Ice Planet Holiday (Ice Planet Barbarians, #4.75)

by Ruby Dixon

Raashel, however, is plump and always smiling. Ironic, given her parents are two of the moodiest people ever.

“It’s about showing your woman that you care for her.” “By poisoning her?”

“Why do I need poison when I can just do this?” He leans in and presses his mouth to mine. His tongue brushes against my upper lip and he gently kisses me. Hard to believe that this man didn’t know what a kiss was a short time ago. He’s far too good at it now. It makes me weak in the knees and I forget all about bathing him. When he pulls back, I’m clinging to him. He’s got a smug look on his face now. “I did not need to poison you for that kiss.”

This time, when Ereven’s gaze flicks back in my direction, I beam a smile at him. It’s like we’ve got a secret between us.

As if he can read my thoughts, Ereven shrugs off his heavy cloak and settles it on my shoulders. His eyes glow blue in the darkness. “Better?”

Tiffany is good at everything. She’s beautiful, too, with dark skin the color of rich bronze. I’d hate the bitch if she wasn’t so awesome.

Poor Tiffany. It must suck to be the sexiest single woman on the planet.

I’m drifting off when strong arms lift me up and carry me. I blink awake to see Ereven’s handsome face near mine. He tucks my body against his chest. “You’re tired. Let me put you to sleep.” “I can walk,” I protest. “I know you can. But I like to carry you,” he tells me. Oh.

It’s late at night when Nora finally gives birth - a tiny, squalling girl with blue skin and a shock of white-blonde hair. Two minutes later? Her twin emerges, equally blonde and equally pissed. Calm Dagesh takes one look at the fact that he now has twins and has to leave the cave to get some air. Even Maylak’s a bit surprised.

“Anna,” she says, startling me out of my reverie. “Anna and Elsa. Like from the movie Frozen.”

“What?” I ask, curious. “I am not convinced these human holidays are worth it.” He gestures at our small cave, still leaf-strewn from his earlier efforts. “Look at all the work I did, and not a single kiss on my cock from my mate.” My snort of derision turns into giggles, and I punch him in the side. “Your mate was a little busy today.” “So she was.” He grins, and I realize he was teasing.

Ereven turns to me. He cups my face in his hands and scans me as if I’m something precious he’s worried got damaged. “Are you well, Claire?” I nod. He leans in and brushes his lips over mine, an act that startles me. Sa-khui have to be taught what kissing is. I’m surprised that he knows to kiss me.

“Nice?” He releases one of my hands and clenches a fist over his heart. “Nice? The sight of you makes my heart pound as if a dozen dvisti run inside my breast.” Funny, I’m pounding the same way. And I feel flushed, and excited. Kind of…excited all over. Tingly. On a hunch, I put a hand to his chest, covering his heart. At the same moment, we both begin to purr.

It seems unbelievable. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, but there it is. We’re resonating, Ereven and I. We’re to be mates. My khui has chosen his.