15. Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Julie
So... I watch Vatok for another moment. He looks at me too, with his eyes that are so sharp and intense that they may pierce through me. "Vatok..." I murmur, my voice steady yet laced with hesitation.
He holds me in his four arms, but he's still not saying a thing.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I’m about to say. “I think... I think that even when we try to avoid it, there’s something real between us. It might be reckless, it might be chaotic, but it'll probably be worth it." I put up a smile, trying to loosen up the tension. "You know I'm all about the chaos and you enjoy our time together."
His gaze shifts to the street, a faint hint of vulnerability cracking through his stoic exterior.
He looks down at my hand resting on him, then back at my eyes, a lingering moment that stretches, inviting connection. I hope he sees that I’m not frightened of what we could become, only excited for the possibilities that lie ahead.
He clears his throat. “I don’t want this to be just some impulse." He lifts his two upper arms and stretches them into the sky. "I want this to be serious and real."
"Okay, what do you have in mind?"
His words hang in the air, charged with a gravity that both comforts and unnerves me.
I take a step back, letting our bodies part just enough so I can gauge his expression without the overwhelming pull of his embrace. It is too tempting to lose myself in his hugs.
He continues, “I want us to explore this... whatever this is. But I need to know you’re in it because you want to, not because I may be able to help, not because I look intimidating, only because you want to give our relationship a try."
I chuckle at that. "You can't scare me away with four arms." I pat his arm. "I’ve thought about this a lot. I’m ready for real. I've felt it for a while, and I can't pretend anymore. I think I'm not completely innocent either. I really did become kind of dependent on you to feel safe in the bar, which I think gave you pressure to be there with me too.”
I stand with my chest up. "But I've realized that now. We can be together, and you can come to the bar when you have the time for that, like how it used to be. And most of the time, you can get off work and head home like most of the other officers."
"Yes, I think that will work." He pulls me to him again, leaning so closely to me that our lips almost touch. "Let's be mates, at least give that a try."
"Good. Think about the things and chores I can get you to do with those arms."
He smirks. "There are far better things for me to do with these than chores." He wriggles all his fingers. "Look, I can—"
There's a beep and I jump.
He groans and pulls out his phone. Maybe it's his boss calling.
He talks to the phone. "Yes, yes. I'm checking the street and all is well. Don't worry about that... No... I'm not in danger. I... No! I'm not slacking off. I'm on my A-game." He points a finger into the air, gesturing for me to follow him. I do that. I want to stay with him for a bit longer, especially when that stupid call ruined our moment.
Maybe he has a tracker on him and would lead to phone calls if he remains in a spot for too long. Makes sense when he can run into danger. Speaking of which, maybe he is the one with someone who needs more help than me. The annoying patrons only talk and bug me, but bad beings on his patrol route may hurt him.
Yet... there are two guns on his waist and he will still have extra arms for the baton and something more. I guess he's perfect for the job regardless.
It takes a while before he's done with the call. He looks at me with a frown, which is probably lingering from the call. "Look, I got to go. Don't you have work today?"
I shake my head. "No, today's petting-a-zebaba day."
He smiles. "I see. Maybe you should go home and look tasty for me when my shift is over."
"Ah, feeling naughty already, huh?"
He tips his cap and lifts my chin. "I miss you and I think you've told me that you miss me too."
"I do."
"Yes, good, my perfect mate."
And just like that, the heaviness from earlier dissipates, replaced by sparks of playful banter that dance between us. His gaze grows soft, and I'm reminded just how easily he can transition from a serious officer to my mate who takes care of me.
“Perfect, huh?” I tease, raising an eyebrow. “That’s setting the bar pretty high.”
“Not in my world. In my world, it's already perfect just to have you with me.”
Heat rises in my cheeks, fighting a playful grin. Vatok always has a way with words, even though he doesn't think he's good at that. I say, “Flattery will get you everywhere. I'll wait for you at home."
He nods. "Let's seal the deal."
I think he hints at a round of intense fucking. Maybe it's a thing for kot'olls, which I'm never going to complain about. There seems to be a spark in my pussy and I can't wait to be with him and enjoy him.
We exchange a final gaze and hug before he has to be on his way. While I'd love to have him with me every moment, it shouldn't mean he should get fired so that he has the time to stay with me."
I watch his back as he leaves, going on to hunt the next spaceship that's parked ugly. I think I miss him already.