he suspected she had been fantasizing about him making love to her, he didn’t say it. Instead, he lowered the safety rail on the bed and gestured for her to scoot over to make room. She happily did so and welcomed him into her space.
“The book and pamphlets are given to all new brides,” he explained and draped his arm around her shoulders. She didn’t even try to hide the smile that tugged at her mouth when he pulled her in close to cuddle against him. “They explain everything you need to know about living on the ship and your rights as a bride and mate.”
She thumbed through the guidebook. “I’ll read through it tomorrow, sir.”
His lips brushed her temple. “Take your time. There’s no rush or test.”
“Speaking of tests,” she muttered, “they made me blow into this huge straw earlier to see how well my lungs work. It was awful.”
“I’m sorry.” He rubbed her arm. “I should have been here.”
“No, you were where you needed to be. I’m just whining a bit.”
“That’s okay. You’re allowed to be upset and irritated about things. Especially right now,” he added. “You’re in a whole new world. You have strangers asking you to take uncomfortable tests. I would whine, too.”
She eyed him with disbelief. “I don’t think your people have that emotion.”
He snorted. “You haven’t met all of us yet. Eventually, you’ll cross a soldier or pilot who will change your mind.”
“I guess.” She reached into the bag and withdrew a tablet device. Holding it in her hand, she was surprised by how light it felt and how easy it was to handle. She glanced at him in shock. “Is this mine?”
“All yours,” he confirmed. “I’ve already set it up for you. Would you like to me show you how it works?”
“Yes, sir.”
Not for the first time, she noticed the way his eyes seemed to flare when she called him sir. He seemed pleased to be shown respect, and she was happy to give it to him. He had more than earned her respect with his actions toward her.
“It’s all touchscreen,” he explained, taking her small hand in his larger one and showing her how to swipe the screen. Icons appeared on a pale grey background. “You can change this background to anything you’d like. A photo, a painting, your own design, a solid color,” he said, pointing out the icon to tap to change the settings for the tablet. “These icons take you to different applications. Library, entertainment, messaging, vid-calls, navigation, education, shopping, cooking, medical care,” he listed the options while pointing them out to her. “Try it.”
She took the tablet back from him and tapped on the icons, exploring all the options available to her. She marveled at the technology and wondered how it worked. As if reading her mind, Cipher said, “I can teach you how to code and make your own programs.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” He kissed her. “Really.”
Not wanting him to move away so quickly, she reached out and cupped his face, gently holding him in place. He understood what she wanted and turned slightly. The tablet was forgotten on her lap as Cipher let her take control of their kiss. She clung to his broad shoulders and moved her lips against his. Her hands trembled as the excitement of being so close to Cipher overwhelmed her. Feeling brazen, she flicked the tip of her tongue against the seam of his mouth. He groaned low in his throat and tangled his fingers in her long hair, gripping the back of her head as he swung his leg over hers.
Trapped beneath him, she let out a shuddery breath and kissed him again, clawing at his shoulders and silently begging him to stay on top of her. She pressed her thighs together, aching and needy in a way she had never experienced. He seemed to know what she was feeling because he rocked against her, sliding his strong thigh between hers and nudging it against the place no man had ever touched. She gasped, her eyes wide at the incredible sensation of his leg between hers, and pumped her hips to chase the feeling again.
“Fuck,” Cipher growled. His hand flew to her hip, his long fingers gripping her tightly and holding her still. She whimpered and tried to rub herself against him again, but he was too strong. “No,” he said sternly. “Not here.”
“Please, sir,” she begged, her voice so needy and desperate that it shocked her. “Please.”