Page 34 of Human Reclaimed
The sound she made—half surprise, half something far more primal—sent a jolt of heat straight through me. I kissed her like I’d been starving for it all day, my hands sliding to her waist and pulling her closer until no space remained between us. Her body arched into mine, and I could feel her heart racing.
“Rune,” she gasped when I broke the kiss, her hands gripping my T-shirt. Her eyes were wide and wild. “We—we should focus?—”
“I am focused,” I said, my voice rough with need. “Right now, I’m focused on you.”
Her breath hitched, and I didn’t give her a chance to reply. My lips found hers again, this time slower, deeper, and more deliberate. I let my hands roam, skimming over the curve of her hips and the dip of her waist until I reached the button of her tactical pants. My fingers worked quickly, and she didn’t stop me. Instead, she leaned back against the desk, her hands gripping the edge.
I slid my hand inside her pants, my fingers brushing against the warmth of her. She shuddered, a soft moan escaping her lips as I teased her, finding the spot that made her head fall back, her blonde hair spilling across the desk.
“You’re so perfect,” I murmured against her neck, my lips brushing her skin as my fingers moved in slow, deliberate circles. “Every single part of you.”
Her hips jerked against my hand, her body responding to my touch. I loved this—loved how she reacted to me, how she trusted me enough to let go and lose herself in the moment. She wasn’t just strong and brilliant. She was passionate, fiery, and completely intoxicating.
“Rune,” she whimpered, her voice breaking as her body tensed, her thighs squeezing around my hand. “I—I’m?—”
I knew what she was trying to say, and I didn’t stop. I kept my pace steady, my eyes locked on hers, watching as her lips parted and her back arched off the desk. Her climax hit her hard, her body shaking and her nails digging into the edge of the desk as she cried out.
I held her through it, my forehead pressed against hers and my breathing just as ragged as hers. When she finally came down, her body went limp against the desk as she tried to catch her breath.
I pulled my hand away gently, helping her sit up as she leaned her forehead against my shoulder. “You okay?” I asked, my voice softer now as my hand stroked her back.
She nodded, her laughter returning, though it was breathless and shaky. “Better than okay. You’re… something else, Rune.”
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “So are you, Talia.”
We stayed like that for a moment, the air between us charged but comfortable. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair slightly disheveled, but she looked happy in a way that made my heart constrict.
FIFTEEN
TALIA
The blue glow from the security displays in Rune’s office cast everything in a dreamlike haze. His broad chest rose and fell against me, solid and reassuring. I reluctantly stood up and adjusted my clothes, zipping up and smoothing down my rumpled tactical pants. My cheeks burned but not from embarrassment—from an exhilaration I hadn’t felt in years. Maybe ever.
Rune glanced at his wrist communicator again, his brow furrowing. “It’s nearly 0100 hours. We should really get some rest.” His eyes caught mine. “Tomorrow will be busy again, implementing your new security protocols and training the brigade.”
Those captivating blue eyes held a question that made my heart skip. “Would you like to stay with me again tonight?”
“Yes.” The word left my mouth without hesitation, surprising even me. The strategist in my head should have considered all practical options, weighed the pros and cons, but instead, I just wanted to be near him.
His face brightened in a way that made my chest ache. We gathered our datapads and headed out of the security center into the night.
Planet Alpha’s twin moons hung low in the sky, casting silver shadows across the pathway. The colony’s lights twinkled like fallen stars against the jungle’s edge. Night-blooming flowers perfumed the humid air, their white petals luminous in the moonlight. Nocturnal creatures called to each other from the dense vegetation beyond the perimeter, creating an alien symphony that somehow felt soothing.
Rune’s quarters were sparse but comfortable, making me almost feel like I was back in my own condo on Earth. The natural wood furnishings complemented the metal walls perfectly. Through the narrow windows, the jungle foliage pressed close, the only thing reminding me I was far from home.
“You can take the shower first,” he offered, suddenly seeming almost shy, which was endearing considering what had just happened in his office.
“Thank you,” I said softly, heading toward his small bathroom.
When we were both finally done with our showers, I watched him hesitate by his bedroom door.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I think we’re past that. Don’t you?”
The smile he gave me was worth any uncertainty I might have felt. We undressed in comfortable silence, and I studied the scars across his chest and arms—battle wounds that told stories I wanted to hear some day.
He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around my waist. Our kisses started gentle but quickly heated, his hands roaming my body with reverent precision. Just when I thought we were heading toward round two, he pulled back.
“We really should rest,” he murmured against my lips.
