“What else do you want, Eva?”
Her body relaxed further and he knew it was the right thing to say. This wasn’t the play they did in his bed, with mouths and hands touching one another to bring orgasm. Full sex sharing was more intimate, a lowering of barriers.
Eva might not feel that her experience with Mannid was traumatizing, but it had an effect. It was in the leery way she watched him now. The way she flinched as he caressed her hips, getting closer to the apex of her inner thighs.
“I love your body,” she murmured, staring at his chest as she reached out and stroked her fingertips from shoulder to shoulder then down to graze his nipples. Vee twitched, earning a smile from her. “You’re so sensitive.”
“It’s you.” Any time she put her hands on him, Vee wanted to curl up next to her and soak up the contact.
She flashed him an appreciative look. “I think I want you to take off your pants. I have to see all of you.”
Vee scooted up and together they undid the flap of his pants and got them down to his thighs. It was as far as Eva would allow before lunging forward and claiming his mouth in a tongue lashing kiss.
For the first time, he didn’t seek to hide his groin area, too wrapped in the cascade of emotions bursting through him. Vee grasped Eva’s head between his palms and kissed her back with equal parts passion and relief they were finally here. After several minutes, they broke apart on a gasp, gazes more than likely an echo of the sharp pleasure consuming them.
“Your turn,” he whispered, fingering the waist of her pants.
Eagerness leaped in her gaze and Eva was up, tearing the pants down her legs and kicking off her flat shoes. She straddled him again, boldly, starkly naked.
Soft skin glided against the hard planes of his own bared flesh, their groins mashing in a wet, sticky mess. Vee caressed her cheek, thumb brushing her lips. She sucked the tip into the moist cavern and Vee arched up on a muffled shout.
Eva chuckled, her tentative touches growing bolder over his arms, chest and throat. “Inside me, Vee. I need you inside me.”
“Whatever, however, you want, Eva.” Vee reached below and stroked his aching length. Eva held steady in a partial crouch as he teased the tip around her opening. Soon, his shaft was coated in a slick sheen. Sweat beaded Vee’s forehead from his restraint.
More, he needed more from Eva.
“Now, don’t play!” She threw her head back, breasts arched proudly above him, the cherry nipples crinkled tight.
Vee almost came on the spot. He thrust up and pulled Eva down with his free hand. They moaned together as he sank deep. Eva immediately began rocking in a sensual rhythm that pulled him too quickly to the edge.
“Nice and easy, chupaja.” He slowed their pace, enjoying the rasp of her inner muscles on his shaft. Hot and wet, she sucked him in with each stroke.
Eva leaned forward, bracing her hands on the floor above his head. Her breasts swayed in tandem. The look in her eyes was full of teasing, but her words were heavy with her own desire. “I’ve wanted this since the moment I saw you.”
Vee hooked a hand about her neck and dragged her close, he nuzzled the side of her face. “I’ve wanted this all my life.”
Eva clutched him close. “Oh, Vee.”
If he had his way, Vee would never let the pleasure end. “Take me. Find your release with my cock, Eva. Use me.”
Eva didn’t need convincing. She sat up and moved in ways far better than any of the dreams Vee had been having lately. The sounds she made spurred him on. Nonsensical broken pleas and gasping breaths.
“That’s right, chupaja. Get into it. Let it feel good and come for me.”
“Vee!” Her internal muscles clenched on him, flutters massaging the entire length of his shaft.
She was close. So close, her eyes squeezed shut, a fierce scowl on her face as she chased the raging flames. “Come, Eva. It’s alright to let go. Come!”
Her body shuddered above him and wet gushed below. She screamed his name, nails digging into his shoulders as she pounded herself on his lap, driving his shaft deep over and over. Vee released his hard fought control and came. Spurt after spurt burning the tip as he erupted inside of Eva. She quaked in his arms and crashed on top of him.
“Mine. My sweet chupaja.” Closing his eyes, Vee cradled her close. His heart slammed against his chest, tiny fissures working there way down the center until all he felt for Eva was completely imbedded in him.
Nothing could destroy what they were building.
Chapter 21
At the end of her first month on Enotia, Eva accepted what her heart and mind had been telling her all along. She was in love with Vee. The lust and physical attraction had been instant. There was no way to pretend that hadn’t been a strong draw for both of them. Probably not the best basis for a relationship, but it worked.
Although sex was such a small part of why she adored the handsome soldier, it made their nights pretty interesting. His endearing need to see to her pleasure first and ensure she was fulfilled before letting himself go was a balm to her spirit.
Compared to the situation on Earth where men took and took, having that kind of dedication and commitment from Vee went a long way toward making her feel cherished beyond measure.
Of course, genuine affection, mutual interest and like sealed the deal.
“Are you Eva?”
Eva pushed away the tray with her unfinished meal and glanced up. She’d thought she had the dining area to herself since Team One was away on a mission and the others were in some sort of intense training outside at the rear of the building on an obstacle course. The women had already eaten and left.
“Yes.”
The woman with warm brown skin and curly black hair took it upon herself to pull up a chair and sit directly across from Eva. She set her plate down then folded her arms over her chest, drawing attention to the one piece black leather jump suit she wore. Muscles flexed in her biceps as she leaned her elbows on the table. “Good. I haven’t had the chance to meet you since I’ve been away on a bounty. I’m Sasha. Jaron’s Chosen.”
Jaron. Eva smiled instinctively. The main communications guy and all around prankster had made himself known early on by teasing Eva with feigned confusion about Earth terminology and threatening to introduce her to more worthy Jutak warriors than Vee whenever they were in the same room.
Sasha’s eyes glowed and rich laughter burst out before she settled, still grinning. “If I didn’t know how much he loved me, I’d be tempted to cut you for that look.”
With a chuckle, Eva shook her head and offered. “He’s made me feel welcome. Like a pesky brother.”
Sasha nodded in understanding. “He’s had plenty of practice with three sisters at home.”
That explained his ease with her and the other women she’d come to know well. It was nice to be able to talk about Earth with those who had the same background as her without worry of saying the wrong thing or fearing ridicule for not finding a way to escape her circumstances with Mannid on her own.
“I know a little of your story,” Sasha continued as she picked up her utensil and started to eat with single minded purpose. “Jaron is fascinated with Earth and enjoys meeting those from there.”
Sasha tucked a strand of hair behind her ear revealing the pointy tips. Eva tried not to stare. “I can tell. The others warned me he might try and trick me into teaching him inappropriate sayings.”
The corner of the woman’s lips curled up. “He shares them in hopes of shocking me, but the ladies secretly tell me stuff in advance so I can pretend to not be impressed. There have been a few times I’ve almost fallen over laughing at his look of disappointment.”
It wasn’t hard to see the love she had for her Chosen. It didn’t just glow from her eyes, it was in every word she spoke. Sasha finished her food and leaned her forearms on the table to speak in a lowered tone. “If you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me. I’ve only been living on Enotia for a few
months, but they are a tight knit group and sometimes I still feel left out though they’ve gone above and beyond to welcome me.”
Startled at the offer because she did often feel as if she missed a beat, Eva nodded. “Thank you. Everyone’s great, but yes there is a connection that comes with long time friendships and shared experiences.”
Sasha’s head bobbed up and down, curls bouncing. A slice of envy hit Eva. Her hair was straight without hint of curl, not even when wet.
“I’m a Bounty Retriever so my job often has me gone for days at a time. I try to pick up assignments that don’t require me to be from Enotia overnight. This last one had me away for weeks. It’s hard to form solid bonds because of that.” Sasha’s grin turned wicked. “That was another reason I couldn’t wait to return. Now I’m no longer the new one.”
Eva snickered. “Glad I could help.”
Sasha braced her chin on her fist and stared. Her gaze grew serious. “I admit, I was also curious about the person V’hor convinced to be with him since the relationship could never be official.”
Eva’s next words froze in her throat as what Sasha said took a moment to take root. “What?”
“The presentation thing’s not a big deal.” Sasha waved her other hand freely, unaware of the impact of her revelation. “Jaron and I couldn’t participate either since I’m Argoran and they’ve been banned from participating, but Torkel was able to sway the committee into allowing us to be Chosens for legal reasons. He did the same for Arak and Sylvie funny enough since Arak’s maman is the reason the law is in place.”
Swiping a shaking hand through her hair, Eva parted her lips, stopped. Then tried again. “Am I not allowed because I’m from Earth?”
Which wouldn’t make sense because Sylvie, Joni and Faith were all from Earth.
Sasha straightened, awareness slowly sinking into her gaze. “Wait. You don’t know?”
Heart pounding, Eva choked out the next words. “I wasn’t aware there was something to know. Tell me.”
A cloud of anger darkened Sasha’s gaze. “Damn them. You have the right to know V’hor is pledged to a woman on Serpine. The union was completed four years ago. Something to do with his mother. An urgent communication came in the middle of the night to Jaron a while ago from V’hor’s mother the Supreme Matire and she was demanding he come back to deal with a situation.”
“He...he has another woman?”
Sasha squinted as if in thought then her expression cleared. “His nestmate was ill. It was a big deal and Torkel had to approve V’hor to leave right away to return to Serpine.”
Nestmate. That’s what Vee said he wanted her to be. But...he already had one. According to Sasha, he’d been with this other person for four years. All this time she’d been falling in love with him and he had someone else. Throat dry, Eva stumbled to her feet.
“Fuck!” Across from her, Sasha jumped to her feet. “I’m sorry you’re finding out like this. Men! Why do they mess things up? I should pound on V’hor’s face myself except he’d probably kill me before I even got close.”
The sound of crashing waves filled her ears. Unable to respond, Eva turned away. Her pulse skipped then resumed at a far from normal pace. She wavered a moment then got herself together enough to move. Sweat dripped into her eyes, obscuring her vision. Every breath was a gasp until Eva thought she’d pass out. Blinking away the moisture, she made her way to the door.
“Eva! Wait!”
She ignored Sasha and left the eating area with only one thought in mind. Find Vee. She had to find Vee and hear from his own mouth the truth.
Each step was a painful drag. Her chest ached and Eva had to stop in the hall to lean against the wall. She tipped her head up and stared at the lights above. The brightness burned. Or was it the tears. Pushing off the wall, she headed for the outdoor area.
Sasha caught up, but didn’t attempt to stop her. Good thing. Eva’s skin felt brittle and she was sure a touch from the other woman would have shattered her into a thousand pieces where she stood.
At the door to the back of the building, Eva’s gaze scanned the black clad figures racing through an obstacle course so elaborate she wouldn’t have even tried to do one of the intricate tasks. The men, however, appeared to move seamlessly.
Although, she noted belatedly, quite a few fell and were back up with curses. Sasha came to stand beside her. “Eva, trust me. I would never have shared that if I hadn’t thought you already knew.”
Eva glanced over her shoulder to see Sasha’s eyes filled with regret. It wasn’t Sasha’s fault. Vee was to blame for lying. More lies. “Don’t worry. It needed to be said.”
Did everyone know? Did they assume she knew or were they helping their friend and teammate keep the truth from her? Eva’s stomach cramped and she pressed her hand to her mid-section, sickened at the thought.
“Listen. Talk to V’hor first. He cares about you.”
Eva arched a brow.
Sasha snorted. “I haven’t been here to actually see it, but Jaron’s good at deciphering stuff like that. He’s convinced V’hor—” Sasha broke off. “Well. I think I’ve said enough. Please give him a chance to explain. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
Eva wasn’t sure how one explained about keeping a wife secret. Vee had said himself that a nestmate was the equivalent for his people. She compared the actions of the men on Earth and how they slept with women without committing and charged outrageous rates to father children, knowing the government wouldn’t hold them liable for the responsibility of those children.
Eva tried to swallow beyond the growing lump in her throat. It wasn’t working. She had to find Vee. Turning abruptly, she went back inside. If Vee wasn’t training, he tended to be in the medic area with Bane. She strode straight for the lift to take her to the appropriate level, aware of Sasha by her side the whole time.
“This is my fault. I can at least offer my concern and care, if you’ll accept it.”
Eva exited the lift, thoughts going a mile a minute. She had the feeling Sasha didn’t make the offer lightly. “I’d love to have you as a friend, Sasha.”
Green eyes brightened. “Good.”
As she drew close, Eva spotted Vee seated in a chair next to Bane’s bed. Bane did most of the talking, but Vee listened avidly, only nodding at certain points. His hair was smoothed back and in neat order, much shorter than before. No more spikes or faux hawks though she missed the latter. Taking a deep breath, Eva pushed the door open.
Both turned. Bane’s gaze warmed in recognition, but Vee’s flared to life, sparking a response low in her belly.
Oh, God.
How was she going to get through this?
***
Vee worked hard to keep his expression neutral as Bane explained the results of the surgery he’d had a week ago. Not by a flicker of an eyelash did he reveal his emotions regarding the devastating news.
“Dr. Maku’s not sure what the problem is. The specialist said the surgery was completed successfully and the biotronics respond accordingly. Every sensor and scanner show they should work.” Bane slammed a fist on his thigh. “But I.Can’t.Walk. Nothing’s changed.”
Some things had changed. The cybernetic enhancements placed in both of Bane’s legs restored sensation to his limbs. Nerve damage was minimal and with the aid of the biotronics, Bane should be able to sync with the connection chip in his brain and signal his legs to move, enabling him to walk.
That was how it was supposed to work. As soon as he cleared the two day waiting period, Bane had tried to get out of the bed and walk. Much to his frustration, he hadn’t taken one step before falling. Over and over, he fell until Dr. Maku insisted he stop.
Bane managed to stand fine. It was coordinating the movement of his legs that seemed to be the issue.
“What does Dr. Maku suggest next?” There had to be a solution. Vee wouldn’t rest until there was.
Bane sighed and it was the first time Vee witnessed weakness in his friend. “He w
ants me to go to CV-8. Work with the specialist directly.”
CV-8 was a military based station. Top scientists and researchers rotated through, providing their service on the latest technological advancements.
“Does he plan to switch out the biotronics?”
The government had done away with the program at the end of the Vargos war. They’d moved on to new tech but apparently this old form of cybernetic enhancement still had its place.
Bane shook his head. “No. Due to the nature of the injuries, this was the best option for a full and rapid recovery. Maku wants me to stay with the specialist and see if he can identify the problem in person. They have several staff who worked with soldiers during the war and have experience with the biotronics program.”
“When do you leave?”
Bane arched a brow and chuckled. “That sure I’ll go?”
There was no reason not to. “You’re a Jutak warrior. It’s what you’re meant to do.”
And if Bane didn’t go and figure out how to walk again, it meant he couldn’t return to the teams.
“Yes. I leave at weeks end. Jaron plans to reach out to a friend as well that he believes can help.” Bane grimaced. “Enough of my problems. How is Eva?”
Peace settled over Vee. “I am in love with her.”
“No doubts, hesitations?”
“None.” What he felt for Eva was secure. In his heart she was his nestmate.
Bane leaned back in the bed and crossed his arms. “I’ll make sure I’m back in time for your presentation.”
Vee breathed out a soft breath. The thought of Eva walking across the sands to choose him was unimaginable. To have her as his Chosen would solidify what he already knew. She’d be his in every way. “I have to return to Serpine first.”
“Your Matire?”
Among others. Vee nodded. “I need to take care of some things in order to be completely Eva’s.”
He’d speak with Niya first. He owed her the respect.
“When you have things settled with Eva, It will be an honor watching you become her Chosen. You deserve it, Vee.”
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