him, cooling his frustration and anger with himself. “This is so much better.” The tips of her fingers stroked over his back and down his arms. She made a little humming noise when she squeezed his bicep.
Honor might dictate that he walk away but she wanted this as much as he did. He’d claimed her. She’d claimed him. There was a tinge of concern. He understood the cultural norms. And while purity in a bride was prized among the upper class on Zaxus, among the working class, things were not quite so strict.
I’ll take care of her.
No matter what happened, he’d make sure she had enough resources to take care of herself. Pain struck his chest, clamping his heart in a fist.
“Zaxe?” She cupped his face, concern in her expressive green eyes. “Are you okay? We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” She bit her bottom lip. “I really didn’t think it would be a big deal to you. Most men wouldn’t care.”
“I’m not most men.” He pulled back and thrust inward, letting her feel the full length of him. Hearing her speak of other men made his blood boil.
“I know.” Pushing up, she rubbed her nose against his. The playful gesture caught him totally off guard and made him smile. “That’s why I’m here.”
“You won’t regret it.” That was one vow he could keep. “I’ll make this good for you.”
“You already have.”
His throat tightened as the honesty of her words sank into him. “Jamaeh.” There was so much he wanted to say, wanted to tell her. Swallowing hard, he began to move, a light rocking back and forth, easing in and out of her, allowing her body time to accustom itself to the new situation.
He need not have worried. Like everything else she’d faced since he’d met her, she threw herself into the experience. Tentatively at first, but with more confidence as they continued. She raised her legs higher, angling herself so his pelvis brushed against her mound with each stroke.
“That’s good.” Breathless, she scraped her nails down his back and grabbed his butt.
“Like that, do you?” How could he still talk with his balls threatening to explode?
“Yes.” She ground her mound against him and gave a low groan. Her inner muscles constricted, her wet heat clutching his cock. The muscle in his jaw pulsed as he desperately tried to hang on until she came again.
Keeping his strokes short and hard, he shoved a hand under her plump ass and guided her. She threw her head back, her eyes screwed shut, her lips parted on a silent scream.
His orgasm exploded, ripping up from his balls and out the tip of his shaft. The world went hot and white, like a pulse from a laser blast. It tore through him faster than the speed of light. It was like being shot into deep space—the lights speeding by, the lack of control, the rush of excitement.
He collapsed on top of her, all his energy sucked from his body. A sense of peace enfolded him as he lay there wondering what in the name of Melton had just happened. He’d had sex before and this wasn’t it. This was far beyond anything he’d ever encountered. It should have worried him.
Protect.
The voice was low and clear. The mission set. Until he understood exactly what was happening between them, Jamaeh was his to protect. He’d just keep that little tidbit to himself, otherwise, she’d likely boot him out the door.
She was pricklier than a needle vine on the planet Crebia. That plant was strong, almost impossible to root out once it took hold, and defended itself with sharp thorns.
His lips curved into a smile. He doubted she’d like the comparison, but it fit.
Beneath him, she was sucking in air, or trying to. He had to be crushing her. It took an effort, but he heaved himself off her, both of them groaning as their bodies disconnected. Lying on his stomach, he turned his head so he could watch her. Her skin was flushed, her lips swollen. How much had she bitten them to keep from screaming?
Resentment stirred, but he shoved it away. He would not taint this moment with regrets, but she deserved a plush bed with silk sheets, flowers, and a warm bath. He might not be able to provide a tub, but he could clean her up.
He counted to three, gathered his strength, and pushed off the bed. Her eyes flew open. “Where are you going?”
“Not far.” He