Nikhil(74)

Mac's eyes widened slightly then a mischievous smile crossed her lips right before she swung a leg over his thighs and wrapped her arms around his neck. "How's this?"

"Mackenzie," Nikhil's eyes flew to the open door even as his hands gripped her hips pulling her tightly against him.

"What?" she asked, pressing a kiss to his strong, square chin.

"Someone might see us."

"So?" she asked, pulling his head down so her lips could reach his. "You’re my True Mate, aren't you?"

"Yes," he growled trying to capture the lips she'd pulled away from his.

"So why is it wrong for someone to see us kissing?"

"It's not," he told her and lifting a hand gripped the back of her head, holding her still. "It's what I want to do after we kiss that others aren't allowed to see."

With that, he captured her lips for a hard, deep kiss.

Mac rose up on her knees, her arms wrapping around his head as she sunk into the kiss. Goddess, the man could kiss. Her hips involuntarily moved against his washboard abs as their tongues sparred and she suddenly realized Nikhil had been right. They should have gone to his quarters because she wanted to do more than just kiss him, a lot more.

"Ahem," followed by the clearing of a throat had Mac and Nikhil breaking apart to find Luol standing in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt," he said not looking sorry at all, "but the repair unit is about to finish, and I'm about to wake the male... Craig up. I thought you would want to be there."

"I do," Mac said her cheeks flushing.

"Then I suggest you finish your... midday meal and meet me at the unit," Luol told her, his lips twitching as he tried not to smile and walked away.

Mac buried her face in Nikhil's neck for a moment before lifting her gaze to his. "Next time we go to your quarters for midday meal."

Nikhil gazed down at her, trying to regain some control over his body. Goddess, all he wanted to do was strip her bare and plunge his throbbing shaft into her. He knew her channel was slick and wet. She was ready to take him because her covering had risen as she rose to her knees and it had been those soft folds she'd rubbed against his abs that the vest didn't cover. All he had to do was release himself, and they would be one. He looked into her eyes and saw the desire in them. Desire that told him she wouldn't stop him if he did, but he also saw her need. Her need to be there for one that had been there for her.

"We will," he growled then slowly set her on her feet. "And we will be taking last meal in our quarters tonight."

"Agreed," she whispered, noticing the way he stressed the word 'our.' "Thank you for understanding."

As they turned to walk out, Nikhil reached for his comm that had started to beep and after a short discussion, returned it to his waist.

"Mackenzie..."

"You have to go," she said.

"Yes."

"It's alright."

"I want you to remain here in medical until I return for you." He put a gentle hand on her cheek tipping her gaze up to his. "Vow it to me, Mackenzie."

"I'll stay here until you come and get me." When he just stood there, she added, "I vow."

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

The sound of the repair unit opening was the first thing that registered in Craig's mind. The next thing was the sound of Mac's voice softly talking to someone in a language he didn't understand.

Mac.

He would know that husky voice anywhere.

It reached into his dreams and reminded him that he was still a man.

But what was she saying?

Who was she talking to?

Turning his head toward the sound of her voice, his eyes flew open and there she was looking up at the Kaliszian called Luol.

"Mac..." he croaked out, surprised at how dry his throat was.

"Craig." Mac turned her gaze to him, a gaze full of warmth and happiness for him. "How are you feeling?" she asked in English.

"Thirsty," he told her and watched as she immediately turned to get him what he needed.

"Here." She put a hand behind his head lifting it to help him drink.

"How long was I out?" he asked after he drained the glass.

"Almost five hours."

"Five?!!" Craig gave her an astonished look. It hadn't felt that long to him. "I don't even remember falling asleep."

"That's because Luol gave you something to help with that."

"He drugged me?" Craig arrowed straight up turning furious eyes to Luol.

"I told him to, Craig," Mac quickly defended Luol, who couldn't understand what was being said. "You needed to relax and let the unit work, and you weren't. It was my call."

"You were out when you were treated?" He was going to be pissed if she said no.