Chapter Two
Zara entered the Nebula Lounge, nervous anticipation fluttering in her stomach.
The dimly lit bar was a kaleidoscope of species from across the galaxy, many of whom would happily report a Bailiwick officer fraternizing with a Tylician.
She scanned the crowd anxiously, second-guessing her reckless decision to meet Zain here.
Then she spotted him, sitting alone in a shadowy booth in the back. He rose as she approached, his towering frame unfolding gracefully. In the sultry reddish light of the lounge, his cobalt skin took on a deep, luminous indigo tone.
"Zara," he greeted her, reaching out to take her hand. "You came."
"I shouldn't have," she replied even as she let him guide her into the booth. "If anyone sees us together..."
"Then let's make sure they have something worth seeing."
Before she could protest, Zain pulled her against his hard, hot body and captured her mouth with his. Zara stiffened for a split second before melting into the kiss. His lips were satin-soft yet firm while moving over hers. He tasted faintly of honey and spice. It was intoxicating.
Liquid heat pooled in Zara's core as Zain's tongue teased the seam of her lips, coaxing her to open for him. She did, and he swiftly deepened the kiss. His large hands roamed over her curves, boldly mapping her body.
Dimly, Zara knew they needed to stop before they made an even bigger spectacle of themselves. It took every ounce of willpower to pull away, her breath coming short and fast. Zain looked as affected as she felt, his quicksilver eyes blazing with need.
"Come back to my ship," he said, his voice a low, urgent rasp that vibrated through her.
Zara hesitated, the magnitude of what he was suggesting making her head spin. Leaving with him now would be crossing a irrevocable line. But her body was thrumming with desire, desperate to experience all the dark, forbidden delights Zain promised.
In this moment, she was willing to risk everything for a taste of him, this beautiful alien man who made her feel alive as never before. Throwing caution aside, Zara took Zain's outstretched hand and let him lead her out of the lounge.