Page 34 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
Her face flickers through emotions, too many that I do not recognize. Eventually, she smiles softly at me. Ariana stands up and holds a hand out to me.
“We’re done here for today. Let’s go get cleaned up.”
* * *
Ariana clings to my arm,unwilling to let go. I guide her hand down to mine, clasping her hand in mine. With one hand, I gather up the bag of seeds she has left lying on the ground. A surge of pride and happiness swells within my chest. These seeds mean a lot to her, yet she holds onto me as if I am worth so much more.
“Promise me, Taccit,” Ariana’s small hand tugs on mine, so slight that for a moment, I almost think I imagine it. She digs her heels in, refusing to follow me. I have to be careful not to simply drag her off her feet. Her body weight is so slight it would only take a quick tug to send her flying.
“Promise me you won’t do something so foolish again as to go back to the human colony. It could be really dangerous.”
I sigh, knowing my mate is going to be stubborn about this. But I can’t blame her for her insistence—how can one get angry at someone who cares so much for their welfare, perhaps more than they do themselves?
“I promise I will be more careful in the future, Ariana,” I say, vowing to ensure that I return to her each and every night.
She searches my face for any hint of a lie but finds none. Finally, she nods with a sigh, her shoulders slumping in relief.
With hands clasped, I lead her to the small stream and the waterfall.
“You want to bathe in that?” Ariana asks, recoiling from the cool and refreshing spray.
“Yes. I know it feels cold now, but the water is quite warm,” I assure her.
She snorts, her nose wrinkling. I want to smooth away the cute little lines with my fingers. She looks at me dubiously.
“Strip for me, little Nika.”
Her eyes widen, darting to mine. She licks her lips nervously and swallows, her body tense with anticipation or perhaps the desire to run.
Seeing that she won’t do as I command, I slowly approach her, smirking as her pupils dilate and she doesn’t back away. I stand in front of her, blocking her from the waterfall’s spray. As the water droplets moisten my skin, the chilly sensation feels like gentle fingers trailing down my spine—like how I imagine Ariana’s fingers would feel.
She startles when my hands grip her waist, pulling her close.
“You are safe with me, little Nika,” I say, my breath stirring the hair around her ear.
Ariana sways slightly, leaning towards me. She always likes it when my lips press close to her neck. Little does she realize in those moments she’s exactly where I want her—vulnerable, fully open to me, and begging. I want to roar in victory but must hold back.
I tug at her belt, the knot unraveling easily. I slip it from her body and let it fall to the ground. My fingers curl over her hips, marveling at her small waist and the way her hips flare in my hands. Despite her small stature, her curves are delightful.
Pulling the fabric of her shirt, I slowly reveal her shapely legs. I’ve seen her naked before, but unveiling her like this intensifies the desire within me.
It’s like unwrapping a present, and she’s my gift.
Mine.
Ariana guides her shirt up and over her head, lifting her arms to slip through the fabric without protest.
Taking the opportunity, I admire my mate. Her skin is creamy white compared to my green, but the soft color looks perfect against mine. My eyes trace the curve from the small patch of fur between her legs, up to her softly rounded stomach, and finally rest on her chest.
Ariana takes deep breaths, seemingly unable to get enough air into her lungs. The soft flesh rises and falls, tempting me to cradle their weight in my palms and tease her until she begs for more. Seeing my gaze, her nipples perk up, swelling to tight points.
She shivers as small goosebumps form across her skin. Reaching out, I brush the back of my knuckles along her collarbone where the bumps are most prominent. Her flesh is cool to the touch.
As much as I want to continue staring at my mate, she is cold and needs warming up.
A smirk plays across my lips—I know exactly how to warm her up. After all, sharing body heat is both effective and delightful.
Grasping her hand, I lead her toward the water. She hesitates but follows me. Sensing the moment the mist touches her exposed skin, her small gasp makes my cock pulse against my leg, straining painfully against my trousers.
