and hurting.
Pushing his hands beneath her open shirt, he slid it from her shoulders. His hands shook with anticipation—an unheard-of occurrence. He opened and closed them several times as he studied her. The bra she wore was sturdy and mostly plain but for a small embroidered flower on the edge of both cups. He ran his thumbs over the delicate pink petals. “Pretty.”
“I did them myself. I wanted something nice but this was cheaper.”
It hurt him in ways he’d never thought anything could to imagine her wanting pretty things she couldn’t afford. Her room and wardrobe were utilitarian. Any money she’d made was likely saved. It certainly wasn’t spent on anything for herself from what he’d seen.
“You don’t need adornment.”
Her smile bloomed, her entire face radiant, pulling him further from the dark. He traced his fingers over the edges of the garment, savoring the anticipation. The clasp was an easy front closure. He twisted it open. The cups peeled back, exposing her to him for the first time.
Mouth watering, he nuzzled one plump mound and then the other.
“Kyler.” Her fingers gripped his hair and dragged him closer.
A growl of possessiveness rose up from a primal place within him. Mine!
Her nipples had darkened, tightening into hard buds. He sipped one between his lips and sucked.
“Yes. So good.” She trembled.
He caught her up in his arms and laid her on the bed, coming down beside her. Propping one hand under his head, he used the other to explore, fondling one full breast and then the other, teasing and tasting.
She shoved at his shirt. “Take it off. I want to touch you.”
He wanted that more than his next breath but knew the mood would be broken. Nothing I can do about it. Kyler rolled off the bed and removed his weapon’s holster, setting it on the bedside table so his laser was within easy reach. Some would consider it foolhardy. But he was no one’s fool. He flicked his thumb over the sensor, locking it down.
He might want her, might want to trust her, but past history had taught him painful and valuable lessons. Now was not the time to shrug them off.
Etta sat up and curled her arms around her legs. He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it onto the chair.
“What are you wearing?” She leaned forward and stroked his arm. The muscles in his forearm contracted.
“Battlesuit.”
Her mouth dropped. “By the gods, I’ve heard of them but never seen one. They cost a fortune. More than some spaceships.”
It was standard equipment for him and all Gravasian soldiers. They saw it as a practicality, a necessity. The cost was irrelevant as it was provided for every warrior.
In Gravasian society, no one went hungry or without essential tools. Why would they when it was readily available and everyone was willing to contribute to the greater good? Money wasn’t prized there as it was on many worlds. A man strove to provide a comfortable life for his family and protect them, have good friends, and uphold his honor. That was how he counted his worth. The women added their skills along with warmth and love to turn their houses into homes and for the betterment of society. And children were cherished by all.
He opened the fastening and pushed the battlesuit down to his waist.
As much as he wanted to be totally naked with her, that wasn’t going to happen. Not here where there wasn’t a way to properly secure things. If something happened, he didn’t want to be caught totally naked.
As it was, he was taking a huge risk. If something went wrong, they could both die. He squeezed his eyes shut and cursed himself for wanting her so much. “This isn’t safe.”
“Helldrick won’t be back tonight, and I haven’t seen Balthazar in days.” Light pressure on his abs had his eyes flying open. She was kneeling on the bed in front of him with her lips against his stomach.
“You can’t be sure they won’t show.” His voice was as hoarse as if he’d been on a five-day bender in some backward planet bar inhaling secondhand smoke from illegal cigarettes. Not that he’d ever done such a thing. His discipline was too well engrained. But he’d heard others who lacked such control.
“No, I can’t.” She came up on her knees, her breasts pressing against him, her nipples dragging over his skin. “I’m willing to take the risk. Are you?”
He plunged his fingers into her hair. It was soft as silk and shimmered