Page 5 of Saving the Sautiitions

He pulls all the way back, sitting on his knees. He keeps my legs around him as he lifts my hips, gripping them tightly. His pace slows as he watches himself slide in and out of my body, his fingers digging into my skin. I’ll probably have bruises and hickeys tomorrow, but I couldn’t care about that even if I wanted to.

He glances at me, his eyes heated and brow sweaty as he fights to control his body. As he slowly slides into me again, my eyes roll as my breath huffs from me. My body clenches in anticipation, and his fingers flex, pressing harder. His speed picks up, unable to hold back anymore as we come together, screaming and groaning as our bodies convulse.

He falls forward, collapsing onto me as we both pant for breath. I wait patiently for him to untie me so I can hold him back, stroke his hair, and touch his sweet lips. I kiss the top of his head, unable to move much more than that, and he sits up, apologizing as he leaves my body to untie me.

Once my hands are free, he carries me to the bathroom where he draws a hot bubble bath, never letting me go as he sinks down into the water. He gently washes us both, massaging my scalp as he scrubs my hair, quickly washing his so he can then take his time massaging my body in the same way. When we’re both clean, we sit back and rest. I relax into his arms, letting him hold me as my eyes finally give up their fight, and I fall into a blissful sleep.

Chapter 3

Kari

I awake in bed, rested and happier than I’ve been in years. Rolling over, I find Vahru sprawled on his back, snoring lightly as he sleeps. I sit up and stare at him for a moment, a radiant smile on my face. I never would have thought that it would take a big alien man to make me happy, but I sure got lucky with this one.

I slip out of bed, wandering across the room to the little closet and slipping into a jumpsuit. I run a brush through my hair before heading out of the room to see what our progress looks like. As I enter the mess, I find Willa sitting alone, her head hung over her bowl as she pokes at the food, and I grab some fruit before joining her at the table.

“Hey, hun. Did you get any rest?” I keep my voice casual and light. She glances up from her untouched bowl, blinking as she registers my presence. I give her a sweet smile, my eyebrows rising as I try not to laugh at the fact that I totally startled her, poor thing.

“Oh, hi. Yeah, I got a little rest. Did you?” She gives me a half-smile, clearly lost in her own head. I wonder what could have her so out of sorts. Willa is always beaming, her joy an ever-present light in our lives. It’s unsettling to see her so lost-looking.

“Yeah, I got some great rest.” I stab at a piece of fruit, shoving it in my mouth as I chew and look around. We’re completely alone in here, leaving me to assume that Jeff is still asleep as well, and the girls are probably on the bridge, focusing on getting us to our destination.

“Willa, is there something on your mind, sweetie?” I may not know her well, but Willa being Jeff’s soul-bonded mate and forever a part of my crew, I feel a need to protect her and care for her.

She sighs, setting her silverware on the table. “I may have heard a bit of your… alone time with Vahru last night. I’m glad that you’ve found each other, and I have Jeff, but we don’t do that. Not yet, anyway.” She pauses and I continue to nibble on my fruit, giving her the time she needs to get her thoughts in order. I watch her as she stares at the table between our bowls, her fingers fidgeting in front of her. She’s clearly uncomfortable with the subject, but it also seems that she may want advice, so I wait patiently and hope that I say the right things.

“I can’t help but wonder if maybe Jeff doesn’t feel that way about me, despite our soul bond. He’s so sweet, and obviously cares for me, but he’s taking things very slow. Am I doing something wrong?” She stares at me with these big eyes, her eyebrows pinched together, and I almost laugh. I shouldn’t, but she’s so adorable. She has no idea that she’s worrying over nothing. Jeff is a good guy, that’s just the point.

I swallow and set my fork down, giving her my full attention. “No, honey, you did nothing wrong. Jeff is just trying to be considerate of your past, and the possibility that you aren’t ready for such things. He doesn’t want you to feel pressured or used or be afraid because of something Xenshay put you through. If you’re ready to take things to that level, tell him. Show him. Don’t be afraid to take the reins when you need to. If you can get past your history to be with him uninhibited, then express that. I don’t know how Jeff likes his women in a private setting, but I know how he responds to authority. Show him you mean business, that you’re being honest and upfront. He’ll respect that.”

Her head tilts to the side for a moment as she stares at me. “It’s that simple? Just talk to him?”

I nod my head and grin. “Yeah, it is. Communication is key to any relationship. Just tell him you appreciate his chivalry and respect, but you want some lovin’, dammit! How can he say no!?”

We both laugh, and I stand to go check on the girls, dying to see our progress. Willa stops me with an enthusiastic hug and a thank you before I walk out. I laugh as I hear her humming to herself while she eats.

I pick up my pace, walking with purpose as I stride to the bridge. I walk through the entryway and into the big bubble-like space, the huge round window in front showing a small planet in the distance, slowly coming into view.

“How goes our travel, ladies?” I step between their consoles, stopping with my hands clasped behind my back.

Melodia giggles as she salutes me, making me shake my head as I grin at her antics. “Right on schedule, Captain. That’s Sautiious 5 in the distance. Just a few minutes and we’ll be in range to check everything out.”

“Guess I better wake the rest of the crew.” I turn to leave but stop short as the doorway is blocked.

“No need, Captain. We’re ready and at your command.” Jeff stands tall, a serious look on his face as he nods to me, falling right into our usual routine. Willa nods to me, an eager smile on her face, and Vahru smiles from behind them both. I nearly tear up at the sight in front of me. My friends, my family, the most loyal people I know are here to help me and save an alien race, and I didn’t even have to bribe them. I couldn’t ask for a better crew.

“No other ships on the scanners. Looks like we’re alone.” Tonya’s song floats around us, the translator speaking moments later.

Jeff jumps into action, taking up a spot beside Melodia, checking all the other equipment. Vahru heads to the wall by Tonya, clicking away at the computers before he kisses my forehead, letting me know he’ll get the skimmers ready for us as he runs off.

“The planet is so hot, the thermal imaging can’t pick out bodies. This may be a tough mission, Cap. We have no real way of knowing how many are down there.” Jeff straightens and looks at me, worry creasing his brow.

“Tonya, is there some way for you or Melodia to broadcast your voice to tell those in hiding that we’re here to help? They’re more likely to come out of hiding to meet someone they know. They may not trust me right away.”

“That’s a good idea. Let me see what I can do.” Tonya types away and fiddles with systems at her desk as Vahru saunters back into the room.

“Skimmers are ready, Princess. They have speakers on them that Tonya could speak through from here.” He leans closer and whispers, “I heard your conversation as I was coming up the hall.” He winks, chuckling as I narrow my eyes at him and fight the urge to elbow him. I love him, but that cocky side of his is sometimes irritating. He has some great timing though, I’ll give him that.

“Can you show Tonya what to do? If she hasn’t figured it out already. When everyone is ready, show us how to use the skimmers, and we’ll get this mission underway.”

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