Page 7 of Trak
“Ah, well. Mementos of youth.”
Anna had a few scars of her own, although hers existed on the inside, thanks to a father who used her in too many of his heists.
“We’re really far away from Earth, aren’t we?” she asked.
“Yes. Very far.”
She placed her fingertips to the ice-cold window and gulped back a stab of panic. “It didn’t take long to get here.”
“Space travel is different for more advanced species. Not that yours is lacking,” he added quickly. “On the contrary, I have deep appreciation for human females.”
Anna closed her eyes. “Great.” She didn’t mean for it to come out quite as dryly as it did.
His sigh sounded clear and resigned in the quiet room. “Anna, you signed a contract agreeing to come here and mate with me until an offspring was conceived and produced, but I will not compel you to do so. I have never forced myself on a female and I will not begin now. If you wish to return to Earth, say the word and I will summon a shuttle to bring you home.Notthe same one you arrived in.”
She turned and faced him, tilting her head up to see his face. Small, dark metal hoops glinted in his earlobes. She hadn’t noticed them before. A thin scar ran along his jawline. His golden hair was rumpled and sticking up from sleep. He was absurdly gorgeous. And so far he had been kind. “You would do that?” she asked softly. “Send me home?”
A concerned frown etched a line between his brows. “Of course. The High Sage chose you as my best match, but the human organization behind this program will send another woman who will be willing.” His gaze searched hers. “The choice is yours.”
She blinked at him. “You mean I have a backup waiting back on Earth?”
“Several, I think.” He shrugged. “I dunno the exact number. We pay in gold, rare minerals, and gems, which we have plenty of, and in return, we are sent females to help us begin to rebuild our numbers. It’s critically important that we do so.” He lifted a lock of her hair, trailed it along his finger, then let it fall. “I would like to procreate with you, but only if you are willing.”
Anna bit her bottom lip and dropped her gaze. Then regretted it, because of course he was naked and his cock was ready, even if his words were reasonable. She looked back up and to her surprise, she smiled.
“You’ve been…nice. And I do think you’re…attractive. Could you give me a little time to get used to being here and to think about it?” she asked. “I’m more than a little overwhelmed right now.”
He held her gaze for a long moment before he nodded. “Of course. There is a food dispensary through that door.” He pointed to one on the end as he retrieved his pants, which had lain on the floor next to his side of the bed. “Feel free to utilize it and anything else you may need. Most of the doors in here will open for you.”
Anna blinked up at him, surprised by his response. “Thank you. I…”
“No need to thank me.” He stepped close, lips curling into a smile. “Might I give you one thing before I depart?”
“What’s that?”
“A kiss.”
“A kiss?” she asked.
“Yes. Just one.” He brought a hand up to her cheek and gently tilted her face upwards. “Nothing more, I promise. I would like to know how you feel, is all. And perhaps you are curious, too.” Those bright blue eyes moved lazily over her face. “You can say no, of course.”
Anna’s heart beat faster as he eased close. His head bent and those sexy lips parted. He paused with his lips a breath away from hers. “Your answer, please, love, before either of us dies of old age.”
Her own lips were tingling in anticipation. Without realizing it, she’d shifted up to the balls of her feet, and somehow, one hand was resting on his bare chest while the other still clutched the sheet under her armpits. The heavy beat of his heart thudded against her palm. She licked her lips. “Okay.”
She caught a smile, a flash of sharp teeth, then his lips touched hers and her mind shivered to blankness. His kiss was pure confidence, flawless seduction. He knew just how far to lean in, allowing her breasts to brush his chest without crushing them. He knew how to seduce her mouth, drawing out sensation and teasing to deeper pleasure. Anna’s eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into him.
His hand, which had been on her cheek, moved to her waist. His touch was light. There was a deliberate detachment and not an ounce of possessiveness. He was curious, as he’d said. On the other hand, her hormones were rapidly being drawn to a boil. She was aware, vaguely, that these were not the moves of a novice lover. Trak knew exactly whathe was doing, and Anna could not summon a single care. On a moan, she opened her mouth and invited his tongue inside.
A hum sounded from his throat that could have been arousal or amusement. His tongue slipped inside her mouth, teasing hers, tasting her. His lips maintained the same gentle pressure. His fingertips lightly played along her spine. When she pushed up to her tiptoes, he gently pressed her back down. Then, with a sigh, he eased back.
His lips were wet. He licked them as if savoring traces of honey. “You are a delicious creature, Anna.” He took a step backwards, tail flicking behind him. His hands slid around to her waist, then released her. Anna grasped at the sheet that was about to fall and pulled in short, shallow breaths.
“You too.” She stared at him, surprised by her own reaction. She hadn’t wanted him to stop. If he hadn’t, she wasn’t sure she would have. “You’ve seduced a lot of women. Sorry,females.”
One long finger slid along her jaw, then flicked her lower lip. “I’ve seduced a lot of everything, love,” he replied with a wicked grin. “I would very much like to seduce you. Repeatedly.”
She swallowed through a dry, tight throat. “Um.”
