Page 35 of Fire Forged

He jerked back.“Etterians do not lie or deceive; it is dishonorable.To do either might cost me a foot of my hair.”

A race that doesn’t lie?She fought a snort and won.“Your hair?”What an odd thing to value.

“Yes, it is an outward indication of our obedience, discipline, teamwork, and authority.Onlydamu…” He met her gaze.“Your word would be children.They are still earning their honor.”He flicked his braid and caught its tail to run his thumb over it.“I must tell her.The Ethera demands we mate.”He offered a smile.“I never expected it to be this potent—the emotions she summons in me.Nor did I know the Ethera would be so merciless.”

So far, he’d confirmed everything Nerx had said.“And when she touches you?”

His expression became dreamy.“It eases the pain the Ethera inflicts, but to kiss her is beyond my ability to endure.”He cleared his throat.“You do not mind that we are—”

“Married?”Britt teased.“You better tell her soon, Aldur.Omission is deception.”

He stared at her.“You speak truth.Shall we head to my quarters now?”

She laughed.“No, I lied to get you out here.Once you tell her, then we’ll have nothing to hide from her.One more thing.What will happen if she rejects you?”

His eyes darkened with sadness.“I die.The void will grow until it consumes what makes me Etterian.I will become reckless, desperate to feel a drop of joy.Death would be a kindness.”

He abandoned her, returning to Mom.Britt had no doubt he’d be spilling everything soon enough.So, all true and an insight into how Nerx suffered.Right.So she could throw a tantrum, act as if the universe conspired against her, or she could embrace this.Rejecting Nerx meant he’d die and orphan Lily.

Britt’s heart twanged, and tears pressed at the backs of her eyes.This was a horrible predicament.It wasn’t fair.After decades of studying planet after planet, she’d hoped to, at least, meet a biologist.She’d wanted the meet-cute, dates, wild sex, and love confessions or the minimum mutual affection.Instead, she had this.Although, dinner tonight could be considered a date if she treated it as such.And she couldn’t get a cuter meet-cute than tazing her future-husband.She swallowed a giggle.Sure, the stuff of romantic comedies everywhere.

Should she wear something fancy?She nibbled on her lip while entering Aldur’s old quarters.Starting on the right foot might be wise, but she didn’t want to look like she tried too hard.For her husband, she should be giving their relationship her all.She’d do that for a boyfriend, why not for Nerx?

She ran her hands from her waist to her hips.Something slinky would have her ‘beneath’ him sooner.She shivered.Oh, yes, please.Or another kiss or four.She could settle for that.Browsing the clothes available had her choosing a cocktail dress.A sleeveless blue silk body-contour, with a plunging neckline, ended just above her knees.Simple, stylish, and not too sexy.A sheer demi bra in sky blue lace with matching G-string were next.Navy blue three-inch peep-toe mules would complete the outfit.Since she’d be crossing the common and not walking along their metal-grated passages, these shoes should do fine.

After a quick shower, she diligently stood under the wind tunnel to dry.She studied her reflection in the mirror above the basin.Her hair fell in curls to her shoulders, with amazing volume when she had yet to brush it.Her skin glowed as if she moisturized regularly—she didn’t.Underwear was easy to put on, sliding into the dress a little trickier, but zipping it up the back…

Shit.After huffing and wiggling, she got it halfway up, then slumped into the chair.Slipping the mules on gave her a sense of accomplishment even though she wasn’t ready.

The door chimed.It had never done that.

“Enter,” she called, praying the visitor wouldn’t mind helping her.

When the door stayed closed, she crossed to it, careful not to take too-wide steps lest she tore the dress.

Nerx stood before her in his military uniform and big boots.Lily chatted to Ziot by the rehydrator.

“I need your help.”Britt grabbed Nerx by the arm and yanked him inside.

He said nothing but ran his gaze up and down her body, lingering on her cleavage and bare toes.

“Nerx.”She stomped her foot.

He whipped his gaze to hers.“You look magnificent.”

Heat warmed her cheeks at his compliment, and his stunned reaction boosted her confidence.“Thanks.”She spun and offered her back.“Please zip me closed.I can’t reach.”

His breath hitched.Warm fingers snuck between the fabric and her skin to clasp her waist.He tugged her against his chest while sliding his hands around to her belly.Nudging her hair aside with his chin, he feathered his nose from her earlobe down her neck to her collarbone.

“Do you wear this for me?”he asked, his voice like butter along her senses.

“Yes,” she said, unable to think of something clever to say.

“Ensa,” he growled.“It is not wise to tempt me so.”He pulled away to stroke the back clasp of the bra.“And this?”

“Lingerie,” she said when she should have said ‘bra.’Yes, she was playing with fire and loving every moment of it.

“Maker,” he rasped.Spinning her to face him, he settled his fingers at the top of the dress, threatening to pull it down to expose her.He skimmed the silk to her cleavage then up, his touch feathering along her skin.“I ache to rip this off you.”

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