This one was fierier than before. He held her tight against him, and where the first one seemed more exploratory, this was desperate. Emotion. Need.
Oh, the need!
It was frantic and craving and needy.
She groaned when he started to kiss her neck and her ear.
“I left because of fear.”
“Fear of me?”
“Fear that I would hurt you with my Fever.”
“I thought that only happened if I was unwilling.”
“I feared I would not be able to stop if you wanted me to. I left to give myself some time.”
“You took your tools. Like you were going to work.”
“I did. I went to my team and was sent away.”
“So, you came back to me?”
“Of course. Where else would I go?”
“This spaceship is big. There are a lot of places to go.”
“Leaving you alone, that was inconsiderate. I apologize for it.” He sighed and rested his forehead against hers. “I seem to have errored today. I thought you feared me. When we kissed before, I was fearful that I would not be able to stop, and I would force you into a position you did not want to be.”
“I thought you left because you were disappointed. That you didn’t want me at all.”
“Quite the opposite.”
“Well, that’s good because you may be the best kisser I’ve ever had.”
“And I feel the same of you,” he replied with a chaste kiss. He met her gaze again. “Are you still thinking you wish to return?”
“I would rather be here with you. Though I think I’m going to need some friends.”
“I can arrange that.”
* * *
“Are you speaking honestly, Phares?”Driqan asked as he laughed. He was larger, like Phares, but resembled more of a human than Phares. Golden skin, dark hair. Big smile.
Jana liked his smile. He seemed very trustable.
“As honest as possible,” Phares said, describing what happened with Shoval when they returned.
Laughter filled the table. Jana laughed as well over her use of the falta slicer.
“I didn’t know who he was. I just saw someone threatening my,” she glanced at Phares. “My mate. I couldn’t have that.”
“Shoval makes it sound like you brought back a monster who attacked him for no apparent reason,” Driqan said.
“Of course he does,” Phares replied.
“I find your story, though, to be a bit more plausible,” Agot, his wife, said. She had orange skin and freckles all around her face and down her neck.
