Afterward, he panted while she lazily stroked his back, their bodies still joined, reluctant to part. He could stay like this forever. He lifted his head to seek her gaze. The satisfaction and tenderness in her smile brought an answering grin to his lips.
Smiles turned to chuckles. For him, it was the intimate joy of the moment, that something so unlikely—a Cosmic Mates marriage with an alien stranger—could turn out to be what he’d needed. Their laughter caused his softening cock to slip out of her, which caused them to shake with mirth even more.
He rolled to the side and pulled her into a fond embrace.
Chapter Twelve
“Your Highness, Ms. Kismet, your guests have arrived,” Lewen announced.
Wearing scowls, Karma and Falkor stomped into the dining room.
“Hey!” Kismet called out in a cheerful tone.
“Hi.” Karma squinted like she had a headache. “Why ishehere?”
“You didn’t tell meshewas invited,” Falkor said.
“Have a seat,” Jaryk said.
For tonight, Jaryk sat across from her at the short side of the table. Adjacent places had been set for their siblings so everybody could see each other and talk. Looking at their glowering expressions, she thought maybe she could have put one of them at the other end of the table.
Well, they’re just going to have to get along!
Yesterday and today, Kismet had attended functions with Jaryk, so there had been little chance to fill her sister in on the “new development,” that she and Jaryk had decided to make a go of their marriage. Of Falkor, she’d seen nothing since the wedding, and she wished to get to know her brother-in-law better. Their siblings had taken a dislike to each other, but they were all family now and would have to learn how to get along.
She shot a resigned eye roll at Jaryk. His grin of amusement morphed to affection and appreciation. Warmth suffused her, and she lowered her lashes.
Falkor plunked into the chair next to Jaryk.
Karma sidled up to her and whispered in her ear, “Somebody did the horizontal tango.”
Her face heated further, this time from embarrassment. Kismet swatted at her. “Sit down.”
She laughed and took her seat. “When I’m right, I’m right.”
“What could you possibly be right about?” Falkor snapped.
“What a boorish prig you are,” Karma shot back.
“Could we make nice for one evening, please?” Kismet said.
“He started it!”
“Regardless of who started it, stop it, both of you,” Jaryk said. “Lewen, you may serve dinner.”
The butler dished out the food and set the plates in front of them. “Shall I remain, or shall I go, Your Highness?”
“We can handle it from here, thank you.”
The butler left. They picked up their utensils and started to eat.
“How have you been doing?” Jaryk asked Karma. “Have you been adjusting to palace life?”
“Pretty much. The palace is beautiful, and I’ve continued to explore—getting lost most of the time—I miss my navigator.” She glanced at Kismet.
“Sorry.” She hunched her shoulders. “I’ve been out with Jaryk.”
“No problem. You have responsibilities now.”
