“Oh god,” she cried out.

“That’s me.” He drove into her deeper and faster. “Us. So damn good, isn’t it?”

Her arms collapsed under her and she buried her face against the bed, trying to muffle some of the sounds she made.

“I could f**k you for hours. I could live here with you under me,” he rasped. “You’re so sexy, so hot and so damn tight. You’re going to come. I can feel your muscles squeezing me.”

She stopped clawing the bed and turned her head. His hand was close to her face, flattened to support his weight. She frantically reached out, needing to touch him. Her fingers covered his. He suddenly shifted, dropping down so he was braced on his elbow and twisted his wrist. He took her hand, clutching it tightly.

Vanni shouted his name as her world exploded in a haze of white ecstasy. Smiley nipped her shoulder and groaned deeply. He slowed his thrusts and she knew he was coming when he curled around her tighter, shaking both them and the bed from the force of it.

She closed her eyes when he stopped moving. Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the room. She knew a smile curved her lips. “Wow.”

He brushed a soft kiss on the spot where he’d gotten her with his fangs. “Just warming up, my Vanni. It’s still early. Never forget that I can go all night. We’ll try anything you want. Do you have any fantasies you want to share? You can tell me anything. You’re mine and I’m yours. I want to do everything with you.”

It sank in. He really meant it. “I’ve never had sex in a tub before.” It was easier to admit that when she wasn’t staring into his eyes.

“You will by the time we go to sleep.”

“I have a bucket list.”

“What is that?”

“Things I’d like to try before I die. There are a few sex ones on there. We already had sex in a car. That was one of them.”

Smiley released her cl*t and ran his hand along her belly. He shifted his body and just fell to the side, taking her with him. She laughed when they landed, still curled together with him inside her. He grabbed her breast, squeezed.

“Tell me more. You have my full attention.”

She looked at him over her shoulder. He was smiling, his eyes gleaming with amusement. It encouraged her to do just that.

“I want to have sex outside at night. Not in front of anyone. Public sex isn’t my thing but I always thought it would be neat. Just outside at night under the moon and stars.”

“We can do that too. We’ll wait until we’re at Reservation though. A lot of Homeland is blanketed in cameras. I’d have to beat on any male who saw you naked.” His expression changed to a serious one. “I hope this bucket list doesn’t include sex with other males. I’d do anything for you but that.”

She shook her head, stunned he’d even bring it up. “No!”

“Good. I know humans are into that sometimes but there would be massive blood loss if you put two Species males in the same room as a female in sexual need. We don’t share well and especially if one of them has feelings for her. I wouldn’t just beat on another male. I’d kill him if he even considered touching you. You’re mine.” He studied her. “Does that upset you?”

“No. I’m possessive too. I would never want to be with someone who thought it was okay if we weren’t in a monogamous relationship.”

“Good.”

She twisted a little to get a better look at him. “That’s what we have, right? Monogamy?”

“Yes.” He pulled her closer and hugged her tightly. “I’m not addicted to your scent but it won’t matter. You’re all I want.”

“Addicted to my scent?”

“Remember when I told you I would get addicted to your scent? Canines and felines get addicted to the scent of their females and other ones smell distasteful to them—really bad.” He paused. “I haven’t experienced that with you. I love how you smell but I don’t feel the need to breathe you in constantly. I do want to hold you all the time and be close to you. I miss you when you aren’t with me. You’re my mate, Vanni. You can trust me.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“You’re perfect.”

“I’m not but I’ll try to be the best mate ever. You just need to always be honest with me.”

“That goes both ways. What are your fantasies? I want to check things off your bucket list too.”

“You said yes to being my mate and you’re in my arms. I get to spend the rest of my life with you at my side. That’s all I’ve ever dreamed of. You make me happy and whole, Vanni.”

Tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t do that, my Vanni.” He nuzzled her head with his. “I want you happy.”

“This is happy. Lately I just can’t seem to control it as well as I usually do. I just seem to tear up for any reason.”

He tensed, his muscles tightening. “There’s something I need to tell you. I was afraid to before now because I wanted you to be secure about my feelings for you first. Do you know how much I love you?”

“I think I do.”

He buried his face in the curve of her shoulder, hugging her tighter and drew his legs up to hold her even closer. It kind of scared her.

“What is it?”

He nuzzled her cheek with his and put his lips next to her ear. “Will you please promise me it won’t change things between us?”