Hope in a mean World

 

 

Rhade sat quietly at the end of the bar, nursing a near empty shot glass. “You’ll find yourself Rhade probably in the last place you look.” Those glib words of Dylan’s echoed around his head. Had Dylan really understood what he had gone through? How he had suffered? To loose a loved one was hard to bear. Rhade downed the last of the whiskey and set the glass down with a heavy thud.
“Hey, watch it big guy!” Harper moaned. “These breakables aren’t easily to replace.”
Rhade growled and moved away from the bar. His huge beat up old duster, living up to its name, swung out as he marched to the doors. He didn’t even stop when he sent two females crashing undignified to the ground.
“Hey! Watch it you jerk!” One of the females called after him as she helped up her smaller and weaker companion. “Just what is his problem?” She asked the small blond hyper man who was tending bar.
“Ladies.” He began with a grin. “Please don’t bother yourself with Rhade. He has issues. Deep issues. Where as I on the other hand have no issues at all, deep or otherwise. I am Seamus Harper purveyor of anything your heart’s desire.”
“Well, you can begin with telling me if there’s any place to stay in this godforsaken place.”
Geez, she’s just as rude as Rhade Harper thought as he looked at the woman who was glowering at him. “There are quarters not far from here. They should have room.” Harper continued to wilt under her stare. She had long black hair pulled back into a dishevelled pony tail. Her eyes were just as black and etched with tiredness, even that didn’t hide their mean streak. Her face was caked with sand but there was something there Harper noticed, as though she was carrying the weight of all the known worlds on her shoulders. She was taller than her companion. A small, delicate blonde, who was just as travel weary and then a bit more. They bore more than a passing resemblance to one another.
“Sam? I really need to rest again.” The blonde woman held on to the bar for support.
“Yeah, I know Luce. It’s going to be fine.” Sam tried to smile encouragingly at her sister. She turned to face Harper, “So how far are these rooms?”
“Not far. Hey! Why don’t I take you there? It’s quiet at the moment. Hey Beka! Can you just watch the place for me?” He smiled bravely as Beka walked to the bar. “Please? I have an errand to run.”
Beka cast her anxious eyes over the females. “OK.” It was clear to her the small blonde female wasn’t well, and she was feeling in a generous mood.
“Well, ladies. If you care to follow me...”
***
So it wasn’t much, with its tired air and dirty walls, but it was a dry roof and a surprisingly comfortable bed. Sam surveyed the room after Harper had left them thankfully alone. “You’d better get some rest.” Sam watched her sister eased herself gently onto the bed.
“Maybe just for a little while.” Lucy curled up into a ball and slowly closed her eyes.
Sam bit her bottom lip. Lucy was getting worse. She knew it was only a matter of time and why they had to come here to find their only surviving relative was beyond her. But more often than late Sam was only too willing to indulge her little sister.
Knowing it would be hours before Lucy woke Sam quietly shut the door behind her and went to explore her new surroundings. It was hot, dry and dusty. Drab and unappealing. Just like all the other places they had searched. Sam promised herself that when this was over..... She paused. When all this was over she would be alone and she didn’t want to face that right now.
Sam was surprised at how busy the place was. People scurrying through. Passing through. All on the downward spiral of life. She wondered where she should start her search for that long lost uncle Lucy so desperately wanted to find.
She decided to head back to the bar. That Harper guy seemed harmless enough and she could do with a drink. It had been months since she’d last slept. Really slept. Lucy’s illness had put paid to all that. Sam had survived on cat naps and bottles of whiskey.
The door of the bar slid open and she half smiled at Harper’s enthusiastic greeting.
“Back for another slice of the Harper already?”
“Just whiskey please.” Sam sat on the bar stool and leant her head in her hands.
“Tough day?” Harper asked softly.
“Yeah.” Sam downed the drink in one and pushed the glass forward.
Harper automatically refilled it.
“I guess you’ve never heard of a Doctor Hamilton?” Sam slowly rolled the drink in the glass.
“No. Doctor’s are a rare breed around here.”
“No one passed though?”
“If they did they didn’t stop by here.” Harper leaned in. “You need a doctor?”
“No.” Sam’s eyes clouded. “Not now. He’s our Uncle. My sister just wants to try and find him before....” Her voice trailed off.
“Before it’s too late.” A young girl walked from behind the bar and sat next to Sam.
Sam blinked in wonder. She was golden. Her hair was braided delicately from off her face and then the rest fell like waves down her back. Her dress shined and glimmered in the dullest of lights. “How did you know?”
The golden girl smiled. “I know much and....”
“And then some” Harper cut in.
“You will face heartache alone.” The golden one continued.
“She might as well join the queue.”
Sam looked along the bar to see that jerk of a man from before. She was startled by the forlorn look in his eyes.
“But will be comforted.” The golden girl persisted. “You both will.” She smiled. “Even you Rhade, will find comfort again.”
Sam had much to think about as she walked back to their room. Lucy was still sleeping. How had the golden girl known about Lucy? It must have been Harper. You didn’t need much help to see that just by looking at Lucy she was ill. Sam eased herself down on the only chair in the room. It was unsteady and rickety and creaked loudly as it protested at the weight it had to hold. Oh great Sam thought another sleepless night.
****
Sam hadn’t slept at all. She just watched as her sister slept. When they were growing up she had longed for hair just like Lucy’s, all long and flowing and white blonde. Now though, it only accentuated Lucy’s hollow eyes and washed out complexion.
Lucy woke and smiled. “Hey, Sis.”
“Hey you. Hungry?” Sam fished in her battered old rucksack.
“No. Not yet.”
“No luck tracing Uncle. No-one’s heard of him here.” Sam broke off a small piece of stale bread and chewed. “Guess we’ll be moving on.”
“No, let’s stay here for a bit. I’m tired and don’t want to travel today.” Lucy closed her eyes and was asleep again before Sam could protest.
Sam went over to the sink and blinked at her reflection in the broken bit of mirror that hung on the wall. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt clean. She pulled at a few knots in her hair and threw her comb angrily in the sink. What could she do but just watch as her sister died?

“You open?” Sam peered into the bar. It was empty apart from a small group of people huddled around a table.
“For you Sam, of course.” Harper got up from the table. “I’m a little busy here.” He poured out some whiskey and left her with the bottle.
Sam watched from the bar stool she had positioned against the wall. Six figures were huddled around the table. Sam’s eyes hesitated over the two faces she didn’t recognise. One was a pretty blonde woman dressed all in pink. The other was a godlike figure of a man. Short neatly cut brown hair. Expressive blue eyes. Wide shoulders. She smiled to herself. Now he was nice. But the blush that coloured her cheeks wasn’t because of him. It was because that dark haired jerk was smiling at her. He had watched her take in his companion, with interest.
When the meeting was over the dark haired jerk walked over to her and smiled down at her. “Your sister’s more his type. Weak and feeble.”
“Rhade! Leave Sam alone.” The golden girl you now knew as Trance, reprimanded him.
Sam was still trying to get over that jerk Rhade’s remark. More than that she was still trying to get over Rhade’s smile. She could see why he didn’t smile that often. It was lethal.
The bar began to fill up with slowly throughout the morning. Sam wondered if she should go back and check on Lucy. Something stirred deep in her gut as she watched Rhade leave with a cheap female draped willingly over his arm. She ran her fingers through her hair.
“Don’t mind Rhade. He’s just got to find himself.” Sam looked up into a pair of piercing blue eyes. “I’m Dylan. Mister Harper’s told me all about you.” He said with a winning smile.
“Has he? He doesn’t know that much about me.”
“That’s never stopped him before.” Dylan said with a subtle laugh in his voice.
***
“Hey Luce!” Sam was glad to see her sister awake and sitting up in bed. “I think I’ve met the man of your dreams.”
“But not yours?” Lucy reached out for Sam’s hand.
“Don’t think he exists, Luce.” Sam tried to smile as that knot in her stomach grew when she thought about Rhade.
“Who is he?” Lucy asked.
“No one. Just a jerk.” Sam looked at Lucy. So small and frail but she could still tell when Sam had a man on her mind. “You know how I like my jerks!” Sam tried to laugh it off.
“You haven’t liked anyone for years. And now you like this one don’t you?” Lucy squeezed Sam’s hand.
“He’s an arrogant jerk Lucy, Don’t worry about it.” Sam angrily got up. She didn’t want to waste precious time thinking about Rhade. Particularly when he wasn’t thinking about her.

Rhade was thinking about her. A little too much for his liking. He sat on the edge of his bed watching as Cally undressed. He slowly closed his eyes and sighed. He pulled some money out of his pocket. “Here Cally don’t bother.” He got up and put the money down her cleavage. “I’ve changed my mind.”
“Oh but Rhade! Please!” Cally tried her sexist pout and wiggle as she followed him back to the bed. Even though she got paid for it, she always enjoyed her time with him. He knew just how to please a woman.
“Leave it Cally.” He picked up her clothes and thrust them into her hands, pushed her out of his room and slammed the door shut. Cheap women always eased his pain, but now he was haunted by the anger and hurt in Sam’s black eyes. “Damn her!” He cursed as he finished the last of his whiskey bottle. If he couldn’t drown his troubles in women he’d drown them in drink. Even that didn’t work. So to soothe his growing temper he made a few discreet enquires, and after these were peppered with a few threats to rip limbs off, Rhade had found out the two most important things about Sam; where she had come from and why Lucy was so ill.
***
“Harper!” Rhade called as the door to the bar slid quietly open.
“Not now big guy.” Harper sat holding a weary and defeated Sam in his arms. “You know where the good stuff is just help yourself.”
“What’s happened?” Rhade whispered to Trance who was busy making coffee behind the bar.
“Sam’s sister is dead.” She gave the coffee to Rhade. “Here take this to her.”
“She wont want to see me now.”
“You’ll be surprised at what she wants.” Trance smiled at him.
Rhade shrugged. He’d given up trying to work Trance out.
“I’m sorry.” Rhade said softly as he put the coffee on the table. “I know what it’s like to loose someone you love.” He sat down next to her.
“Harper? I need some help.” Trance called and the disappeared behind the bar.
“It’s ok. I’ll take care of her.” Rhade nodded as Harper left them.
“I don’t need looking after.” Sam shifted in her chair and looked Rhade squarely in the face. “And I especially don’t need looking after by you.”
“Fine.” He moved to get up.
“I’m sorry. Don’t go.” Sam tried to smile. “I don’t want to be on my own just now.”
“Ok.” He pushed the coffee towards her. “You’d better drink this.”
“Thanks.” Sam wondered if she had really seen a flash of compassion in his eyes.

Morning came round too soon for Sam. Things that she knew she couldn’t face had to be dealt with today. She gently touched the pillow where Lucy had taken her last comfort and willed herself to be strong. Morning or not she had to have a drink.
Almost running she sped through the dirt tracks to the bar. “Harper?”
“He’s not here.” Trance smiled. “Come in. How are you?”
“Don’t you know?” Sam settled into what was fast becoming her seat.
Trance playfully smiled “Yes, but I like to ask.”
“I think I’m ok. Need a drink though.”
“Ok. But only as you really need it.” She poured out the whiskey.
Sam listened carefully to the comforting glug as the liquid flowed into her glass. “Thanks.” Closing her eyes Sam took a sip and let the warmth fill her.
“You will sleep again soon.”
Sam shrugged her shoulders and pushed her glass out for more. Her body ached for sleep.

“It’s a bit early to be drunk.” Rhade looked at Sam. She was huddled over the bar.
“She’s not drunk. She’s finally asleep.” Trance whispered. “Did you get it done?”
“Yes.” Harper joined Trance behind the bar. “Do I have to wake her?”
“No.” Rhade picked Sam’s limp body up into his arms. “I’ll do that. She’s mad at me anyway.” He carried her out of the bar.
“Hey!” Sam woke as the glaring sunshine flooded her eyes. “What’s.....” She struggled to get free.
“Calm down.” Rhade held her close. “You need to sleep.”
“But I was! Put me down, jerk!” She wiggled and kicked out in frustration. No one took any notice of her or her struggle. Most of the people around here didn’t make eye contact with Rhade if they could help it. “A little help here!” She called out as one woman looked on with disinterest.
“Save your breath.” Rhade grumbled and paused at a heavy grey door. He opened the door easily, even with Sam squirming in his arms and threw her onto the bed. “Now sleep!” He growled at her.
“I can’t. I have things to do.” Sam struggled as Rhade held her down on the bed.
“That’s all been done. Harper sorted out all the formalities and the paperwork. Burial’s at sun rise.” He inclined his head. “Now are you going to sleep?”
“I haven’t slept in so long.” Sam felt the soft bed cradle her and reluctantly relaxed a little. She watched Rhade pull a chair up to the bed and sat down. “You going to watch?”
“Yes.” He smiled one of those rare devesting smiles. “Even though you wont believe me you are safe here.” He folded his arms across his chest, his coat still wrapped around him.
Sam blinked wearily. He had such perfect strength. His long powerful legs were stretched out and crossed at the ankles. He had a mess of wild, black devils hair. She wondered if that beard covered a cute face. She fought against sleep as she tried not to concentrate on those molten brown eyes. “Why do I always fall for jerks?” She mumbled as she finally gave into tiredness.
***
Rhade touched Sam’s face gently as she slept. “Hey. It’s morning. Time to get up.” And do the one thing that’ll break you heart again, he thought. “Hey, Sam.”
“Umm?” Just for one brief moment Sam lost herself in his eyes and that devastating smile.
“Come on. We’ve got to go.”
Reality gave her a cold hard shove and twisted at her heart. She got up and steadied herself. She followed him silently out of his dwelling and into the daybreak. Lucy had always loved the still of morning, she thought.
Trance and Harper were already waiting for them. The solum air shrouded them too.
Sam found herself leaning into Rhade for support that morning. She would give up the frantic search to find Uncle and maybe find a nice hole somewhere, where she could just sleep and drink her troubles away.
“Thanks.” Despite her breaking heart she smiled as Trance and Harper kissed and hugged her.
“Maybe we’ll see you later?” Harper nodded his head to Rhade. “So you’ll stay with Sam?”
“If she wants me.”
Sam was silent for a while, not really comprehending the enormity of the day. Sorrow etched in her words when she finally spoke. “I’ll be all right. Thank you.” She touched Rhade’s arm. Nausea welled up inside her as she felt the sharp bones under the wide sleeves of his coat. “You’re a.....Nietzschean?”
“Lapsed.”
She bristled and stepped away from him. “It’s fine. You can go now.”
“Sam?” He understood the wild anger in her eyes.
“Please just go!” She turned away.
Rhade pulled his coat around him, turned and walked back to the town. He had expected more of a volatile reaction from her.
Sam knelt crying at Lucy’s grave. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realise he was one of them.” She tapped the ground absentmindedly. “I would have killed him rather than have him here.”
***
Five days passed. Sam hadn’t seen anything except the bottom of the stack of whiskey bottles she’d had Harper deliver the day of Lucy’s funeral. Hung-over and bleary eyed she went out to see when the next rust bucket she could afford passage on was leaving this waste land.
It was noisy, dusty and the bright sun hurt her eyes. She blinked rapidly in the heat haze trying to clear her vision. Now she really was seeing something or she was dreaming. Shinning and golden Trance stood in front of her blocking her path.
“You can’t leave yet.” Trance linked her arm through Sam’s and moved her away and into the shade of a building.
“Nothing’s left here for me now Trance. I need to move on.” Sam could have sworn it was still as bright in here.
“Your destiny lies here.”
“Sure.” Sam had never believed in fate, love and happy endings. They were for the holo novels Lucy had loved to read. “Of course! Silly me!” She tried to pull away. Despite looking small and delicate Trance had one mean vice like grip. “Oh, ok.” Sam sighed. “So if I did stay? How long would this take?”
“Until it is time.”
“See, now. You’re just plain telling me the ending! You have to be a little more cryptic, Trance. Keep me guessing till the final page.” Sam frowned.
“All feelings are relevant.” Trance was leading her through the crowds to the bar. “Coffee please, Harper.” Trance sat with Sam and patted her hand. “You cannot blame Rhade for the death of your sister.”
“He’s a Nietzschean. They are all the same.” Sam looked up at Harper as he brought the coffee over. “Hi.” She grabbed his hand. “I just wanted to thank you again for sorting everything out for me. I wouldn’t have known where to start.”
“Well, you see, I didn’t do much. Rhade was the one who....”
“Harper! More!” Rhade was hunched over a table in the corner.
“Ok, big guy. I’m coming!” Harper smiled encouragingly at Trance. “Need some help here. I’ve had enough of him today. Will you serve him? Please?”
Trance’s eyes shone. “Oh Harper he’s just wounded.
“Don’t they put dying beasts out of their misery here?”

Sam watched Rhade go steadily through two bottles of whiskey and at least five women. If she stuck around she could, maybe just maybe, rid the galaxy of one more Nietzschean. It wouldn’t be much. It wouldn’t be the one who had injected Lucy. Still it would be a start. She wondered how long it would take to win Rhade over.
The day, and night, passed with Sam planning her next move. It was clear Rhade had a weakness for drink. Ok, Sam knew she could match him in that. But women? Could she really play that game? Coax him into sharing her bed? It had been years since her last brush with romance, since before the Nietzschean invasion, and that had just been the anxious fumbling of her teenage years. Well she was sure if she had enough whiskey inside her, but not too much to dull her senses, she might be able to cope with Rhade.
***
The bar was quite. No Beka. No Harper. No Rhade. Trance was beaming though as she moved towards Sam. Sam just hoped that whatever Trance used, whether it was a trick or some sort of gift, she couldn’t read Sam’s plan.
“Where are they?” Sam asked as Trance, with a disapproving look, put another bottle of whiskey in front of her.
“Running an errand. They fight for good causes and lost souls.” Trance changed her look to smile softly at Sam.
“Yes?” Sam asked under hooded eyes.
“Your plan will not work. Not the way you want.”
“The wanders have returned!” Harper bounded over to Trance and hugged her.
“Is everyone all right?”
“As if you don’t know!” Harper rolled his eyes. “Dylan's fine, just took a bit of a knock. Beka’s recharging her batteries with some sleep and Rhade....”
“Rhade needs a drink!” Rhade growled quietly almost making Harper jump.
“You can join me if you want?” Sam waived an empty glass at Rhade. Now was the time to make her move.
“Sure.” He eased down on to the chair opposite Sam, his leather trousers creaking in protest. His arms were blooded and bruised. His face was gashed and dried blood was caked around his right eye.
“Must have been some errand.” Sam poured out a large drink, and casually felt for the knife she had hidden in her boot.
“Kind of.” He downed the drink quickly then refilled both their glasses. “You ok?”
“Sure! Why shouldn’t I be?” Sam said too quickly and blushed under the full glare of Rhade’s eyes.
“Whatever you pretend to be I know your not that hard hearted.”
Sam watched him. “Maybe. Appearances can be deceptive.” She wondered why this Nietzschean wasn’t perfect. Why he was battered and rough round the edges. So what if he wasn’t emotionally the perfect Nietzschean, she thought and let her gaze linger over the perfect Nietzschean body.
“You like?” He chuckled and watched her blush.
“You're a Nietzschean. What’s not to like?” The words stuck in her throat.
“A lot.” He reached out and touched her hand. “I know what my people did to Lucy.”
She snatched her hand away. Hearing him say her sister’s name was like ice to her heart. Maybe she should just kill him now and get it over with. She reached down for her knife...
“I would kill you before you could get to me. Don’t be so foolish.” His voice was cold. “Have another drink.”
“No!” Her voice broke. She got up knocking her chair down with a clatter and ran out of the bar.
Rhade slowly finished his drink and got up. His stride lengthening as he went after Sam. He caught up with her easily, picked her up, threw her over his shoulder and carried her back to her quarters. “Now collect your things.” He put her down. “You are not staying here tonight.” His voice echoed in the hollow space.
Sam didn’t move.
“Ok then. Let’s make this easy.” He walked round throwing Sam’s clothes and small, obviously personal, items into Sam's bag. “You got all your sister’s stuff?” He picked up a bag from the side of the bed.
“Yeah! Don’t touch that!” She snatched Lucy’s bag from him and shoved it into her own. “Look I’m not going anywhere but off this planet. And certainly not with you!”
“Fine. It looks like you’ve chosen the hard option then.” Happy all her things were in her bag now he picked her up again and carried her through the street to his rooms. “You can stay here.” He put her down and smiled at her wide, wild, eyes that shone with anger and disbelief at him.
“Like Hell I will!” She shoved him out of the way and stopped by the door trying to find one last cutting remark to throw at him. Instead she crumbled onto the floor. Racking sobs ripped through her. She was so lost. So alone.
“Now that’s better.”
From out of somewhere Sam felt strong comforting arms hold her and gently lead her to the huge double bed. She was held against a strong chest while the worst of the crying shook her. Felt a soft kiss touch the top of her head. He laid her down, shrugged out of his coat and covered her with it.
“Here.” He pulled the knife from out of her boot and put it under her pillow. “If it makes you feel safer.”
She hated herself for the show of weakness. Especially in front of him. Tiredness swamped her the moment her head had touched the deep pillow and she was engulfed by a heavy masculine smell as she drifted off to sleep.
***
Rhade watched Sam sleep for hours. He took a strange comfort from watching her breath steadily and from hearing the occasional murmur in her sleep. Lying in his bed she wasn’t tough anymore. But beautiful. Even if her hair was dirty and full of tangles and knots, and her face was streaked with tears. She was beautiful
Sam stirred and for one warm, delicious, moment she felt safe. She wished she could remember who belonged to that faint hint of spice, sweat and whiskey that came from the cover.
“Here. You need a drink.” Rhade held out a glass.
In an instant everything was shattered. She knew why she was here. Why she was alone. She pushed herself up to rest against the metal headboard.
“Drink.” Rhade got hold of her hands and gently cupped them around the glass.
She took a sip. “Water?” She almost laughed. Such a basic necessity was so hard to come by. Just like trust. She looked at Rhade who was smiling at her. No. She tried to gather her thoughts. Couldn’t trust Rhade. Wouldn’t trust a Nietzschean. She was tired, grieving, and wanted off this planet. That was all that was wrong with her, she tried to convince herself.
Rhade was still smiling as he reached down and tentatively kissed her on the lips. She tensed and tried to pull away, but he stopped her by taking a chunk of her hair through his fingers. He brought her face to his and deepened the kiss. He stopped suddenly aware of a cold metal tip against the side of his throat.
“Try that again and I will kill you.” Passion and anger flashed in her eyes.
Rhade laughed as he pulled away. “There’s a shower in there.” He gestured to a small side room. “I’ll see if I can get you some cleaner clothes and something to eat.” His laughed rumbled around the room even after he had left.
***
Rhade wondered if she would have made a break for freedom. He hopped the lure of a shower would have been enough to make her stay.
“Hey, slugger!” He called out over the noise of the shower. “I’ve got food and clothes for you.” He was puzzled at the new feeling that was stirring inside. He couldn’t be happy? No, surely not?
“Would you just leave the clothes on the floor? “ Sam wrapped a towel around herself. It felt so good to be clean. She squeezed her hair again. It was slick from the water and finally free from tangles.
“There’s no point in that.” Rhade filled the doorway with his presence. He had silently watched her marvel at her pink and glowing skin. “Why put clothes on?” He let his eyes wonder up her body. Slowly. Her face was still pink and glowing but not from the water anymore. The towel swamped her small frame. And her hair. He stepped into her and touched her hair. “Why bother with clothes at all?” He bent his head to kiss her stopping her from stepping away by quickly putting an arm around her.
She lingered in his arms for a heartbeat and then wiggled free laughing. “I thought line’s like that went out with the Commonwealth.” She took the clothes. “Thanks.” She was still laughing. “It’s good to know you are fallible, Rhade.” She waived him away and got dressed. The black trousers were a little too big but she used her old belt to shore them up, but the rust coloured tunic fitted perfectly. “So how do I look?” Sam stepped out and spun round. Her eyes were less dark and thunderous.
A smile spread across Rhade’s expressively striking face. “You look beautiful.”
“Cut that crap out!” Sam felt her cheeks blush and turned away from him.
“Is it so wrong to find comfort?” Rhade stopped short. Trance was right yet again. Just how did she know?
Sam’s thoughts flew to Trance as well. Slowly she turned to face him. “Just how does Trance do it?”
“I’ve got no idea. But she’s always right. Only a fool wouldn’t listen and learn to trust her.” He stood in front of Sam aching to touch her.
“Comfort isn’t something I’m used to.” Sam felt a little light headed as conflicting emotions battered inside her.
“It all starts with a first step.” Rhade blanched. He was actually beginning to sound like Dylan.
She gently touched his beard. “Like this?”
He closed his eyes slowly. “Yes.” His voice was etched with raw emotion. He was melting under her touch.
***
She reached up to kiss him. It was brief and fleeting, and willing.
That was all the encouragement he needed. He pulled her against him, devouring her with his lips. He needed to kiss the tension from her. Kiss her till she was supple and warm in his arms. The little nips at her lips. The soft murmurs he whispered. The touch of his hands were all working. Her body stretched, cat like, in his arms as she reached up to return his kiss.
She would have never imagined someone as brutal as Rhade could be so gentle. His hands skimmed up her arms, his fingers locking into her hair. He pulled her tight against his taught body. He savoured every inch of her face. Kissing her lips, her eyes, even the very tip of her nose. He trailed his tongue over her jaw and down to her neck. When he flicked playfully at her ear she let out such a deep rooted moan he stayed there coaxing out the passion he knew she had put away inside her.
With her fears and apprehension switching off, Sam helped him out of his leather vest. So, she thought as she looked at the statuesque chest, Nietzschean’s are physically perfect. She traced her fingers down to his belt and had managed to undo it before he playfully slapped her hand away.
“Fair’s fair.” He said as he tugged at her tunic.
“Not yet.” Sam stepped back. “I want to....” She bit her lip nervously, his gaze was too intense.
“What?” He stepped towards her. His hands swamping hers as he held them.
“See you.”
He let out a deep resonating laugh. “Go on then.”
Sam wasn’t so sure now. It had seemed like a good idea when her heart was beating wildly in her head. When she had been bombarded by passion. But now?
Watching the hesitation creep across her eyes he placed her hands firmly on his hips. “Sam?”
She looked up as a small smile played at the corners of his soft, moist lips. She reached up to kiss him and was free falling through space again.
He wasn’t going to loose her again. He’d seen that lost and scared look cloud her eyes. He wasn’t going to give her a chance to think about anything else but being here. Being with him. She needed this. Needed him. Almost as much as he needed her.
He spun her around and deliberately eased her tunic up and over her head. Her skin glowed, was soft and pink as he planted quick kisses along her spine. His hands moved around her waist and pulled her belt free, smiling as the oversized trousers slipped tantalisingly down her lithe legs.
She turned round to face him. Demand more from him. She fumbled trying to remove his trousers, but his growing need for her hindered her. He covered her hands with his and guided her. He stepped out of his trousers, pulled her up against him, and kissed her as he slowly eased her down onto the bed. He bent over her and looked down into her eyes. He bit back his need for her as she rubbed her legs over his and arched them around his hips.
Her whole being ached for him. He was wild, untamed and devastatingly Nietzschean in his physical perfection. Her body hummed as his hand traced every curve, every soft mound. When his hand caressed her hips, lingered there and slid effortlessly between her thighs she shuddered and clung onto him until the wave of pleasure peaked.
He waited till she was calmer. Until her breathing was less erratic. His gaze lingering on her mouth. Her eyes flashed with longing, her body tensed and she was his. She gasped as he filled her. Moaned as his movements vibrated through her as she moved under him. With him. It was all she could do to hold on as she felt the waves of pleasure flow through him. She turned to liquid again under him and still he needed more. He kissed her as her eyes cleared again. He was smiling at her. That devastating smile. Now it was all for her that smile. She felt his body tense and now it was Sam who was smiling. She reached up to him and brought his lips down to hers. He pressed deeper inside her, pushed further into her heart. There was no way back for either of them now. She locked herself around him and they went soaring as wave after wave ripped through them.

He was still laying on top of her, nuzzling her hair, when he thought of Dylan’s glib words. Maybe they weren’t so glib after all. He had found himself in Sam.

END

Back to Dawn