Page 65 of Warrior's Captive
Tai’ri tucked his tongue in his cheek. “You think I’d let anything eat you? Though I’m sure you taste amazing.”
“You are not amusing.”
“You trust me?” He took her hand, satisfaction that she didn’t pull away warm in his gut. In the transport she had fallen asleep on his shoulder, rousing only when he nudged her awake. Her trust was an honor, and a weight. She’d slept, heavy with child, confident he would guard her. Which he would, with his life.
The shimmering doors parted as they entered, revealing a bustling shopping center. She sighed, rubbing the side of her belly. “I should have known.”
Tai’ri solemnly refrained from laughing at her.
“I can’t believe how advanced your holo tech is on Yedahn,” she said. “I thought the jungle was real.”
“It would be a feat to maintain a miniature habitat complete with large predators in the middle of a bustling city.”
“Is that a convoluted way of calling me gullible?”
“Course not.” He squeezed her hand in retaliation. “I enjoy teasing you, but I would never insult you.”
“So where are we going? Baby shopping?”
Her voice lacked resistance for once, and he almost changed his plans then and there to take advantage. “We can, but I’ve booked us into a spa for couples. They specialize in late stage prenatal massages. They have human chocolates on the menu.”
“You fight dirty.”
Tai’ri allowed his smug silence to speak for him.
* * *
Vivian looked around as they were escorted into a circular private room done in shades of grey, blue, and white stones. A sky light allowed the midday brilliance to set shimmering crystals embedded in the stones afire. Living plants circled the room in tiers. Refreshments were arranged on a ledge; sparkling waters and juices, sliced fruits and different flavored ices, some creamy.
Tai’ri helped her sit on a low divan. They’d changed into plush white robes before entering, hers with an extra swath of fabric to accommodate her belly. The fabric felt like clouds against her skin.
“I’ve never done a couples spa day before,” Vivian murmured.
“Never?” He gave her a sidelong look, eyes glinting. “You could have one every day, all you have to do is beckon, Viv.”
As if she would. “We aren’t really—”
“Are you going to say that after last night? I’m your child’s father, and soon to be your lover. Caring for you is my right and my duty.”
He caressed her cheek, the tips of his fingers feather light as always, eliciting a shiver of feeling down her aching spine. Exhaustion trumped most other emotions or sensations these days, and a constant low thrum of discomfort, but his touches always reminded her that there was more.
Once the baby was born, how would things be different?
“I don’t want to be a duty,” she said. “But I take your meaning.”
Tai’ri slid an arm around her and she leaned against his shoulder. Their arms touched and his marks uncoiled. Hers began to glimmer in turn, splitting and moving restlessly on her skin.
“Why do they do that?” she asked.
Tai’ri lifted her braid, toying with the end. She’d taken to confining her long dark hair into a tail for simplicity’s sake.
“Part of the preliminary bonding,” he said. “They’re syncing.”
“I need to learn more about your culture and these marks.”
He glanced at the refreshments. “Are you thirsty? Hungry?”
She lifted her head and gave him an even stare. “Why yes, for knowledge.”
