Cyra couldn’t pull back from full meltdown mode. “It wouldn’t matter what they look like. You know I would love them dearly. But don’t you see, that isn’tmyfuture? I gave up my whole family and my life on Chalcanth to not stay home and make babies. I wouldn’t be happy.The Treasureis my home. Being on this ship makes me happy.”
“How do you know that being with Dez means the end to your transport business?”
“Because I’ll have defaulted on his contract. The contract that I’m now responsible for, not Auvi. If I don’t deliver Dez to the mining company on Kolben, on time, I’ll owe them the entire amount that was already paid plus a stiff penalty. It will kill us financially. No recovery.”
“Dez has negotiated two contracts for us since then. Recurring contracts that will bring in revenue for far longer and they don’t require you to give him up.”
“I know that. And I appreciate him doing that.” Cyra scraped her hair away from her gills. “But it won’t be enough.” The amount was astronomical. “I don’t see a time where I willeverhave that many credits.”
“Cyra, there is always a way.” That was Veda’s faith talking. Faith Cyra didn’t share, having grown up completely differently.
“Not in this case there isn’t. There is only one way this can go. And it doesn’t end with me and Dez and purple babies.”
Veda sighed and clasped her hands. “Your stubbornness is your greatest asset and your worst weakness.”
“I’m sure your right.”
“I am.” Veda paused and pressed her lips tightly together before she continued. “And you have to talk to him.”
Cyra’s stomach soured. “I don’t like you right now.”
“Don’t have to, but you do have to talk to Dez. Sooner the better.” Veda guided her to the door. “I have to check on Queen and Princess.”
Cyra would love to stomp her foot and refuse to face Dez. Not very captain like. The better option would be to go back in time and not have interfered with Bodi. Or have left instead of closing herself in with Dez. Where was a wormhole when she needed one? “How are the dogs doing? Maybe I should check on them with you.”
“They’re fine. But Queen isn’t ready for visitors. She’s barely tolerating me and Dez.” Veda said. “Quit trying to distract me and go talk to him, Cyr.”
Cyra rolled her eyes. “I’m going.”
Dez strode to the galley as if his heart was still in his chest and every muscle didn’t ache for his mate. They should still be in bed together, making love. But Cyra had run. No matter, he still had a crew to feed. He would find a way to connect with her again, to bring her back to his bed. He froze. As if his thoughts had called her, there she was, head down mumbling to herself. She stopped. Turned. Still hadn’t made eye contact. “Cyra?”
She startled and spun back. “Uh. You. I mean, I was coming to talk to you.”
How could she be on her way to him when she had turned around? Dez let his confusion twist his expression.
“I mean, I was as soon as I figured out what to say.”
If he said the wrong thing, he could push her away. He held still, patiently waiting for her words.
“I’m sorry I rushed out.”
He nodded in agreement. That had sucked. He’d planned to show her how perfectly their bodies would fit together, how whatever pleasure she may have experienced before was nothing compared to mate bonding sex. Tasting her had set his world on fire. He’d traveled the stars when she sucked him into her warm mouth. Couldn’t she tell how different sex was with her mate? Dez had nothing to compare it to, but he’d heard the stories. He’d saved himself for his true mate, had given up on finding her, only to discover Cyra.
Could she not feel the joy?
“I don’t know what to say, Dez.” She crossed her arms, a protection move. “Nothing’s changed about our situation.”
Dez closed the distance, she backed against the wall, eyes wide. “I disagree. Everything has changed, at least between us.” He stroked his fingers through her deep green locks, like silk. “I know what you taste like. I know how you shake when you’re riding my tongue.” He caressed her shoulder. “I know how your breath changes right before you let go.”
Her breath hitched and her pupils expanded.
“I know what it is to erupt in your throat and have your sweet mouth all over my cock.” He kissed her neck, just below her shivering gills, teasing her skin with his tongue.
“But Dez.” She clasped his shoulders, clinging to him. Her knees trembled. “I can’t— It’s wrong when I know this can’t last.”
So it was guilt, not fear. She didn’t understand that as fated mates, they would be together for as long as possible. “I.” He kissed the dip at the base of her neck. “Don’t.” He kissed up her skin to the edge of chin. “Care.” He clutched her hips and tugged her to him, pressing his hard cock to her soft lower belly as he took her mouth. He couldn’t change her mind with words. He couldn’t explain why he had faith that they would be together for as long as they were both alive. He could only show her what he felt. If she let him.
She turned her head and pushed against his shoulders. He stepped back, releasing her.
