Page 55 of Sy

The couch cushions gave way beneath her as he guided her down, following her so he was braced over her. His weight pressed her into the soft cushions, solid and real and wonderfully overwhelming. His hands roamed her sides while his mouth traced a burning path along her jaw to that sensitive spot just below her ear that made her arch against him.

Her fingers threaded through his hair, pulling it free of its tie and holding him close as his lips explored her neck. Each touch sent shivers down her spine, each kiss stoking the flames building inside her. The hard planes of his chest pressed against her breasts, the strong muscles of his thighs against hers making her hyperaware of every point of contact between them.

He slid a hand beneath her shirt, callused fingers skimming across sensitive skin. She gasped at the contact. The growl that rumbled through his chest vibrated where they pressed together, sending fresh heat pooling low in her belly.

He shifted to brace himself on one elbow while his other hand continued its exploration, inching higher underneath her shirt. Her breath came in short pants, her heart thundering against her ribs like it might burst free at any moment. Every touch, every kiss wound her tighter, building a tension that threatened to consume her completely.

His mouth found hers again, claiming every inch in a kiss so deep and thorough it scattered her thoughts like leaves in the wind. His tongue stroked against hers, and she clutched at his shoulders, the powerful muscles flexing beneath her fingers as he held himself above her. When his hand finally reached the underside of her breast, his fingers splaying wide across her ribs, she moaned into his mouth.

The heat between them was almost unbearable now, their clothes too much of a barrier. His fingers hooked under the edge of her bra and her back arched in anticipation. But as his hand moved higher, the slight scratchiness of dried sweat and cave dust over her skin made her pause.

“Sy,” she managed, her voice still husky. “We’re filthy.”

His eyes, dark and heavy-lidded with want, took a moment to focus on her words. A smudge of dirt marked his cheek where she’d caressed him, and his tight top was covered in dusty handprints where she’d clutched at him.

“Ugh… I can feel it everywhere,” she admitted, shifting beneath him. More dust puffed up between them, making her wrinkle her nose. “It’s in my hair, under my clothes…”

The layer of grime coating her skin made her feel sticky and uncomfortable despite the burning desire still coursing through her veins.

His weight pressed her deeper into the couch cushions with a slight crunch of dirt grinding into the fabric. His thumb brushed across her cheekbone, no doubt leaving another streak of dirt in its wake.

“We should probably clean up,” she whispered, but her body betrayed her words, arching into his touch when his hand slid down her neck.

His response was to lower his head, his lips brushing against her ear. “Probably,” he agreed, his voice a low rumble that she felt more than heard. His teeth grazed her earlobe and she gasped, her hands automatically clutching at his shoulders.

More dust puffed up between them, and she couldn’t help but giggle.

“We’re getting everything filthier by the second,” she pointed out. Her fingers traced his jaw. “And I can feel cave dirt in places it definitely shouldn’t be.”

He pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, and the look he gave her made her breath catch. Before she could process what was happening, he moved with lightning speed. One moment she was lying beneath him on the couch, and the next she was airborne, swept up into his arms.

“I’m too heavy!” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, even as her body thrilled at the casual display of strength.

His steps stopped.

“Did you just suggest I’m not strong enough to carry you?” His voice dropped lower, taking on a dangerous edge that sent shivers down her spine.

Her mouth went dry at the predatory gleam in his eyes.

“I didn’t mean—” she started, but he was already moving, deliberately bouncing her in his arms as he strode toward the bathroom.

“I think,” he said, his breath hot against her ear, “you need a demonstration of exactly how strong I am.”

The journey to the bathroom seemed to take forever and no time at all. Every step caused his muscles to flex against her, reminding her of the raw power contained in his body. Her fingers traced the corded muscles of his neck, feeling them shift as he walked. Even through his dirty clothes, she could feel the heat radiating from him.

They reached the bathroom, and he shouldered the door open without loosening his hold. The fluorescent lights flickered on automatically, reflecting off gleaming tiles and making the dust in their clothes even more apparent. But her attention was captured by their reflection in the large mirror… at the sight of herself cradled in his arms, and the heat in his expression as he looked down at her.

The bathroom was massive, easily three times the size of her quarters back on the station. A walk-in shower dominatedone corner, gleaming chrome and glass that reflected the soft lighting. His boots clicked against the tiles as he carried her toward it.

“Still think you’re too heavy?” His voice was a low growl that vibrated through his chest and into hers where they pressed together. Before she could answer, he demonstrated his point by shifting her weight to one arm like she weighed nothing, keeping her suspended against his chest while his free hand reached for the shower controls.

Her heart thundered against her ribs, heat flooding her cheeks at how easily he held her.

“Show-off,” she managed, but her breathless tone gave away exactly how his casual display of strength affected her.

The shower burst to life with a hiss of pressurized water. Steam began to curl through the air around them as his wicked grin flashed white in the soft light.

He stepped into the spray fully clothed, his arms secure around her. The water hit them both, and she gasped as it soaked instantly through their clothes, plastering the fabric to their skin.

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