Lara
As I laid there in Roark’s bed, I kept thinking about Cami and how happy she seemed. Admittedly, I was tired of worrying, tired of feeling this desolate feeling of isolation. I just wanted to feel.
Roark tried to be quiet when he came to bed, which made me smile. I’d only known him for a day and already I could see the little things he did to try to make me feel better.
When he climbed under the blankets, I felt the warmth from his body, and we weren’t even touching. Taking the initiative, I kissed his lips, felt the immediate, all-consuming spark, and instantly wanted more.
Every tender caress of his hand, every kiss from his lips set my body on fire. After feeling alone and miserable for so long, I wanted to feel the pleasure from his body. I didn’t want to talk, just feel, and when he emptied inside me, I didn’t want him to stop.
When I woke up the next morning, Roark was gone. Both disappointment and abandonment washed over me.
I have not abandoned you. I had to relieve Zorvak, so he could rest.
Warm fuzzy feelings quickly took over and I smiled. Good morning.
I felt his laughter and happiness, and my heart fluttered. A knock sounded outside the door.
Are you knocking? I asked with amusement.
No.
Hmm… I made sure to cover up before answering the door. Cami stood outside with a huge grin on her face.
“Good morning.” Her eyes danced with humor, almost as if she knew what had happened last night. My cheeks flushed. “Sooo, I brought you some clothes, which will fit a little better than Roark’s shirt.”
“Thanks.” I took the bundle.
She pursed her lips together and tried not to smile. “How did you sleep last night?” I’m sure she knew what happened.
“Shut up.”
And then I closed the door in her face. I could still hear her laughing.
Heading into the bathroom, I tried out the sonic shower. It wasn’t that hard to figure out, there was only one button to press. I felt the remnants of last night dissolve into cleanliness. This shower rocked!
I slipped on the underclothes, pulled on a V-neck t-shirt over my head and flipped my hair from the collar. The jeans were a little big, but it felt good to finally be covered.
Heading for the galley, I found Cami sitting there drinking a cup of cofa.
“I made you one too.” She smiled and nodded at another steaming cup. “I also made you some breakfast.”
“Thank you.” Studying Cami, she looked more subdued today, like something was bothering her. “What’s wrong?”
She shrugged. “I guess I’m just dreading having the NI removed.”
“I can see that. That’s a big surgery.”
“Yeah, but that’s not really why. In the beginning, the NI saved me several times. I have Zorvak now, but…”
“It’s scary having to rely on just yourself, without the help of the NI?” I raised an eyebrow and took a sip of cofa.
Just as she started to speak, she realized how she sounded to me. “I’m sorry, Lara,” she chuckled. “I guess I shouldn’t worry, huh?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you should keep the NI.”
“It puts Zorvak in a predicament. He isn’t forcing me to have it removed, but apparently Earth did one thing right and the technology is dangerous.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And the funny thing is, they don’t even realize it. I didn’t learn how to properly use the NI until I was forced to. It’s intelligent, constantly learning and adapting.”
“Wow. Could you imagine if the wrong person had that technology?”
“Exactly. Zorvak thinks I’m in even more danger just having the thing.”
“Hmm. When will we arrive at…”
“Jaur? Maybe this evening. I’m not really sure.”
Zorvak sauntered in and slid into a chair next to Cami. With his intense gaze and quiet manner, I felt a little uncomfortable sitting across the table from him.
Roark strolled in a moment later, walked over and dropped a sweet kiss on my lips.
I felt your discomfort. His ebony eyes twinkled, I think.
You did?
Yes. He sat in the chair next to mine.
Zorvak silently watched us, making me squirm even more in my chair.
“Zorvak, stop,” Cami chastised.
“What?”
“You’re making her uncomfortable. Stop staring.”
Looking at me, he said, “I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It is just…
“He’s just amazed that we look so different, especially our hair and eyes,” Cami explained.
“You are both Human and yet you look nothing alike.”
Cami glanced my way and then said, “Our differences are what make us Human.”
It made me very curious to see their planet, the women and the other men.
You will not be looking at other males.
I glanced over at Roark and grinned. And you will not be looking at other women.
Agreed.
After eating, Cami stood. “I guess I need to get ready. See ya, Lara.”
“How much longer until we reach Jaur?” Zorvak asked.
“A few hours.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
Glancing at me, Roark asked, “Would you like to sit with me in the control room?”
“Yes. Thanks!”