Page 68 of Zinnia and the Zombie
“How was your meeting?”
“Interesting,” he said thoughtfully. “They are monitoring Grorn activity but not stopping them.”
“Why not?”
“They’re not breaking any laws.” He frowned. “From what I remember of the previous Emperor, he would have immediately eliminated anyone he saw as a threat to the Empire. Karthajin is different.”
“Is that bad?”
He sighed. “I think it makes him a better ruler and I would undoubtedly approve if the Grorn weren’t a direct threat to my people.”
Assuming he still had people. The unspoken words hung between them and she remembered her conversation with Ella.
“Do you want children, Jaxx?”
His skin blazed gold for a moment, but then he slowly shook his head.
“I think it’s too dangerous right now,” he said, echoing her earlier thoughts. “But if that threat is eliminated…” Gold shimmered over his skin again. “I can think of nothing I’d like more.”
He stroked a teasing thumb across her nipple and it instantly responded.
“Would your breasts grow larger?”
She gave a breathless laugh as she leaned into his touch.
“I suppose so. Why?”
“I find it hard to imagine that they could be even more delectable.”
She was about to respond when he bent and captured her mouth with his. It felt like days since they’d last touched each other and her body was already aching and demanding more.
“I missed you,” he murmured. “Even though I knew you were safe.”
“I missed you too.”
“Karthajin invited us to a state dinner tonight. Do you wish to attend?”
“Do we have to?” she asked in dismay.
“No. He made it clear it was optional.”
“Then I would much rather stay here.
“Good. Because I want you all to myself.”
He reached for her but she danced away. “You didn’t even notice my new dress.”
“It’s very pretty. Take it off.”
“There’s a whole wardrobe of clothing,” she teased. “Isn’t there something you’d like to see me in?”
She stepped back towards the bedroom, letting her hips sway slightly.
“Do you have a favorite outfit?”
He followed her into the bedroom and caught her before she could reach the bed. She heard the silk tear and then the pretty gown fluttered to her feet as he yanked her into his arms.
“Nothing,” he rumbled in her ear. “I prefer you in nothing at all.”
