Trapped (The Condemned Series #1) - Alison Aimes Page 0,49

the way you take charge when we’re fucking.”

His nostrils flared. She ducked before he could grab her close. Funny, but he really liked hearing that word on her lips. And she wasn’t above using it to her advantage when the mood struck. “Oh, no, you don’t,” she teased. “I’m under strict orders to get to work.”

He shook his head, but his eyes held no anger, only heat. “I didn’t realize you were so obedient.”

“I’m not.”

He stalked toward her. “We’ll see about that.”

Two hours and three amazing orgasms later, she was feeling downright docile as she finally got to work. Another hour later, she’d measured at least six more of the unfamiliar species of trees and flora and collected a couple of promising seed and soil samples to add to the assortment now sprouting in makeshift pots outside Caine’s cave. In the meantime, never more than a few steps behind, his spear in hand, Caine had managed to catch two Elkins, tiny creatures that bore a small resemblance to the rabbits that had once been equally abundant on Earth.

She wished the day never had to end.

Then something shiny off to the side caught her eye. Curious, she scurried over, dropping to her knees to sift through the soil. “Look at this.”

He peered over her shoulder. “I’ve seen plenty of them in the dirt, but never as big or intact as that one. What is it?”

“Some kind of mineral.” She ran her finger along the jagged edge. Shaped like large arrowhead, the piece was long and thin, but most interesting of all was the way it glimmered in the sun like a mirror. “I’m not sure, but it may be help explain why this soil, which seems like it would be so inhospitable to plant life, is able to sustain it. Unlike the rest of the soil, it’s cool to the touch, indicating it’s reflecting rather than absorbing the sun’s rays.” She slipped the precious piece into her pocket. “I’ll see if I can find more.”

“You’ve got three minutes. Then we need to head back.”

“Yes, sir.” She turned to find his mouth inches from her own. So close that, if she leaned back only a little, they’d be kissing.

He stood abruptly.

She tried not to care.

“I think I see another over there.” He pointed to something shiny in the dirt a few paces away, his tone deliberately offhand.

“Great.” She squeezed out a limp smile and told herself what they had was enough. That it was better if some lines weren’t crossed.

They worked in silence for a few more minutes.

She was almost grateful when the distant roar of a tigos echoed off the cliffs.

“Doesn’t sound too close.” She scratched at the dirt, extracting another interesting seed in her palms. She’d always been able to lose herself in work.

“Still, it’s nothing to ignore. Let’s go.”

“One more moment.” She scurried forward to collect another sample.

Only to be thwarted by Caine’s large boot in her path. “No. Now.”

She would have protested, but one look at his serious expression had her nodding instead. “Now is good.”

He didn’t smile.

“Stay on the path.” It was the first time he’d barked orders at her in days.

Marching single-file, she hurried to comply, only noticing now that the two suns were much lower in the sky than they’d been last time they started home from the Oasis.

Still, they made it out of the Oasis and onto to the narrow path that led to Caine’s home without incident.

She was already dreaming of a good meal and coaxing a few more smiles from Caine when a sudden hiss halted her in place.

“Did you hear that?” she whispered.

Caine’s spear was already out and poised to hurl. “Get behind me.”

Knowing it was futile to argue, she pressed against the rock and squeezed by him. His arm closed around her back, pulling her close. “Move when I move. And get ready to run if I tell you to.”

She nodded, her chin butting into his back.

It was times like these she wondered why they ever left the house. But without food, they’d starve. And she couldn’t stay huddled inside for the rest of her life. If Dragath25 was her future, she had to face it head on.

Slow and steady, they moved as one up the twisted path.

“Shit.” Caine’s muttered curse had her peeking around his shoulder.

“What is that?” Fear made her voice shriller than intended. A giant rust-colored, snake-like creature as thick as three wide tree trunks blocked the path to their home. Sharp, spiky teeth protruded from its