Page 23 of Across the Crimson Sands

“Evening. What can I get for you guys?” Her voice was kind, a stark contrast to the harsh demeanors I’d grown accustomed to on this planet.

“I’ll just have a dry aelestia and whatever she wants,” Rokan said, motioning to me.

I hesitated, realizing I had no idea what I might want. It wasn’t as if Gorin regularly took me out for drinks. “Um, I’ll just take something sweet or fruity, please.”

The woman winked conspiratorially. “I got the perfect thing. Coming right up.”

As she walked away, Rokan turned to me, eyebrow raised. “Something sweet?”

“What?” I responded in mock hurt, enjoying our playful banter.

“Very girly,” he smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Well, excuse me if I want to enjoy my drink after running around in the desert for a few days.” It came out harsher than I intended, my exhaustion seeping through the cracks of my flirtatious façade.

“I suppose I should start taking you out more often, get you to try some real drinks.”

I smiled, leaning in slightly. “Are you asking me on a date?”

“If that’s how you want to see it.” Rokan sat back, arms crossed over his chest. The weariness I’d seen etched on his face all day began to fade as he relaxed in my presence.

“I was hoping for a little more than just drinking,” I purred, upping the ante.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Rokan’s growing arousal. I made a point of glancing down at the bulge before meeting his gaze, biting my lip suggestively.

“Someone’s excited,” I teased, testing the waters.

“And someone seems a little desperate for a repeat of last night.”

I felt heat rising to my cheeks. I kept telling myself this was all part of the act, a ploy to win his favor, but I couldn’t deny the zing of excitement coursing through me. After years in captivity, didn’t I deserve a taste of pleasure, however fleeting?

And I’d barely caught a glimpse of that massive cock, but I could still remember how it felt, the flanges running down the sides stretching me, hitting every secret spot deep at my core.

The bartender returned, setting our drinks before us before my cheeks grew hotter. “Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thank you,” I nodded, examining the vibrant concoction before me. It was a striking pink, rimmed with what appeared to be sugar. An exotic berry perched atop the straw, and when I tilted the glass, the liquid shimmered like liquid starlight.

“Well?” Rokan prompted, his curiosity evident.

I took a tentative sip, and my taste buds exploded with sensation. It was warm and inviting, yet the ice provided a refreshing coolness. The drink tasted alive, vibrant – sweet with just a tiny bit of tartness from the berry. I was instantly smitten.

“This is really good!” I exclaimed.

“Yeah? It looks it,” Rokan admitted.

“You’re jealous you didn’t get my girly drink now,” I teased.

“Never,” he scoffed, taking a sip of his own dark purple drink and grimacing at its potency. The sharp scent of alcohol wafted towards me.

“Here,” I offered, passing him my glass. “Try some.”

He accepted eagerly, his eyes widening as he sampled the fruity concoction. As he stole more generous sips, I snatched the glass away.

“This one’s mine! You insulted it!” I giggled, feeling a genuine lightness I hadn’t experienced in years.

“What? You said I could try it!” He grinned, looking almost boyishly charming. We were acting like a couple in the throes of a new romance, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the illusion of normalcy and contentment.

Suddenly, his hand came to rest on my thigh, sending a jolt of desire through me. I felt myself responding, wanting him with an intensity that both thrilled and terrified me.

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