Authors: Lizzy Ford
Star Kissed (36 page)
He had to be sure she wanted to stay.
“So you don’t need the marbles,” she said. “Though they’d probably help.” She frowned, thinking hard. “Akkadi, you’ve lied to me a lot.”
“I have, for which I am regretful,” he agreed. “I thought I was doing my duty, and you were an interference.”
She looked ready to object. Akkadi placed his finger against her plump lips.
“I discovered I can’t do my duty without you in my life,” he finished. “I want you to stay, but I want it to be on your terms.”
She was silent. Akkadi forced himself to stay quiet and calm, needing an answer but suddenly afraid of what that might be.
Mandy stared at the energy marbles. She’d spent her time in the future wishing she had them, so she could go home. Now that she did, she wasn’t sure. Akkadi’s voice was soft, his Naki game face on, rendering him difficult to read.
I love you, Mandy.
Had she ever thought she’d hear those words from him?
“You can’t lie to me again,” she said, forcing herself to focus.
“On my honor, I will not.”
She believed him. He’d been fully dedicated to a woman he hadn’t wanted to marry who ultimately tried to kill him. He’d definitely be loyal to a woman he cared for. Someone he loved.
She rubbed her temple with her free hand. The adrenaline shot had worn off soon after she finished beating up the poor Kini she challenged. She was exhausted and her nose hurt from the one good hit the Kini had gotten in.
Her key home was heavy in her hand. More good could be done with the marbles if she stayed; this much she knew. He had found another means to help the people on the planet, but she understood the importance of such tiny treasures now. She also had another mission if she stayed: to help Akkadi with a cure and stop the slave trade. Helen claimed it was hard to change a society. It was going to take more than one person to do it.
“You won’t try to marry me off to one of your cousins?” she asked, meeting his gaze. Anger and need fluttered through her as she gazed into his dark blue depths. She recalled too well their last night together, the way he’d laid claim to every inch of her skin and thrown his careful Naki control out the window.
“You stay with me or you go home. This is the choice,” he replied.
“Oh, so I can’t go home with the Kini. Bummer,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Or back to Urik.”
Akkadi’s jaw clenched. “You’re mine. If you choose to stay.”
“Did Urik survive?” she asked suddenly.
“He did.”
“You talked to him?”
“Only to find out where you were.”
Mandy studied him, satisfied with the response. Her eyes returned to the marbles. Her insides shook as she considered what he was offering. She could remain here with Akkadi – or go home alone. By remaining, she’d stay with the man who felt like he was a part of her but lose the rest of her life.
If she went home, she’d never be whole again.
“I, um, wow.” Her eyes watered.
“I do not fault you if you choose to return,” he said, hushed.
“It’s actually kind of an easy decision. Either way, it just …”
hurts.
“I will be the best human I can be.”
Mandy gave a small laugh. She drew a deep breath then held out the marbles.
Akkadi gazed at her intently, waiting.
“I want to stay with you,” she said. “I want to help
our
people find a cure. I want
us
.”
He accepted the cells and key. Mandy watched them disappear into his sash, trembling at the thought of remaining. She looked at him finally.
Akkadi’s eyes were warm in a display that was very un-Naki.
“You have a lot to make up for,” she warned him.
“I know, and I will.” He drew her close.
Mandy sighed, resting against him. He was solid and warm, the only person capable of grounding her in any time. He held her close, and she knew she’d made the right decision, even with the challenges remaining of her finding her footing in his world.
“I need you, Mandy. Forgive me for not realizing it until it was almost too late,” he whispered.
“You’re a stubborn fool,” she agreed. “I think we can do this. Do you?”
“Without a doubt,” he replied, the Naki haughtiness returning.
“I have to tell you something,” she said pulling back enough to see his face. A streak of mischief made her want to see his reaction.
Akkadi pressed his warm lips to her forehead in a quick kiss.
“I’m pregnant,” she said.
“As long as it’s mine.”
Mandy’s jaw dropped. “What the hell do you mean … are you
teasing
me?”
Akkadi smiled, his small laugh surprising her.
Mandy wasn’t expecting him to be happy about it. Something melted inside of her. He was grinning, his eyes sparkling. The expression rendered him dazzling, and she marveled at the man before her.
“I think I love you, Akkadi.”
“I know I love you,” he responded. “Let’s go home.”
Heat bloomed within her breast.
Not caring at all for Akkadi’s Naki sense of what was proper in public, Mandy took his face in her hands and kissed him. Akkadi met her passion with his own, wrapping her in a tighter embrace while ravaging her mouth with hunger that promised to make their upcoming nights together beyond memorable.
“Come, celebrate with us!” Mackle shouted.
Akkadi broke away. Overwhelmed by her emotions and his words, Mandy wiped at the tears blurring her vision. She was scared – but elated at the same time.
“You think we’ll make it out of here alive?” she asked with a glance at Mackle and the surrounding Kini.
“I’m not entirely certain,” Akkadi replied calmly. “It might take another brawl or two.”
Mandy laughed. “I can do it.”
“I believe you.” He said, gaze sweeping over her with intensity. “Though I’d prefer you expend that energy elsewhere.”
Mandy’s desire grew in response. “Maybe they have a place where we can talk through some things. Alone. Naked.”
“I know somewhere.” He took her hand and led her away quickly, past Mackle and into the hall.
She’d found where she belonged, ten thousand years in the future.
Mandy laughed once more, thrilled.
Akkadi ducked into a room not too far away and held her once more, his kisses hot and hard. Exhilarated at the thought of spending every night in the arms of her Akkadi, Mandy closed her eyes and sank into his warm strength.
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