Page 136 of Stars in Nova

He stepped into the water, the warmth of it washing over his tired muscles.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, burying his nose in her hair.

‘You were sensational out there.Santefor saving my ass.’

He groaned. ‘Every moment without you was sheer agony, woman. I’m so sorry I didn’t come earlier for you.’

She inclined her head to stare up at him. ‘You came at the right time, Rider. Orilia XIV is now free because of your help. I can never thank you enough.’

He tilted his chin, his eyes locking with hers, and smirked in a lazy grin. Releasing her, he sunk into the water, letting the slick, sultry, warm liquid wash away his weariness.

He stood, and the ripples surged from him like bliss over his muscles.

She laughed when he lunged for her, kissing her long and hard, pulling her underwater with him.

When they came up for air, he muttered, ‘You taste so divine.’

‘Then taste more of me.’

The glow of the luminous aqua light danced across their skin as they came together. Their bodies moved in harmony as they shared in the solace of each other’s presence.

The swells rippled, waves breaking over them, his groans mingling with her whimpers as they crested into bliss.

Later, as they lay entwined on the smooth rock near the pool, Samira’s fingers traced the lines of Kisan’s glowing tattoos and cutis jewels. ‘We need to create something like this in our house,’ she said, her voice tinged with wistfulness.

‘Our house?’ Kisan repeated, his lips quirking into a smile.

Samira gave him a look that was playful yet laced with earnest intent.

‘Will you stay, Rider?’

‘Are you asking me?’

‘What does it sound like?Naam, I want you to.’

He gave her a long look. ‘Then I will stay.’

She gave him a playful nudge. ‘Wasn’t that hard, was it now, soldier?’

He growled and buried his head in her nape.’

She went on, sharing her heart. ‘When we finally build a home, it has to be above ground. We must have a pool connected to the water below. It’s who we are.’

Kisan brushed a strand of hair from her face, his expression softening. ‘We’ll make it happen.’

Her face tightened, her gaze drifting to the ripples. ‘The planet is in ruins, Kisan. The lakes are shrinking. The forests are gone. I’m afraid of what’s left for us.’

He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. ‘I’ve been thinking about your planet’s ecology.’ He paused, his tone thoughtful. ‘I might have a solution.’

Samira’s brows lifted in surprise. ‘What are you thinking?’

‘It’s risky,’ he admitted, ‘but it involves the kinetic drives we’ve been using. If we can amplify their energy output and direct it with care, we might be able to trigger a resurgence in your lakes and forests. I’ll need to tinker and mess with the tech, but we might use terra-forming principles to reanimate rain and vegetation.’

Samira stared at him, her heart swelling with hope and apprehension. ‘Do you think it might work?’

He nodded. ‘I do, and if it doesn’t, I’ll keep trying until it does.’

Her arms tightened around him, her voice hoarse, husky with satisfaction. ‘Together, then.’

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