Page 47 of Bikar
Smirking as I walk around the stack of stuff, I follow Bikar down the hall towardsourprivate rooms. The concept isn’t ominous like I thought it would be, but Bikar has a way of making everything okay.
Frowning at the broad expanse of his back, I wonder if he feels slighted. His brothers have absconded with their mates in various fashions for obvious reasons, but here we are, walking alongside each other without any physical contact. I mean, he is carrying a lot of stuff, but he didn’t even try to ditch it so he could carry me off like a princess in a story before getting thoroughly ravished.
I can’t decide if I feel disappointed about it or not.
Sharing a living space with someone I actually like and enjoy being around is going to be a new experience. Lord knows that cohabitation with my dad was more akin to a hostage situation than a happy home. Bikar loves me, so this will be vastly different than how I grew up. The worry Bikar will try something sexual or underhanded once we’re alone isn’t present.
At all.
After being around Bikar—and his brothers—I’ve realized their actions match their words. Sure, they’re loud and boisterous, but they would all sooner cut off their own hands than hurt a woman. Bikar’s bit of idiocy with Murgul was a behavioral anomaly, not the norm, and he pulled that stunt for me out of desperation. Peering up at him, I realize the dim light I keep catching a glimpse of on the walls is coming from his eyes.
Now that I think about it, Bikar’s eyes have had a slight glow to them since all of us came inside, so I know he’s up to something. “Alright, spill the tea. What kind of snooping are you doing?”
Blinking down at me, face full of innocence, he opens the door for me, allowing me to enter our new space first. “Why would you think I am snooping, little doe?”
“Blow smoke up someone else’s butt, Bikar. Your eyes only glow like that when you’re digging around in a computer system or doing something techy. So, what are you up to?”
Closing the door behind us, he offers me a sweet smile. “You are far more observant than most would credit you for. It is nothing nefarious, I promise. I am merely checking out the security parameters for our new home. We all have our foibles, and mine is ensuring that no one can gain access where my loved ones are.”
“Okay, that makes sense. I guess you’re beefing it up, huh?”
He pauses for a second, eyes flaring, and I know he’s researching the context of what I just said. “Yes, that is an accurate description of what I am doing.”
Looking around the area we’ve entered, I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s similar to the common areas with an open floor plan, and the décor is not utilitarian metal like the ships. Wooden furniture with fluffy cushions is mixed with metal and synthetic materials, blending rustic and outer space in a way that works seamlessly. Several doorways are spaced around whatappears to be a living room. Heading over to the closest opening, I peek in and see a bedroom with two more doors that I surmise can only lead to a closet and bathroom.
“Good news! There’s a bed.”
Chuckling, he sets down the bags he’s toted all the way from the Scythe. “There are two private sleeping chambers in this wing. That is why I picked it. The others have one large room that my brothers and their mates will share, with room to add on to the unit if they have any younglings in the future. I know you are not yet ready to share a bed with me, so I ensured you would have what you need for optimal comfort.”
I can feel my eyes welling with tears at how freakingnicehe’s being to me. “You’re not… disappointed that you don’t have what they do?”
His heavy brows fall into a frown, and he crosses the room in quick strides. Dropping to his knees so we are closer to eye level, he rushes to reassure me. “How could I possibly be disappointed? I have found my mate; she is coming to know me, and has consented to sharing a living space with me. There is a lot there to be thankful for.”
“But…”
He shushes me with a finger against my lips. “But, nothing. Our relationship is just that.Ours.We will not hold ourselves to the standards of others, nor their expectations, nor what they think we should do. All is well. Please do not worry about this.” Tilting his head, he smirks, and I know he’s about to say something outrageous. “Although, my back may never recover from hauling all your plunder from the Scythe to our new home. You have accumulated quite the array of items, my Starshine.”
Playfully shoving him, he pretends to fall over. “There is no need for such gratuitous violence. I will happily fetch the rest of your things.”
I can’t help but giggle. He has a way of putting me at ease through laughter. “Okay, Bikar. I’ll do my best not to worry about it… Also, it isn’tthatmuch stuff.”
“Allow me to remove myself from your immediate vicinity, lest your God strike me by accident for your falsehood.”
He did not just say that.
“Oh, shut up. I can’t believe you just said that to me.”
“I merely speak the truth as I know it, little doe.”
I adore it when he calls me that. I’ve come to realize that gazing at his inhuman face no longer fills me with dread, and hasn’t for a while now. In fact, it’s become… dear to me. Leaning in, eyes closing, I press my lips against his in a clumsy kiss that he immediately takes advantage of.
Typical, Bikar. Give him an inch, he takes a mile.
Scooping me up, he carries me to the couch without breaking contact between our mouths and settles us into the hottest make-out session of my life.
CHAPTER 41
BIKAR
