Page 34 of Fifth
The words ripped through her, leaving heat in their wake. She wanted to argue, to spit back, but the look in his eyes stole her drive. He led her beneath the water, and the heat of it swept over her body, shocking and soothing at once. His palms followed, slow and possessive, sliding soap across her shoulders, down her arms, over her breasts until her nipples peaked against his hands. Her breath stuttered. He lingered on them, squeezing lightly, and the sensation pulled a desperate sound from her throat. His lips captured it, his tongue claiming her mouth until she was dizzy.
“Locus—” she gasped.
He silenced her with another kiss, wetter, harder, pressing her back against the slick wall. His mouth slanted over hers, his tongue thrusting deep. Water poured over them, slicking their skin, making every touch burn like fire. Her chest arched into him, helpless against the force of his hold. His body was power and heat, the hard line of his cock pressing against her stomach in a way that made her entire bodyache.
His hand slid down her stomach, parting her thighs. She gasped into his mouth as his fingers stroked her relentlessly, circling and pressing until she bucked into his touch. Her knees went weak, but he caught her, lifting her leg over his hip and grinding against her slick folds until her whole body throbbed. Her head fell back, amoan escaping her throat before she could bite itback.
“Say it,” he growled against her ear, his teeth grazing her skin. “Say you want me.”
She couldn’t think. She could barely breathe. Her body arched, pressing into his hand, silently confessing what she couldn’t say out loud. His fingers slid inside her, stretching, filling, until she thought she might shatter. She clung to him, nails raking his skin, pulse hammering like a drum. He shifted his thumb over her clit and she nearly cried out, biting her lip so hard she tasted blood. The pressure built fast and sharp, her body coiling tighter and tighter.
He turned her and bent her forward, pressing her hands to the slick wall, his body crowding hers. The hard length of him nudged against her entrance, so close she could experience every ridge. Her body clenched around nothing, frantic, aching. She whimpered, hips rolling back againsthim.
“Locus,” she begged, shocked at herself. “Please.”
His teeth scraped her shoulder. His breath was ragged, harsh against her skin. He notched the thick head of his cock at her entrance, hovering on the edge of claiming her, his body trembling with restraint. For a heartbeat she thought he would drive into her, and her whole body screamedyes.
But he hesitated, his voice a rasp against her ear. “More than life itself, Iwant you. Iwant to spend the rest of this day and all the next ones inside of you. But we cannot. Not here. Not now. Sixth waits.”
The denial sliced through her, leaving her shaking. He withdrew his hand, as though forcing himself, then spun her to face him. His mouth was on hers again, devouring, his tongue tangling with hers until she was dizzy. When he finally pulled back, her lips were swollen, her body trembling with frustratedneed.
He touched her cheek with surprising gentleness. “Soon,” he promised. “I will not stop next time.”
Her lips curved despite the ache in her chest. “You better not, or I will find someone else.”
His answering growl vibrated against her skin. “There will never be anyone else.”
Her heart thundered, every nerve alight with unfinished desire. She wanted to curse him, to demand more, but his eyes told her the truth. He had stopped for her, for their survival. And the significance of that choice left her breathless.
He reached past her to the wall panel and gave a clipped command. The ship’s computer responded instantly, aseam opening in the wall to reveal folded garments. Soft fabric shimmered in pale light, already sized for her. Locus plucked atunic and leggings free and laid them within her reach, his eyes steady on hers as he gravely said, “I assume you want clothes?”
Hannah snorted softly, tugging the fabric toward her. “What gave it away? The part where I’m naked on an alien ship?”
His mouth didn’t move, but his eyes sparked, and for a moment she thought he might actually smile. He turned toward the door instead. “Dress quickly. Next, we will eat.”
When they entered the galley, she was still unsteady, nerves tight beneath the new fabric. The room appeared stark but elegant, with a long table of black alloy and walls alive with subtle hums. At Locus’s clipped command, aseam opened along the far wall and a service shelf slid out bearing covered dishes. The lids peeled back with a sigh of steam; warm scents spilled into the air, roasted meat, bright fruit, clear water beading the pitchers. The tray glided on hidden rails and locked into the edge of the table with a soft click, everything presented with the same silent care as the bath chamber.
Locus ignored the variety. He sat, helped her into the chair beside him, and without hesitation took the first piece of meat into his hand. He pressed it to herlips.
She stiffened. “I can feed myself.”
“I will feed you,” he said, firm, brooking no argument. “You will take what I give you.”
Heat flared in her cheeks, amix of anger and something darker. She parted her lips, taking the bite, his fingers brushing her mouth. He didn’t look away, watching her chew, swallow, watching her throat work. The intimacy of it left her shaking more than the showerhad.
He fed her again. And again. Sometimes with fruit, sometimes with meat, always steady, always deliberate. Eachbrush of his fingers against her lips was a reminder: he had chosen her. And he wasn’t letting go. Juice dripped from her chin once and he caught it with his thumb, then slid the finger between her lips. She sucked without thinking, and his pupils dilated, his nostrils flaring. The heat between them surged.
Finally, he spoke. “I want what my brothers have found. Iwant a mate.” His voice deepened. “Not just any mate. You.”
Her chest constricted. She dropped her gaze to the plate, unable to meet his eyes. The truth was too heavy, too dangerous. “And what does that mean for me?” she whispered.
He tilted her chin up with one finger until she met his gaze again. “We will find out. Together.”
The certainty in his voice stole her breath. For a moment, she almost let herself believe it. Almost. But the substance of it pressed down on her chest. She looked away again, staring at the food she couldn’teat.
The heaviness lingered—until she muttered, “You know, you’re bossy as hell.”
His lips almost curved, though his gaze stayed steady. “I am efficient.”
