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Caro snuck glances at Malo, excitement bubbling inside her. He kept kissing and touching her. It was a little fast for her, after all, she wasn’t Earth’s high-priced call girl sent to spread her legs for visiting aliens. Yet something about him made her body hum with desire. He was gorgeous and took what he wanted—all good things. Never had she met a man with more self-assurance. He smelled so good; he tasted even better which bolstered his appeal. This was a...seduction. Parts of her squealed like a teenager. To be so admired...
And he stared at her, extensively.
He was doing it again, resting his hand on her hip, claiming her in a caveman sort of way. She scanned the crowd. No use staking his claim if no one cared. But they were indeed the center of attention. She should have expected this. Honest-to-goodness, sexy-as-apple-pie aliens? What isn’t to like?
Garix’s height would draw anyone’s curiosity, despite his intimidating military attire and giant boots. Ronin had easy charm spilling from his twin dimples. And Malo, granny’s nipples, he might as well have been made of chocolate, he was that delicious. They were well-mannered, not once hitting on Izzy or commenting on women in a disparaging way.
Caro wasn’t saying they didn’t notice their surroundings. The way Malo analyzed everything had her questioning whether he was an engineer. If they reversed roles, she’d have asked him a million questions by now, nor did he behave as a scholar would. He assessed his surroundings, and she had no doubt, he knew the exits. He had probably catalogued the people around them, as well. Even when he stared at her like now or when he kissed her, he remained vigilant. It was as if he expected an attack. What sort of life does this man lead? Does he ever just let go? She almost snorted. No way would he lose control.
With a sigh, she led him and Ronin to their seats. Close behind, Izzy was feeding Garix tiny chocolates despite the alien’s announcement he couldn’t eat another thing. She shoved a box of popcorn into Ronin’s hands and placed his soda into the holder. After ushering Garix into a seat, as well, she did the same thing with his popcorn and soda that he’d clasped with ease. The jumbo box looked miniscule in his huge hands.
Caro sank into a seat next to Malo, lowering their sodas into their holders before reaching across his lap to grab a few kernels. He angled closer, shifting the box to the middle. She smiled in thanks but refused to glance his way, expecting to catch him staring at her. His interest made her dizzy and warm. This had to be the craziest day of her life.
“I’m so excited. It’s been so long since we did this, babe. Tonight, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep,” Izzy said while popping chocolates into Ronin’s unsuspecting mouth.
Sleep? Holy noodles. Caro faced Malo. “Where are you and your men sleeping tonight?”
She hadn’t thought to reserve him a suite at their nicest hotel. If he’d nowhere to sleep, she’d need to organize it now. She’d prefer not to go from hotel to hotel, trailing three aliens like an ingratitude of children. As it was, people stared. She shot a glance at the three. They could be star athletes or digi-mag models. With a chuckle, she imagined the stampeding sex-starved women tossing Izzy and herself out of the way. Well, at least in this image, she wasn’t leading the charge anymore.
“We can port to my battleship,” he said, squeezing her hand.
Butterflies unfurled in her belly, sending tendrils of warmth outward. She’d forgotten he still held her hand, like he’d no intention of releasing it.
My? As in he owned it? “Your what?” she squeaked.
The arrogant man chuckled. “How do you think I traveled here?”
“I hadn’t thought about it, to be honest.” She winced at her stupidity.
Of course, he has a spaceship, he’s a freakin’ alien. Renewed heat dipped her chin to her chest at remembering his comment on gravity. Holy noodle, that had been silly of her.
He wanted to teach her to be a pilot? That would take time which meant he planned on knowing her for longer than these few days. Or had it been a line? She could imagine him as a charmer if the need was there.
“Why not stay with us? We’ll use the blow-up mattress. Ronin can get my bed. Malo can have yours, and the three-seater should handle Garix,” Izzy said then stuffed her mouth from her box of popcorn.
“Izzy’s right,” Caro said, wishing her smile didn’t feel as if it was about to explode past the borders of her ears. “If you don’t mind it not being luxury accommodation?”
“I am an Etterian, Caro,” Malo said as if that explained his ability to sleep anywhere. “I thank you and accept your offer.” His breath fanned her ear, sparking an ebb and flow of shivers.
As the movie began, she couldn’t focus. The popcorn and soda were forgotten while she visualized Malo sleeping in her bed. Just sleeping. Nothing more carnal than that. She didn’t have the imagination nor the experience to visualize him in all his magnificence. And she had no doubt he was just that—glorious, perfectly sculpted.
The story made no sense. The dialogue was a jumble of words she couldn’t process. Her body thrummed on high alert with Malo seated next to her; it was ludicrous. Out of the corner of her eye, she admired his folded legs, the fabric mesh of his pants pulled taut over his knees and carved thighs. It was a heart-pounding sight. He still held her hand, brushing his thumb over hers, freezing and mesmerizing her. And when a few words on the huge screen snared her attention, he’d lean across and kiss her temple, scattering her thoughts again. She was wound so tight. He had be aware of the tension gripping her, the bastard. She needed to escape, to breathe. But no matter how much she sucked in air, it wasn’t enough. Spots circled her vision, and her body flushed then chilled. Panic set in next. She tugged her hand free and rose, realizing she managed to do both because he hadn’t expected either. He leaped to his feet too, faster than she had.
“Stay. I need to—” Words lodged in her throat, unable to voice what engulfed her body, and how he made her feel. She bolted, heading to the ladies room.
She burst through the swinging door, stumbling to the basin to wet her hands and press them to her flushed cheeks. Almost not recognizing her wild hair, wide eyes, dilated pupils, and pouting lips, she stared at her reflection. Granny’s nipples, is this what I look like when I’m aroused? A fresh wave of lust slammed into her, warming her skin. With a fascination that bordered on hysteria, she watched it disappear into her cleavage.
“Breathe,” she said when she realized she was panting. He’s a sexy man, yes, but still a man. She shouldn’t be so overwhelmed. None of her previous lovers had inspired desire if this was what it truly felt like. Glancing to check her buttons hadn’t popped free, she whimpered at her pebbled nipples. Slapping her palms over her breasts, she willed her aching nipples to soften. First opportunity she could find, she’d take care of the steady drum of need between her legs. She couldn’t go around stabbing people with her dagger-like nipples.
“Caro?” Malo pushed open the door. He dominated the doorway, filling it from frame to frame.
Caught fondling her breasts, she dropped her hands. “Malo, you can’t be in here. It’s for women only.”
“Are you unwell?” he asked, his voice thick with concern even though he ignored her words. As per usual, his gaze shifted around the room to assess its exits and threats.
“I’m fine, thank you for asking. I need to use...” Heat scorched her cheeks again. Monkey’s bananas.
“The waste receptacle?” he teased her, his eyes softening in a way that drenched her panties. She clenched her thighs together, trying to resist another wave of lust.
“Yes,” she gasped. “I’ll join you soon.” She waddled over and chased him out of the room before enclosing herself in the cubicle farthest from the door. “Holy noodle,” she muttered while using the toilet, “overprotective much?”
She’d had one of those boyfriends where she couldn’t be on the street side of a walkway; it was too dangerous. More baby potatoes weren’t allowed until she finished her peas. No, thank you. It had taken her months to get out of that relationship. She sighed, hurrying to wash her hands. To be fair, Malo hadn’t known why she’d left so abruptly. It made sense to assume she was ill. And of course, he was waiting for her outside, his posture once more military, his manner threatening. Any woman wanting to use the ladies must have returned to the movie theater unrelieved.
“Malo?” His gaze was already on her when she approached him, so she hadn’t needed to call his name to gain his attention. “Don’t you have dealings with women? Because there are so few of them?”
“My interaction has been minimal,” he said, once again lacing his fingers through hers, using the handhold to draw her closer than was proper.
Proper? She snorted. There was nothing decent about her thoughts nor with her desperate plan to relieve the desire burning through her body. He moved then, pulling her behind him. His destination was a bench against a wall shrouded in darkness. Darkness isn’t a good idea with the way I want to ravage him.
“You’re not enjoying the movie?” she asked when he pushed her to sit on the bench then joined her.
“You are far more interesting.” His statement—said so matter-of-factly—wasn’t meant to compliment her.
The steady way he gazed into her eyes screamed the truth in his voice and words. He believed she was more interesting. Are all these aliens this intense?
“How...how long are you visiting?” She glanced around the foyer, trying to keep her gaze off him. His chest flexed when he leaned back, drawing her attention despite her best efforts.
“As long as it takes,” he answered cryptically.
“So you’re on earth for something specific?” She twisted on the bench to face him.
“Yes, our requirements have been communicated.”
So vague. Why? Why hide what they were after unless Douche was right? “Did your planet only send you?” She winced, having not meant to imply he wasn’t enough.
A low growl escaped him, and he stiffened. “Do you believe me incapable?”
“Of course not, Malo. I just meant, it’s huge pressure placed on your shoulders.”
When he squeezed her hand, as if to apologize for misunderstanding her, she almost slumped with relief. She didn’t like angering or offending him, not to mention having to explain to the powers-that-be how she’d pissed off the new aliens. She supposed misunderstandings would happen. They were not only from distinct cultures but were diverse species and from different solar systems.
“I will not fail Etteria,” he said with conviction. “I have not failed.”
“Etteria? Is that your homeworld?” At his nod, she grinned. She’d dreamed of other planets, imagined and studied them. To know what he’s seen, on which planets he’d walked... Excitement rushed through her, stealing her ability to breathe. “Tell me about Etteria. You said your oceans are red?”
He stared at her for a long time, not speaking but allowing his gaze to travel her face. She shifted on the bench, sparks skittering across her skin. Did I say something wrong? Is he deciding whether he can share this information with me?
Squeezing his knee, she tried to convey it was okay. “I promise not to tell anyone if its classified. Or don’t reveal in which solar system your planet is.” Registering the dense muscle beneath her fingers froze her. She snatched her hand back. Granny’s nipples, my fingers tingle, for tart’s sake.
“I do wish to share my world with you, Caro,” he said in his sexy baritone. “I do not know where to begin, how to describe it.”
He dragged her onto his lap as if she weighed nothing. Then with exquisite tenderness, he wrapped his arms around her. His cologne, the strength in his embrace, the warmth seeping off him, all combined to melt her against his chest with the crown of her head brushing his jaw. She shouldn’t succumb to his will so easily, yet she’d never been cradled like this...cherished.
“It has pink skies, two suns, red oceans with gray beaches, and our favored white flowers we call hahyt blossoms. They grow wild and are beautiful, an emblem of home.”
“It sounds spectacular.” She rubbed her cheek across his armored chest, unable to resist. The leather absorbed the heat from his body, and the velvet texture of his skin she touched was an aphrodisiac on its own. I probably look like a cat. Maybe I should purr for effect? She smothered a giggle.
“All the buildings are constructed in our white Fuyra rock. It is the hardest rock in the universe and only Maloidian steel can cut it.”
So, white buildings against a pink sky and gray sand? “Are you going home after Earth?”
“Yes, I hope to. I have lived on a battleship for most of my life.”
She fell silent, trying to imagine a life with only his fellow engineers for company. “Why can’t you go home?” She leaned back to meet his gaze, then wished she hadn’t. Time hadn’t diminished the effect of his handsome face. She curled her fingers, fighting the trembling need to touch his cheek, trace the line of his jaw, test the texture of his bottom lip.
“I cannot share this with you yet, ensa.” His focus shifted to her mouth. His nostrils flared a second before he lowered his head to pluck at her bottom lip with his. It was a strange thing for him to do, but the effect of his lips teasing hers flooded her body with a welcome warmth. “Let me taste you, Caro,” he rasped.
She obeyed while her mind unraveled his words. Taste?
He dipped his tongue into her mouth. The heat and force of it snatched her breath. He groaned—the sounded rumbled through her—spurring something deep and needy. She clasped his neck and parted her lips wider, demanding more of him. She inhaled through her nose, desperate for air but not willing to release him. He had no right to taste so good, to be such a divine kisser. Holy noodle, are they given lessons? She thrust her tongue into his mouth, meeting his onslaught with her own. He shuddered and broke away to press a wet kiss to her neck.
“Hot damn,” Izzy said.
The urge to ignore her swept through Caro. “Go away, Izzy, please.” She tilted her head to meet his mouth for another deep kiss that curled her toes. Her skirt pulled tight, hindering her movements. She wanted to straddle his thighs, to crush her breasts against his chest, to use her hands and slowly peel away each item of his uniform. He drew away first but held her, giving them time to calm their breathing.
“You two done now?”
Caro gritted her teeth. “So help me, Izabelle Reeves, when I get my hands on you—”
“In those heels, you couldn’t catch a dead skunk.”
Caro released a sigh, burying her face in the curve of Malo’s neck, drawing on his strength, breathing in his mind-blowing cologne of sunbaked soil and lemon.
“Has she gone yet?” she whispered.
“No.” He chuckled.
She leaned back to smile at him. A silent and deadly Malo was gorgeous but a chuckling one—revealing those two dimples—was sin incarnate.
“We have to get ready for the club.” Izzy stamped her foot.
“Argh,” Caro groaned. “The club? Do we have to?”
“You promised,” Izzy said. “I can take a taxi with Ronin and Garix. You two can follow...whenever.” Her stomping footsteps faded.
“She had pain in her eyes,” Malo said in that calm manner of his.
Caro winced at having hurt her best friend’s feelings. Sometimes, she wished she could do what she wanted which was to kiss Malo until the Earth stopped spinning or it exploded, whatever came first.
“I’ll apologize.” She rested her temple on his chin. “I’m sorry you have to go with.” She climbed off his lap and tugged her skirt into place. Closing her eyes, she savored the memory of him cupping her bare thigh. His touch hadn’t registered at the time.
“What is wrong with this club?” he asked, once again grabbing her hand.
“You’ll see. I don’t want to influence your opinion.”
On the walk to the car, his silence tumbled her thoughts. Did he regret the kiss? Was her lack of consideration for Izzy’s feelings repugnant? She rolled her lip, trying to smother the lump in her throat. She adored Izzy, but sometimes... Caro slumped. Love didn’t care for sometimes. It was all or nothing, good and bad.
Malo opened his door this time and slid in, strapping himself in, as well.
She blinked before darting around to climb in. “There’s time if you have something else you need to do. Y’know, ambassador business.”
“I need to comm my prince.” He tucked her hair behind her ear.
The contented sigh he released had her wondering. She snuck glances at him while reversing the car.
“You are beautiful, ensa.” His intensity and belief was resolute. She didn’t...couldn’t say anything. What would have been the appropriate response? You too? Thank you? No, I’m not?
“You are close to the prince?” she asked a few minutes later.
“Yes, he is young enough to be my son. King Xeus entrusted me with Enyl’s protection. It is a chore and a blessing.”
He had to be more than an engineer. By his words, he revealed he was. Protection of an heir didn’t fall to anybody. Malo had to have the skills... Assassin. Chief Dee’s word echoed through her mind. And after spending a day with Malo, with not a single question asked about Earth’s technology, antiquities, history, future plans, and his ability to vibe lethal had to mean he lied to her. Then that meant Ronin and Garix were assassins too, right?
She pulled the car into the first available parking spot and switched it off. Grabbing his arm before he climbed out, she pinned a look on him.
“So, not an engineer then.” She arched a brow. “And don’t try to lie to me, Malo. You don’t have the characteristics of one.”
“In my culture, it is dishonorable to lie, unless you are me.” He gave her a breathtaking smile. “You are intelligent, my ensa. This pleases me.”
Compliments? Mm. She was warmed and wary. “So why the lie then?”
“Princess Oriana does not trust humans. Only Director Reyes and you know I am not who I say I am.”
“Reyes’s an honorable man. You can trust him,” Caro said. And me.
“I have assessed his character as so.” Malo opened his door and climbed out.
She blinked. Still, he hadn’t revealed who or what he was. Was Malo his true name? Was Izzy safe with Garix? Sweet-cheeked Ronin?
Malo waited on the walkway outside her apartment. He held out his hand. “And Malo et Dalo is my name, ensa.” He grinned. “Your exquisite face is expressive.”
Caro snorted but slid her hand in his. It was wiser to capitulate since he’d claim her hand anyway. Besides, she loved holding his hand. It was so old school as if they were courting. She huffed at the thought. Courting? Holy noodle. To be his wife? To wake up to him every day? Sheer heaven.
Then again, that could be the lust talking. The fact that she wanted to pin him to a bed and ravage him until he bellowed her name when he orgasmed? That had no effect whatsoever on her wanting to marry him. People married for less. And if it didn’t work out, cross-species and all that, she’d divorce him. Simple.
She frowned, unable to imagine Malo letting his wife leave him. He was too much of an alpha male to give up on a marriage. She shrugged. Why was she thinking these thoughts? He wouldn’t marry her, enough said. And dammit, why was she torturing herself? She was almost forty, her childbearing ability was lapsing even as she trailed him. It sounded like Etteria needed women, and probably ones to bear their children. Caro was almost out of the running. Perhaps she should tell him before he became invested in her or worse...she fell for him. That was going to be an interesting conversation.
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