Chapter Ten

My evening was one for surprises, that was for sure. I had taken a head-first dive off a building, and then, was caught in mid-air by a Jedi.

But the biggest surprise of all was the way Obi-Wan held me afterward, as if he had no intention of letting me go. And I enjoyed every second of it, quickly discovering I wanted more following his release.

Thankfully, Dane had excused himself to complain to the resort management staff about the safety of the balustrade, while Obi-Wan escorted me to my room. The crowd, which had gathered to view the scene, parted to allow our passing, and once we were inside the building, they had mostly dispersed. I was alone with Obi-Wan, holding onto his arm when I was struck with a rather clever idea.

"Oh!" I blurted out, intentionally stumbling and then favoring my right foot.

"What is it?" he asked me, concern bringing together the copper brows across his handsome forehead.

"I'm not sure. I must've twisted my ankle when I fell, or maybe I hit it on the building or something."

"Allow me." In a flash, I found myself swept back into his arms; exactly where I wanted to be.

Was it such an evil thing to do? My mind told me yes, but the thrill of being held by him again, to breathe the odor of Obi-Wan was worth the risk of telling such a small fib. He smelled like the ocean with a hint of spice. He was warm and solid, and I could feel the muscles of his abdomen and chest ripple as he walked. We arrived in my rooms far too quickly.

"Lie here and I'll go get some ice. I'll be right back," he informed me as he deposited me gently on the bed.

After he left, all I could think about was how disappointed Dorme was going to be with me! Since when had I begun to manipulate and monopolize a man in order to gain his affection? When had I decided it was justified to tell a lie in order to get what I wanted? I had stooped to a level I had never been before, and it made me feel...very guilty. In fact, by the time Obi-Wan returned, I was utterly ashamed of myself.

"Listen, Obi-Wan, I..." I attempted to explain, only to be hushed by a well-placed finger upon my lips.

"Be still and let me examine your ankle."

I held my breath as he pushed up the cloth of my silky resort trousers and removed the beach shoe. He then began a thorough examination of my foot and ankle, applying pressure at certain points and then rotating the joint in a circular motion. As he did so, I lay still as I'd been told and didn't make a sound.

He looked up at me with confusion written on his face. "Doesn't that hurt?"

I smiled, but then decided I had nothing to smile about, and bit my lip nervously instead. Best to just come out with it.

"I have a confession to make," I admitted quietly while Obi-Wan applied the ice therapy pack to my ankle. "I lied. There's nothing wrong with my ankle."

The confusion deepened but was gradually replaced by a smirky grin as Obi-Wan simply lifted the pack up and placed it onto the floor next to the bed. Thank the stars, he didn't appear to be upset with me.

"Why the deception?" he asked as I sat up while he sat down, right next to me on the bed. He leaned across me with one arm, placing his face just inches from my own.

"I..." I began, suddenly finding it extremely difficult to concentrate on words when his lips were so close.

"I wanted to feel your arms around me again," I managed to get out in one breath, deciding it was time for complete honesty.

"Oh," he replied simply, followed by a nod of his head.

That was it? I was quite disappointed, thinking I had made a complete fool of myself, until his hand reached up to cup my cheek, and then tenderly slide down to lift up my chin.

It had taken a day, but I finally discovered paradise on Tasuna; not in the expensive and luxurious settings, nor in the relaxing massages and variety of its therapies, but in Obi-Wan's kiss.

At first, it was a tenative approach, just a gentle meeting of mouths, along with a mixture of breaths; a light brush along my bottom lip and then a feathery one across the top. I closed my eyes to focus on the thrilling sensations of touch and taste. I could detect the salt of the ocean and only the slightest trace of alcohol, but overall it was sweet and essentially Obi-Wan. I captured a quick breath when he released me, knowing he would return swiftly. It was our first, but somehow I could read his mind, I knew his intentions, and anticipated his movements - as if we were lovers reunited.

The next approach was bolder, more confident and satisfying in its aggressiveness. In contrast, I could feel my own strength waver, and if I hadn't been lying down, I'm sure my knees would've buckled under me. I parted my lips to allow his entrance, and a sigh escaped as I did so, beckoning a low growl to issue from deep inside Obi-Wan's throat.

We curled into each other at some point, our torsos aligned, with his arm slipping behind me to support my head - altering the angle which allowed our kiss to deepen even further. After it did, the room began to tilt, my heart began to race, and for a moment, I had forgotten my name. Time held no meaning to me, just the kiss, which seemed to go on and on, until the point one of us had to come up for air or pass out from lack of it.

When it ended, we held each other tight, our rapid breathing synchronized, our hearts pounding in rhythmic cadence.

Obi-Wan pulled back after catching his breath, speaking words between short and sweet pecks upon my mouth; although they were words I didn't wish to hear.

"I think," he said before delving in once again, "you need your rest," he completed the sentence, only to occupy his lips with mine again.

"I shall come back," this time a sweet brushing of his mouth across my own, "and check on you later."

Obi-Wan retreated completely at that point, although not quite releasing me from his embrace. He had stood up from off the bed, but held onto my outstretched hand. I didn't want him to go, but I'd just been through a rather traumatic experience, and I needed some time to come to terms with it. I understood that, and reluctantly agreed.

"I'll rest."

"Promise me," he teased, lying me back down on the bed and retrieving a light blanket laid to place across my legs.

"I promise," I answered, before he placed a chaste kiss across my forehead and then left the room. I stared out the door even after he'd gone, unsure if I was mentally willing him to return or what, but I knew sleep was not going to find me for a while.

My mind was too full of paradise.