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“That’s a good question,” she said, frowning slightly. “I work for a big law firm, so I don’t really have much free time.”
So even this Terran had a higher status and better paid job than he did. It was humbling, but he was happy for her if she didn’t have to want for anything.
“What kind of law?” he asked, knowing that was the right question, though he probably couldn’t ask a single follow-up, assuming he even understood the answer.
“The firm has their finger in a lot of pies,” she said. “But the group I’m with handles defense for other big companies being sued for environmental infractions.”
He nodded and tried not to wince. Nice as she seemed, Naomi was with the bad guys. It wasn’t what he would have expected, given how much she seemed to enjoy the natural world.
“Anyway, it’s awful and boring,” she said quickly. “On the way to and from, I like to read. When I can get away, it’s usually to the mountains. Though that’s rare.”
“So, you live in a city?” he asked.
“Yes,” she told him. “I don’t know how much you know about the Terras, but Terra-58 is luckier than most. The capital is beautiful and well-organized. I have an apartment overlooking the park. It’s pretty nice.”
The Bly-Xarxyns kept an apartment in the city on Maltaffia as well as their regular house, and country homes here and there. Gage knew enough to know that an apartment didn’t necessarily mean a plain box of a place. It could be a multi-level affair with terraces and a doorman. And if there was a view of a park in a major city, then Naomi must be well-paid for her work indeed. He had heard good things about Terra-58.
“I guess we never would have met if not for this program,” he said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.
Her expression turned sad, and he felt bad for bringing it up.
“Sorry,” he said. “I know you have your reasons for being here, just like I have mine.”
“On my planet, I’m not eligible to marry, or even date, until I bear a child,” she said. “Between that and my workdays, it’s just a little lonely, that’s all.”
“A matriarchal society,” he said, remembering. “Of course.”
“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she said, putting her fork down and meeting his eyes. “I know this is all a little weird and awkward, but I need you to know how glad I am that you came, and how much I hope this works. For both of us.”
Electricity seemed to sizzle between them.
“I am grateful too, Naomi,” he told her carefully. “I do not wish to rush you. But would you like to begin our efforts now?”
Her lips parted and she nodded once.
He was up from the table before either of them could say another word.
“Activate privacy mode,” he growled, grabbing her hand and marching them off to the bedroom.
7
Gage
Gage willed his heart to stop thundering, and his feet not to move so fast that he frightened her.
But the surge of need that shot through him the moment Naomi’s hand was in his felt like someone had flipped a switch inside him.
He needed to touch her, to taste her, to fill her with his seed.
They reached the bedroom and he paused, glancing down at her. The room was spacious, with a bed so big they could practically lose each other in it.
Her dark eyes were fixed on the bed too, as if she craved him as badly as he did her.
Is this the mate bond trying to draw us close?
Choosing not to dwell on the thought, he led her to the bed and kicked off his shoes.
Her eyes locked onto his and she removed her shoes as well.
