one is ever going to separate us, Venice. I won’t allow it to happen.”

“Good. I’m counting on that. I’d be devastated. I’ve been in love with you since the first day we spent together. Make love to me now. Please? I need you inside me.”

He reached between them, using his fingers to play with her clit. Venice moaned, rubbing her pussy against his hand. She was so wet, and he almost brought her to climax before withdrawing his hand and shifted his body above hers, nudging her with his cock. She wrapped her legs tighter around him as he eased inside, filling her, connecting their bodies.

“Yes…”

“I love you, Venice,” he rasped.

She held his gaze as he began to slowly move, fucking her. It felt so good she fought to keep her eyes open. She clung to his shoulders, rocking her hips to match his thrusts. He was incredibly hard, thick, and it felt too good to hold off for long.

She threw her head back, crying out his name. He came right after she did, burying his face against her throat.

They lay entwined on the bed, Deviant keeping her pinned under him.

She wasn’t going to lose him. He wanted to marry her. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back. It was a relief not to worry about him walking away from her one day.

Chapter Thirteen

Venice stared in the bathroom mirror and smiled. The dress Deviant had bought for her to wear for their ceremony looked perfect. It was a summery cut with short sleeves, revealed a little cleavage, and flowed to just below her knees after gathering a little at the waist.

She heard a fast knock, then the bedroom door opened.

“Venice?”

She exited the bathroom and smiled at Mavo. “Hi.”

“My son wanted to escort you to the ceremony, but I told him it’s an old Earth tradition not to see the bride before a wedding. Are you ready to leave?”

She nodded. “How do I look?” She turned in a slow circle. “The clothing guy came to fit me and delivered this a few hours ago.”

“You’re beautiful. I’m glad you’re wearing your hair down.”

“Deviant loves it that way. I put it up this morning to show him different styles but this is the one he chose.”

“He was correct. Are you ready to go?”

“I am.”

“Are you nervous?”

“No.” She wasn’t. “I’m excited.”

“Deviant chose a beautiful spot for you to bind your lives together.”

“Where is it?”

Mavo grinned. “It’s a surprise. Let’s go. You may not be nervous but my son seemed terrified you’d change your mind.”

“I love him. I can’t wait to get married.”

“He asked for an Earth ceremony to bind you in marriage. There’s a contract to sign but it will be quick.”

She was touched. Deviant really made her feel special. “Let’s go. I’m so ready.”

He led her into the living room and picked up bound flowers off the table, holding them out to her. They were white and beautiful, almost looking like roses. “My gift to you. They are edible too.”

They were too pretty to eat. She didn’t mention that aloud. “Thank you!”

“I welcome you to our family, Venice.” He offered his arm. “I read up on Earth ceremonies. I would be honored to give you away in place of your father.”

She fought hard not to cry, emotional at the reminder of her father. “That’s so sweet. I’d appreciate that so much.”

He grinned and led her out of the home, to the lift, and down to the lobby. Instead of taking her out of the front of the building to the street, they exited out a back door and entered the agriculture area she had seen from the bedroom window.

Mavo lifted his hand and curled it over hers, resting on his arm. “We’re almost there.”

“I hear water.”

“There’s a stream ahead.”

“I saw it from the windows.”

She spotted a bridge over the stream and Deviant stood there, along with two other men and a woman with waist-long black hair. “Who are the people with him?”

“The one with scars is Krell, my best friend. The female is Cyan, my adopted daughter and Krell’s wife. She just had their son but found a babysitter. She feared their child might cry and disturb your ceremony. The other male is Zorus. He’s a council member who will perform the marriage. Please don’t stare at Krell’s scars. I know he has many of them.”

“I won’t.” She wished the couple had brought their baby. She’d love to see him. Part of her wondered, too, if the child had ended up