Page 27 of Grumpy Alien Bodyguard

With those words, he pulls me into his arms, holding me close as our bodies cool and our heartbeats return to normal. And as I drift off to sleep, safe in the arms of my alien warrior, I wonder if this flame is going to burn out fast or shine longer than the stars.

CHAPTER 12

VARNOK

Istroll down the plush corridor of Superior Gardens, swinging an empty ice bucket like it's a battle trophy. The soft carpet feels good under my bare feet, and I'm wearing nothing but my underwear briefs—black, tight, and leaving little to the imagination. Not that I care who sees me. I'm feeling too damn good right now.

"Bah-doo-bah-doo-wah," I whistle, mimicking the smooth jazz tune that was playing in Quinn's suite. The melody keeps looping in my head, much like the memories of what just happened between us.

A human couple exits their room, takes one look at my nearly naked, seven-and-a-half-foot red-scaled body, and promptly retreats back inside. I chuckle. Can't blame them. I am rather impressive.

I reach the ice machine, jab the button with perhaps too much enthusiasm, and watch the cubes tumble into my bucket. The cold against my fingers feels refreshing after the heat Quinn and I generated. By the Vakutan gods, that woman is fire incarnate.

Bucket filled, I make my way back to her suite, still whistling. For once, a diplomatic mission has yielded somethingworthwhile. Something perfect. Quinn Gellar—all fire and fury wrapped in a tiny, delicious package.

When I slip back into the room, she's still sprawled across the bed, gloriously naked and fast asleep. Her blonde hair fans out across the pillow, and the sheet only partially covers her curves. My body instantly responds to the sight.

My compad buzzes on the nightstand. Without taking my eyes off Quinn, I reach for it and accept the incoming call.

Pyke's face materializes in holographic form above the device. "Varnok, about tomorrow's security—" He stops mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he takes in my state of undress and the obvious aftermath of exertion on my face. "Oh, for fuck's sake."

"Commander Pyke," I say, keeping my voice low so as not to wake Quinn. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Are you kidding me right now?" Pyke's holographic face contorts with disbelief. "Please tell me you didn't just?—"

"I didn't just what?" I ask innocently, setting down the ice bucket.

"You know exactly what." Pyke rubs his temples. "You're supposed to be protecting the ambassador, not sleeping with her!"

I glance back at Quinn's sleeping form, a surge of possessiveness washing over me. "I can do both."

"This is completely unprofessional, even for you," Pyke continues. "You're compromising the entire mission."

"She might be my jalshagar," I say quietly, the words feeling right as they leave my mouth.

Pyke barks out a laugh. "That's what you said about the Kilgari princess! And that Novarian dancer! And let's not forget the twins from?—"

"This is different," I interrupt, my voice dropping to a growl. "I feel it, Pyke. This is real."

He sighs, the sound crackling through the compad's speaker. "Whatever you say, Annihilator. I suppose if she is your jalshagar, you'll be even more motivated to keep her safe."

"Damn right."

"Just don't lose sight of what's important here," Pyke warns. "The negotiations. The peace process. Millions of lives depend on Ambassador Gellar's success."

I nod solemnly. "I understand the stakes."

"Good. And for the record, I don't believe this jalshagar nonsense for a second, but if it keeps you focused on your job..." He trails off, then fixes me with a stern look. "Just remember who you're dealing with. Quinn Gellar isn't some conquest—she's a skilled diplomat with a crucial mission."

"I know exactly who she is," I reply, my gaze drifting back to her sleeping form.

"We'll talk more about the security protocols tomorrow," Pyke says. "And Varnok?"

"Yes?"

"Put on some damn pants before our next call."

The hologram flickers out, and I set the compad down with a chuckle. Pyke's words echo in my mind as I slide back into bed beside Quinn. Her body instinctively curls against mine, seeking my warmth even in sleep.

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