Avelyn knew she needed to get out of there before he made her cry again.
“We’ll see you at home. You don’t have to walk us out.” She brushed a kiss against his cheek. “I promise to stop in the shops before heading up to our suite. I’ll buy something appropriate for dinner out, and I’ll make sure Miss Lily is dressed appropriately too.”
Brielle bit her lip and lifted her hand. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I can tell you received bad news. What if Syl and I took Lily for the night? I could bring her back in the morning and have breakfast with you, Avelyn. That way we can get to know each other better. My husband is Thrace’s friend so I’m sure we’ll see more of each other.”
“Oh, but you look so close to your due date, and she can be so fussy when she isn’t at home.” Avelyn frowned. “I don’t want to impose on you like that. I’m sure you need your rest.”
Brielle smiled. “I can always make Syl get up with her. It will be good practice for him.”
“Are you sure?” Thrace asked.
“Positive. I can ride with Avelyn back to the hotel and pick up a bag for Lily, then head home so she can shop without having to tote a baby around. Besides, I think the two of you could use some alone time tonight. Am I right?”
Thrace smiled faintly. “You would be right. It wasn’t good news today, but I’m not going to let that stop me from claiming Avelyn as my mate.”
“I’ll walk with her to the limo and you can get back to work. Don’t want to anger anyone with you taking an extended break or anything, although I’m sure they would understand if they knew the situation.” Brielle smiled. “Go. They’re in good hands.”
“Very well.” Thrace cupped Avelyn’s face between his hands and stared into her eyes. “I will be home just as soon as I’m allowed to leave. Relax in the tub with those bubble things I’ve heard you Earth women like. Watch your favorite movie. Whatever it is you do to relax, and try not to think about what Xonos had to say today, and know that I will stop at nothing to make you mine. This is merely a… what’s that Earth phrase?”
“A speed bump?” Brielle answered.
“Yes.” Thrace smiled. “This is merely a speed bump. We’ll get through this, and in the end, we’ll be together as a family, just the way we were meant to be. And once Lily is a little older, and you’re ready for another baby, we’ll contact the intergalactic adoption agency and we’ll see what infants they have available. With you as a stay-at-home mom, and since I have such a secure position, they are guaranteed to place a baby with us. Look how well it’s turned out with Lily! They would be stupid to refuse.”
Avelyn nodded. “I’ll do as you say and wait for you to come home.”
He hugged her gently, careful not to squash Lily, then gave her one last smile before returning to work. Brielle lifted the diaper bag and motioned for Avelyn to follow her. For someone carrying so much extra weight, the redhead moved surprisingly fast. When they reached the limos, Avelyn selected the one she’d arrived in, buckled Lily into her car seat, and then settled across from her so the baby could see her at all times. She’d found that worked best when Thrace wasn’t with them.
Brielle chatted on the way to the hotel, telling Avelyn how she’d met her husband, Syl, and how they’d come to be on Earth. It made Avelyn worry that Thrace really would have to break ties with his council in order for them to be together, but Syl seemed to be managing just fine and was working for the council again, so maybe it wouldn’t come to that. Perhaps they had learned their lesson? She nearly snorted. Since when did government officials ever learn anything?
When they reached the hotel, Avelyn carried Lily up to their suite with Brielle by her side. She entered the suite and set Lily in the playpen before she went to get a bag together for her; two changes of clothes, pajamas, enough formula to keep her full, several clean bottles, a few of her favorite toys, and a fresh stack of diapers. When everything was packed, she handed the bag to Brielle.
“I think I covered everything. If she gets too fussy, or really wants to come home, don’t hesitate to call us. We’ll come get her at any time.”
Brielle smiled. “I’m sure we’ll be fine, but I promise to call if I think she’s getting too distressed.”
Avelyn picked up Lily, hugged her tightly, kissed her soft cheek and then handed her to Brielle. The baby looked confused for a moment, but shoved her fist into her mouth and sucked on it. Avelyn waved bye as they stepped out into the hall, and as she closed the door, she heard, “Ma. Ma. Ma. Ma.”
Avelyn leaned her forehead against the door and blew out a breath. Saying goodbye to Lily was never easy. She wondered if it ever would be, or would it just get harder the closer Avelyn and Lily got toward one another? How did parents ever send their kids off to school? She already knew she’d be bawling on the day Lily started school. It was guaranteed.
Pulling herself together, she made sure she had her room key in her pocket and decided to go do some retail therapy to find the perfect dress and shoes for dinner tonight. If Thrace and she were going to have some alone time, she wasn’t going to squander it. She wanted his jaw to drop when he saw her. She contemplated buying make-up, but realized neither of the mates she’d met had worn any. Maybe Terrans didn’t like make-up on their women? She’d have to ask Thrace.
Chapter Six
He pounded his fist on the table as he stared at the Vid-Comm. “Dammit, Borgoz. You owe me! I’ve given a year of my life to service on Earth and haven’t asked for a single thing from you. You can read Xonos’ findings yourself. It isn’t Avelyn’s fault she can’t have children, and who’s to say that I’m able to father them anyway? You’re always so concerned with whether or not the females can give birth, you never stop to question whether or not the males mating them have the ability to plant a seed.”
Borgoz snorted. “You know it’s a rare occurrence for our males not to be in top performance. We excel at everything we do.”
It was just the type of sexist remark he expected to hear from the Chief Councillor.
“Well, let me ask you this. How am I supposed to attract a bride you’ll approve of with a Drelthene baby in tow? Avelyn loves Lily as if she were her own daughter. You know as well as I do that the adoption agency is overflowing. I want to give those babies a home, and so does Avelyn. We can provide a service that other couples don’t or won’t want to do.”
“Those unwanted brats can find homes on other worlds. You’ll do as you’re told, warrior.”
“Not this time. I love Avelyn, and if I can’t claim her as my mate, then I won’t take one. You can’t force me to marry someone, not even the council has that much power, not when it comes to my personal life. I’m not your nephew. You can’t arrange a match for me.”
The Councillor’s face flushed.
“Yes, I know all about the woman you’re trying to force on Kelvyk. We talked about it in some detail before I made this call. And since forced matches are frowned upon in our society, you’re going to do exactly as I want or I take your little misdeed before the entire council. How would you like to lose your position?”
“Don’t you dare threaten me!”
“Then approve my mating request. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter if I’m mated to a woman who can’t have children? What’s the difference in a Terran taking a non-Terran mate and possibly having non-Terran children, compared to my mating with Avelyn and adopting non-Terran children? Either way, our society is going to change in the upcoming years. You know we only breed true with humans, but there are only so many human brides to go around.”
Borgoz looked disgruntled, but he didn’t deny Thrace’s claim.
“Very well. I’ll consider the matter, but that’s all I can give you for now. I’ll take it before the council next week and we’ll vote. Until then, maybe you should enjoy your time with her, in case this doesn’t end the way you want.”
Seemed reasonable enough. He signed off and made his way outside to a waiting limo. He was more than
ready to go home, shower and change, and take Avelyn out to a nice dinner. He thought about Borgoz’s words. If his time was limited with Avelyn, he definitely wanted to make every second count. He couldn’t afford to be hesitant around her any longer. He would take what he wanted, what he knew she wanted, and he wouldn’t have a moment of regret.
And if the council was unwise enough to take Avelyn from him, then he’d move forward with the next step of his plan -- forgoing his place in Terran society and going out on his own. Granted, when Syl had left, he was one of a very few scientists and his skills were greatly needed. If Thrace left, he’d be one of thousands of warriors. It wasn’t likely his home world would ask him to come back. If he took those steps, it would very likely be the last time he was welcome in Terran society.
At the hotel, Thrace made his way up to his suite, trying to dispel his feelings of unease over the situation. He rolled his head on his shoulders, easing the tension built up there. Pushing open the door, he froze before he could take a single step across the threshold. Avelyn stood with her back to him, looking out the window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, forming a halo around her body. Her hair had been partially pinned up, with long curls hanging down her back.
A back that was completely bare. The sight of all that creamy skin made his cock harden. He’d asked her to purchase a dress, but she seemed to have forgotten part of it. Did she expect to go out like that? Where men could gawk at what belonged to him? She must have heard him and turned, a smile adorned her face. His gaze skimmed down her body. The black material of her dress cupped her breasts lovingly, draped over her hips, and fell to her calves, the slinky material leaving little to the imagination.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
“Where’s the rest of it?”
Her eyes twinkled in merriment. “I assure you, this is a complete dress. Look! Matching shoes.” She stuck a leg out and pointed her foot. A long, curvy leg and a small, delicate foot with some sort of strappy thing attached to it. He had to admit, the shoe gave him naughty ideas… of stripping her bare except for those shoes.
“You actually go out in public in that?” he asked, not sure he liked the thought.
The smile dimmed from her face. “You don’t like it.”
Not like it? He liked it so much, he wanted to remove it from her body -- with his teeth -- but he wasn’t sure he should tell her that. She’d obviously gone to a lot of trouble to dress up for him and here he was making her feel bad.
“I’ll take it off and return it,” she said, a dejected look on her face as she turned from him.
Thrace reached out and placed a hand on her arm, turning her to face him. He stepped closer, curled his fingers under her chin and lifted her face. There was uncertainty in her eyes and he wanted to erase it, but he was a little nervous. He wanted to kiss her, more than anything, but what if he wasn’t any good at it? He didn’t exactly have a lot of practice.
“I like the dress, Avelyn. A little too much. What I don’t like is the idea of other men seeing you dressed in it.”
Thrace lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. Just a gentle brush. He did it again and felt her melt against him. As her lips parted, he deepened the kiss, curving an arm around her waist and pulling her tightly against his aching body. His cock throbbed in his pants as the softness of her back brushed against his skin. It was so easy to imagine her naked, spread out before him like a buffet. And feast on her he would! All damn night if she’d let him.
He felt her hands fist his leather vest as her curves pressed against him. He wanted her touch so badly he ached for it. Thrace pulled away, knowing if he didn’t stop now, nothing would keep him from stripping her and taking her right there on the living room floor. He didn’t think they’d even make it to the couch; he wanted her that badly. He’d been tormented with dreams of her nightly since their first meeting and now he was so close to making it a reality -- if he didn’t screw up.
“I should shower and change.” Was that his voice? He cleared his throat. “You spent a lot of time getting dressed up. I’d hate for us not to make it out of the suite tonight.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it a loss if we didn’t,” she said, a soft smile curving her lips. “But yes, it was a lot of work to look this way and I’d like to enjoy it a little bit longer.”
“I’ll hurry.”
He walked away while he still could and closed his bedroom door behind him. He pulled his light gray leather pants out of the closet, tossed them over the foot of the bed and then flipped through the silk tunics he owned, which were few. He selected a soft teal and placed it on the bed with the pants before stripping out of his clothes. His shower was the fastest in the history of showers, and he made sure every knot and tangle was out of his hair after drying it and then braided it.
He typically didn’t wear artificial scents, but someone had gifted him with a nice bottle of cologne. He spritzed a bit on his neck and wrists, hoping Avelyn liked it. The female who had given it to him as a thank-you had winked and said it smelled divine, had even tried to get him to put some on right then. Of course, he wasn’t entirely certain she hadn’t wanted him to wear her too.
In the bedroom, he quickly dressed, but paused over his boots. He couldn’t wear work boots with his nice clothes, but he hated the dressier ones required at banquets and such. They tended to pinch his toes. Then again, what was a little pain if he got to spend a nice evening out with Avelyn? He’d called to make a reservation at what he had been assured was a top-notch seafood restaurant. He hoped she liked shellfish and wasn’t allergic, he hadn’t thought to ask.
He paused with his hand on the doorknob. His heart was racing in his chest. It wasn’t so much due to nerves as it was anticipation. This was the night he was going to make her his in every way possible. The council may not have given their approval yet, but he had no doubt they would. He’d given them sound information. Borgoz was the only one he’d worried about, but he felt sure his little bit of blackmail would sway the man in his favor. He was tempted to leak the information anyway, just to save Kelvyk from an unpleasant future, but honor forbid him from doing it. It was one thing to put a little pressure on the Chief Councillor but another to make trouble for Kelvyk.
Thrace opened the door and smiled when he saw her standing at the window, watching the moon rise. She was so beautiful; she took his breath away. He’d read that saying in an Earth book and it had stuck with him, though he had not really understood it until this moment. He was experiencing a lot of firsts with Avelyn.
He’d never felt desire before. He’d had a need, but it hadn’t been because of any particular woman. The females at the floating brothel were all right, but nothing special. Convenient, that’s what they were. He’d gotten hard seeing their naked bodies, but he’d never ached from wanting someone so much. Never before had the mere thought of a woman touching him, even innocently, been enough to set him on fire. His cock stayed hard all the damn time around Avelyn. A smile. A glance. The way she brushed her hair away from her face. Every move she made was seductive.
He cleared his throat to get her attention. “Are you ready? Our reservation is for seven and it’s nearly that time now. I don’t want to be late or we’ll lose our table.”
“I’m ready.”
He crooked his arm, like he’d seen men do in the movies, and waited until her delicate hand settled on his forearm. Thrace escorted her out of the room, down the elevator, and out to the waiting limo. He’d made sure his regular driver was available tonight and would be able to wait for them at the restaurant. On the drive there, he watched her, but covertly. She fascinated him, especially this side of her. He’d never seen her look quite so elegant. He was nearly afraid to touch her, for fear of messing up her hair or the touch of make-up she wore. He hadn’t seen any in her bathroom the other day and assumed she’d just purchased it. Usually he detested make-up on a woman, but the little bit she wore just accented her beauty.
The limo drew to a s
top in front of the restaurant; Thrace slid out and then held out a hand for Avelyn. After helping her from the vehicle, he placed her hand in the crook of his arm again and escorted her inside. A doorman opened the elaborate doors for them and they swept inside, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. For once, he doubted it was his unusual coloring. Avelyn was stunning tonight, and he knew he was the envy of every man there.
The hostess showed them to a table near the window; a small candle flickered in the center. Menus were placed at their settings and Thrace held Avelyn’s chair for her. He’d seen men do that before and hoped it was the right thing to do. He wanted this night to be special -- perfect -- and hoped he didn’t mess up. He’d studied for this moment and ordered a bottle of red wine. Did Avelyn like wine? If not, lesson learned. He’d never tried it himself, but humans seemed to like it well enough. It seemed every couple in the restaurant had a glass of the stuff.
“Are we celebrating something?” she asked as she took a sip.
“In a manner of speaking. I called the Chief Councillor this afternoon, once I had the paperwork from Xonos. He’s going to present our case to the rest of the council, but it may be a week before we hear anything.”
“So, we’re celebrating that our case is being presented?”
“That and… I did some thinking. If the council won’t approve our mating, then I will break from the council. Either way, we’re going to be mated. If you’ll have me.”
She stared at him, blinking several times.
He set his glass down. “Did I say something wrong?”
“No, it’s just… you’d leave everything you know just to be with me?”
“Of course.” He frowned, not understanding what she found so confusing about it. He wanted her. She wanted him. They would be together. It was that simple. At least, in his mind it was. He’d heard Earth females could complicate a situation if given the opportunity.
Avelyn and the Alien Daddy (Intergalactic Brides 3) Page 6