Page 19 of Across the Crimson Sands

For some reason, I liked that idea. Very much.

“Let’s get going,” he said sternly, his tone shattering any illusion of connection I’d foolishly entertained. I’d actually thought he might not take me back after our encounter. But no.

He’d used me for his pleasure, nothing more. He cared only about himself, taking what he wanted simply because he could.

He released my bindings from the ground, and I rolled my shoulders, desperate to alleviate the all-consuming tension. He produced another rope from his bag, thicker and longer, clearly meant for more practical purposes.

“What’s that for?” I asked hesitantly. “A hobble?”

“A leash,” he replied flatly.

The word felt like a slap. “Why?”

“I’m taking you directly to the spaceport. I don’t have the time or patience for this anymore.”

I flicked my gaze to his lips. They beckoned, impossibly soft and tempting. His eyes darkened, expression unreadable.

“Up,” he barked.

I obeyed, rope biting my wrists. Rokan hefted his bag and yanked the leash.

I lurched forward, stumbling. His relentless pace forced me into an awkward half-jog. Staying close slackened the rope, offering brief relief to my raw skin.

Grim reality crashed over me. At this rate I’d be back with Gorin before the next dawn.

The Crimson Sands showed no mercy. I’d known the risks when I fled, but the oppressive heat and shame of trailing Rokan like a whipped dog crushed my spirit. Hope of escape evaporated, along with the foolish notion of Rokan as my savior.

Suddenly, Rokan yanked the rope violently, sending me sprawling to the ground. A massive beast soared over us – he’d pulled me down just in time. My heart raced, equal parts terror and grudging gratitude.

The creature resembled an Earth buffalo on steroids – shaggy fur, enormous curving horns, and beady black eyes full of malice. Its hot breath disturbed the sand, leaving gigantic paw prints in its wake.

“Don’t move,” Rokan commanded, drawing his knife and staying low to the ground.

The beast reared, swinging its head from side to side as it sought its prey.

“Shouldn’t we run before it attacks?” I whispered urgently.

“No. They have horrible eyesight and can only fully see movement.”

The creature locked onto our general direction and charged. Rokan rose to his feet, keeping low and holding the knife at arm’s length. His muscles tensed, coiled and ready to strike. My traitorous heart fluttered again.

As the beast bore down on us, horns poised to impale, Rokan’s arm blurred. The knife found its mark, burying itself in the creature’s skull. It stumbled, whimpering pathetically as it crashed to the ground. Rokan calmly retrieved his weapon, wiping the blood on the beast’s matted fur. The blade gleamed dangerously in the harsh sunlight.

He tugged the leash, urging me forward. I marveled at how effortlessly he’d handled a monster twice my size. I would have been its dinner without him.

God, that was hot.

This was such a bad idea.

Logic screamed he only cared about himself, about the payday. But my heart refused to listen. He’d saved my hide twice now. Anyone would be confused.

We abandoned the beast to its fate. A sliver of pity wormed through me. Why hadn’t Rokan ended its suffering? But that was the desert’s brutal way - and everyone else’s since I’d left Earth.

Still, beneath that brooding exterior, I’d bet good money Rokan had a heart. He cared deeply about something, even if it was just credits. A truly emotionless man wouldn’t possess such unwavering drive. I longed to crack his shell, futile as it might be.

The scorching sand swallowed my feet, grit working between my toes. Relentless wind pelted my legs with countless tiny barbs. Sand assaulted my eyes. I blinked furiously, irritation bringing unwanted tears. My parched body mourned the wasted moisture.

Rokan stopped by a thick leaf jutting from the barren landscape. He yanked it free and squeezed it like toothpaste. He guzzled greedily while I watched, green with envy. Once he’d drained it, he pressed another to my lips. Bitter water hit my tongue. I coughed and jerked away.

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