Page 38 of Uprooted
“I’m sure my father wishes I was more like you,” he admits.
“Don’t change. Overthinking is a rough existence."
“Really? It doesn’t bother you that I don’t have a ten-point plan for the future?”
“Not at all. I like you just like this.” I’m surprised at my own words. It’s the most spontaneous, in-the-moment comment I’ve evermade to someone. There were no equivocations, no disclaimers. Simply a statement of fact about my feelings.
I keep my eyes on the ground, nervous to meet his gaze at my heartfelt confession. His finger gently lifts my chin and our eyes meet. His face is close to mine, so close that all I can see are his eyes. He leans closer and softly kisses me. His lips linger for a moment before he pulls away. I open my eyes to find him smiling. He leans in and kisses me again. I kiss him back—this time harder. His hand combs through the hair at the base of my neck, holding me to him. It’s intoxicating. I can’t believe I’ve been avoiding this.
The door to the nursery slides open and a group of scientists file in.
“Time’s up.” Aro pulls away slowly, like he’s being dragged away against his will. I wish I could stay here for hours. Getting back to the lab is now the last thing on my mind.
* * *
I toss and turn, trying to fall asleep, wondering what Aro is doing at this very moment. I picture him lying in his bunk with his shirt off. Conjuring that image immediately turns me on. I close my eyes and let my hand slip under the sheets along my belly. I picture Aro’s hand sliding between my thighs. It’s not the first time I’ve imagined us together. Some nights I think about him taking his time and torturing me with his touch. Other nights it’s more urgent and demanding. I think about the dirty words Aro would whisper in my ear as he pleases me.
Memories of the sounds he made when we kissed today make me moan and I move my hand lower. I bring my wet fingers back and rub the pads of my fingers across my most sensitive place. I think of how hard he would be, pushing himself into my hip while he works his fingers in and out of me. I ride myself as I climb closer to the peak of my desire. I think of Aro pushing deep into me, and my muscles clench around nothing. My fingers aren’t enough. I need more.
I clear my head of everything except him. It takes a long time to get there, and in my frustration, I almost give up. I keep picturing him, imagining what he would look like stroking himself while I got off. Itense and grasp a handful of my bedding when I cross over the edge and shake through my orgasm. My body pulses while I catch my breath and slowly pull my hand away. This takes the edge off, but I know there is only one thing that will fully satisfy this obsession I’ve developed for him.
24
Aro
I’ve dragged the whole unit outside for today’s workout. They’ve been getting soft sitting around in the climate-controlled dome. I could also use the fresh air.
I need to get my thoughts straight. All I can think about is the next time I’m going to see Elowen. Now that I know what her lips feel like on mine, I’m obsessed. Something clicked into place in my chest when she said, “I like you just like this.” No one has ever said anything like that to me before.
I separate the group into pairs, getting a twisted satisfaction when I put Maak and Lugo together. I’m still trying to even the score between the two of them. Today should be enough to tip the scale in the new recruit’s favor.
“Listen up. It’s been a while since we trained outside the dome, so I’m going to take it easy on you.” I pause for dramatic effect. “Well,someof you.” Maak isn’t the only one that gets gratification from torturing the unit. Except I use my power for good. He’s just a dick to the new guys.
“We’re going to do some high-interval training today. I want a full-speed run to the sentinel bots and a recovery walk back. Oh yeah—I forgot to mention, for that run out you’re going to be carrying your partner.” I look over at Maak and grin. “The higher-ranking officer will do the carrying. Six intervals. Now, go!”
Tai stands at attention next to me, his eyes locked forward. His rank gives him the luxury to skip drills. Occasionally he and I will opt in for the workout, but not today.
“Sitting this one out, sir?” he asks.
“I’ve got to give someone else the chance to finish first. It’s bad for morale if the captain always wins.”
“You think Maak will learn his lesson after this?” he asks, knowing me well enough to know I strategically set this up for Maak’s benefit.
“After I’m done with him, he’ll be leaving the recruits alone.”
We watch the officers running in the distance, some struggling under the weight of their heavy partners, silence stretching between us.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Elowen,” Tai says. I wondered how long it would take for him to bring it up again.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about what you said last time. No need to repeat yourself,” I say.
“But… fuck the rules. You’re going to do it anyway,” he says.
“The rules apply to me, just like everyone else. I’m just more inclined to follow rules that make sense.”
“This one makes perfect sense. The political situation between j'Tilak and Earth is brand new. Can you imagine the consequences of some little half-human-half-Tilak baby running around? The treaty doesn’t address any of that,” he says.
“I know what the treaty says,” I say defensively. “Plus, you know we were all given the contraceptive shot.”
