Page 52 of Tail, Dark and Handsome: Celestial Mates
“Your garments are incorrect.”
She zipped up the front of the sweater, hiding away the last scrap of her tantalizing flesh.
Disappointing.
“This is in compliance with Interstellar Union transport regulations,” she said. She wheeled two luggage cases behind her as she climbed up the ramp. Winter hurried forward to take the luggage, ignoring her look of surprise. He did not have to explain himself.
“I will put these in your cabin,” he said.
Her brow furrowed and for a moment, they tugged on the handle. Did she know that he carried her panties in his pocket? Was she worried he would rifle through her undergarments a second time? He would not. Probably.
Human faces were too flat. He could not tell what she thought. This was her fault.
Reluctantly, she let go. “I’ll get started on the safety checks,” she said.
He did not watch her retreating form, and he ignored his kit, who chuffed with mirth.
“Do not spoil your appetite,” he barked, dragging the cases behind him. At the cabin reserved for the pilot, he left the luggage outside the door. He did not wish to be alone with her luggage and temptation.
Speaking of temptation, her voice came over the speakers. “We’re scheduled for departure in fifteen minutes. Raising the exterior ramp and closing the doors now,” she announced.
After securing the supplies in the hold, he verified that Zero had not consumed all the sugary snacks. Within minutes, the ship’s computer asked him to secure himself in a safety harness before the ship disembarked the station. Hurriedly, he flung himself into the seats in the lounge area. A sealed door separated the common space from the cockpit. He felt a brief pressure squeeze his chest, but the departure was flawless.
The cockpit door slid open. “Hey, boss. I need to talk to you for a minute.”
“What is wrong?” He fought with the safety harness before finding the release. “The mechanics did not perform the maintenance correctly. The shop appeared questionable.”
She motioned for him to join her in the cockpit. The space was barely large enough for two adults standing behind the pilot and navigator’s seats, but it was not designed to be a social area. Marigold kept one hand on the back of her chair like Winter might forget her role onboard.
“About your proposition, I think it’d be best if we forgot about it,” she said.
Human faces were inscrutable. Did she mean her words? He had a hard enough time deciphering the moods and intentions of his kit, who had no control over his ears or tail. Frustratingly, he found his gaze drifting up to the top of her head, where Tal ears would be, instead of focusing on the way she chewed her bottom lip.
“No,” he said.
“No?”
“I will not forget. I will have you as my mate.” For the first time in years, he felt alive, not merely existing. He refused to forget her, the lush feel of her in his arms, or the way she yielded to his kiss.
Her fingers drummed against the chair’s headrest. “You’re my boss. I’m flattered, but what happened last night got out of hand. It was unprofessional. This whole situation is, well, I don’t even know, but I’d wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t already paid.”
“You would renege on our contract.” He knew it. He did this.
“I will ifthatis expected to be part of my job description. I’ll leave right now.”
Marigold lacked ears and a tail, but her posture was tense, anticipating trouble.
“No, that is not an expectation.” He stepped closer. She held his gaze stubbornly. One hand cradled the side of her face. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering shut as if to savor the sensation. His thumb brushed along her bottom lip before he leaned in, pausing a moment to wait for her to pull away or protest.
She closed the gap between them, pressing her lips to his. Soft and sweet, she tasted of the candy-scented lip wax and more. There was a depth to her that felt refreshing and revitalizing, like cold water on an unbearably hot day.
He did not want this moment to end. It was simple. Uncomplicated. Perfect and real. When their lips parted, reality would return with the questionable ethics of a male so determined to have his mate that he bound her to him in a work contract and bought her debt. He could claim his motives were pure, but they were not. He wanted her. He did not care how he had her. The moment he released her from this embrace, she’d discover his secrets.
He drank Marigold in because she offered and he was greedy for her. He had never wanted anyone like this, with the desperation of a thirsty male for water.
“Ah,” he whispered in relief when they parted. Whatever made her hold back, it was not a lack of desire.
“I’m not opposed. I’m very much for exploring this. Us. But I need to be sure.” She pulled away.
