test drive. I lean over him, lining up our faces, and press a light kiss to his mouth. "Was it the kissing you had a problem with?"
"No," he says, voice hoarse. His gaze moves over me with such hunger that it sends another thrill through my body. "I liked your mouth mating mine."
I liked it, too. I kiss him again, making sure to flick my tongue against his. "Is it because I'm forward? Am I pushing you too hard?" I stroke my hand over his cock again. "I'm just…a girl that likes sex. Does that bother you?"
"I think it would bother me if you did not," he admits. His pupils are blown, and in my grip, his cock twitches. He's wearing a loincloth, but I'm pretty sure I can feel those enticing ridges I've seen on a lot of the men. The islanders—and the sa-khui, actually—are not shy about nudity, and so I've seen a lot of well-built male bodies in the last few months. It's definitely not a hardship. I've always known U'dron is well-equipped, but U'dron hard is very different from U'dron swimming in icy water, and the change is a big one. A very big, very thick change.
"Do you want to touch me?" I ask softly, nipping at his lower lip.
He lets out a low groan, and I almost expect him to hesitate. But he immediately tugs the collar down further, exposing one of my breasts fully, and caresses the tip. It grows tighter under his fingers, and just that small touch sends heat flooding through me. I want more of that. I want his big hands all over my body, exploring and learning. I want to have wonderful, sweaty sex with him. It doesn't have to be here on the beach. For tonight, we can just kiss and cuddle (and okay, do a little boob stroking). With a look of wonder on his face, he rubs my nipple, and I let out a small whimper even as I kiss him again, my lips frantic on his.
"Maybe when we get back to the beach," I murmur, putting my hand over his as he caresses my breast, "maybe you and I try out this pleasure mating thing?"
His expression grows sad. "R'ven…I want to, but I cannot."
He…can't?
At first I think I haven't heard him correctly. But when a look of chagrin steals over his features and he pulls away from my breast, I realize that we're not going to go further than this. He really can't, for some reason. My brows furrow and it's on the tip of my tongue to ask him why…when the obvious answer hits me.
He's attracted to me, but he can't be with me…because he must have resonated to someone else in the time while I was gone.
Oh. Oh god. "Is it…because…you know…?" I swallow hard.
Shame crosses his face. "I did not want to tell you like this."
Shit. It's true. Some bitch back on the beach has stolen my man. "It's all right," I say woodenly, hiking the neckline of the tunic back up to its proper spot. I no longer feel sexy and confident. I feel…kinda like dirt. "Good night."
I lie back down, my back to him, and stare at the pack on my other side. I want him to tell me that I've misunderstood. That everything's all right and he really does want me.
"I am sorry, R'ven. If it was allowed, I would choose you," he murmurs.
"Thanks." It doesn't help. All I can think is that I'm such a fool. Here I thought he was being virginal and shy but still attracted because he liked me. Oh, he likes me all right. It's just that biology has stepped in and decided to pair him up with someone else. His cootie is quiet right now because his mate's back on the other beach.
He must have come after me due to a sense of obligation.
Well doesn't that just suck. And here I was hitting on him, thrilled that the guy who hits all of my physical “wants” and who's kind and caring and plays a mean drum came after me because he likes me. Oh, he likes me…but it doesn't matter.
The number one rule in this new world is that resonance always decides.
10
U'DRON
Guilt churns in my gut as R'ven rolls over and goes to sleep. Why did I say anything? Why? My hand was on her gorgeous teat, and the look on her face was one of sheer pleasure. Her mouth was on mine, her