Page 61 of Human Reclaimed
“Better with you here.” I covered her hands with mine. “You saved me today. With the virus and… before that.”
“Before that?”
I turned slightly to see her face. “By giving me something to fight for beyond duty. Something of my own.”
Her eyes softened as she reached for the soap, working it into a lather between her palms before applying it to my skin. We sat in comfortable silence as she washed me with reverent attention.
“I’ve decided something,” she said finally, her voice quiet but sure. “I’m staying on Planet Alpha.”
I went still, hardly daring to believe. “You’re staying?”
“Yes.” Her hands never stopped their gentle ministrations. “I’m not going back to Earth. My life is here now. With you. You mentioned plans for us, and I want those plans. All of them.”
I turned fully in the tub, water sloshing over the sides as I took her face in my hands. “Nothing would make me happier, Talia. Nothing.”
Her smile bloomed, brilliant and unguarded. “So, what are these plans of yours, Commander?”
“First,” I said, leaning closer until our lips nearly touched, “I’m going to make you my wife. Second, we’re going to build something lasting here—a home, maybe a family someday.” The words tumbled out with surprising ease. “Third, I’m going to spend every day proving that kidnapping you was the best mistake I ever made.”
She laughed then, the sound echoing off the bathroom walls. “Your tactical errors turn out surprisingly well.”
“Only this one,” I murmured before capturing her lips with mine. The kiss deepened, and I pulled her closer, water cascading around us.
“I love you so much, Talia,” I breathed against her mouth.
“I love you, too,” she breathed softly, her hands sliding into my hair.
TWENTY-SEVEN
TALIA
Rune’s lips left mine with a slow, lingering pull that made my breath hitch. Water spilled over the tub’s edge as he trailed kisses down my neck, his faint stubble scraping deliciously against my damp skin. I arched into him, my fingers tightening in his wet hair.
“Rune—” His name came out half gasp, half plea as his mouth found my collarbone.
“Tell me what you want.” His voice was low and commanding in that way that sent heat pooling low in my belly. His teeth grazed the sensitive spot beneath my ear. “Use your words, Captain.”
I laughed breathlessly. “You first, Commander. Weren’t you the one listing plans?” My fingers traced the scars across his shoulders.
His answering groan vibrated against my skin as his hands slid down my sides. “First,” he murmured against my throat, “I’m going to taste every inch of you.” His tongue flicked over my pulse point. “Second…” His palms cupped my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my already taut peaks. “I’m going to learn exactly how you like to be touched.” He pinched lightly, drawing a sharp gasp from me. “Third?—”
I cut him off with a moan as his mouth closed over my nipple, his tongue circling the hardened peak with slow, deliberate strokes. The contrast of his warm mouth and the cooling bathwater made me shiver. His teeth scraped gently and then harder when my hips jerked against him.
“God, you’re beautiful like this,” he muttered against my skin.
One large hand slid down to grip my waist, urging me to stand and straddle his face. Water sloshed over the edge as I moved, the sound drowned out by my own ragged breathing.
His hands settled on my hips, guiding me forward until his face was level with my core. His breath ghosted over my most sensitive skin, making me tremble. “Hold on to the edge,” he ordered, his voice dark with promise.
I gripped the tub’s rim, my knuckles whitening as his tongue traced a slow, maddening path up my center. My thighs shook when he paused to blow softly across my clit.
“Rune, please?—”
His chuckle vibrated through me. “Impatient.” He nipped at my inner thigh before dragging his tongue through my folds again, this time with purpose.
Pleasure sparked up my spine as he found my clit, circling it with just the right pressure. My hips jerked, but his hands held me firmly in place. “Stay still,” he murmured against me. “Let me take care of you.”
I bit my lip hard enough to taste copper as he worked me with lips and tongue, each stroke pushing me higher. When his fingers slid inside me, curling just so, I nearly came undone right there.
