“Seems like we have to share a bed again.”
She detected a hint of nervousness in his energy. She got up and walked up to him. “I don’t mind.”
It was like an explosion. She didn’t know who grabbed who first. All she knew was her hands were now wrapped around him, pulling him towards her, and he was doing to the same to her. They were joined at the lips, madly kissing each other. And she knew she wanted more.
He tasted sweet from the chocolate. His energy melded with hers. They kissed and touched each other. She felt like one of the dried buds and he was the hot water. What prediction will come out of this? She had only one thing in mind. She was certain he’d be agreeable to it too.
She tugged his shirt out of his pants and moved her hands up his back. His muscles were toned and strong. She glided her hands back down and began undoing his buttons on his pants, which was hard to do because he was kissing her with such intensity. She pushed back, their physical forces meeting in passion. She wanted him naked, urgently. She wanted to feel his skin against hers.
He helped her to remove the shirt and she ran her fingers, lightly, over his chest, over the contours of his muscles. She danced her fingers over his nipples and then downwards, the destination obvious, but she took the long way, making him wait. Teasing him. Making him groan the longer she took.
He kept kissing her. Each time his lips met hers. She melted with him.
She slipped her hand downwards over his penis, which was already hard. She moved her hand up and down, squeezed his tip, repeating the process a few times before taking her hand out of his pants.
His energy reached to her for more. His hands became more adventurous on her body. They traced around her waist towards her belly and then moved upwards. She gasped when he cupped her breasts. Her nipples hardened, making it easy for him to find them and pinch them through her clothes.
She pushed his pants further down and he stood ready, his penis hard and pulsing. She grabbed it and squeezed gently again, causing him to gasp. He bent down and kissed her. Hard. His teeth playfully nipping at her lips. She kept her hand on him, moving up and down, and he continued to kiss her, now moving down her neck, following the exposed skin towards her chest. His lips roved around the neckline of her shirt. She ached for him to keep going lower and lower.
He began unbuttoning her shirt, quickly as if he could no longer wait to touch her skin, as if the clothes were hindering them from truly becoming closer. She moved with him, helping to take the shirt off. His hands soft on her skin. They moved over her breasts causing her to groan. He pinched her nipples again and she arched back. He leaned forward, took one in his mouth, using his tongue to elicit a response from her.
He kissed upwards again, and pulled her forward so they were in a tight embrace. She moved her hands around his taut waist and gripped his bum. Tight and firm. Hot. His penis hard against her.
He nuzzled up her neck and found her lips again. His hands tugged at her skirt and she helped him to undo the clasp. It dropped away. His hands moved straight to her bum, pushing down her knickers. She wriggled, helping to remove them.
They held each other close, skin on skin, heat creating more heat. Kissing and touching. Taking what had been denied to them for nearly a decade.
Braklen pushed her backwards on the bed. He lay next to her, moving his hand along the side of her body and kissing her.
He swept his hand over her belly, downwards, slowly, brushing between her legs, softly, teasing her, and then coming back upward towards her belly once more.
Automatically she parted her legs. He took full advantage, sinking his fingers into her, searching for the bud to give her the most pleasure. His fingers moved in small circles around and around. She gasped as her energy vibrated more and more, as if it was building its own tension. Very soon it was going to explode.
She could feel him hard against her, and even though he’d built up enough moisture, he kept touching her, listening to her soft gasps between kisses.
He shifted his weight and began kissing her neck, down around each breast, stopping to play with her nipples, along her belly, downwards, towards the fire between her legs. His tongue swept along her slit, finding the bud. The gentle strokes caused wave after wave of pleasure and she felt herself opening like a flower. Tension left her body. She gave herself completely to him, as he took her energy higher and higher and higher, to a place where they could meld together both physically and energetically.
She felt her energy peaking, and somehow he knew. He slowed down, holding her there with his movements, keeping her on a cloud of bliss, for a little longer; sustaining the enjoyment and making the most of the pleasure.
Tension shuddered through her body. He intensified the movements of his tongue once more. She felt herself reach her peak as her bud opened out slowly. She groaned with pleasure when the tension burst open and flooded through her body. She let the bliss ride through her.
He kissed his way back up towards her mouth as she gasped from the pleasure. “Are you ready for more?”
“Yes.” She felt like a newly opened flower, ready for more nutrients and heat.
He settled his weight on her as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
She groaned as he entered her. Gripped his back, pushing his weight down on her. He rocked his hips in the moisture, back and forth, building a new tension, this one deep inside her. Her fire burned for more and she felt her energy rise again. All she could do was to go with wave of bliss that was building with him. With Braklen.
He increased his rhythm and she felt a surge of energy as they rose together. She gripped his back tighter, urging him to keep going, up and down, creating another wave of pleasure that shuddered through her body. He held on to her and kept the movement steady, forcing her higher. They drove each other towards euphoria. Until they had gone as high as they could, it was like they were held together, defying gravity, joined in a perfect balance of harmony. Then they exploded over the peak together, gasping and groaning, clutching each other as their energy burst.
Braklen settled himself next to Triena, kissing her gently on the lips, stroking the side of her body as they both tried to gain control of their breathing.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”
She smiled. She arched up and kissed him. “Me too.” She stroked his back, enjoying the feel of his skin. Their legs entwined, kept them together as they drifted like petals.
Next time, put me in another room. The rabbit thumped his foot at them. She laughed.
Braklen nuzzled into her body. “What’s so funny?”
“Rabbit wants his own room.”
“That’s fine with me.” Braklen kissed her. Their energy melted together as they embraced.
She saw the crowns, two joined together like rings. She had to ask him. She wanted to know if he’d seen the same. “Have you had any unusual dreams? Visions?”
“What other than my real life?” He looked down and moved her hair away from her face. “I have one odd memory since meeting you.”
“Tell me.”
“You’ll laugh.”
“Promise I won’t.”
He sighed. “I was wearing a crown.”
Triena smiled. It’s true.
“See, knew you would think it was funny.”
“No Braklen, it’s not like that.”
“What’s it like then?”
Should I tell him? Triena hesitated. One thing is certain. We are bound together by the energy.
“Oh, so you’re not so willing to share huh?” He pulled her on top of him.
“I’ve had a similar vision. In fact, since we have been on the run I’ve been seeing a crown.”
“Yeah?”
She kissed him. “It’s taken me a while to try and work out what it means, and actually I don’t really know.” She didn’t want to voice what she thought it meant, ruling the twelve Queens wasn’t something she wanted to do.
“You�
��ll work it out.”
“Maybe.” She was a little surprised of his confidence in her. “That’s why I wanted to know if you have seen anything, dreams, or visions, especially when we were captured by the Priest. Was there anything else?” Did you see me? Was I wearing a crown too?
“Dunno. I just know I was wearing a crown.”
Braklen put his arm around Triena. “I’m glad I met you again.”
“Me too.” She kissed him passionately.
Chapter 20
“Enjoy Inite, shit-hole of the Universe.” Kenti stood on the loading ramp.
Braklen held Triena’s hand tight as they dodged the men who unloaded crates and other cargo. Probably illegal.
“Do you know where we could freshen up?” asked Triena.
“Go down to the Pig’s Snout. You’ll find him.”
“Who?”
“The person people coming here want to see. It’s always him.”
“Thanks for taking a different path.” Triena paused in front of Kenti. “The ripples of the change will extend further than you might think.”
“Yeah, well, keep it to yourself. I don’t want people to know what I’ve been up to.” He tipped his imaginary hat and turned away and yelled at one of his men. “You useless shit.”
They walked off the ship, leaving the men cursing and shouting at each other. The rabbit was hidden safely in the pack and carried on Braklen’s back.
“Land, it’s good to be on land,” said Triena.
“It’s good to be at a place where there’s not likely to be any Peacekeepers. But, we better be careful. Hey, if we are quick enough, we could get our business done and hitch a ride back with Kenti.”
“Do you really think things would be that simple between us?”
Braklen laughed and directed her through the bustle of the docks. Here in the darkest of planets, no one took any notice of who was coming or going. They walked away from the ships towards town. It was a place that looked like it had been built in a hurry, with lots of recycled bits and pieces forced together making rather odd-looking structures.
“There.” Braklen pointed up ahead. “I see a snout on a sign.” He squinted his eyes. “Looks like it might be a real one too.”
“Probably.” Triena wasn’t sure this was a good idea anymore. The skin on the back of her neck prickled. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Of course. We can’t keep living like this.”
She scratched at the place where the chip was in her arm. She’d almost forgotten about it. That was easy when they were spending a lot of time together, and they weren’t arguing.
“How are we going to live together?” She blushed as she remembered how they spent most of the hours on the ship. She was more than familiar with his naked body now. The physical attraction was strong, but it wasn’t the thing that made her want him. It was like the energy wove their fates together, and even their paths, so they had to walk together. It was something deeper than the crown. She felt there was an imaginary sliver thread joining them together, binding them so they could never be apart. Would I still feel the same if the chip was neutralised?
“Live? We’re too busy running.” He squeezed her hand. “It will be an adventure.”
“We need a plan.” She stopped walking, forcing him to come back to her.
“Why are you so worried? What’s gotten into you?”
“Well, you know … Is there any us if we are on the run?”
“There was the past few days.” He winked at her.
She sighed. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
He moved to stand in front of her, gripped her by the waist and drew her close to him. She felt the warmth of his body loosening her tight petals again. “I want to be with you. I love you.”
She flushed, heat flooding her face.
The pack on his back moved as the rabbit changed positions. Finally you two are getting alone.
“Do you want to be with me?”
“Yes.” She hesitated. “I love you too.”
“There you go. We have a strong foundation.”
“Is it enough?”
“Does it matter? It’s enough now.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Give me a kiss.”
“Not here in public.”
He leaned forward, his lips puckered.
She kissed him. Quick and sweet. “Come on, let’s go in.”
They walked down the dusty street, dodging miniature pods transporting goods. It was late morning and the sun was already hot. Sweat dribbled down her back, making her uncomfortable.
The snout on the sign was real, dried to a crisp from years in the sun. Her stomach flipped at the sight.
He held open the door. “After you.”
She stepped over the threshold into a smoky dark room that stank like piss, stale beer and old cigarettes. She saw him straight away, sitting there in the back corner, where the shadows were the strongest, alone, head over a jug of beer. She just knew it was him and walked up to the old man and sat down at his table.
“Fuck off.” He didn’t even lift his head.
Braklen walked up and stood behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders.
“You too, this ain’t a party.” His words were clear, well-articulated and sounded out of place here.
“Two beers,” called Braklen to the bar-man. “Make sure they’re cold.”
The bar-man banged around at the bar. “Come and get them yourself.”
“Only if I get them for free.”
“Fuck you.” The bar-man came over and slammed the drinks onto the table. The beer sloshed out. “Your fuckin’ beers. Four pieces.”
The man grabbed his arm. “No way to treat visitors.”
“No sir, sorry.” The bar-man turned into a blubbering mess, just from the man’s touch. “On the house, welcome to the Pig’s Snout.” He rushed away.
“I’m Triena.” She spoke softly. “I’ve come to see you.”
“I know. And I’m not happy about it. It would’ve been better not to come here.” He drained his beer, slammed down the empty jug and then picked up one of the fresh mugs. “Fuck, these are small. Hardly worth it.”
Triena sat quietly. “Please.”
“You should be careful what you seek. Can end up causing you all sort of pain.” He leaned back. His face was unshaven, smudged with coal and dirt. His clothes stank of animal waste. “Toast.” He raised his glass to Braklen. “To new acquaintances.” He drank the full mug of beer easily.
Braklen picked up the mug and took one mouthful. His reflexes acted and he spat it out.
The man laughed. “Good thing you weren’t drinking this, lass. It’s not even fit for men to drink.”
“You’ll help us?” asked Triena.
“Well, you don’t waste any time.” He rubbed his chin. “The question is are you willing to pay?”
“Yes.” Triena agreed, without thinking. She’d made up her mind a long time ago. If the chip couldn’t be removed it had to be neutralised.
“The price is high.”
“It will be worth it.”
“Like I said, you should be more careful what you seek.”
“I know what I’m seeking.”
“Really?”
A coolness flooded through her body. A new wave of doubt began to creep in, but she squashed it back. I’ve come too far not to continue with this. It’s just not possible to function with this chip in my arm.
You should listen to him, thought the rabbit. The chip’s not that bad.
Easy to say when it’s not in your arm.
He reached over and took the beer Braklen couldn’t finish. “Can’t let this stuff go to waste.” He drank, then wiped his mouth with his dirty sleeve. “Right, let’s go.” The chair scraped on the concrete floor sending shivers down Triena’s spine as he stood up.
“Where?” asked Triena.
“Hey, you could at least say your name,” said Braklen.
“To my place. Can’t talk here.”
“But, the pub is nearly empty,” said Triena.
“It won’t be once the ships are unloaded.” He turned to Braklen and held out his hand. “Kreltan.”
Braklen hesitated at the dirty outstretched hand but then took it and shook. “Braklen and I don’t want any trouble.”
“Too late for that.” He began walked towards the back door, perfectly balanced despite the beer he’d just drunk. “I’ve been expecting you.”
They followed him outside. The daylight hurt Triena’s eyes after being in the dark pub. She shielded her eyes and kept close to Braklen.
You shouldn’t do this, thought the rabbit.
She couldn’t stop. She wanted this.
“Here’s my beast, it will be a bit of a tight squeeze but we can fit three.” It was some sort of space bike, made from scrap, and it didn’t look like it could handle the weight of three people.
“I don’t think so,” said Braklen.
Kreltan sighed. “Fine. You think you could drive this?”
“Easy.” Braklen walked up to the machine and swung his leg over. He turned a key and it revved into life. He patted the seat in front of him and Triena hesitantly walked over. “Don’t worry.”
“I am.” She moved the pack so it hung in front of her and then hitched her skirt in an unlady-like manner and straddled the bike. Braklen’s energy helped her to relax, but there was something more that kept her unsettled.
“Right, all you got to do is stay on and follow me.”
“What are you going to ride?”
“This one. He won’t mind if I borrow it.” Kreltan got on a similar bike, one that was bigger and roared much louder. He pulled some goggles out of his pocket, and put them on and took off leaving them coughing in a cloud of fumes.
Braklen struggled to keep up with him. They weaved through the town, leaving people on the ground yelling at them, upturning crates, and scaring the few wild dogs that hadn’t yet been caught for food.
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