Page 43 of Alien's Luck
It was pleasant.
“Do not do that,” he said.
“Do what?”
“If you are amused, laugh. Do not hide it.”
“You are so bossy. Is that an order?”
“It is what I want. Do with that what you will.”
She laughed again, the robust sound filling him with delight.
“Is that all you want?” she asked, her tone teasing.
“We should return to my ship. I do not trust these supports to hold.” The salty sea air caused spots of corrosion on the walkway’s metal frame. He eyed the rust at the connecting joints. The structure wasn’t in immediate danger of collapse,but they should head toward the ship before another delivery arrived.
“Not the hotel room? Are we leaving now?”
Tempting as it was to run, Ari dismissed it. “The Patrol will be monitoring for unexpected departures. We will sit and wait.”
“Sounds good,” she said, moving to her feet. Reluctantly, Ari released her from his hold. Already, he missed the feel of her in his lap and her scent, like summer flowers.
She stretched and shook out the fabric of her gown. It was mesmerizing. With a soft smile, she asked, “Which way?”
“Follow me. Walk quietly.”
As it turned out, she was as quiet as a gentle breeze. Ari was the one who stepped too heavy, causing the metal to clank and groan. His injured wing ached, wanting to be stretched and flexed, but the walkways were too narrow. He’d knock into every pillar and rod.
With the occasional pause to remain hidden from resort staff going about their evening, they made their way down to the water and across to the lights of the guest marina.
Within moments, they were inside the ship. Lights flickered in the airlock. Despite being on land, the ship went through a pressurization cycle. He should learn how to disable that in case he ever needed to make a quick escape. The computer counted down until the inner hatch opened.
Carla paced the room, as if filled with nervous energy. Her hands clenched and flexed. She lifted her chin, as if coming to a decision. She stepped toward him, placing her hand on his chest. “I know what I want.”
Dare he ask? He remained voiceless, as still as stone.
“I want to kiss you.”
CHAPTER 12
CARLA
“To be clear, this is for purely selfish reasons,” she said.
“Care to explain those reasons?” Somehow, his eyes managed to sparkle under the harsh overhead lights.
“I think kissing you would be nice, and I like nice things.”
He pulled her into an embrace. “We can do better than nice.”
Carla reached up, grabbed him by the horns, and pulled his face down. Her lips met his. The first brush was hesitant, almost shy, then grew heated. He growled, his arms tightening around her. He demanded more, his tongue licking the seam of her lips and pushing in.
She lost herself in the feel of him. His lips were softer than she expected, and his teeth sharper.
Ari pulled back, his gaze fixed on her, as if waiting for a judgment.
“Better than nice,” she said, her grip still tight on his horn. She pulled him back, capturing his mouth. This was nothing more complicated than lust. She hadn’t been touched since being abducted, and she was hungry. After being dormant for so long, her desire was wide awake, and it would not be ignored.
