54. Peter
Peter turned on his side, propped his elbow on the mattress, his head on his fist, and looked at Marina.
The midmorning sun filtered through the curtains, casting its rays on her blue hair, her pale, freckled skin, and her lips that were slightly parted.
She seemed so peaceful, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The nervous energy that emanated from her when she was awake was gone, and he wondered if it was because he had pleasured her so thoroughly last night or because of the venom-induced dreams that she was experiencing.
The poor girl had been exhausted when hed picked her up from the kitchen after she and the rest of the staff finished cleaning up. When hed offered to carry her out of the elevator, she hadnt even tried to object.
Resting her head on his chest, shed closed her eyes and had fallen asleep on the way. Hed drawn her a bath, stripped her, and washed the smell of the kitchen out of her hair and skin before carrying her to his bed.
Marina had woken up then, and they had made gentle, sweet love because she was in no state to do anything strenuous.
He liked taking care of her.
There was something about Marina that drew him in. They had similar sexual proclivities, which was a big plus, but that wasnt all. He simply liked being with her and making her life a little easier and a little brighter. It provided him with satisfaction.
He could almost hear Kagras disparaging voice in his head; you enjoy playing the savior, Peter.
Screw that, he murmured quietly.
Kagra was a typical Kra-ell female warrior, who didnt believe in love or in exclusive relationships, and who valued her independence above all.
He should forget all the things she had told him and not let them get to him time and again, like some parasite crawling under his skin. The fact that she couldnt understand emotional attachment didnt mean that it was not worthy of pursuit.
Irritated, he slid out of bed and ducked into the bathroom.
After a shower and a shave, he felt like a new male and decided to cook breakfast for Marina and serve it to her in bed.
Shed worked so hard for the past two days that she deserved a little pampering. Today, she was only working on the cleanup after lunch, so she could laze in bed for a long time.
As he moved around the kitchenette, gathering ingredients, he deliberated whether he should make something for Jay and decided against it.
His roommate hadnt awoken yet, and when he did, Peter hoped he would go to the dining room and give them privacy.
He would make a simple meal because that was all he knew how to do, with eggs, bread, some sliced cheese, fruit, and coffee, of course.
No breakfast was complete without a cup of java.
As he whisked the eggs, added a dash of salt, and buttered the bread, he found himself humming a tune.
When he was done, Peter plated the food with care, arranging the slices of toast and the scrambled eggs with a side of fresh fruit.
Satisfied with the presentation, he was about to carry the tray to the bedroom when he heard the rustling of bedding, and a moment later Marina appeared at the doorway, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
What are you doing? A look of confusion gave way to delight as she took in the scene before her. Are you bringing me breakfast in bed?
That was the plan. He met her gaze, his heart swelling at the sight of her, tousled hair and all. But since you are already up, we can eat here. He put the tray on the table.
No way. Im not passing this up. No one has ever served me breakfast in bed. She lifted a finger. Give me five minutes to clean up in the bathroom, and then you can bring the tray in.
Marina looked so happy, so excited, that Peter promised himself that he would serve her breakfast in bed every morning from now until the end of the cruise.
It was a damn shame that the voyage was almost over.