“Mila.”

Her head rose. Jaron searched her face and then his lips curved. “Good. You’ll become used to the idea of living soon. I plan to give you a very good reason.”

She sniffed, not pretending to misunderstand. “Sex? That doesn’t really mean anything.”

His brow rose. “Is that a challenge?”

Mila scowled. “No. That’s stupid.”

“But still a challenge.”

She wasn’t surprised when he lowered his head, lips brushing against hers with the comfortable warmth of familiarity— except they’d never kissed before. But he felt old, familiar. Undemanding.

Mila softened against him, sliding an arm around his back. Muscles flexed under her touch, his body shifting slightly. She tensed, but he didn’t move. His tongue traced her bottom lip, teeth nipping gently. A gentle tingle tickled her core, her body encouraging further exploration.

He pulled away, eyes studying her, a sheen of warmth peeking through the impassiveness. “Good?”

“I… yes.” She was good. She stared up at him, surprised and pleased.

“Again?”

She licked her lips. “Okay.”

“Somewhere more comfortable, I think.”

She squeaked involuntarily when he lifted her into his arms. Once, a long time ago, she’d been a pleasingly plump girl. Her illness and effects of the treatment had slowly leached away her figure. Maybe now that she was getting better— thanks to Jaron, damnit— she could start putting on weight again.

He took her into his sleeping area, laying her down on the bed and stretching out next to her, propping his head on an elbow as he studied her. Mila stared back at him, a little annoyed.

A smile curved his lips. “I’ve heard human women must say ‘yes’ at each stage of a seduction.”

“So you’re waiting for me to wave a big white flag of surrender?”

He laughed, covering her with his body. “I think I’d like that, Mila. I should take advantage now while you’re not yet at full strength.”

His thumb brushed her lips, fingers trailing down her skin. He cupped her breast and she hissed from the sudden contact, back arching.

“Yes?” he murmured.

He lowered his head, mouth replacing his hands. Even through her t—shirt, the touch seared her skin. The muscles of her inner thighs relaxed, preparing to spread wide for his pleasure; for hers.

“What are we doing?” she gasped.

His mouth moved to her neck, teeth nipping her skin, biting down, not quite gently.

“Exploring.”

Another bite, lips on hers, hot and demanding as he released a little more of his strength, relaxed a bit more into her body. He was holding back; she was beginning to realize that. Could her laid back, snarky, blue Clark Kent have a darker side?

Of course he did. He was a Yadeshi warrior, even if he now practiced healing. She’d be stupid to think his gentleness with her was a lack of strength, or intensity.

“I can feel your panic, Mila,” Jaron said, lips on her jaw. “You’re safe with me.”

“I know, I— what are we doing?”