Rayne lied through her teeth. She was totally losing this. Look at him—Leaning there all shirtless from their training like a yummy treat. Licking his lips and shit—
She needed a fan.
There was no need to check her pulse, though. It was fluttering like a trapped hummingbird, and Nox grinned because he knew it.
Clothes.
Clothes would be good.
Nacres regulated internal temperature, but a glancing breeze of cool air still affected breasts the same. And when Nox’s eyes appreciated the reaction, Rayne spun and went back to the shower.
Rinse off the sweet breakfast smoothie. Do not let Nox see how badly she wanted him.
As she rounded the sheet, he mercifully went off topic. “What is the agenda for today?”
This was easy to answer. Rayne dried off for a second time, saying, “We need to shop first for supplies. I was thinking we could go to Reipon. Do you have any objections to that?”
It was best to avoid Ishkur until they went to Night Rayne’s Tomb in the evening.
“None.” There was more humor in Nox’s voice when he added, “We can check for the premiere date of your biopic while we’re there.”
Rayne froze in the middle of constructing clothes.
Her life’s story.
She couldn’t keep the grin from spreading across her lips as Rayne thought about the recent steamy chapters it was missing.
Nox asked, “How do you feel about the film? I’ve been wondering…”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Considering her last thought, she said with some conviction, “It won’t be accurate.”
Rayne was pondering her hair when she rounded the sheet into the kitchen. Tonight’s gear was a garnet minidress, folded off her shoulders and cut so short it didn’t even brush her thigh-high boots. Made of soft black leather, their five-inch heels gave her some height. Maybe she should go with a braid crown—
The abrupt thundering of their heart made Rayne glance at Nox.
He looked away, but before doing so, she’d glimpsed naked desire so hot it nearly melted her on the spot.
Could they just spend another whole day in bed together? How long would it take to satiate this longing?
Weeks?
Years…
When Rayne realized it might take even longer for her, she cleared her throat and looked away, too.
Finish the mission.
Then worry about the future of this relationship.
Rayne collected the comb, some sleh oil, and went to Nox, hoping this might ease them both. Without question, he took the oil and combed it through her hair until it formed the waves she loved so much. She said, “I was thinking a braid crown. Do you know how to make one?”
Nox gave a little chuckle, saying, “I can try. Why do you play with your hair so much?” Their fingers worked together on opposite sides of her head to braid along the sides.
“Because it’s healthy, and I always wanted it this long. Ever since I was a little girl obsessed with pigtails and braids…” Like when she’d first met Xelan. Her voice was soft as she admitted, “That’s how he’ll always see me. A little girl in need of rescuing. I love him for it, but…”
Nox paused in his weaving. “It makes venturing out as a grown woman almost criminal.”
Rayne turned and gazed up at him. Breathy, she said, “I don’t want to break his heart.”
There was so much understanding in his eyes, but also a denial or refusal to face it. Nox went back to twining her hair. “Well, that leaves you with two options. Stay his little girl forever or turn to a life of crime. Runaway with a handsome fugitive and hideout together on a forbidden planet—Oh, wait…”
It was so unexpected, Rayne laughed and nearly lost her place in the strands. After they combined their efforts into one long braid, she patted the counter. “Come on. While we were… busy over the last day or so, something interesting must’ve happened.” She refused to look him in the face while hers was burning and, instead, grabbed a tab, hopped on the counter, and skimmed through headlines.
Before he could join her, Nox faltered and caught himself on the island.
Rayne peered up with concern. “What’s wrong?”
He shook his head as if dizzy. “As hybrids, Xelan engineered the Progeny to rely less on Vittle nutrients. It explains why you aren’t starving, despite not eating a supplement this morning.”
Oh.
“You can drink me.”