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But that could lead to other things. “You can touch me however you like, but I am content to just rest for now.”
“But your friends on the ship, and your dad getting all worked up about you having a Queen to make babies with, and—”
“My Queen is my business,” Ardol growled.
Jade looked like she wanted to argue, but instead slipped between the sheets.
ARDOL PLAYED MUSIC—OR something like music. He called it “Steppefall.” It was soothing, like water rushing through mountains and grasses. Soft sheets. Soft music. Soft, furry body that was so much larger than her, and yet wrapped so gently and protectively around her.
Ten minutes passed. Fifteen. Thirty. His paws never strayed. His tail wrapped loosely around her waist along with one arm, while the other supported his head as he formed a half-circle behind her.
Like a living shield.
He wasn’t asleep. His breath wasn’t slow and steady enough.
The paw under his own head shifted and began to gently stroke her hair. “You can sleep, my Queen. You’re safe.”
Fuck it, the words did something stupid to her insides. Jade bit the inside of her lip hard enough to draw blood.
Mistake. Ardol lifted his head with a harsh sniff. “Jade, are you hurt?”
“Bit my lip.”
“Are you trying to stay quiet? You don’t have to. We can talk. You must have many questions about life on this ship, life on Leopardine-One... About me?”
Not right now. Only one. How did I get to be so lucky? Am I lucky? Am I really, finally with someone who will keep me safe, not sell me out?
“Cala said I didn’t talk to her enough. The Hawkite she’s chosen instead—he made it clear how much he values her. Sends her messages and gifts almost daily.”
Jade shrugged. “Some girls don’t know how lucky they are.”
A warm muzzle pressed to her neck. “Perhaps. I’m beginning to think I didn’t realize how lucky I was. But I realize how lucky I am right now.”
What the hell? I played the fond fiancee and the blushing bride. Why not play at the wonderful wife, the wanted wife, the safe, secure spouse who is wanted just for who she is?
“I think you’re enough, Ardol. Just how you are,” Jade murmured, scooting her hips back so that she was nestled firmly against her Leopardine husband. His arms and tail wrapped more securely around her middle.
They sighed in unison.
“Good night, sweet Queen.”
“Don’t leave without waking me up?” Jade let her eyelids droop closed and didn’t fight the heavy sensation of sleep closing in on her.
“I promise.”
Chapter Ten
Jade had never been so warm. Or so safe. This new bed was heaven. The blanket was made of the silkiest, softest fur, and it was molded to her body like it was alive. Soothing vibrations rippled down her back and legs, making her feel warm from the inside out.
But safe?
Jade’s eyes flew open, and she smothered a screech at the sight of a twitching tail and criss-crossed paws around her middle. She turned her head just enough to follow the golden fur with its irregular pattern of black and brown splotches up to massive biceps. Craning her head all the way back let her look at the underside of a wide jaw that tapered more than on a human face.
A Leopardine. Her Leopardine. Her husband.
Jade remained still in his arms, mind buzzing. She had never fallen asleep with a client in the room, even if the man paid for an all-night session. Too many horror stories of what happened to sleeping or drugged companions in the Pleasure Parks and in the world in general had taught Jade that it was only safe to sleep alone.
But I slept with him. I felt safe. Warm.
