Rory and the Alien Groom (Intergalactic Brides 9) Read online

  “And you don’t think you can do that if we’re sleeping together?”

  “Sex complicates things.”

  She sighed and pulled away from him. “Then we’ll keep things at friend status. Even if I do think we could be a dynamite couple if you’d give us a chance.”

  “Let me make two calls and then we’ll head over to Syl’s house. As long as the kids aren’t sick, there’s no reason they would turn us away.”

  She nodded and sat down to wait. It wasn’t what she wanted to hear from him, but if he was dead set on remaining friends only, then she’d have to abide by his wishes. For now. One of these days, he was going to see how great they could be together as something more.

  Chapter Five

  Zwyk probably spent more time watching Rory than the movie. The clashing and whirring sounds of the lightsabers during a fight didn’t even distract him. She munched on popcorn, offering him some every few minutes as her gaze never left the large screen. Syl had caught him a few times and gave him a knowing look. About halfway through the movie, Syl and Brielle stood up and headed for the door. Syl stopped long enough to whisper in his ear.

  “We’re going to make ourselves scarce, and on the off chance you come to your senses, we’re giving this room a wide berth. Get as wild as you want.” Syl clapped him on the shoulder before following his mate out of the room.

  If Syl and Brielle could even see there was something brewing between Rory and him, then Zwyk knew it was a lost cause. Granted, every time she was near, he walked around with an erection. It was probably hard to miss. Just thinking about her was enough to make him semi-hard. Maybe if he hadn’t crawled into bed with her the night of his almost wedding then he could have kept some distance between them, but after holding her in his arms he didn’t stand a chance.

  He’d thought he was doing the right thing, trying to resist her, but was he wrong? Having never truly been in love before, he couldn’t say whether or not the feelings he had for Rory could grow to something as great as that, or if she was a passing amusement. Women had come and gone from his life since moving to Earth, the intrigue eventually fading until he lost interest completely, or they decided he was too dull for anything long-term.

  Rory laughed at something Han said and he watched her face light up. All right, maybe she wasn’t a passing amusement. Perhaps she was something more and exploring those feelings would be the right thing to do. If he truly gave her a chance, gave them a chance, then maybe this time he’d find someone who loved him for who he was, someone he could share his life with. Because that was what he truly wanted. He had to admit that he was completely enthralled with her, even more so than he’d been with Brittany.

  His fascination with Brittany had been due largely to her dazzling beauty. Rory wasn’t drop dead gorgeous like her sister, but she was appealing in a different way. Her understated curves were just as alluring to him, if not more so. And her laughter… he could listen to her laugh all day. She was funny, smart, and he loved her sass. Being with her wasn’t constrictive like it had been with Brittany. He didn’t have to watch what he said or how he acted, because Rory accepted him as he was.

  She stood with the empty popcorn container and walked over to the sidebar where Brielle stored the snacks. He smiled as she refilled the bucket, adding a ton of butter flavoring, and then came back to her seat. The woman did love her snack food. On her way back to her seat, she was so busy watching the screen and not where she was going that she tripped over her own feet. Zwyk reacted quickly but not fast enough. The popcorn flew into the air and spilled all over the floor as Rory face planted in his lap, her lips a little too close to a part of him that had already been somewhat interested. If she so much as breathed wrong, his cock was going to get even harder. Zwyk picked her up and pulled her down to his lap before she got a little too up close and personal with the monster in his pants.

  Her pulse fluttered at the base of her throat and her eyes dilated.

  “I should clean that up,” she said, nibbling her lower lip, and yet she didn’t try to get up.

  “Or maybe you could stay right here.”

  Her lips parted, and Zwyk made a decision. Whether it would be heaven or hell, he hadn’t decided yet, but there was only one way to find out. He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her closer, slanting his mouth over hers. He feathered gentle kisses across her lips before licking the seam and asking for entry. Rory softened in his embrace and her mouth opened. Zwyk had his first taste of her, holding back a groan as his hold on her tightened. It was a thorough, lingering kiss that left him nearly mindless from want of her. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck, her breasts brushing against him.

  Zwyk kicked the chair back into a reclining position and rolled them so they were pressed together on their sides. He could feel her heart beating against his chest, racing in time with his. Rory slipped her hands under his tee and explored his abs and pecs, her fingers gliding across his skin. Zwyk warmed at her touch and his semi-erect cock came to full attention. The scent of her surrounded him, pulling him further under her spell as he ravaged her mouth. Close wasn’t close enough. He wanted to feel every inch of her, explore her body and find out what would make her purr.

  He pulled away long enough to remove his shirt and then wrapped his arms around her again. The only thing that would feel better would be having a naked Rory in his arms. Despite Syl’s words, Zwyk wasn’t about to make love to Rory for the first time in the middle of his friend’s theater. He wanted a bed and all the time in the world, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t play and explore a little. It would be hell on his control, but Rory was worth a case a blue balls.

  “I thought we needed to keep things on a friendship level,” Rory said.

  “I decided you’re too damn tempting.”

  She smiled before kissing him again. Her lips were soft under his and he wondered how the rest of her would feel. Her shirt was untucked and he slipped a hand up her back, splaying his palm against her spine. Rory was warm and felt like silk against his rougher hand. He also noticed something that made him even harder, if that was even possible at this point. No bra. Now every time he saw Rory, he’d wondered if she was wearing one.

  Rory threw her leg across his hip and rubbed against him. Holy hell! If she kept that up, he was going to come in his pants.

  “Will you let me make you feel good?” he asked. “I won’t do anything you don’t want me to, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to return the favor.”

  She glanced around the room before looking at him again. “Here? What if someone walks in?”

  He smiled. “You didn’t seem too concerned about that a moment ago. Besides, Syl promised they weren’t returning for the rest of the night. No one will come through the door and surprise us, and the movie is loud enough that anyone walking by wouldn’t hear anything but Star Wars. But if you’re not comfortable here…”

  “If we’re truly alone and won’t be interrupted, then I think we have on too many clothes.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Oh no, young padawan. Only you have on too many clothes. I said I would please you. I didn’t say anything about full out sex. We should save that for a bedroom with a nice comfy bed.”

  Rory nudged him so Zwyk rose to his feet and held out a hand. Once she was standing, he gave her some space. His gaze moved over every inch that she bared, and he licked his lips as her perky breasts came into view. Her nipples were already hard and just begging to be tasted. After she shimmied out of the rest of her clothes, she stood uncertainly.

  Zwyk circled her, taking in every angle, before reaching out to run his hands along her smooth skin. He wanted to taste every part of her, touch every part, and leave her shivering and wanting more. Knowing that she was inexperienced made him more confident than usual. He’d been with women, but not as many as some of his friends. Each encounter had taught him something new, and now he was glad for the knowledge the women had imparted, wanting to use every tip in order to brin
g Rory to her knees.

  He’d never been the dominating type, but the thought of her kneeling at his feet made him feel rather primitive. It might have been her small stature, or her sweet, giving nature, but something about her made him feel wilder than usual. Zwyk eased her onto the reclined chair and followed her down. As much as he wanted to devour her, he also wanted to pace himself and savor the moment. The tension had been building between them since the day of his wedding and he didn’t want to ruin the moment by rushing.

  Their kiss was deep and slow. He fed from the sweetness of her mouth, as his hand skimmed the curve of her hip. Rory shifted beneath him, as if asking for something more. As her body warmed, the scent of her soap or perfume grew stronger. It was tantalizing and made him hunger for her even more. Zwyk trailed kisses down the column of her neck and eased down her body until he was kneeling on the floor at her feet. She was stunning, stretched out before him like a goddess waiting to be worshiped. His hands slid up over her ribs to cup her breasts. They were small compared to others he’d seen, but to him they were perfect.

  Zwyk teased her nipples, pinching and rolling them between his fingers. Rory moaned and reached up to place her hands over his. She squeezed his hands before sliding one down her body. Rory placed his hand over her damp pussy and she trembled in anticipation. Zwyk caressed her lightly, teasing touches that had her whimpering and trying to press closer to him. Every thrust of her hips and arch of her back begged him to stroke her.

  He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her hipbone as his fingers parted her slit and sank deep into her channel. Her gasp of pleasure made his cock jerk in his pants, as if it were begging to be the one inside of her. Zwyk used his thumb to rub her clit in small circles as his fingers pumped in and out of her with long, deep strokes. She was tight, so incredibly tight. He knew she was going to squeeze his cock so good he’d damn near come just entering her, and he couldn’t wait for that moment to happen. Just not tonight, not now. Tonight was about Rory and her needs.

  He continued his easy thrusts and replaced his thumb with his lips, nibbling and licking her clit. She tasted both tangy and sweet as he pleasured her with his mouth. He could feel her body tightening, straining, and knew she was close. Zwyk doubled his efforts, sucking harder, thrusting faster, until she was crying out his name and coming apart in his arms. Her pussy clamped down tight on his fingers as she came hard enough her body jerked upright in the chair. Even when he felt the aftershocks of her orgasm in the way her pussy fluttered around his fingers, he continued teasing her clit. Before he backed away, she came one more time, then lay panting and spent in the chair.

  It was killing him to back away, but he tugged his shirt back over his head and tried not to reach for Rory. She sat up with a dazed look and began gathering her clothes, slowly putting them on. He was both sad and relieved to see her cover up that gorgeous body. Now that he’d succumbed, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he had her in his bed. Assuming she wanted more. Regardless of how much he desired her, he’d never force the issue.

  When she didn’t say anything, he began to worry. Had he pushed things too far too fast? They’d only shared the two nights together and then their brief encounter at her work. He was rushing. Maybe if he’d slowed down, taken his time to romance her. He shook his head. He didn’t know the first thing about romancing a woman, if any of his past girlfriends could be believed.

  Rory reached for him, taking his hand. “Will you walk me out to my car?”

  “Rory, if I… if I pushed too hard, or handled things badly…”

  She placed a finger over his lips. “You didn’t do anything wrong, and you didn’t push too hard. You just gave me the best orgasms of my life and I just need some time to work through everything in my head. I’m not sorry about what happened, not in the least. I don’t want you to worry because everything was perfect.”

  “But you need time.”

  “I’ve never gone that far with a man before, and I’m feeling more than a little emotional right now.”

  Zwyk felt helpless, which he hated, and even though Rory said she didn’t have regrets he still felt as if he’d done something wrong. Women had always seemed content after sex, so he’d assumed he was doing something right. No one had ever come apart like Rory had. Had the experience just been too intense for her? He wanted to do something, make her feel better or safe or… he just wanted to give her whatever she needed. He blew out a breath. And what she said she needed was time.

  He hesitantly wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her through the house and out to the driveway. At her car, he held her just a moment longer. Letting her go was hard. Now that he’d made the decision to pursue her, he wanted more time in her company. Hell, he’d wanted that before he’d decided to take things further. Rory was addicting.

  “Should I call you? Assuming you give me your number,” he said. “Or do you need space from phone calls too?”

  He felt lost, not knowing how to give her what she asked for. What exactly did needing time mean? Was he allowed to shop at her store if she was there, or would that be too much contact? Women needed to come with instruction manuals.

  She smiled a little. “You can call if you want to.”

  “Would you mind if I followed you home to make sure you get there safely? I won’t get out of the car when we reach your place.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Rory rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss before getting into her car. Zwyk shut her door and then got into his SUV. He hadn’t been to Rory’s place before and had no idea where she lived. He followed closely and pulled into the parking space next to her when they reached her apartment. As promised, he didn’t get out of the car, but he did watch to make sure she got inside. She waved before closing her door and a moment later he saw her lights turn on.

  Instead of going straight home, he went to the Stardust, thinking a drink might make him feel like less of an ass. He claimed a stool at the bar and waited for Zanar to head his way. It only took a few minutes and his friend placed a draft beer in front of him, no questions asked.

  “I didn’t even order,” Zwyk said.

  “You have that look.”

  “What look?” His brow furrowed.

  “The look of a man with woman troubles.”

  Zwyk laughed. “I guess you could say that. Rory said she needed some time and I have no idea what she means when she says that.”

  “Something big must have happened between the two of you, or you’re fighting.”

  “Not fighting.” At least, he didn’t think they were fighting. There had been no shouting or insults hurled. She’d just gone completely quiet and still, scaring the shit out of him.

  “Did the two of you finally sleep together? Because the tension between you the other night was intense.”

  “Not exactly. I made sure she was satisfied, but it didn’t go further than that. She’s inexperienced and the timing didn’t feel right. She says I didn’t do anything wrong, but I can’t help but feel that I screwed up.”

  Zanar tapped the bar. “If there’s one thing this job has taught me, it’s that human females are complicated creatures. All females are, but humans more so than most. They have all these feelings that make them question what they’re thinking and wanting. If Celeste says she needs time, I just back off and let her do her thing and I come up here for a while. By the time I get home, she’s either asleep or she’s waiting up for me with a smile.”

  “You mean even the mated ones do this?”

  “Afraid so.” Zanar smiled. “But having Celeste in my life is worth the confusing moments. I’ve learned not to question why she feels the way she does. Eventually, she tells me what’s going on in her head and it’s usually not anything that was on my list of possible upsets. Sometimes she’s not even upset, she just wants time to digest something that happened or was said.”

  “You’re not much help.”

  “The only person who can tell you what’
s going on in Rory’s head and heart is Rory. And if she isn’t ready to talk just yet, you’re going to have to wait. She’ll tell you when she’s ready. And if you want to call and check on her, make sure she understands that she doesn’t have to talk if she doesn’t want to, that you just want confirmation she’s okay.”

  “I can do that.” He took a swallow of his beer. “I guess until she’s ready I’ll just get reacquainted with my Xbox, spend some time with my friends, and hope for the best.”

  “That’s about all you can do. Unfortunately. I know it sucks, but from what I’ve seen, she’ll be worth the wait.”

  She was definitely worth the wait. He was just going to worry about her while he was doing that waiting. Zwyk finished his beer, dropped some money on the bar, and decided it was time to head home. He parked in the driveway and set the alarm on his SUV before going inside. The living room lamp was on lighting his way. Zwyk tossed his keys and wallet on the kitchen counter and went to his room to change. Maybe he’d take out his sexual frustration on Call of Duty.

  Chapter Six

  In the past three days, Rory had dodged no less than a dozen calls from Zwyk. He’d sounded resigned in the last message, like he was going to give up on her. She couldn’t blame him, but she was still reeling from their night together. No one had ever made her feel that way before, and she doubted anyone else ever would. She’d been a little in love with Zwyk since the first moment she’d met him, but after the way he’d put her needs before his own, giving her more pleasure than she could handle yet taking none for himself, she knew without a doubt she was in love with him.

  Rory just wasn’t certain what to do with that knowledge. It was too soon to say anything. Zwyk had only just now gotten to the point where he was willing to be intimate with her, but it didn’t mean he was ready for something more. He’d never once mentioned any sort of commitment to her. Perhaps if he’d offered her something more…