over her chest. “I cross my heart.”

“What does that mean?”

She grinned. “It’s a promise.”

“I’ll make the arrangements for tomorrow. There’s one more thing we must discuss.”

“Okay.”

“My mother is vindictive. Never answer my door. I’ve upgraded my security measures to only allow myself and my father entry. My computer will send me a signal if I’m not home and someone tries to visit. On the off chance that security arrives and breaches the doors before I return, state clearly that you belong to me, Venice. Refuse to go with them until I am present. It’s the law, and they must follow it if you state that.” He hated to instill fear in her.

Her eyes widened a little but then she nodded. “Got it. She’s a real bitch, huh?”

“Yes. She’s powerful but she can’t violate the law. You’ll be safer once we’re joined into a family unit.”

“Is that why you want to marry me? Just to keep me safe?”

“No.” He smiled. “I wanted to do that before Bazelle made her threats. It just made me ask you sooner than I’d planned. I thought you might need more time to make that decision, but I’m so glad that you have agreed.”

“I wanted to stay with you from the first day we spent together.” Tears flooded her eyes. “I was terrified you’d want a cyborg instead of me.”

“You’re a thousand times better, and you make me feel so many wonderful things, Venice.”

“I love you.”

He pulled her close, probably holding her too tightly. “That is the best gift I’ve ever received, and I will cherish you. I feel the same.”

Venice knew Deviant loved her. He didn’t say the words yet but she hoped one day he would. The most important part was that he wanted to marry her. She snuggled tighter against him. He’d even brought up having children.

All the dreams and hopes she’d had since leaving Earth, of having a family, would come true. This time, though, it would be with the right man, one she had fallen in love with, and not some scam artist intent on luring her into sexual slavery.

The only down side seemed to be Deviant’s mother. It really bothered her that she was the cause of strife between them. Would he end up regretting marrying her one day?

She lifted her head, peering into his eyes. They were so blue, so beautiful, and he meant everything to her. She’d make sure he had no regrets. It was that simple. No matter how bad his mother was, regardless of what kind of trouble the woman might cause, Venice and Deviant would weather it together.

She kissed his neck. “It’s going to be fine.” She said it for herself, as much as for him. “Do you know what will make us both feel better?”

He massaged her ass. “Sex?”

“Always.” She pulled away, climbed off his lap, and backed up. She grinned. “You’ve had a stressful morning. Let’s forget about everything but each other for a while.”

He rose up and followed, smiling. “I enjoy how you think.”

She turned, going into the bedroom and removing her clothes, and then climbed on the bed. Deviant stripped fast and she took in every beautiful inch of him. Cyborg women didn’t know what they were missing out on—and she’d never been so grateful. He was all hers.

He climbed onto the end of the bed and crawled to her. She lay back, opening her arms and spreading her thighs. She’d been secretly terrified his council would try to tear them apart, or he’d be in serious trouble for saving her life. He’d refused to allow her to go with him. She knew he wanted to protect her from facing off against a group of possibly angry cyborgs.

All that worry suddenly came out as he lay down on top of her and she latched onto his mouth. Venice kissed him, putting all the fear she’d felt while he’d been gone into it. She frantically clutched at him, pulling him even closer. He tried to slide down her body but she wrapped her arms around his neck. She wasn’t in the mood for foreplay. She just wanted Deviant inside her. There was a desperation to her actions but she didn’t care. She could have lost him, and wasn’t about to forget it anytime soon.

Venice spread her legs wider and wrapped them around his waist, rolling her hips.

He tore his mouth away and lifted his head, staring into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I just want you now.”

He cupped her cheek. “You were frightened. No