His face softens, but his cock does not.
“That’s not how I meant it to be,” I say. “I shouldn’t have made you…”
Through clenched teeth he asks, “How did you mean it to be then, Reesa?”
I swallow, trembling, thinking about how they say it in the Earth novels.
“I wanted you to…make love to me.”
His face completely changes into something I can’t decipher.
“Why?” he asks.
“Because…I love you.”
My words make his chest rise and fall faster, and the moment I say it, I know I mean it more than I’ve meant anything I’ve ever said. If possible, he holds his cock even tighter. “You’re saying what you think I want to hear. To try and get your way. It won’t work.”
I should have known he wouldn’t believe me. Wouldn’t think me capable. “I’m not trying to manipulate you!” I close my eyes and lean my head back against the wall, forcing myself to calm. “Don’t send me to Mars, Lex, please. Send me to Earth.”
When I open my eyes he’s watching me with suspicion.
“Send me to…” What was the state he’d mentioned? “South Caroline.”
“Carolina,” he whispers. “Why?”
“I don’t want any other woman on your land.”
My heart nearly explodes like a supernova when his lips lift. “Is that so?”
I nod. It feels like we stand there facing off forever before he slowly reaches up and unclasps the dagger belt from his chest, letting it slide from his hands to the ground. I hold my breath when he undoes each button of his shirt, shrugging out of it with his eyes still on mine until his entire chest, abs, and arms are on display. I’m too frozen in place to move.
Next his pants fall to the floor, heavy with the weight of his gunbelt. I want to look at all of him, but his eyes are too mesmerizing to look away.
“I don’t have long,” he says, and then he goes down on his knees, shrugging my tattered pants the rest of the way to the ground. Beginning at my knees, he kisses a trail up my skin, forcing my body to take tiny, sharp inhales until he gets to my thighs. His tongue darts into the crevice of my core and my head flies back, knees buckling. His hands hold my waist to keep me from falling, and he moves up my body. Instead of tearing my blouse off he lifts it over my head and deftly unsnaps my bra from behind, letting it fall. Then he picks me up in his arms, making me gasp and smile before laying me with absolute gentleness on the bed.
I’ve been looked at with lust too many times to count. But no man has ever looked at me this way. He nestles himself over top of me and brings his lips to mine. Soft. So soft. His mouth takes my bottom lip, then my top one, then my full mouth, and the kiss fills my soul with adoration. When he pulls back, so much tenderness is in his eyes that I have to cling to him to know it’s real.
His hips move expertly as he holds me, watching my face, and slowly sliding into me until our bodies are pressed tight. My mouth opens and I’m too overcome to speak. He does it again, pulling out slowly, and taking his sweet time rocking back into me, all the while watching my face and taking in my every reaction. Already my core is super tight, begging for more.
“Please, Lex.”
His face comes down to kiss me again as his hips pick up speed, pumping in long strokes and smacking against me with grunting thrusts. He holds himself tight to me each time he’s deep, letting every inch of him press against me. It’s too soon for us to come, I don’t want it to be over, but my body is dancing on that high wire, ready to jump.
I cry out, grabbing his ass and wrapping my legs around his legs to keep him fitted as close as possible. He lets out a sexy, wild sound as his cock throbs, pounding every nerve ending in my clit and g-spot. I shiver and squirm, making wild sounds of my own, and he keeps pressing, pressing, pressing against me. My core quivers in a neverending orgasm.
It seems to take forever for us to settle, both of us breathing hard, and he stays inside of me. I know he came, but he’s not softening at all. I want to keep going. To make love to him all day, but it’s not possible. All I can do is cling for as long as he’ll let me.
Lex presses his forehead to mine. “It’s time to decide,” he says softly. “I have to put the coordinates in the system and notify the shuttle. Where do you want to go, Reesa?”
My hands hold his back tightly. “I want to go to Earth.” The thought of it sends a thrill of excitement followed closely by pure fear.
He closes his eyes. “Do you know anyone there?”
“No.” Being alone on a new planet with no money and no contacts…this is not my best idea. What will I do? My insides are quaking with uncertainty. I want to be there waiting for Lexon, but how will I survive?
“I’m going to send a message to my sister, Lanna. I’ll have her meet you and help you get set up in my house.” I’m momentarily stunned. This is huge. His cock gives a slight twitch inside of me, like he’s excited at the thought of it all, and I gasp.
“Y-your house?”
“Yes. Does that make you nervous? If it’s too much pressure—”
“No!” I smile up at him, filled with warmth.
“My house is a dump,” he sheepishly admits. “It’s old and basically unused. Total bachelor pad. I’m sorry in advance.”
“I’ll love it,” I say, making him laugh. My own smile is bright.
“Lanna can help you find a job. Maybe you can look into massage therapy since you’re licensed. It’s big on Earth. And then if you want to find an apartment of your own, that shouldn’t be a problem.”
I can’t stop smiling. “Okay.” Though I can’t imagine wanting to leave the house he calls home on Earth.
He smiles back at me, and his face lights up in a way that takes my breath away.
We both gasp when he slowly pulls out of me. The loss of contact leaves me sad and immediately lonely, longing for more.
He redresses and I rifle through a case of clothes to find new underwear and pants. I’m jittery all over from our surprise love making and the enormous change of plans. Lex is all business and he takes me through the pod, quickly showing me the food supplies and how everything works. The nervous, fluttery feeling never leaves my belly. I can’t believe this is happening.
When he finishes, he seems to tense again, running a hand over his head and peering around. “Look, Reesa.” He blows out a breath, making me nervous. I cross my arms, wondering if he’s changed his mind about it all. The thought turns my insides.
He still won’t look at me. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. I know you’ll be okay—you’ll get a job and meet people. But Earth is…much different from Mars. It’s like a giant universe of its own. There’s so much you haven’t seen or done.” He grits his teeth now, and seems to force the next words. “You might get there and realize you were hasty with me.”
His eyes find me now, and I’m like mush for this beautiful man who’s had his heart broken too many times. He doesn’t trust that I know my feelings, and as much as it breaks my heart, I don’t blame him. I go to him and take his hands.
“I’ll wait for you, Lex. As long as it takes. I’m yours and you’re mine.”
His eyes spark and his mouth comes down onto mine in a powerful kiss. He has to grasp the nape of my neck to keep me from stumbling at the force of it. I wrap my arms around his giant form and we crush ourselves together as if we can somehow become one, or at the very least take a piece of one another when we part. It takes every ounce of my mental strength to release him and pull away.
“Please be safe.” My voice cracks and I press the back of my hand to my mouth. Lexon brushes the hair from my face.
“Don’t worry about me or my men. You be careful. Do you hear me? There are dangers on Earth. Crime. You have to be more aware and conscious of your surroundings than ever before. The town where my family lives is relatively safe, but if Lanna takes you out to the city…” He shakes his head. “I’m going to tell her not to take you out.”
&n
bsp; I have to smile. “We’ll be fine.” I just hope she likes me. What if she’s like Captain Lairde?
He holds my face in one hand and his next kiss is unbearably tender. It makes my soul weep. There is no coming back from this feeling. I’m lost to him. He pulls away enough to run his thumb over my swollen lips.
“To the stars with you, Reesa.”
He never says the word love, but I’m cradled in it nonetheless. “And you, Captain.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
5 months later…
I never, ever, ever want to be on a space vessel alone again. It’s enough to break a person mentally. I was alone three and a half months before entering our solar system and being met by another crew. Then another month and a half to Earth.
The sights of the planet from the plane window make me giddy. Trees! Oceans! The streets are wider than on Mars and the houses bigger, taller. And so many planes and vehicles! I’m practically glued to the window.
The goofy smile doesn’t leave my face until I’m inside the Charleston airport, being pushed along to Baggage Claim with a horde of Earth people. That’s not what’s scaring me, though. I have no idea what to expect from Lanna, but my experience with Earth women has prepared me for the worst. As long as Lex’s sister can get me to his house, I will do my best to figure out the rest so she won’t be forced to be near me.
“Are you Reesa?”
The woman is about my age, wearing shorts and an orange Clemson T-shirt, and the most excited smile is plastered across her face.
“Lanna?”
To my utter shock, she squeals and throws her arms around me, rocking me back and forth. “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe you’re finally here!” She pulls back and is still smiling. “Come on. I’ll take you to lunch.” She waves a hand at the conveyor belt. “The military is going to bring your stuff when it’s delivered. Have you ever had shrimp and grits?”
My head is spinning. “I’m sorry, what?”
She laughs, and stars, she’s like a thin female version of Lex, her mouth wide and teeth sparkling white. Even their eyes are the same shape.
“Don’t worry,” she says. “One thing at a time.”
She practically skips, and I follow, finding myself unable to hold back a smile at her genuine joy.
We get to her vehicle in the parking lot—it’s red!—and I stare as she climbs in. Unlike Mars vehicles, this one has wheels and the doors don’t slide up and down. When I stand there, not sure what to do, she rolls down a window and says, “Pull the handle.” I feel stupid, but she only giggles.
She talks nonstop, reminding me of Sheralyn. When a dark thing flashes from the corner of my eye I pull away from the window and shout, “Stars! Did you see that?”
“What?” She leans forward, her forehead creases. “The bird?”
“A bird!” I laugh as I watch the black feathered animal fly out of sight. “It’s just…out there! Flying around!” Free.
“Holy shit,” Lanna says with a giggle. “This is going to be so much fun.”
I scan the skies and ground as we drive, hoping to see more. I nearly squeal when a lady is walking with a small four-legged furry animal attached to a string.
“It’s a dog,” she says. “A Pomeranian, I think.”
My face hurts from smiling. It’s all so wonderful. Although the trash I see littered around the ground hurts my heart. So much waste.
“So…” Lanna’s demeanor slightly changes. “You met Hans?”
“Who?”
“Hans Rawko?” Her cheeks go a little mottled, and my mouth falls open.
“Oh. Um…yes.”
Lanna’s smile turns bashful. “How’s he doing? He’s so funny, right?”
I swallow hard, forcing a nod. “Hilarious. Always up to no good.”
Now she laughs, and there’s no denying she has feelings for him. I’m suddenly nervous enough to sweat. “Are you two…?”
“Psh.” She waves a hand. “I wish! We met when I was sixteen, and he still thinks I’m a little kid even though I’m twenty-one now. It’s been two years since I’ve seen him.” She’s obviously hoping things will be different when she sees him again. “Not that Russ would ever let me date a Hornet.” She frowns now, and I know I can never, ever tell Lanna I was a Nevesta. My time with Rawko seems like a million years ago. I’m not ashamed of my work or my past, but I don’t expect Earth people to understand. They’ll look at me differently, and I don’t want that. I want a fresh start.
“Well, Rawk—Hans—would be lucky to have a nice girl like you.”
She sighs and smiles wistfully. It’s impossible not to like her. But I can’t help but wonder…
“Are you this nice to all of Lex’s…Russ’s…” She takes her eyes off the road to glance quizzically at me. “Never mind.” My face gets hot.
“Russ’s girlfriends?” She lets out a bark of a laugh. “He never introduces us to anyone! I don’t think he’s dated in, like, forever. Not since that bitch of a wife when I was a kid, but that was so long ago. He hasn’t brought anyone home since. That’s how I knew this was legit when I got the message. Mom’s been freaking out, cleaning for days.”
“What?” Their mom?
“Yeah, first she went over and dusted every inch of Russ’s nasty old house to get it ready for you. And then she attacked our house with a vengeance.”
“But…why?” I ask.
She giggles. “I don’t know how serious things are with you and him, but let’s just say our mama will pull out the red carpet for anyone who might be the future mother of her grandbabies.”
Grandbabies?? A hot flash overtakes me and I blink rapidly, fanning myself. Lanna laughs heartily.
“Don’t worry. There’s no rush and no pressure. That’s just how moms are here on Earth. They can’t help themselves. Just…tell me, are you guys really serious? Is this for real?”
“He is mine and I am his.”
Her eyebrows go up and she lets out a full cackle, making me wonder if I’ve said something wrong.
“That is awesome.” She smacks her thigh, still grinning, so I think we’re okay.
But I don’t cool down until we get to the restaurant for lunch. I also don’t stop thinking about the possibility of Lex and me as a family. Great stars. It makes me smile.
EPILOGUE
One year later…
I haven’t moved out of Lex’s little home. I keep it tidy and work five days a week, saving my money as best as I can. It’s strange to accumulate funds. Not something we did on Mars, but it’s necessary here.
I lie in bed, waiting for sleep to take me, marveling at this planet—the western world in particular. When I think of Mars, all of the ideals and ways of life seem muted. Sedated. Mild. Here, everything is bursting with an overabundance of life. Good and bad. Heartache and laughter. Laziness and hard work. The juxtapositions and extremes constantly display the best and worst of humanity.
But I can’t turn on a wall telly without seeing scenes of war and crime. Lex had tried to warn me, but it’s not something you can put in perspective without seeing and hearing for yourself.
It’s at night, like now, that I think about Lex and his crew of brave Hornets. Last I heard, they’d defeated the enemies and taken back the planet, but things still weren’t safe. They feared additional last-ditch attacks from the planet who had nothing to lose. Also at last communications, only one more Hornet had lost his life. Devlar. I’d mourned for a month thinking of Rawko without his right hand man, his literal partner in crime. The redhead with stars tattooed among his freckles.
I’d begged the universe not to take anymore of them and wondered how much longer we’d all have to wait until they returned and earned some blessed peace. It’s been almost a year and a half since I was sent away. Does Lexon ever think of me? What if his feelings have changed? What if he realizes I’m just a used up former Nevesta and he’ll have so many better options when he gets back here to Earth? I curl into a ball at the thought.
&n
bsp; Earth men are funny. They want sex, and are oftentimes resentful of women who hold the the power to deny them, but they also value virginity above all else. It makes me understand why the Nevesta/Vesto system was implemented on Mars. There’s a constant sense of pressure, desperation, and guilt here. Let’s just say massages are in high demand, and I’m not hurting for customers. Earth people carry a lot of stress.
I’m just starting to drowse when I hear something outside on the porch and a light click echoes through the darkness. I sit up, squinting into the room with my heart in my throat. Was that the door? Oh, stars, is someone breaking in? I nearly fall from the bed in a panicked rush, fumbling for the nightstand drawer to pull out the handgun Big Lex gave me. He insisted, though I’m terrified of guns. Now I wish I’d paid better attention to his instructions. I also wish I was wearing more clothes. A tank top and undies doesn’t seem like enough armor to fight for my life.
My hands are shaking as I hold the gun and back into the corner of the room behind the door. To my horror, the door really does start to open. I hold back a terrified whimper and put my finger on the trigger. The door halts and I hope with all my heart the robber/killer/attacker/rapist sees the room is empty and turns back around.
I’ve been holding my breath because I know the sound will be too loud, but my lungs feel like they’ll explode. Just as I’m about to suck in air and kick the door, it suddenly whooshes closed and my wrists are snatched into a hot grasp, the gun pointing straight up as I’m backed hard against the wall.
“I’m glad to see you’re armed,” says the low voice in my ear. “Even though the safety’s still on.” His scent hits me and I melt.
“Oh, my God, Lex!” My muscles give out and the gun topples to the floor as my arms tighten around his shoulders. In one swift move he picks me up and I wrap my arms around his neck. He presses his hard crotch against my soft core and I kiss him, my whole body shaking.
“Does this mean you still want me?” he asks.
I can only laugh against his mouth. “I thought of you every day. Every time I touched myself.” He growls, his grip on my ass tightening. “Lanna even took me to a special store so I didn’t have to always use my hand.”
Into the Stars Page 18
