He followed her to the couch and sat. He was in for another pleasant surprise when she straddled his lap, sitting on his thighs. Her fingers stroked his upper arms before she rested them on his shoulders. Her look became pensive as she held his gaze.
“You look sad. What’s wrong? Please talk to me.”
He wanted to. That was one of the many things he appreciated about Venice. She easily shared her emotions and encouraged him to do the same. “I informed her that I didn’t want to meet her friends. She didn’t take my decision well.”
“Is she throwing a party or something?”
“She wanted me to test my compatibility with them,” he reminded her.
“Oh.”
He regretted sharing that information when her gaze lowered to his chest and he swore he saw a flash of pain cross her features. “Venice?”
She looked up. “That family-unit thing?”
“Yes.”
She looked away from him again and tried to shift off his lap.
He gripped her hips and jerked her back into her original position. She gasped but didn’t struggle. He waited until he had her full attention. “I’m no longer interested in Cyborg females.”
She seemed to search his gaze for something.
“I have a female. You.”
Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back.
He hated that he’d somehow managed to upset her. “Do you want your freedom, Venice?” He wasn’t sure what he’d do if she said yes. She technically belonged to him, here on Garden, but he didn’t want to force her to remain in his home if she wished to leave.
“No.”
That one-word answer allowed him to breathe regularly again. “Good. I don’t want to give you up.”
“You wanted to start a family. You said so. Are you willing to put that off for a while?”
He slid his hands around her to keep her in his arms. “I do want a family. You can have children, can’t you?”
Her grasp on his shoulders tightened. “You want them with me?”
“My flaws will probably be passed to our offspring. Cyborgs are very aware of any variations in other cyborgs. Will that trouble you?”
More tears filled her eyes. “Our kids would be perfect if they looked just like you.”
She always made him feel good. The tightening sensation he felt inside his chest wasn’t pain, but joy. “Thank you.”
“You’re not flawed. You’re wonderful.” She leaned in closer, until her breasts pressed against his uniform. “I’d stay with you forever if you’d let me.”
“I’d encourage it.”
Her smile returned and he completely relaxed. His mother was wrong about Venice. She hadn’t even met her. No cyborg female could ever make him feel the way this Earther did. Of course, emotions weren’t something his mother approved of.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He jerked away from his thoughts. “About what?”
“Your mom. I take it she wasn’t happy that you didn’t want to meet her friends?”
“She has expectations of me that I refuse to fulfill.”
“She wants grandkids? Did you tell her I can have babies? I can. Maybe that will make her happy.”
He didn’t want to spoil her mood but he couldn’t lie to her either. She was an honest individual who deserved honesty in return. “She wanted pure cyborg offspring produced by myself and a female.”
“Oh.”
“It’s not personal. You’re from Earth.”
“I guess I can’t blame her, considering the history with Earth Government. They did try to wipe out your entire race. I could meet her and she’d see I’m not anything like them.”
“No!” He regretted the outburst when she startled. The hurt look came next. He massaged her hips. “It’s not you, Venice. My mother isn’t pleasant at any time, to anyone. She would be cruel, and I never want to subject you to that.”
“I understand.”
“Even I don’t enjoy spending time with her,” he admitted. “She has a special talent for being insulting. I never want you to suffer her, Venice. It would anger me. I’ve had a lifetime to adjust to her behavior but you haven’t.”
Her expression cleared of pain. “That must have been rough growing up.”
“I want to protect you from her.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Worse. My father ended his contract with her today. They are no longer joined into a family unit.”
She blinked a few times, appearing surprised. “Why?”
“He stood up for my right to be with you. She demanded he take her side but he refused. He wants what is best for me. That is you.”
“And that caused them to file for divorce?”
“Their contract is already broken. They are no longer a family unit. My mother would have had it recorded by the time my father got home. She ordered him to take her side. He refused. It’s a breach of their contract for him to refuse her demands, and so she ended it with him.”
“Oh, Deviant. I’m so sorry.” Tears filled her eyes. “It sounds as if he did himself a favor though, if she’s that mean. Every woman should want her children to be happy.”
“My father implied the same.”
“He’s a wise man.” She closed her eyes and tucked her head against his neck. He liked the feel of her nestled there, and the way her warm breath tickled his skin. “I wish I could make all this better for you.”
She was with him, in his arms. “You do, Venice.” He smiled. “Just stay right where you are.”
“I can do that.”
He ran his hands over her lower back and massaged her ass. “I enjoy having you this close. You make me feel alive.”
“I’ll stay here as long as you allow it.”
“Forever then.”
She chuckled. “Perfect.”
He hesitated. “Venice?”
She lifted her head and peered at him. “What?”
“I’d like to join a family unit with you. It would be the equivalent of marriage. Would you agree?” He held his breath when she hesitated.
“On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Promise you’ll never let me go, or ask me to end our contract. I don’t ever want to lose you.”
It was an easy request. He never wanted to be without Venice. “I give you my word of honor. I want the same promise from you.”
She released his shoulder and used a finger to make a cross over her chest. “I cross my heart.”
“What does that mean?”
She grinned. “It’s a promise.”
“I’ll make the arrangements for tomorrow. There’s one more thing we must discuss.”
“Okay.”
“My mother is vindictive. Never answer my door. I’ve upgraded my security measures to only allow myself and my father entry. My computer will send me a signal if I’m not home and someone tries to visit. On the off chance that security arrives and breaches the doors before I return, state clearly that you belong to me, Venice. Refuse to go with them until I am present. It’s the law, and they must follow it if you state that.” He hated to instill fear in her.
Her eyes widened a little but then she nodded. “Got it. She’s a real bitch, huh?”
“Yes. She’s powerful but she can’t violate the law. You’ll be safer once we’re joined into a family unit.”
“Is that why you want to marry me? Just to keep me safe?”
“No.” He smiled. “I wanted to do that before Bazelle made her threats. It just made me ask you sooner than I’d planned. I thought you might need more time to make that decision, but I’m so glad that you have agreed.”
“I wanted to stay with you from the first day we spent together.” Tears flooded her eyes. “I was terrified you’d want a cyborg instead of me.”
“You’re a thousand times better, and you make me feel so many wonderful things, Venice.”
“I love you.”
He pulled her close
, probably holding her too tightly. “That is the best gift I’ve ever received, and I will cherish you. I feel the same.”
Venice knew Deviant loved her. He didn’t say the words yet but she hoped one day he would. The most important part was that he wanted to marry her. She snuggled tighter against him. He’d even brought up having children.
All the dreams and hopes she’d had since leaving Earth, of having a family, would come true. This time, though, it would be with the right man, one she had fallen in love with, and not some scam artist intent on luring her into sexual slavery.
The only down side seemed to be Deviant’s mother. It really bothered her that she was the cause of strife between them. Would he end up regretting marrying her one day?
She lifted her head, peering into his eyes. They were so blue, so beautiful, and he meant everything to her. She’d make sure he had no regrets. It was that simple. No matter how bad his mother was, regardless of what kind of trouble the woman might cause, Venice and Deviant would weather it together.
She kissed his neck. “It’s going to be fine.” She said it for herself, as much as for him. “Do you know what will make us both feel better?”
He massaged her ass. “Sex?”
“Always.” She pulled away, climbed off his lap, and backed up. She grinned. “You’ve had a stressful morning. Let’s forget about everything but each other for a while.”
He rose up and followed, smiling. “I enjoy how you think.”
She turned, going into the bedroom and removing her clothes, and then climbed on the bed. Deviant stripped fast and she took in every beautiful inch of him. Cyborg women didn’t know what they were missing out on—and she’d never been so grateful. He was all hers.
He climbed onto the end of the bed and crawled to her. She lay back, opening her arms and spreading her thighs. She’d been secretly terrified his council would try to tear them apart, or he’d be in serious trouble for saving her life. He’d refused to allow her to go with him. She knew he wanted to protect her from facing off against a group of possibly angry cyborgs.
All that worry suddenly came out as he lay down on top of her and she latched onto his mouth. Venice kissed him, putting all the fear she’d felt while he’d been gone into it. She frantically clutched at him, pulling him even closer. He tried to slide down her body but she wrapped her arms around his neck. She wasn’t in the mood for foreplay. She just wanted Deviant inside her. There was a desperation to her actions but she didn’t care. She could have lost him, and wasn’t about to forget it anytime soon.
Venice spread her legs wider and wrapped them around his waist, rolling her hips.
He tore his mouth away and lifted his head, staring into her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“I just want you now.”
He cupped her cheek. “You were frightened. No one is ever going to separate us, Venice. I won’t allow it to happen.”
“Good. I’m counting on that. I’d be devastated. I’ve been in love with you since the first day we spent together. Make love to me now. Please? I need you inside me.”
He reached between them, using his fingers to play with her clit. Venice moaned, rubbing her pussy against his hand. She was so wet, and he almost brought her to climax before withdrawing his hand and shifted his body above hers, nudging her with his cock. She wrapped her legs tighter around him as he eased inside, filling her, connecting their bodies.
“Yes…”
“I love you, Venice,” he rasped.
She held his gaze as he began to slowly move, fucking her. It felt so good she fought to keep her eyes open. She clung to his shoulders, rocking her hips to match his thrusts. He was incredibly hard, thick, and it felt too good to hold off for long.
She threw her head back, crying out his name. He came right after she did, burying his face against her throat.
They lay entwined on the bed, Deviant keeping her pinned under him.
She wasn’t going to lose him. He wanted to marry her. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked them back. It was a relief not to worry about him walking away from her one day.
Chapter Thirteen
Venice stared in the bathroom mirror and smiled. The dress Deviant had bought for her to wear for their ceremony looked perfect. It was a summery cut with short sleeves, revealed a little cleavage, and flowed to just below her knees after gathering a little at the waist.
She heard a fast knock, then the bedroom door opened.
“Venice?”
She exited the bathroom and smiled at Mavo. “Hi.”
“My son wanted to escort you to the ceremony, but I told him it’s an old Earth tradition not to see the bride before a wedding. Are you ready to leave?”
She nodded. “How do I look?” She turned in a slow circle. “The clothing guy came to fit me and delivered this a few hours ago.”
“You’re beautiful. I’m glad you’re wearing your hair down.”
“Deviant loves it that way. I put it up this morning to show him different styles but this is the one he chose.”
“He was correct. Are you ready to go?”
“I am.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No.” She wasn’t. “I’m excited.”
“Deviant chose a beautiful spot for you to bind your lives together.”
“Where is it?”
Mavo grinned. “It’s a surprise. Let’s go. You may not be nervous but my son seemed terrified you’d change your mind.”
“I love him. I can’t wait to get married.”
“He asked for an Earth ceremony to bind you in marriage. There’s a contract to sign but it will be quick.”
She was touched. Deviant really made her feel special. “Let’s go. I’m so ready.”
He led her into the living room and picked up bound flowers off the table, holding them out to her. They were white and beautiful, almost looking like roses. “My gift to you. They are edible too.”
They were too pretty to eat. She didn’t mention that aloud. “Thank you!”
“I welcome you to our family, Venice.” He offered his arm. “I read up on Earth ceremonies. I would be honored to give you away in place of your father.”
She fought hard not to cry, emotional at the reminder of her father. “That’s so sweet. I’d appreciate that so much.”
He grinned and led her out of the home, to the lift, and down to the lobby. Instead of taking her out of the front of the building to the street, they exited out a back door and entered the agriculture area she had seen from the bedroom window.
Mavo lifted his hand and curled it over hers, resting on his arm. “We’re almost there.”
“I hear water.”
“There’s a stream ahead.”
“I saw it from the windows.”
She spotted a bridge over the stream and Deviant stood there, along with two other men and a woman with waist-long black hair. “Who are the people with him?”
“The one with scars is Krell, my best friend. The female is Cyan, my adopted daughter and Krell’s wife. She just had their son but found a babysitter. She feared their child might cry and disturb your ceremony. The other male is Zorus. He’s a council member who will perform the marriage. Please don’t stare at Krell’s scars. I know he has many of them.”
“I won’t.” She wished the couple had brought their baby. She’d love to see him. Part of her wondered, too, if the child had ended up with his father’s coloring or his mother’s. It didn’t matter but it was a curiosity.
She focused on Deviant as he turned to stare at her, watching her approach. He had put on a tight black uniform that outlined his gorgeous body. Her heart pounded and she smiled at him. She had to be the luckiest woman ever. He smiled back at her.
Mavo led her to the center of the bridge, where everyone waited. She could easily tell who was who once she glanced at the men. Krell’s scars were noticeable but she just nodded at him, avoiding staring. The other man had to be Zorus, the council member. He looked nice enough a
s he inclined his head her way.
“You are so beautiful!” Deviant blurted.
She felt heat creep into her cheeks as she stared at him again. “You take my breath away too.”
“I already love her,” the woman stated.
Venice studied Cyan. “Hello.”
“We’ll be the best of friends.” Cyan winked. “Welcome to the family. Now marry my brother before he becomes crazier than he already is. He’s been pacing, waiting for you, and I’ve had to stop him twice from rushing home to make sure you were going to show up.”
Venice gazed lovingly at Deviant. “I wouldn’t miss marrying you for anything.”
Zorus cleared his throat. “Let’s begin. I apologize for the rush, but it’s going to be hot today.” He smiled. “And I remember my wedding day. I just wanted everyone to leave so I could get Charlie alone and naked in our bed. I know you, Deviant. I’m certain you feel the same way about your bride.”
Venice blushed a little but was amused. “I’m all for that.”
“I will stand in as her father,” Mavo announced.
Zorus moved between them. “It is my pleasure to bring this couple together in matrimony today. Mavo, please escort the female to your son.”
He led Venice forward a few feet to stand in front of Deviant and released her, backing away. “With pleasure.”
Deviant took her flowers, passing them to Cyan, then clasped both of her hands in his. “You honor me, Venice.”
“I’m the lucky one,” she whispered back.
Zorus began. “Do you, Deviant, take Venice to be your wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her? Do you swear to protect her from all harm and see to her every need to keep her happy and content?”
“I do,” Deviant rasped.
“Venice, do you take Deviant to be your husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him? Will you allow him to protect you from all harm and attempt to make him happy and content?”
“I do.” The vows weren’t quite what she expected but she liked them.
“Deviant has asked for one more vow to be added that you both take.” Zorus paused. “Do you both agree this shall be a lifelong commitment to each other, that you shall never request this contract to be dissolved?”