Page 139 of Border Control
Remorse sinks teeth into me, cracking my resolve. “I’m still sorry, Dom. None of this should have been necessary. I should have listened to you and learned how shields work, but I was overwhelmed and panicking.” I take a deep breath. “I’m going to see someone about my anxiety. It’s too much for even me and you together to handle, and I don’t want to cause Nevare any more issues.”
His arms band around me. “I will support you in everything you do, Law-rah,” he whispers, reverent. His thumb brushes across my skin, tracing a soft, tender line that leaves a trail of warmth in its wake.
The ship beeps to indicate we’ve left atmosphere. Both of us glance at the planet below us, red scars seared through its desert landscapes, the gray and green dots few and far between. Perhaps it will start to heal.
In the meantime, our craft turns. A vast spiral galaxy unfurls across the void, its arms awash in shimmering shades of violet and indigo. Clusters of newborn stars burn like lavender fireflies within nebulous clouds of amethyst dust. At its glowing heart, a pulsing core radiates deep purple light, casting a serene, otherworldly glow into the endless black.
Dom unsnaps his buckles. In a heartbeat he’s kneeling in front of me, his intense gaze locked on mine. The air between us charges with something deep and unspoken. He lifts his hand, resting it gently on my cheek, and the simple touch sends a shiver down my spine.
“Law-rah,” he murmurs, his voice low and steady, carrying that familiar, cherished way he says my name. His gaze never wavers, and I feel as if he’s searching for something in me, some silent permission.
“Hi,” I say, flushing. Shy? I can't be shy right now!
But this is Dom, and I don't want to mess this up.
He entwines our fingers. “You won't.”
Argh. “Sorry. Guess I was broadcasting.”
“Yes. But you'll get better with practice.”
Fuck, Laura. Say it. Just say it. “I love you. I love how kind you are, how empathetic you are, how much you give. I love how you put up with my control issues, how well we fit together. I love you for that and more, so much more.”
His eyes gleam, bright as polished amethysts. “I love you too, Law-rah. With everything I am.”
My heart pounds. Say it! “Will you marry me?”
His nostrils flare. “You mean mate with you?”
“Yes.” I swallow hard. “Forever and ever.”
Purple pulses across the mind-sync, along with a wave of warmth. But then it grows still. “How many males will you want to include in the mating?”
I throw my arms around him. “Just you. Only you. Oh, and Nevare and Arik are welcome mentally, of course. Nevare comes first, I understand that.”
“I'm committed to Nevare and Arik, as my… career.” His arms hold me tight. “But you, Law-rah… you are my everything. So yes. A million times and a million ways, yes, I want to be your mate. No lav-en-dar.”
I close the small distance between us, my eyes fluttering shut just as his lips press gently against mine. Something in my chest bursts, a dam giving way after so many years of holding back. My whole body trembles—not with fear this time, but with a rush of joy so intense it’s almost painful. My heart feels too big for my ribcage, each beat hammering against my skin as if trying to escape. My fingers clutch at his back, and warmth spreads out from where our bodies meet, a glow that climbs up my throat, until I’m blinking through tears I didn’t even know were there.
In our mind, the doors fling open. Our new playroom is bigger, the perfect office for work and play. It even has heavy duty beams I can dangle my strong alien from. Most of all, it hasenough space for us and for Arik and Nevare to find safe harbor when they need to.
His lips against mine brush slowly, softly, patiently, but there’s a quiet intensity simmering beneath, a restrained passion that speaks of everything he feels but has never said aloud. He holds me close, one hand slipping around my waist as he deepens the kiss, his lips exploring mine in a way that’s both tender and consuming.
My heart swells, caught in the heady mix of warmth and vulnerability, and I let myself melt into him, trusting him completely.
Dom pulls back just a fraction, his forehead resting against mine, our breaths mingling. There’s something in his gaze, something fierce and unguarded, and the way he’s looking at me makes my pulse race all over again.
His grip on our laced hands is steady, grounding. He leads me towards the bedroom, his movements slow and deliberate, as if savoring every step.
My cheeks flush, my heart still racing, but there’s no rush in him, no urgency, just a quiet assurance that makes me feel like I’m the only person in his world right now.
Once we’re there, he pauses at the edge of the bed, turning to face me, his hands gently resting on my shoulders. I look up at him, heart and stomach jumping, and he gives me a small, reassuring smile.
He lifts his hand to my cheek again, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear before letting his fingertips trace down to my jaw.
I close my eyes, leaning into his touch, feeling the weight of his affection in every soft brush. I don’t know why I’m just standing here, but suddenly everything is brand new once more. I’ve seen and handled, licked and sucked plenty of cocks, butnow one is going to go inside me for the first time. What will it be like?
‘Perfect,’Dom says. He guides me gently, helping me settle onto the bed with a tenderness that makes my heart ache in the best possible way. He sits beside me, his fingers trailing over mine, and we share a quiet moment. No words are needed. Just the two of us, wrapped up in each other, basking in the warmth of the connection we’ve both fought so hard to protect.
