“I will fight to keep you by my side, but Drexyl arranged everything, so we have nothing to worry about.”
Roux nodded and watched the Terrans apprehensively. She kept quiet as Lyros turned Audra over to their care, and as they walked to a waiting limo, she still didn’t say anything. She’d never seen a car so grand before, and her heart raced a little in excitement. Roux was thankful when the Terrans didn’t follow them into the car and she was finally alone with Lyros except for the driver up front.
She didn’t know where they were going, but she didn’t much care either. As long as Lyros didn’t leave her, that was all that mattered. This world had been her home for nineteen years, but it felt foreign to her. She’d seen a lot in her time away, but nothing quite as breathtaking as Tourmalane. Now that she had Lyros as her mate, she was happy to call his world her home.
When they pulled up in front of the hotel, Roux tried to keep her mouth from dropping open. Although, it wasn’t strictly a hotel. According to the sign by the driveway, it was a beach resort. She didn’t know much about Corpus Christi, but she’d be willing to bet they were no longer inside the city.
“Where are we?” Roux asked.
The driver, who had just opened the door, smiled at her. “You’re on South Padre Island. It’s not far from the Terran station, but the Terrans thought you might enjoy being near the beach for however long your stay is.”
“I hadn’t realized we were leaving the immediate area,” Lyros said. “I need to speak with the doctor at the Terran station. My niece is ill and he may have medicine for her.”
“There’s a Vid-comm in one of the conference rooms here at the resort. Several of the Terrans and some of the other visiting races have used it, so you shouldn’t have any trouble reaching Jerick.”
Lyros shook the man’s hand, something that surprised Roux since she hadn’t seen the Tourmalanes doing that. “Thank you.”
“Here’s my card. Just call whenever you need a ride and I’ll come pick you up,” the driver said as he handed Lyros a small white business card.
Lyros studied it a moment before placing it in his pocket. With one arm around Roux and another holding their bags, he escorted her into the resort. The lady at the front desk eyed Lyros in a way that made Roux want to bare her teeth. She even had the audacity to lick her lips and give him one of those come-hither looks. Roux tightened her hold on Lyros, wanting to tell the bitch to back off, but she wasn’t certain that was her place. Yes, he claimed she was his mate, but they weren’t exactly married or anything.
The lady slid a keycard across the desk toward him after he signed a registration paper. Roux missed the conversation about where they were staying, too focused on glaring at the too-perfect-looking blonde. Lyros gave her hand a tug and led her over to an elevator. She was surprised when he knew how to work it and that he seemed quite comfortable maneuvering the hotel. Their room was more than just a room. As Lyros pushed open the door, Roux’s jaw dropped for the second time. There was a very comfortable-looking living area complete with sofa, chair, and television. A kitchen was off to the side and even had a full-size refrigerator, a lot of counter space, a microwave, and a coffee pot. The only thing missing was a stove.
Lyros released her as he pushed open another door and placed their things in the bedroom. There was a king bed in there and Roux’s cheeks heated as she realized they would have to share -- not that they hadn’t shared a bed already, but would he expect more than sleeping this time? She was ready, if that was what he wanted. Although some sexy lingerie would be nice for their first time together. She wanted to look beautiful for him.
Roux was drawn to the sliding glass doors across the living room; she walked over and opened one. Stepping out onto the balcony, she breathed in the salty air from the beach below. She’d seen the gulf coast before, but it hadn’t looked quite so beautiful. The large, green fronds of the palm trees danced in the breeze as gulls coasted on wind currents. Even this high up, she could hear the crash of the waves on the sand and her toes curled as she thought about splashing in the water below.
“What are those brightly colored scraps of cloth the women are wearing?” Lyros asked as his hand settled at her waist.
“That’s a bikini, a two-piece bathing suit. You need a bathing suit to get in the water.”
“And you can purchase those at a store nearby?” he asked.
“I’m not familiar with the area, but I’m sure there’s something close to the resort. They may even have a shop downstairs. Some resorts have their own shops for things like that, so the guests don’t have to leave to go shopping.”
“Do you feel like exploring a little? I could call the limo driver if we need to go somewhere for some shopping.”
She laced her fingers with his. “Shouldn’t you call the doctor first?”
“I thought we could do it on the way out. Even if he has a cure for Adelyn, we won’t pick it up and return home until tomorrow. I want at least one night here with you, on your home world, with that wonderful view. We have a crystal-clear pool of water on the palace grounds, but nothing like that out there,” he said, pointing at the ocean. “You should enjoy it while we’re here.”
“Then let’s call Jerick so we can go shopping.” She smiled. “I haven’t been inside a store in a long time. Even before I left, I either got hand-me-downs from Goodwilland local people or I got material and made my own.”
“Then it’s past time for you to have some fun.”
Lyros led her downstairs and found the room with the Vid-comm. The access codes for the Corpus Christ Terran station, and all of the various departments, were listed in a notebook nearby. He called Jerick and was relieved when the doctor answered.
“You must be Lyros,” Jerick said. “Your brother, Drexyl, said to expect you. Although, I had thought you were coming in person.”
“My mate would like to spend some time on her home world before we return to Tourmalane. I had thought I could pick up the cure tomorrow before going back home.”
Jerick’s eyebrows rose. “Well, I’m afraid I don’t have a cure. I do have a formula that will generate one, but I don’t have access to the ingredients. I’ve contacted your brother via Vid-comm and he’s already in possession of the list. It will take some space travel to gather everything, but within a week, your niece should be cured.”
“So, I don’t have to return tomorrow?” Lyros asked, wanting to be one hundred percent certain before he made arrangements to stay at the resort a few days longer.
“Not at all. Enjoy your time with your mate.” Jerick smiled. “Hopefully you don’t need medical attention while you’re here, but I’m at your disposal should the need arise.”
Lyros thanked him and ended the call. Next, he picked up the phone by the door and called the limo driver, who happened to still be out front. On their way out, they stopped at the front desk and Lyros extended their stay by two additional nights. Roux was thrilled with more time alone, and hoped that Lyros planned to officially claim her while they were here. It was to be her last time on Earth, as far as she knew, and she wanted to enjoy the time with her future husband. She couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather spend the next few days with.
The driver took them to an outdoor mall and Roux excitedly dragged Lyros into a bathing suit shop. She helped him pick out a pair of swim trunks and then vigorously shook her head when he held up a two-piece bathing suit for her. She pointed to a one-piece that had a skirt on it that would cover her thighs and he merely arched a brow. In the end, she caved and bought something a little more risqué than the suit she’d selected, but it still didn’t show as much skin as the women on the beach had been showing. She might be ready to bare her body to Lyros, but she wasn’t ready for the world to see her.
They shopped a little longer as Lyros spoiled her and bought her anything she wanted, and even some stuff she insisted she didn’t want. In the end, the trunk of the limo was stuffed full of bags. At the resort, a bellhop placed everythi
ng on a trolley and took it up to their suite. Roux was a little giddy about getting to wear her new clothes to dinner, and even more excited about the pretty silk nightgowns Lyros had purchased for her. He’d remembered that on Earth they didn’t sleep naked, and he’d wanted her to be comfortable, both during their stay here and when they returned home.
Roux dug her bathing suit out of one of the bags and scampered into the bathroom with it. She might be naked with Lyros later -- she hoped -- but that didn’t mean she was ready now. When she exited the bathroom, Lyros had already changed and looked breathtaking. She’d seen those muscles on display before, but they still made her mouth water. To think she’d slept in those strong arms, against that muscular chest. She couldn’t wait to do it again.
“Did you put on that sun stuff we bought?” he asked.
She shook her head. Honestly, she’d been so excited about the beach that she hadn’t thought about it. She held out her hand, but he kept the tube out of her reach. She was mesmerized as he squirted some into his hands and rubbed them together. He wanted to touch her, to rub the cream onto her skin? Good lord! She wasn’t sure she could handle it, not without tackling him to the bed and having her way with him. Being with Lyros would be a first for her. She’d never been with a man before. She didn’t think it counted when your virginity was taken by a sex bot.
He motioned for her to turn around and his hands landed on her shoulders, smoothing down then back up her arms. She felt chills race down her spine. Goose bumps popped up from head to toe as those large hands began massaging the cream into her back. She felt her nipples pucker as she thought about his hands elsewhere on her body. She’d had a few fantasies before her abduction and right now she was wishing she could realize all of them with Lyros. Roux wondered if she could convince him to enter one of those adult toy stores, but how the heck would she explain the place to him? Did aliens use sex toys like dildos and vibrators?
She clenched her thighs as his hands slid around her belly and he brought her back flush against his chest. Her head tipped back on his shoulder and she looked up into his mesmerizing silver eyes. Did he feel as hot and needy as she did? Her suit was growing damp between her legs as she wondered about the parts of him currently covered by swim trunks. Who knew a tropical Hawaiian print could look so sexy?
“You should turn around.” His voice had gone low and husky. “Wouldn’t want the front of you to burn.”
Her cheeks warmed as she turned in his embrace. The upper swells of her breasts were exposed in her suit, and she wondered if he planned to rub cream in there too. As his callused palms skated over her tender skin, she held back a moan. Was he turning her on by mistake? Or was he hoping his touch affected her this way? If it was his goal to tease her until she begged him to make love to her, then he was succeeding. Much longer and they’d never make it to the beach.
Lyros backed away and put the cap back on the tube. He wiped his hands on one of the beach towels they’d purchased and gave her a strained smile. Good. He was just as hot and bothered as she was. Roux couldn’t help but let her gaze drop and she stifled a gasp. His shorts weren’t doing a very good job of hiding his arousal, and it didn’t even look like he was fully erect.
Lord help me! I will not be a wanton slut!
“If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll forget my vow to give you time. You’ve been through enough without me ravaging you like some beast.”
She squeaked. “You want to ravage me?”
“I’ve already seen nearly all of you, since the gown you were wearing that first day was so transparent, and yet I still yearn to see all of you unveiled and ready for me. I’ve never been with a living woman before, Roux, and I can’t promise to be gentle. I hope that one day you’ll share your experiences with me, trust me enough to share the hurts you’ve suffered. I don’t want to add to them. I want our time together to be a happy memory for you.”
“Oh, Lyros.” She moved closer and placed her hand on his chest. “Being with you would be a dream come true. Never compare what we would share to the things I’ve seen and done since my abduction. That’s part of my past. You’re my future. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve never been with a living man before.”
His brow furrowed. “I don’t understand.”
She felt her cheeks warm again. “At the brothel, they used a male sex bot to to train me in what men enjoyed and get me used to… being fucked. I’d never been with anyone before, and I still consider myself a virgin, but this time it won’t hurt.”
He cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry you suffered. That makes our first time together even more important. I want to erase those memories from your mind. And I will gladly take on that task whenever you’re ready, but for now, we’re going to enjoy the beach. Then we’ll come back here to shower and change before we go down to dinner. I saw a rather nice-looking restaurant on our way out earlier.”
Roux linked her fingers with his and allowed him to lead her down to the beach. As her toes sank into the hot sand, she felt freer than she had in a long time. The salty air whipped her hair around as they put their towels down and approached the water. Roux dragged Lyros into the water and laughed at his surprised look when she splashed him. It only took a moment for him to recover and the battle began, with her losing as he lifted her into his arms and tossed her into a wave.
Roux came up sputtering and laughing. She flung her wet hair out of her face and smiled as Lyros dove into another wave and came up beside her. It was different, seeing him act so carefree. On Tourmalane, he hadn’t exactly been rigid, but he hadn’t been as relaxed as he was right now. She was seeing him in a different light, and she liked it a lot.
Lyros tucked her hair behind her ear and then wrapped an arm around her waist. He brought her closer, until their bodies were flush against one another. Her heart raced as she wondered if he was finally going to kiss her. It had been days since he’d claimed she was his mate and still his lips hadn’t touched hers. She burned for more from him, some sign of affection. The look in his eyes said he wanted her, but she needed more than warm looks.
“Kiss me,” she begged. “You say that I’m yours, and yet you keep yourself apart from me.”
“I don’t want to move too fast, Roux. You deserve better than that.”
She reached up and fisted his hair in her hand. “What I deserve is to be shown that you want me. Don’t just tell me that I’m yours, Lyros. Make me yours.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking of me, Roux. One taste of your lips and I may lose control. If ever someone could snap my warrior’s control, it would be you.”
Roux tightened her hold and brought her lips closer to his. “Then lose control.”
Lyros let out a little growl before slamming his mouth down on hers. It was intense, intoxicating, and hard. If she’d wanted soft, gentle words, she wasn’t going to find them right now. It seemed she’d unleashed something inside of him. Lyros was dominating her, bending her to his will, and she was gladly going to follow. His tongue twisted and twined with hers, making her knees grow weak.
As close as they were, it was hard not to notice that she had his full attention. His cock pressed against her and her body throbbed in response. Lyros urged her legs around his waist as he waded further into the water, taking them chest deep into the ocean. The people on shore were mere dots in the distance, and it emboldened Roux. She caressed his abs, wishing he was stretched out on a bed so she could explore a little more, and then she dipped her fingers into the waistband of his shorts. His cock thrust into her hand and she wrapped her fingers around his shaft.
“Gods, but you feel incredible.” Lyros nipped her jaw. “Tell me to stop and I will, Roux, but gods… I’m begging you not to say stop.”
She glanced toward the shore, but was satisfied that no one could see what they were doing. “Take me, Lyros. Make me yours.”
“Push my shorts down a bit and take my cock out. I wish we were in the bedroom. I’d love to feel those li
ps of yours wrapped around me.”
“Later,” she promised.
Roux did as he said, and with him gripped firmly in her hand, she pushed her bathing suit aside and guided him into her body. He was much larger than the sex bot and he stretched and filled her. Roux bit her lip to keep from crying out as he did a few shallow thrusts before burying himself in her completely. Her legs tightened around his waist and her arms wound around his neck as he drove his cock in and out of her.
Even though she was hyper-aware of him, she wanted more. She wanted to come and didn’t want to be the one to make it happen. She’d masturbated plenty of times, but she wanted Lyros to get her off. She guided his hand between their bodies until his fingers brushed her clit. It was all the urging he needed as he teased and tormented her, driving her to the brink twice before letting her find release. Lyros thrust into her twice more before groaning into her neck as he came inside of her.
“You’re mine. For always,” he said as he kissed her softly. “I’m sorry our first time wasn’t better. I should have ordered delicacies to be delivered to our room and taken all day and all night to bring you pleasure.”
“Don’t belittle what just happened between us. I think it was perfect.”
“Do you want to enjoy the beach a little longer?”
“Actually, there’s something I’d like to do, but it requires clothes and the use of the limo.”
“Then while you shower, I’ll call and have the driver waiting when you’re ready to go. It won’t take me long to get cleaned up and dressed.”
“Perfect.” She kissed him.
They waded back to the beach hand in hand, gathered their towels, and went back to their hotel room. Roux showered, washing the salt water from her hair, and rinsed out her bathing suit. When she was finished, she started to wrap a towel around herself, but realized how silly that would be since she’d just made love with Lyros. Besides, it wasn’t like he hadn’t seen her mostly naked already.
Intergalactic Loyalties Page 26
