Chapter 8
No matter where you go in the universe, men still acted like primates, beating their chests to show off and prove their manliness, Sharon thought. She followed the rebel commander down a corridor, then into a lift. The trading post was supposed to have three levels. They had entered on the second level, but hadn’t gone to the first or third level yet. She wondered what was on the top.
The doors to the lift opened and, for a moment, she reached for her throat, thinking that they had exposed themselves to the surface.
“It’s okay, there’s a special invisible barrier to protect you from the elements. Come with me.” MarIK offered his hand and she took it as he led her out onto a large round platform. The touch of his skin against hers had her holding her breath. As if sensing her response, he squeezed her hand gently.
Slowly, her breathing evened out and she could appreciate what she was looking at. She could see the planets so clearly; the effect made her feel as though she could almost reach out and touch them. The stars were twinkling and the surface of the luna below them looked luminescent, shining like gold below them.
“I have never seen anything quite this beautiful. And imagine — no one gets to see this because it’s abandoned.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t quite this appealing when the location here was filled with ships coming and going, and was overrun at times with travelers. Many wouldn’t have appreciated the beauty, even if they had seen it.”
“There’s a saying on Earth that people should stop to smell the roses. It means that life can pass by so quickly and that you should slow down and look around you, appreciating the beauty before you, because either it will be gone or you will be.”
MarIK nodded his head. “Lately, I have found that to be true. This has been my favorite spot to go to since we arrived a week ago. I have come up here many times which is why OrIN suggested I brought you here.”
“I was wondering about that. The way he looked at me, I would have thought he would want to bring me here to have me all to himself.”
His expression turned serious as he took her hand and pulled her so that she faced him. “Do not allow yourself to be alone with him, ever. He’s my leader, but he’s a danger to you. Why would the Katierans bring you here?”
“I’m a negotiator among my people and I’ve had military training.”
“Lieutenant TanAR is not worthy of you if he would allow you to be placed in danger.” He stepped closer to her, wanting more of her scent — almost craving it.
“It’s not his choice. It’s mine. He has no say.” She moved closer to him, too; her breaths becoming heavier as her agitation...and arousal...grew.
“If you were mine, I would never allow you to be placed in danger.” She was but inches from him; he could almost feel her curves.
“I’m pretty stubborn. What could you possibly do if I make up my mind about something?” She was challenging him — and he was up for the challenge.
He placed his hands on her tiny waist and pulled her up against his body. “I would change your mind.” Then he leaned down and kissed her.
*****
Holy shit!Sharon was taken off guard not only by his actions but her response to him. His body heat drew her in. It was probably a mistake to let him get that close to her. Then he put his hands on her, pulled her body against his, and she didn’t fight it — couldn’t fight it — and didn’t want to. He kissed her.
Were there fireworks? No, fireworks would be too tame to describe what she felt when his lips touched hers. It was like thebeginning— when a spark ignited and created a new solar system. Every part of her was suddenly alive and pulsing. It grew and grew as their kiss deepened.
Sharon found herself responding wholeheartedly, wrapping her arms around his neck and opening her mouth to let his tongue invade. He didn’t disappoint, either. MarIK moved one of his hands up to cup the back of her neck and tilted her head up so he could take control. He caressed her cheek with his thumb softly and stroked her tongue with his own. When she responded their tongues danced but his thumb remained gentle and firm. He made love to her mouth, nibbling on her lower lips, then taking her tongue again and again.
Her heart was pounding in her chest and, as she pressed against him, she could feel his own heartbeat racing just like hers. Neither the thin material of her dress nor his pants could hide the thick feel of his shaft pressing against her stomach. She wanted him naked so she could rub her body all over his. It was crazy to have such a strong attraction to someone like this. She had just met the man but she felt this pull between them, one that she desperately wanted to explore.
MarIK pulled away from her and his eyes blazed down into hers. She couldn’t look away.
“Sharon, this is not what I expected,” he told her gruffly.
“Me either,” she whispered back.
“The timing is…”
“Fucked up, I know.”
He leaned his forehead down against hers and breathed her in. She did the same, just appreciating the contact between them. This was what had been missing in all her past relationships — the ability to speak volumes without having to say a single word. Just the ability to breathe with another person who was not trying to take up all of the oxygen in the room.
“This situation has gotten quite complicated,” MarIK told her as he stroked her back comfortingly.
“Definitely. You’re on our side?” she whispered against his ear softly.
