Alien in the Family

all right, were all back inside the casino. I felt the love. Then again, I figured my mother had a good idea of what state my hair and clothes were in and had decided discretion to be the better part of scaring the crap out of my grandmothers.
    I settled the Poofs on one of the couches with instructions they were to be good and get some rest. Many purrs and mewls earned them some lovies, then they went to sleep. They snored, but it was low and cute. Everything about them was cute. Hey, I was all over cute with huge teeth when it was protecting me.
    The bathroom had a gigantic tub. It said it was big enough for two, but it looked big enough for ten. It was set up for soaking, too—not only were there inclines to lean against, but also inflated pillows strewn about. “When was the last time we showered?”
    “No idea, baby. The hours are all running together.”
    “I don’t want to find out how bad I smell. You still sore?”
    “Yeah. And you smell like roses, as always.”
    “That bad, huh? Let’s take a bath, okay?”
    He grinned at me. “I think I can manage to enjoy that. Just have to make a phone call. Be right back; get the water running.”
    “Make sure the line’s secured and all.” I was getting paranoid.
    “C.I.A. took care of that. I figure Reynolds will hear my conversation, but no one else will.” He left the bathroom, and I started to fill the tub. They had some great stuff in the bathrooms here, and I dumped all the expensive bath salts in. They foamed, scented, and relaxed, per their packaging. I’d worked as a marketing manager before I’d joined Centaurion Division, so I didn’t expect much from the hype. But there were instant bubbles, and the scent was nice. I was hoping Martini would help with the relaxation part, so I didn’t care as much about that being accurate.
    I got out of my clothes. They were filthy and ripped—thankfully I’d been in the Armani fatigues and not my Aerosmith shirt. I was amazed I hadn’t been arrested as a vagrant. But it made it easier to see why Chuckie hadn’t trusted the football players. I risked a look in the mirror, was glad I hadn’t looked earlier, and thanked God the family was distracted by the lure of the slot machines. Considered that I looked damned good for falling off the top of the Hooters’ tower and decided to take that as a win.
    Martini was still on the phone—I could hear him talking but not what he was saying. I decided I didn’t want to wait any longer. I stepped into the tub and settled under the water and the bubbles. It felt great. Leaned my head back against a pillow and closed my eyes. Felt even better.
    The water turned off and my eyes opened. Martini was standing over me. His upper body looked completely healed, no bruising remained, which was a relief. “Sorry to wake you.” His voice was a purr.
    “Was I asleep?” He was still in his pants, which I found disappointing.
    “Yeah. The tub’s so huge it didn’t overflow.”
    “Water’s nice. You coming in?”
    He gave me a slow, sensuous smile. “I plan on it.” My breathing got heavy. He undid his pants slowly. By the time they were unzipped, I was starting to writhe in the water. By the time they were off, I was panting for him, and I could easily confirm that all his equipment looked better than fine and completely operational.
    He sat at the edge of the tub. “You need anything? Before I come in?” His voice was low and silky.
    “Oh . . . Jeff . . . please . . .” He was good. I was ready to go over the edge and he hadn’t even touched me yet.
    Martini put one hand on either side of the tub by my head and shoulders. “Please what, baby?” His face was near, his eyes locked with mine, his mouth close, but not touching me.
    I licked my lips. “I need you.” I gasped this out.
    The predatory smile that made me weak was on his face now. “You sure?” He moved his mouth slowly around me, almost kissing me but not quite. My mouth followed his, trying to get his lips to touch mine.
    “Jeff, please . . . don’t . . .”
    “Don’t what?” he said near my ear, his breath hot against me.
    “Don’t . . . don’t . . . I can’t . . .”
    “Can’t what?” he purred. I felt his breath on my neck.
    “I can’t wait any longer.” It came out like a wail.
    Martini put his face in front of mine again. His eyes were smoldering. “Never let it be said that I made you wait for anything.” He put his mouth onto mine so quickly I jerked back