Read Online Captain Gareth's Mates by Cassandra Pierce - Free Book Online

Gareth had to admire the old man’s stamina. “Potent” was the word, all right.
    “The entire time, I thought of you,” Brennar confessed with a guilt-stricken expression. Gareth reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
    “I thought about you, too.”
    They walked to the lagoon together and settled themselves on the rocks. For a moment, they gazed at the water, breathing in the fragrant air and thinking.
    “The woman who came to me wished to learn more of my physiology,” Brennar said at length. “I suspect she found my appearance more curious than appealing.”
    “Well, like you said, she was a professional. I’m sure she’s used to disengaging her emotions to some extent. Don’t take it to heart.”
    “She may have been somewhat afraid, too. For all the Anubians know, sex to me might mean something very different than it does to them.”
    “True. I’m glad I wasn’t too nervous to find out for myself.”
    Brennar smiled and cautiously threaded his fingers through Gareth’s. “You have bedded Izbal?”
    It was only partially a question. This time Gareth blushed. “Yes. Do you mind?”
    Brennar shrugged. “Of course not. I am sure the temptation was very great. You are only human, after all.”
    “I can’t deny that.” Grinning, Gareth stood. He stripped off his robe and tossed it aside in a decisive motion. He was gratified to see that, married man or not, he still inspired undisguised longing in Brennar’s eyes. “Do you swim? Because I’m ready to test these waters, so to speak.”
    “Swimming is not a common recreation for Shibans. Instinctively we tend to fear cold water, perhaps due to our sensitive skin. We feel things more intensely than humans do.”
    Gareth didn’t miss the hidden meaning in his last observation. “Well, if you decide to join me, I promise to protect you.” With a wink, he raised his arms and launched himself from the highest point of the rock he was balancing on. His body split the clear water, and his graceful dive carried him halfway across the lagoon. He bobbed back up inside a halo of floating flowers.
    “It isn’t cold,” he shouted to Brennar. “Trust me. You’ll love it. Come on!”
    From his perch on the rocks, Brennar winced and extended a hand until the tips of his fingers were submerged.
    “Well?” Gareth urged.
    “The temperature is not to my liking, but since you have promised otherwise...”
    Gingerly he stood, his legs shaking a little, and began to pull off his tunic and leggings. Gareth floated in the water, watching the naked alien tremble as he psyched himself up enough to take the plunge. Finally, he stretched out one foot in a single, calculated step only to lose his balance and pitch clumsily forward. With a mortified howl, he hit the water sideways and disappeared beneath the surface.
    When he reappeared, he was gasping and uttering a series of sounds Gareth interpreted as curses in Brennar’s native tongue. He swam over, struggling not to laugh, and wrapped both arms around Brennar’s waist. They floated together, Brennar clinging to his shoulders and moaning with cold while Gareth rubbed his palms over the lean, bluish body to impart what little warmth he could.
    “You...you find this state of immersion agreeable?” Brennar asked in wonder.
    “Of course. Plenty of humans would pay good money to frolic in cool, natural water. Some even prefer it colder.”
    “Bar—barbaric!” Brennar complained through chattering teeth.
    “Give yourself a few minutes,” Gareth advised. “You have to adjust. Maybe this will help.”
    He tightened his arms to draw Brennar’s body closer. Then he bent his head and captured the alien’s lips in his own.
    The time apart had left them hungry for each other. Recovering from his chill, Brennar devoured his lover’s mouth, snaking his tongue around Gareth’s and squeezing it against his own. Grasping fingers slid down Gareth’s back and clawed at his naked rear end while