---
"You need rest," Kai said, voice low and firm as his arms curled protectively around her. "Otherwise, you'll feel sick. I can't let my woman fall ill because I loved her too hard."
Akayoroi's antennae twitched at his teasing tone, but she didn't flinch away from his gaze. She rested her cheek against his chest for a few moments longer, listening to the steady thrum of his heart.
"I'll rest later," she murmured. "The others will be waiting."
Kai's gaze drifted down. Her abdomen still bore the glow of earlier night's bond. It's faint now, like embers after a storm, but unmistakably warm. The soft hue pulsed against her carapace like a hidden promise, and Kai's jaw clenched with restraint.
"They'll see it. Your sister might tease you."
"Let them. I don't care. I am yours, they will know about it sooner or later."
