by Ava Argent
He arches a very black eyebrow knowingly.
Hmm. “Alright. It's a deal.” I don't know why I say that. It just seems like a good way to end that conversation.
A slow smile graces his lips, and his gaze falls on my mouth. And then he kisses me, that dear-god-you-melt-me kiss that has the power to make me breathless.
You know, I like M'anu's way of ending a conversation better.
xxxxx
I am torn between two imperatives—fucking my female and removing the bodies she left in her wake.
I heard the battle. It was clear above the hum of the ship. I can see the blood dripping through the grate behind her here, the shadows of the deceased covering my stairs. Now that the danger is over, and the paralyzing emotion has released its hold on my being, pride in her skill rises to the fore. When I (reluctantly) draw back from the kiss, I feel impelled to compliment her. “You are very efficient, Agmoiria.”
She twists in my arms to glance behind her, then back. “Betty helped. A lot.”
I hum, supporting her weight with one of my arms. “But you shot someone's toe?”
“That was lucky,” she admits with a purse of her lips.
Ferissians do not seek death for death's sake. We are fighters, not murderers—unless it is defense of a loved one. My loved one, however, has the skill to defend herself. It is simultaneously thrilling and terrifying.
That arouses me.
She feels the swelling of my cock against her thighs, glancing down in surprise. “Really?”
I smile at her lazily. “You are a worthy mate.”
The Agmoiria opens her mouth, then abruptly shuts it again and sighs. “Whatever, you weirdo.” She pecks me on the lips to smooth the insult. “Let's get this place cleaned up. Then shower. Then we'll talk about sexy times.”
I set her down with great regret. Her hands abruptly tangle in my shirt. “I take that back,” she says. “I'm going to work on your system first. Then clean up and all the other stuff in that order. If we get boarded one more time I am going to scream.”
I nod. I, too, am irritated by the ease with which we have been overtaken. I think briefly of assuring her that this has never happened to me before, if for no reason other than my pride, but she is already off. She dashes gracefully up the stairs, then delicately picks her way through the bodies. A squeal drifts down to me. “Oh, gross!”
She sounds disgusted.
Strange little half-human. I wait a moment, making certain she is well and truly out of earshot. When I know she can no longer see nor hear me, I turn my attention to the cage furthest to my right. “How long do you plan to pretend I do not know you are there?”
Bethina's blond hair appears from behind the contraption. “Thank god,” she mutters. “For a second I thought I was going to see a very naked side of my sister I never wanted to see.” She comes to stand before me. “How'd you know?”
I blink at her. She saw me do the scan. She should make the connection.
“I have to say, I know what Jules sees in you. That voice is to die for.” Her eyes unabashedly study every inch of my person. “I prefer my men a little rougher around the edges, but I'd do you in a heartbeat.”
I smirk. “I am certain Feruz will have a problem with that.” And I have every intention of telling him this little tidbit. I cannot wait to see his face.
“Ooh and a sense of humor too.” She crosses her arms. “Let's not talk about sour old Feruz. Let's talk about you. And my sister, who is very in love with you though she'll never admit it, and your bastard ass probably doesn't care.”
My smirk falls away. “That is not true.”
“Oh?” She cocks her head. “Which part? The bit where she's in love with you or the bit where you don't care?”
“I care.” Of course I care.
“Then you don't believe she loves you.”
“I do not believe that she would tell you.”
She shrugs. “Now there you've got me. Listen, I'm going to make this quick. I'm here to tell you what you did wrong.”
My eyes narrow. “You should not interfere.”
“Don't have to tell me twice. I'm no fucking love guru. However, I happen to have experience in this area, so I'm going to impart some wisdom that may get you out of this little jam, Fluffy.”
Fluffy?
“You don't like my nickname? Well, I don't like my babycakes having hurt feelings, so tough shit. Let me deal it to you straight. You may know in your heart of hearts that she's the one, but she needs time. Not everybody copes at the same speed with these things. Listen to her. Realize that if you do, that makes her feel safe and appreciated. Make her feel safe, she'll trust you not to break her heart. All of this equals love, sex, and babies if you so wish. Got that, Fluffy?”
I have already resolved to compromise as best as I can because it will make her happy. I am, however, still confused as to why. “If that is the end result, why must I wait?”
She closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Oh, my god. How can this not be any clearer for you? Yes, it comes to the same end.” Her voice gets louder, slower, as if she is speaking to a deaf child. “But you have to let her think it was her idea. Think of it as a five step plan. You know how it's going to end, but it's one step at a time. Believe me, if you follow the plan, you will get exactly what you want a lot quicker than if you try to do it your way and force the issue.” She narrows her eyes. “Any of this sinking in?”
I consider. In a very strange, protracted manner, Bethina is making sense. “I must give a nod to her independence,” I say slowly. It is a concept I am familiar with. Ferissians enjoy their autonomy. It is comforting to know that my female shares this value.
“Exactly! Kind of like taming a wild animal. You have to feed it, love it, care for it, and it won't bite you. Everybody is happy. Plus, you get this added bonus of extending the chase. You Ferissians love that.”
The thought is appealing. Part of the thrill is the anticipation in waiting. I am gaining new respect for this female of Feruz's. She is, one might say, translating my female's thoughts to me. I am grateful for the help at this early stage of our partnership. I hope that, in time, I will be able to understand these things myself. I pin her with my gaze. “You are sure she loves me.”
“If she doesn't, I'm a natural blonde.”
I frown.
“Never mind, Fluffy. Girl thing.” She claps her hands together. “Now, let me introduce you to a very interesting mating ritual on Earth—”
Minutes later, Bethina disappears into the bowels of her own vessel and I set to work clearing the carnage. The females showed no mercy. There is quite a lot to clean. All the while I consider Bethina's advice. I am grieved that a third party was forced to be the tool for clarity, but I remind myself that it is to be expected. The Agmoiria is not Ferissian. We are not the same. Misunderstandings are very likely, now and in the near future. We will find a way, I decide.
In a modest manner of speaking, the female has already made a concession to me. She did not correct me when I called her my mate. She has not completely accepted the change yet, but perhaps all it will take is an answering act of acquiescence.
I work for quite some time, my attention focused more upon my thoughts than the task at hand. It is only when I have tossed the final body from my shoulder into the jettison chute that she appears on the catwalk. “When was the last time you downloaded an update, M'anu? This system is criminally out of date—oh, you're already done? Sorry, I didn't ditch you, I swear.”
I turn to her and shrug. “I am stronger. It was faster to do it myself.”
She looks at the bloodied catwalk with a wrinkled nose. “I can clean this up, though. Got a bucket and mop?” She adjusts the strap of her 'bra' as she queries. She is wearing the same clothes as when I brought her aboard. How long ago was that?
I am uncertain. A lifetime? A day? Many things have happened, and yet I have been unable to adequately provide clothing for my female. I have, howev
er, made her privy to two pirate attacks. I feel a twinge of regret at this.
Whatever doubts have clouded my mind at Bethina's suggestion disappear. I want the Agmoiria to smile, and if this is what I must do, so be it. I straighten, lifting my chin. “Female.”
She eyes me. “Yes?”
“I have a request.”
“O-kay,” she says slowly.
Words abruptly fail me. It occurs to me that Bethina did not tell me exactly how to phrase this. Is there formal wording? A designated phrase? I close my mouth, temporarily at a loss. It has been a very, very long time since I have been tongue-tied around a female. This, however, is the female. The Agmoiria. I frown but forge ahead. “I am unsure of the human custom, but I would like to extend an invitation to a social event to you.”
Both of her delicate brows wing upward. “You would?”
“Yes. Dancing. On Earth.” That was not as difficult as I imagined. I clasp my hands behind my back and wait.
She could not appear more surprised. “Really? You want to dance with me?” Suddenly she laughs. “What brought that on?”
That was not the reaction I anticipated. “Do you not wish to?”
She smiles. It is pleasant but strangely not pleasurable. “I cannot for the life of me picture you dancing, let alone mingling in a crowd of people to do it.”
This is a challenge. My lips curl, my blood heating. “I will do both.”
“Uh huh.” The Agmoiria tilts her head. “You don't have to, M'anu.”
“Obligation has nothing to do with it. We will dance,” I tell her decisively.
She shakes her head, bemused but not sour. “I thought this was a request?”
“That was before.”
“And now it's a challenge. I get it.” She brushes her curl behind her ear. “Alright, M'anu. We'll dance.” She winks at me. “This I've got to see.”
Chapter Twelve
It's D-day.
Date Day.
Awesome.
“I have noooo idea what you're talking about,” Betty says, sitting on the edge of the bed. She brought me a gorgeous little black dress and something else for M'anu to wear tonight.
I shoot her a speaking look. “You just happened to have all this stuff lying around and also just happened to know that we would need it? You psychic these days, Betty?” I look back in the mirror before she can answer. “Please. This has you written all over it.”
“Alright, so maybe I planted the suggestion. But execution is all M'anu, babycakes. Don't blame me if he ballses it up.”
I fluff my hair. “He won't.” I'm totally and utterly confident of that. He might get lost in all the hubbub, though. I honestly don't expect a repeat of tonight. Clubbing doesn't seem like M'anu's scene. He's giving this a shot for me, the loveable lug, and I'm going to reward him good and hard at the end of the night for his effort.
Yeah baby.
Man, there's nothing like the beginning of a relationship. We've got so many issues to work on it's unbelievable, but the super hot sex is something that I can still rely on. Maybe one day we'll settle into some kind of routine. For now, we're supernova in the sack. “You know, it's a good thing you're here,” I remark casually as I pick at the view screen next to me, tapping a few keys. “You might want to sit in on this.”
There's a ringing sound.
“What the hell are you—”
“Female.” Feruz's face fills the screen, and boy, is he not happy to see me. “What do you want?”
He's still a little pissed about the vegan food. Turns out I underestimated just how much he loves his animal flesh. I guess his admiration for spirit only goes so far, which is why I am bringing out the big guns. “Someone's in a sour mood, Feruz. Guess I ought to send Betty back where she came from.” I lean slightly to the side so he can see who I mean.
His expression immediately melts into pure temptation. “Bethina,” he purrs.
Whoa mama. Did it just get hot in here? I look at Betty and cock a brow. She glares back. “You're dead,” she promises before standing, crossing her arms. “Feruz. How's the new asshole I ripped you last time we talked?”
He sits forward in the screen. “Still angry over our little spat? How delightful.”
Man, it's like I'm not even in the room. Where's the popcorn when you need it?
Betty's scowl is dark enough to frighten Hades himself. “You're a jerk and a menace.”
“I admit it was not my best laid plan, but you must concede it ended well enough.” He smiles invitingly. On a scale of one to ten, this sucker is a fifty.
And Betty is not unaffected. I know why she's crossing her arms. She doesn't want to show off the nipples she's headlighting right now. Since Tipprov brother number one is in a much better mood, I'd better go in for the kill. “Feruz, what would a female give a male she loves on Ferissia?”
His eyes turn to me. They're M'anu's eyes, but more golden, less blue. His smile turns knowing. “Do you wish to give my brother a gift, female?”
Why did I get called female and Betty was just Bethina? Ferissians, I swear.
I pull a M'anu and just hum. And it works. Huh.
“Bite him.”
I frown. “Whaaaaa?”
Feruz enjoys my confusion. “Bite. Him.”
“That's it?” That can't be all there is. “Is there like a specific place or...?”
“Use your very vivid imagination, Agmoiria. He will appreciate it in any case.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me everything?”
“Because I am not.” And he doesn't seem at all inclined to elaborate.
I look at Betty, who scoffs. “What, you want me to help you, you little traitor? Fat chance.”
“Oh, like you didn't rat me out to Mom that one time.”
“That one—are you still harping about that?”
“And you owe me.”
“For what, praytell?”
“For saving your sizeable ass twice. Fork it over.”
If there's one thing Betty can't stand, it's to be indebted to someone. She sucks her tongue against her teeth, but in the end she coughs up the goods. Much to Feruz's intense interest, I might add. “It's a turn on. Like, to the nth degree. And it goes along with the whole mate-babies-FOREVA line the Ferissians tout.”
Why Feruz, that dirty dog. He doesn't even look ashamed for almost leading me into a trap. “Good to know,” I drawl. “I'll have to pull out all the stops one day.” In the future, when we're both ready. Guess I'll have to put the gift idea on the back burner for now. In the meantime payback is going to be a bitch. “Hey Betty, why don't you go check and see if M'anu's finished getting dressed? Maybe if you're lucky, you'll catch him naked and get to ogle his ass again.”
All of Feruz's smug self-satisfaction goes right out the window. “You will not,” he says flatly.
Which only guns Betty's determination more. “Baby, I am so there your head is going to spin.” She wiggles her fingers in farewell and tosses in a flirty, “Tah!” as she exits.
Two reasons why I'm letting my sister anywhere near my man's bare backside. A) it just made his brother choke on his own spit, and that's worth a lot in itself. B) if M'anu still isn't ready for our first date, then my sister's wandering hands are the least of his worries when I get a hold of him.
I also know that Betty, for all her quirks, just likes to irritate M'anu. You can't fake the sort of sparks I just witnessed flying between her and Feruz.
I smile benignly. “She's so helpful.”
Feruz is not amused. “Do you know what game you are playing, Agmoiria?”
I tilt my head. “Do you? Or did you take a liking to soy?”
His eyes narrow. So do mine. We both understand what's happening here.
Game on.
“Treat my brother well, female. Or you will answer to me.”
“Try it, hot shot, and I won't give you the coordinates to the next family reunion.”
He blinks. Int
erestingly enough, he's not much for that. Kind of like M'anu. “What family—”
“Tah!” I interrupt, cutting transmission. That'll teach him. “Let's see who bites whom, Ferissian.” I block his communication link to the ship for the next twenty minutes, long enough for M'anu and I to transport to Earth. He'll still be able to call M'anu personally, but until he figures that out, I'm blissfully Feruz-free.
It's kind of fun, having a pseudo brother in law.
There's a tap at the door. Oh, time to go! I check myself out in the mirror one more time. The dress Betty brought is great, simple but fantastically cut. It makes my boobs look big. Tell me that's not a bonus. My heels do wonders for my butt and my hair is loose and looking good. A set of silver bow earrings and I, as they say, am set.
I look hot.
Time to go see my man.
I practically skip to the door, I'm so giddy, and when I press the button I almost do a jig in place.
Then I see M'anu.
I can't think any more. My jaw goes slack.
Wow.
Loafers. Chinos. Nice navy shirt, few buttons open at the neck and an artfully loosened tie hanging, showing off a tantalizing amount of throat. Tweed jacket with patches on the sleeves. And glasses. Oh god, the glasses. Big, rectangular, dark, 100% hipster and paired with his pink bangs and space-blue eyes.
I want him. Right here. Right now.
His nostrils flare and an answering heat flares in his gaze. It's almost hot enough to physically burn me. I reach for him—
—and get cockblocked by Betty, who karate chops my hand out of the way. “Whoa there, babycakes! Rule number one, do not damage the merchandise!”
I cradle my wrist with a mutinous glare. “I wasn't going to damage him.” Total lie. I was going to wreck him so hard he'd weep with joy. But she doesn't need to know that.
She smirks. She isn't fooled for a second and neither is M'anu, who watches the exchange with that nonsmile of his. “You kids take care now. I'm going to keep a close eye on your precious ship, so don't you worry.”
The Sally Mae act is really pushing it, and I let her know it.
She just laughs. Friggin' sisters. You gotta love them.