Page 106 of Stars in Aura

Many long minutes later, Ki’Remi eased from her limbs with a final kiss on her shoulder before rising from the bed.

She let out a lazy, satisfied sound, rolling onto her stomach, eyes on him.

Fokk, she’d never tire of the glorious view.

His chest and tight abs rippled as he reached for a pair of drawstring pants, his meta ink shifting with every move.

‘Stay,’ he murmured, ‘I’m making breakfast.’

She arched a brow. ‘You cook?’

He shot her a dry look over his back. ‘Contrary to popular belief, I don’t survive solely on protein rations and sheer force of will.’

She grinned, stretching. ‘Color me intrigued.’

He stalked away, and she licked her lips, impossibly desiring him again.

Minutes later, she followed, ambling into his kitchen, wrapped in nothing but his sheet.

She found a burblingkahawapot and Ki’Remi cracking eggs into a fragrant, bubbling tomato sauce spiced with cumin, paprika, and slow-roasted peppers.

The scent of simmering garlic and heat filled the space, mingling with the rich aroma of the fresh-brewed beverage, so dark and intense it could wake the dead.

She leaned against the counter, arching a brow as he plated the shakshuka, dropping thick-cut bread onto the side.

‘I could get used to this,’ she mused, sipping from the coffee he handed her.

‘Don’t get ideas, Elaris.’

She smirked. ‘Too late.’

They took their food to the patio, the twin suns of Eden II stretching over the skyline, casting golden streaks over the cityscape.

They ate in companionable silence until Ki’Remi finally spoke.

‘You’re one esoteric enigma, woman.’

She glanced at him, tearing at her buttered slice. ‘How so?’

He set his fork down, leaned back in his chair, and studied her.

‘You live outside logic,’ he said. ‘Beyond everything I’ve ever perceived to be real. It irks me. Yet,’ he trailed off.

She arched a brow. ‘Yet?’

His lips curved, eyes soft. ‘I can’t help but adore you.’

The words caught her off guard.

Her fingers tightened around her mug.

Ki’Remi never spoke out of turn nor made statements unless he meant them.

He was also taciturn, direct, and sometimes boorish most of the time, rarely sentimental.

Unused to this side of him, her soul jolted as she locked gazes with him.

She swallowed, playing it off with a smirk.

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