Page 27 of The Arabis Triad

He had an idea, one which his brothers might also like.

She trembled against him, eyes heavy-lidded and muscles soft. His male pride was happy he’d been able to satisfy her. Only then had he allowed himself to find his own release.

He helped lower her legs that were still wrapped around his hips, and soaped her with a soft cloth. He kept an arm about her waist to help support her. When he finished, he stopped the water and set the drier. Warm air circulated around them and they were dry in a few moments.

“I’d love to take this technology home,” she said. “No need to spend an hour on your hair. Just blast it with this super-drier thing and you’re good to go in a second. GHD, eat your heart out.”

He picked her up, delighted when she wrapped her arms about his neck and relaxed against his chest. She was already getting used to their touch and how they liked to handle her.

One of his brothers had laid out a gown on top of the bed that their sister, Celethe, had given them before they’d left, saying if they did find their mate in one of the human females, then she might not have a wardrobe available to her. He vowed to send her a thank you comm.

Evelyn lifted her head as she stared at the gown. “Oh, that’s so beautiful. Where did you get it from?”

The gown was made from the colors of the Arabis crystal, the silk a wash of oranges and magentas, one color bleeding into the next, reminding him of artwork their artisans created with water paint.

“Celethe, our sister, had gowns packed before we left. I’m not sure what she arranged, but knowing her ability to keep our seamstress busy, you will be well-stocked.”

Coltan set Evelyn on her feet. She picked up the dress and held it in front of her. Although he liked to see her better without any clothing on at all, he had to admit the vibrant colors offset her moonlight hair and pale skin to perfection.

She slipped on the dress, the swirls of silk fluttering to her knees. She beamed up at him.

“You are breathtaking, Evelyn.”

She self-consciously brushed her palms over the material, her cheeks turning a charming shade of pink.

He took a moment to contain his basic urges, selecting a fresh pair of leathers from the hidden drawer in the wall they were stored in and slid them on. The temptation to rid her of the dress and ease into her welcoming heat was almost too much. He tied the laces, taking care to make adjustments for his hardening shaft.

He’d never had this response to a female before. Then again, he’d never had a mate before. Being a royal meant he had slept with other females—he was not inexperienced—but such activities were not taken seriously. Not when a Trio could meet their mate the very next day. Hells, the very next hour, if the Fates were inclined.

Now he knew the difference. He’d lusted after females, but that was like watered down Inclin wine. The perfume from the flowers the wine was made from was intoxicating in its own right, let alone after they were distilled. A small tumbler was all that was required for a massive kick in most cases.

“Do you think so?” Evelyn said. She scrunched the material of her gown at her thighs with restless fingers, then, noticing what she was doing, smoothed the creases away.

He frowned at her nervousness. She wasn’t fishing for compliments. She genuinely had no idea how stunning she actually was. Had no male ever complimented her before? If they had done their job, she would know beyond a doubt about the quality of her looks, both inside and out.

He cupped her cheek, and she turned her gaze up at him. “I do not give compliments where they are not due, but you, my dear Evelyn, are absolutely magnificent.”

Her cheeks went from a subtle pink to a deep red. She fidgeted. “You’re a smooth talker, that’s for sure.”

“You don’t believe me?” He was amused. He had never met anyone quite like her. He caught her chin between his knuckle and thumb. “Then we need more than just my opinion. If you hear it from two more, will you believe me?”

Her mouth opened. “I…”

He picked her up.

“Hey, I can walk you know,” she said.

“The floor will be too cold for your feet, and Ashir the idiot did not bring you any shoes with that gown. I will take you to eat and we will discuss the merits of your beauty.”

Her mouth firmed into a straight line that he didn’t like seeing there. “Let’s not ask them. I’m not a needy person like that.”

“It’s not anything to do with being a needy person. This is all about understanding how we feel about you and that we will always speak the truth,” Coltan said.

“That’s the thing. How the hell do you know what you feel about me? You don’t even know me.”

He halted in his step and turned toward her. “Evelyn. Mate. Our connection. The mate connection. It is a soul connection bestowed by the Fates. It is true we don’t know each other, but we will have a lifetime to learn. Our quirks. Our dislikes. Our joys. A soul connection is the deepest possible union ever to be formed. You will feel the link if you listen to your heart closely enough, and once unveiled, it cannot be reversed.”

Her slender fingers wrapped around his forearm as he stood before her. He liked that she’d initiated touch with him. “But what if it’s wrong? What if you don’t like me after you get to know me? You’re going to be stuck with me.”

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