Page 48 of Signed, Sealed, Seduced
I understand the unspoken message: no more games, no more political maneuvering with dangerous technology. Henrok is taking a stand—one that might complicate his diplomatic position but aligns with his principles.
“The STI won’t be happy,” I point out.
“The STI is rarely happy with Zater Reach,” he replies dryly. “This will be no exception.”
I move around the table to stand directly in front of him, looking up at his imposing height. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be this terrifying warlord, you have a surprising moral compass.”
“Is that disappointment I hear?” he asks, one eyebrow slightly raised.
“Definitely not,” I grin, rising on tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his jaw. “Just an observation. One of many I’ve made about you.”
His hand catches my waist before I can step away, holding me in place with gentle but irresistible strength. The simple contact sends warmth racing through me, and I can see in his eyes that he feels it too—that constant simmer of attraction that never quite goes away.
“And what other observations have you made, Suki Vega?” he asks, his voice dropping to that rumbling tone that makes my knees weak.
The way he says my full name sends a shiver down my spine. “That’s classified information, First Blade,” I tease, though my voice comes out breathier than intended. “Available only to those with the highest security clearance.”
“And how does one obtain such clearance?” he asks, stepping closer until I can feel the heat radiating from his body.
I pretend to consider this seriously, though it’s hard to think with him so close. “Well, normally there’s a lengthy application process, several interviews, background checks...”
His other hand comes up to cup my face, thumb brushing over my lower lip in a gesture that makes my breath catch. “Or?”
“Or,” I manage, leaning into his touch, “there might be shortcuts available to particularly qualified applicants.”
“Such as?” His voice is barely above a whisper now, his garnet eyes dark with intent.
“Such as...” I trail off as he leans down, his mouth hovering just above mine. The anticipation is electric, making every nerve ending sing.
“Yes?” he prompts, his breath warm against my lips.
“Such as proving you can follow instructions,” I breathe, then pull back just enough to meet his eyes. “Kiss me, Henrok.”
He doesn’t need to be told twice. His mouth captures mine in a kiss that’s both tender and demanding, full of all the words we haven’t said yet. I melt against him, my hands fisting in his formal attire as I lose myself in the taste and feel of him.
When we finally break apart, both breathing harder, I can’t help but smile at the way his crystalline markings pulse with a faster rhythm. “Well,” I say, slightly unsteady, “that’s definitely a good start on the security clearance application.”
“Only a start?” he asks, his voice rough with desire.
“Mmm,” I hum, deliberately stepping back before I lose all sense of time and place. “The full evaluation might take a while. Hours, even.”
His eyes darken further. “I find myself suddenly very motivated to complete this evaluation process.”
“Later,” I promise, my own voice husky with want. “After I survive this diplomatic tour without causing an intergalactic incident.”
“You will not cause an incident,” he says with complete confidence. “You will be... diplomatic.”
I laugh at the way he says it, like he’s not entirely sure what the word means when applied to me. “I’ll try to keep the threats to a minimum.”
“And the airlock references?”
“Can’t make any promises there,” I admit. “But I’ll do my best.”
He shakes his head, but there’s fondness in his expression. “Very well. But if you encounter any difficulties...”
“I’ll handle it,” I assure him, then add with a grin, “Besides, I’ll have Rusty for backup. Anyone gives me trouble, and they’ll get a face full of dirty slug-beast poetry.”
“A truly terrifying prospect,” he agrees solemnly.
