feel her heart racing, her body aching for more. When I finally release her, she's a red-faced, giddy, and aroused mess. Her eyes are glazed with desire, her lips swollen from our kiss.

"Simmer, little delicacy," I growl, smacking her firmly on her ass as she turns to leave. "And think of the things I will do to you tonight."

Aileen looks back at me, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation. "You're playing with fire, Varak."

"I like the heat," I reply, my voice a low rumble.

She bites her lip, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Tonight, then."

"Tonight," I confirm, watching her walk away, her hips swaying with each step. The door closes behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering scent of her arousal.

I turn back to my desk, my body still humming with the intensity of our encounter. The city sprawls out before me, but all I can see is Aileen's face, her smile, her eyes filled with desire. Tonight can't come soon enough.

"It's entirely possible she is your Jalshagar, Sir." Teletran's holographic face materializes once Aileen's footsteps fade down the hall.

"Oh?" I straighten my tie, still tasting Aileen on my lips.

"Yes, of course. Who else would tolerate your presence so easily but a soul mate?"

The barb barely registers. My scales tingle with the memory of her touch, even through the hologram. "Run a background check on every restaurant within walking distance of Papa Marella's. I want somewhere special for tonight."

"Already compiling a list, sir. Though might I suggest focusing on the Grolgath threat instead of your mating rituals?"

"Multi-task, Teletran. I can save Earth and court my... Aileen at the same time."

"Ah yes, the famous Vakutan efficiency. Like that time you tried to negotiate peace with the Centaurians by challenging their High Priestess to ritual combat?"

"That worked out fine."

"She stabbed you. Twice."

"Details." I wave away his holographic face. "Now help me plan this evening. I want everything perfect."

"As you wish, sir. Though I must note your hormone levels are reaching unprecedented heights. Shall I schedule a medical scan?"

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CHAPTER 9

AILEEN

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