Chapter 17 Rotten
“I told you I’m not bored.” I grab Elana’s hands, hoping she’ll believe me, even though I am a bit restless.
We’ve been on Xanx a week where she’s been huddled with her fellow Lady Scientists trying to figure out what’s happening. Right now, we’re in her quarters at the TV studio that produced her show. All the ladies have their own rooms, and they all seem to have their own mates as well. Good for them!
The only reason I can imagine the studio paying for this, is that they’ll get great ratings if the ladies save the world. If they don’t, we’ll all be dead anyway, so the TV ratings won’t matter.
“You’ve redecorated the room six times this week. You’ve exploded an oven.”
“It wouldn’t open.”
“And you’ve made a chart of the mink farm up north. You must be going crazy sitting around here with nothing to do but think,” she says, flopping onto the lounger I brought in from The Defiant. I flop down next to her.
“Are you trying to say I’m not capable of thought?”
I don’t really think that’s what she meant but love it when she tries to get back in my good graces.
“No, you’re not capable of sitting still. I don’t blame you. I adore the person you are.”
“Are you sure?” I lean my head on her shoulder and give her a puppy dog face.
I’m glad Wyn and the crew are off enjoying a well-deserved vacation (also paid for by the production company). I would never hear the end of it if they saw how sappy I am with Elana.
“Of course I adore you, otherwise I wouldn’t put up with you.” She kisses me to soften her words. “You don’t have to stay here while I work. I don’t want to clip your wings.”
“And why is that?” I prompt.
“Because I love you,” she says and taps me on the nose.
This isn’t the first time she’s said it.
Since she shouted the words during an especially intense orgasm, I’ve found a thousand ways to make her say it again.
It never gets old. And if I’m being honest, I need the reassurance.
I’ve been working up the courage to tell her about the bond I’m sure is nearly complete between us.
It would be so very wrong to just let it happen without letting her know, but it’s tempting.
“And you’ll never leave me?” I ask.
“Never,” she says. “It’s funny, I was worried that you’d get tired of me and go looking for something or someone else. Something more exciting. Something flashy and new. But that’s not how you feel, is it?”
“No. You’re plenty exciting for me and I want to shackle myself to your side. Also, I love the dress you’re wearing. It’s delightfully flashy.”
Elana’s wearing the shiny silver dress she picked up on Lemargo.
“It is, isn’t it?” She looks very satisfied with herself, and I love that for her.
“Elana, my love. I’m afraid that you’re stuck with me. I find myself endlessly fascinated by your brilliant mind, and besotted by your beautiful body, and I don’t think I could leave if I tried.”
“Because you’re my prisoner?” she teases.
“No because you’re my mate.” I let the seriousness of it show in my expression. I want her to know it’s true.
“Am I really?” Her voice has grown quiet.
“You are if you’ll have me. It’s not too late to break away if you don’t want to be. But you should know I’m committed hearts, body, and soul to you.”
“Rotten I have one request first.”
My chest tightens, hoping she’s asking for something I can give.
“Fire away, I’ll give you whatever you want.”
She smiles.
“Tell me your real name.”
“Ha!” The nervous laugh bursts out of my mouth. “Why do you care about that?”
“Because I want to know everything about you. Who you are deep down on the inside. What makes you tick. If it’s something private or painful you don’t have to tell me. I’ve just been dying to ask. Is there a reason you never speak about it?”
“It’s embarrassing.” I sit up and turn away.
“Don’t tell me if it’s too painful. I totally understand.” She gently pulls my hands into her own.
I feel like I should tell her some sob story about my terrible childhood, but that wouldn’t be true. I take a deep breath.
“It’s not painful. It’s just uncool. I don’t want to ruin my image with you.”
She laughs.
“Just what kind of image do you think I have of you?”
“Brave, bold, strong, and commanding,” I say hopefully.
“I definitely think you’re all of those things. I also think you’re funny, kind, sometimes a little clueless, and impulsive. I don’t love you any less because of those things. They’re what make you you. I love it all.”
I kiss her on the back of her hand.
“I’m glad. Because I happen to love all of you as well,” I say.
For a moment we just sit there, holding hands and gazing adoringly at each other. Then I sigh.
“It’s Mervyn. That’s the name I was born with.” I say it quietly. She laughs.
“It’s not that bad.”
“But not as cool as Rotten.”
“No, I guess not.”
I feel an overwhelming urge to spill everything for her, all my secrets, hopes, and dreams. Is this what it’s like to have a true mate? I think it must be.
I release her hands and pull her close to me.
She melts into my embrace, laying a loving hand on my chest. I’ve been afraid to talk to her about the future, but if she’s really all in with me, I have to ask her about my next move.
The feel of her warm in my arms gives me the courage I need to lay it on the line.
“How would you feel if I, Mervyn, stopped being a pirate and explored some other possibilities? Would you stop loving me?”
I feel her take in a surprised breath, but she doesn’t pull away.
“Of course, I would love you just the same. But I’m curious. What possibilities are you considering?”
“Well, your show’s producers, Bailey and Taren approached me about hosting my own home makeover special. They’re thinking of calling it A Pirate’s Home for Me.
Elana throws her head back and cackles.
“What did Wyn say about it?” she asks.
“I haven’t told him yet, but I bet he’ll have the same reaction.”
“Would you really want to leave it all behind to become a TV personality?”
“Maybe, yes? I’m not sure I’m cut out for long-term pirating work. I’m more of lifestyle pirate than a pirating pirate if you know what I mean.”
“I think I do.”
I can hear the smile in her voice, but she still hasn’t told me how she feels about it.
“So, what do you think?” I prompt.
“I think it sounds amazing. After all, you’re a total star.”
I get a warm fuzzy feeling in my chest.
“You think so?”
“Yes. I don’t think my nerves could handle being a full-time pirate wench. I need down time to do my work and recover from all that excitement.”
She hugs me to her and the warmth I feel spreads through my whole body.
“Speaking of recovery, I’m ready for another go if you are.” My voice has turned husky.
“You’re insatiable,” she says with a sultry breath.
“I think you might be too. Plus, this will help us seal are bond.” I’m pulling her onto my lap, and she’s already wriggling to get closer. Ah, my wonderful mate.
“Then we should proceed. Full steam ahead,” she says.
“Thank the stars,” I respond, then sweep her into the perfect piratical kiss.
The End
Will Harkin and Regina find the last piece of the puzzle before it’s too late? Will their clashing styles lead to lust or disaster? Find out in Searched By The Alien Inspector.