“I’m coming, Babe. Did you want me to get food?”
“No. Come back. Please,” he added after a breath. “You need to rest.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine.”
The second I entered our apartment, I spied Kal sitting in front of the easel. The painting he was doing of me in red was on the easel, but it hadn’t progressed since I’d left. The portrait was flattering with my wide smile, round face, tousled hair, and plump frame.
Arms going around him, I kissed his neck. “I’m sorry I upset you, but I was perfectly safe.”
“I’m being ridiculous, but I worry.”
“I know. Believe me, I know.”
He hauled me onto his lap. Kal rubbed his nose against mine, and he took a deep breath before burying his face against my neck.
“I love you,” I whispered, stroking his long hair.
Kal bit my neck, then licked the same spot. “I love you too, my Husband.”
Tightening my hold on him, I asked, “Will you nap with me?”
“As long as you truly want to sleep.”
“Spoilsport.”
He didn’t bother to respond, though he probably hadn’t understood anyway. Kal stood, keeping me in his arms, and steered me toward his room.
Chapter 42
Confessions.
Seth had told me he loved me, but he hadn’t agreed to stay. While we fucked often and talked constantly, I couldn’t help but worry that, in the end, he would choose to return to his planet.
How could I take him back? I would, but the return trip would be pure torture. Seth owned my soul, and I didn’t want to live without him. I couldn’t live without him.
My father pinged me daily, but I’d ignored him, refusing all communication with my family. I’d even foisted the matter of Vx-93 to Talvax and simply sent my father a note explaining thesituation. I didn’t want to hear questions about Seth that I didn’t have any answers to.
Arms wrapped around my waist, startling me. “Babe, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
His hold tightened, but Seth didn’t say anything.
Lying was never my first instinct. In this case, though, I didn't want to pressure Seth. He was allowed to make whatever choice he wanted, though I desperately needed him to pick me.
“Can I show you something?” Seth asked.
“Certainly.”
The promenade wasn’t busy, but people pressed around us, which made Seth stay close to my side. My tail hooked around his ankle, and I draped my arm over his shoulders, holding him securely to me.
When we stepped into the garden, the humid air clung to my scales. The floral scents tickled my nose, and quiet whispers floated to my sensitive ears. Seth ignored all of it and led me onward.
Seth stepped up to a ladder hidden behind a layer of plants, his breath faster than usual. Since he’d been sick, it didn’t take much physical activity to exhaust him.
I grabbed his hand to stop him from climbing up. “What are you doing?”
“Trust me.”
