Page 57 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

I barely registered any of it. My focus remained on Arkon, his gray skin streaked with dirt and blood, his chest heaving with exertion. He looked magnificent and terrifying all at once.

Kreshnar’s rumbling voice broke through my reverie. “I believe this settles any debts between us.”

Arkon’s grip on me tightened fractionally. “What about Zhen’la?”

The Naravex’s ears twitched. “The Consortium has many questions for our esteemed doctor. I doubt he’ll find the interrogation pleasant.”

A shudder ran through me at the thought of Zhen’la’s fate. Despite everything he’d done, I couldn’t help but remember the mentor he’d once been. “And the mind-control project?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

Kreshnar waved a dismissive hand. “Worthless, in the end. Why bother with drugs when simple manipulation is so much more effective?” His markings pulsed with what I interpreted as amusement. “Far less trouble, I assure you.”

The casual way he spoke of manipulating others made my skin crawl. I pressed closer to Arkon, drawing comfort from his warmth.

“We need to return to Kervant-9,” Arkon stated firmly.

“Ah yes, your ship,” Kreshnar nodded. “No need to worry about the fields - I’ve already ordered them burned.” At Arkon’s sharp look, he added, “A shuttle will be ready for you in the morning. I assumed you’d appreciate some... personal time before your departure.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the implication. Arkon’s hand slid lower on my hip, and I had to suppress a shiver.

Kreshnar moved to leave, then paused. He tossed something to Arkon - the energy weapon Zhen’la had used against him.“A souvenir,” the Naravex said. “Let’s hope this little incident doesn’t sour relations between the Consortium and the Vinduthi brotherhoods, hmm?”

With that, he was gone, leaving Arkon and me alone in the luxurious suite.

We simply stared at each other. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, our lips came together in a searing kiss. Arkon’s hands roamed my body, making my skin feel like fire. I tangled my fingers in his hair, brushing against the base of his horns, drinking in the taste of him.

When we broke apart, both panting, Arkon rested his forehead against mine. “I need a shower,” he murmured. “I’m filthy.”

I ran my hands down his chest, feeling the dried blood and grime beneath my fingers. “I’ll help scrub your back,” I offered playfully.

Arkon’s eyes darkened with desire. Without another word, he scooped me up and carried me toward the bathroom. The stress and fear of the past few days melted away, replaced by a burning need to touch, to feel, to lose ourselves in each other.

As we entered the bathroom, my breath caught. The opulence matched the rest of the suite - gleaming surfaces, intricate tilework, and a shower area large enough to host a small gathering. But I only had eyes for Arkon.

His hands found the hem of my shirt, pausing as if seeking permission. I nodded, lifting my arms to help him. The fabric slid over my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Arkon’s gaze roamed over my exposed torso, drinking in every detail.

I reached for the fastenings of his combat gear, my fingers fumbling slightly. The events of the day, the adrenaline crash, and the sheer intimacy of the moment left me feeling both energized and exhausted.

“Let me,” Arkon murmured, his hands covering mine. He made quick work of the intricate clasps and zippers, shrugging off the top half of his suit.

I traced his chest, marveling at the contrast between his gray skin and my brown fingers. The black markings swirled across one side of his body, mesmerizing patterns that begged to be explored.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, surprising myself with the admission.

Arkon’s lips quirked up in a rare smile. “As are you, Samira.”

We continued undressing each other, movements slow and deliberate. Each newly revealed expanse of skin felt like a gift, to be cherished and savored. When we stood bare before each other, I felt none of the self-consciousness I might have expected. Arkon’s gaze held only reverence and desire.

He reached for a control panel, and suddenly the room transformed. Water cascaded from multiple directions - from overhead, from the walls. It was like standing in the heart of a lush, warm rainstorm. The temperature was perfect, soothing my aching muscles.

Arkon’s hands found my waist, drawing me close. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, as if he feared I might shatter beneath his fingers. I leaned into him, relishing the feel of his solid form against mine.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he said, his words barely audible over the sound of falling water. “When Zhen’la had that weapon to your head...”

I placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. “But you didn’t. We’re here. We’re safe.”

His arms tightened around me, and I felt the tremor that ran through his body. This powerful, seemingly invincible warrior was shaken to his core. Because of me. The realization both humbled and exhilarated me.

I stretched up on my toes, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Touch me, Arkon. I need to feel you.”

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