Chapter 13
Sharon had never been so glad to see a cave opening in her life. She wasn’t sure how long they had been walking, but her feet were starting to really hurt. MarIK had her wait outside the opening while he checked out the cave first to make sure it was safe. Then he led her inside. Because it was dark, he used his phase ray glow setting as a type of flashlight.
“Stay here. I’m going to place that large boulder in front of the opening. That way no one should be able to sneak up on us. I’ll leave the phase ray with you so that you can see.”
“Okay.” She felt helpless, standing there holding the glowing phase ray. She should be helping him secure the cave. As she glanced around the large cavern, she was amazed at its beauty. Shinyicicle-like stalactites hung from the ceiling. The glow from the phase ray hit the stalactites and made them sparkle with color.Very pretty.
The sound of water caught her attention in the corner of the cave. She made her way over, careful not to step on some of the loose rocks, most of which were very pointy. She saw a pool of water that looked like it might be about four or five feet deep. She knelt down stiffly to examine it. It didn’t smell bad or anything. She carefully put a finger in the water. It felt normal.
MarIK returned about fifteen minutes later and he was carrying a bag with him. “My team left some supplies for us. There are glow rocks. All I have to do is heat them up with my phase ray and they will provide light for eight hours or so. They also left some food packets and a few bottles of Katieran Juice.”
“I found a pool of water but I don’t know if it’s safe to drink.”
“It comes from below ground — probably one of the last natural wells of water before the luna lost its ability to support life. I wouldn’t drink it because it’s heavy in minerals, but it should be great to bathe in. The minerals will help heal cuts and bruises.”
“I thought all Katierans hated the idea of bathing in water. It’s even one of your laws.”
“On Katiera that is true because our natural resources were almost destroyed when the Morins attacked with their virus. That’s why the laws were put in place. Off world, we have used pools of water but over the years many have forgotten how to swim.”
“I remember there was an incident with the return of Prime Commander ConEL — the warriors didn’t know how to swim so my friend had to swim out into the waters of Katiera to save him. She had to accept punishment for that even though she saved his life.”
“They injured a female?”
“No, they sent her off to some place for harsh training. Lucy didn’t mind because she felt what she did was the right thing. They’re actually mated now.” She glanced down at the water with longing. “I would love to clean up. Did they leave any spare clothes?”
“Yes, they did leave two uniforms, but they might be too big for you.”
“As long as they’re clean — that’s all that matters.”
“Go ahead and get in the water. I’ll heat up these glow rocks around the cavern.”
She waited for him to turn his back to her before she started to remove the body suit, then her clothes underneath that. She kicked off her boots and she slid her pants down her legs. She tossed her shirt aside; she had had no time to put on a bra, so she only had on her underwear. She dispensed with that, too, before she tentatively stepped down into the water. She felt pleasantly surprised.
“Oh.”
“What’s wrong?” MarIK asked, turning back around.
Thankfully, she was waist deep with her back to him so he couldn’t see her. “The water is really warm. It feels wonderful.” She lowered herself down into the water until her head was completely submerged. What she wouldn’t give for some shampoo or bubble bath.
She came up for air, smoothing her hair and slicking it back. “It feels wonderful,” she repeated. “You should join me.” She glanced back over her shoulder and froze at the sight that met her.
MarIK was removing his shirt and —damn— he had a mighty fine chest. She didn’t even realize that she had turned around slowly to watch him. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he revealed more.
He unhooked his pants and kicked his boots off before letting the material drop to his feet. Then he was completely and gloriously bare. Katierans didn’t believe in wearing undergarments so there was nothing covering his package — and what a package. His cock was already stiff and pointing upward. It was freaking huge. MarIK made his way into the pool and it wasn’t until his cock disappeared under the water that she was able to break her stare at him. She felt heat rise to her cheeks when she realized she had been so obvious.
“Sorry for staring. It’s been a while and you are...perfect.”
“I’m not, but thank you for thinking so. It’s been a while for me, too, and I think you’re the most beautiful female I have ever seen.”
“It’s the hair. Short hair really looks exotic to Katierans.”
He gently ran his fingers over her hair, then caressed her ear, chin, and face. “It’s all of you. You have the most delicate bone structure but it’s your most entrancing eyes that just draw me.”
“My eyes are too big.”
“No, they’re incredible.” He leaned down and kissed her eyelids, then her cheeks and the corner of her mouth. He finally took her lips with his and kissed her deeply.
Sharon wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer until her breasts rubbed erotically against his chest. Her nipples hardened immediately at the contact. He felt so good. She ran her hands over his wide shoulders and opened her mouth so that his tongue could do whatever he wanted. His kisses were better than some of her whole sexual experiences, which was just sad. Maybe what made it so much more exciting was MarIK himself. He was amazing and he took his time kissing her without even touching her with his hands to ease her into it. He treated the kiss not as a prelude but as the main event.
