Illicit Mate (Abducted 4)

“Mmm, I do like Pina coladas.” Jenna grinned up at Casey. “But next time, I think I’d like vanilla milkshake. Just for variety.”

Casey laughed, delight bubbling insider her.

“Does that mean there will be a next time?”

The hope swelling in Casey faded at the change in Jenna’s expression.

“Before I answer that,” Jenna said, “there’s something we need to discuss.”

Casey’s stomach clenched. “Aren’t those the most feared words you can say in any relationship in your culture? We need to talk?”

“I’m sorry Casey…”

I’m sorry Casey. I’m sorry Casey. I’m sorry Casey.

The words echoed through Casey’s brain.

“Casey?”

Casey’s gaze snapped to Jenna’s. She had kept on talking, but Casey hadn’t heard a word.

Jenna took Casey’s hand. Her soft touch was comforting.

“Casey, I said I didn’t mean it that way. I’m very touched by what you did. Changing your body for me. To make me more comfortable in the relationship. To bring me pleasure. It’s the most unselfish thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Casey squeezed Jenna’s hand. “I told you, I love you.”

Jenna nodded. “I know. But I can’t let you do it.”

“Jenna, please…” Tears welled in Casey’s eyes but she would not let them fall.

“Casey,” Jenna said gently. “I’m not saying I’m going to walk away. What I’m saying is that I can’t allow you to be something you’re not just to please me. You’re a woman. And you want to be a woman.”

“But I can’t lose you. I—”

Jenna’s lips covered hers in a sweet, tender kiss. When she drew away, her luminous sapphire blue eyes glowed.

“I’m trying to tell you, you’re not going to lose me. I want you to be who you are. Inside and out. I want that because you need to be true to yourself.”

Casey’s heart pounded.

“And,” Jenna continued. “I want that because… the true you is the person I love.”

“You love me?” Casey’s voice trembled as she tried to control her tumultuous emotions.

“Yes.”

Joy burst through Casey. Jenna loved her. And she accepted her just as she was.

Jenna stroked Casey’s cheek. “I don’t know why I fought the feeling so much. Except that… I’m still confused.”

“About Darrick?”

Jenna’s gaze jerked to Casey’s.

“Yes. My feelings for him are… potent.”

“Me, too,” Cassey said. “He and I believed we were tanash’aei. Before I realized that you and I were meant to be together. I’ve suspected that maybe…”