Page 51 of Free for Adventure

“That’s a new approach.”

“You have not answered. I don’t inflict even partial nudity on my enemies without warning.”

“Oh, by all means. Take off whatever you need.”

She sighed and untied the wrap of her dress, turning to show him her back as she swept her hair to one side and then eased her dress off her shoulders. The butterflies were excited, and she knew they were moving.

“What the hell? They are moving.” Exoval exhaled softly, and then, she felt the touching. They all had to touch.

She pivoted and lifted her cookie while he stroked the butterflies.

“Who else is on here? Wait. Dorian and Ohno?”

Amby smiled. “Yes. Are you objecting to being on my back with them?”

He was quiet. “No, they were always very polite to me. Not like the others.”

“Ah, guys getting grabby?”

“Yes. King Kekoa assigned me this research station, which has been very serene for the last few years.”

“He did that for you?”

“He understood my fears.”

“Well, he’s currently enjoying life with an omega, another alpha, and an altered beta like me. My cousin, in fact.”

“What? Alohi let him have another?”

“It isn’t a matter of let, but my cousin Hara turns into a giant gold statue.”

“Oh. Right. Alohi couldn’t fight with that.”

“No. He couldn’t.” She yelped when Exoval pressed his lips to her back, and he exhaled softly.

“You feel good; you smell good.”

She nibbled her cookie. “You smell nice, too. Warm and pretty.”

“Can we skip the tour and just cuddle? It has been a long time since I had someone to touch.”

“You want to cuddle with me?”

“Yes. I haven’t... it’s been a long time.”

“Well, I haven’t ever.”

“What?” Exoval lifted his head in surprise.

She explained it softly, and he turned her to face him. He smiled shyly. “So, cuddling?”

“Just cuddling.”

He smiled. “Of course.”

She put her hand in his and finished her cookie. “I haven’t cuddled anyone ever. Let me know if I stick an elbow in the wrong place.”

He led her to his bedroom. “I will.”