AN: Okay so I have to warn this chapter is Rated M for sexual content.
Actually, I kinda got into the smutty mood and this is what came out, although I'll admit I had never planned on this pairing, or any pairing for Thaïs at all.
To tell the truth I'm a little embarrassed I did post this but what the heck!
29 Sweet Treats
Mal walked in, eyes carefully taking in the people lying about the smoky room. His nose wrinkled at the sweet smell but he ignored it. Thaïs stood a pace behind and to his left, both of them waiting for the fat man on the garishly colorful pillows to notice them. It was just the two of them now that Zoë had her child to think of and Mal wouldn't have her going along. Even a simple meeting could turn bad and Mal wasn't about to put a pregnant woman in danger.
Again.
So, Thaïs had been drafted. She had training and he wasn't above using it to his advantage. Jayne and Kaylee were picking up the supplies and Jabéz was left with the others on Serenity. Now that had taken a bit of getting used to. His boat was full, the boy was…well, he earned his keep with all the heavy lifting but Mal wasn't sure what good the boy could do. In the month since Jabéz had come aboard Jayne had slowly gotten used to the idea of being a Father. Zoë had something to with that, about to become a Mother herself she'd taken to reassuring Jayne.
"Captain." Ezra smiled widely his eyes flicking over to Thaïs and taking his time inspecting her. He admired the dark hair, cleanly swept up and away from her face. The soft gold tint of her skin contrasted with the unusual violet eyes, framed by inky lashes, slightly cat shaped. He stared for a moment at the full lips, a dusky rose color picturing all sorts of things… Ezra wandered his eyes down the length of her, the black coat didn't hide the gun belt but he wished it revealed more of her slim shape.
"I'd get up…" he waved at himself forcing his eyes away from Thaïs but it was obvious to Mal, Ezra wasn't capable of that.
Thaïs eyed his leg, the oversized appendage was raised on pillows but even his colorful silk pants couldn't hide the unnatural hues of the skin.
"Too much indulging." Ezra said with a shrug of his meaty shoulder. "Sit, sit, we have business to discuss."
The wooden table was set in front of him along with two bright red cushions. A woman brought a tray laden with rolls and tea. Mal eyed the room one more time, taking note of the few people lazing about with smoke curling around them.
"That's…mighty kind." Mal said moving to take a seat. He noted Thaïs didn't move and slipped his hand around her arm drawing her down to the cushion beside him as he sat. She didn't pull away but he felt her tense. "Let's not be rude, háizi." He murmured leaning towards her.
Ezra was propped up, half sitting against the colorful pillows with two women waiting on him. Mal noticed every detail of the skimpily clad females, even the slight hazy look in their eyes and sleepy expressions.
"I have to say, Captain." Ezra began with his eyes on Thaïs. "You're woman has beautiful eyes."
Thaïs sat stiffly by Mal's side, her eyes darkening though her expression stayed neutral.
"Oh- no, we-." Mal shook his head.
"Most unusual…Yes, very fortunate you are indeed." Ezra assured. "Please, eat and drink." He smiled and watched as Mal raised his tea cup in salute.
Jayne hooked up the crate while Kaylee finished haggling over some parts. He didn't like the grunt work but Jayne liked to eat… either way, going to a meet with Mal was no skin off his nose. Hell, Jayne wondered how long it would be before there was some shooting and they had to make a quick get away.
"Can we stop in-."
"Nope." Jayne tugged on the straps checking them.
"But I just-."
"Aint waiting around." Jayne stated gruffly. "Unless…"
Kaylee sighed.
"Fine but I aint waiting around for you." Kaylee warned hopping into the land mule.
Jayne smirked.
"Aint gonna be long." He replied driving off. He hadn't planned on it but they were in the area and no one had better girls…
Thaïs got to her feet, the smell was getting to her and she felt…strange. Both Mal and Ezra looked at her, Mal questioning while Ezra just smiled.
"Captain, I believe your woman requires your presence." He chuckled, the fat rolling over his belly as he did.
"Huh." Mal frowned, his brow furrowed but he was feeling very relaxed-. "Oh diu." He stared at his cup and it blurred very slightly.
"Enjoy." Ezra said sounding smug to Mal. He looked very pleased with himself and Mal lurched to his feet, amazingly steady.
"That was… an interesting offer. I'll have to think it over and let you know, Ezra." Mal forced a smile to his face while taking hold of Thaïs' arm. He was not happy, not in the least but he was smart enough not to piss off a prospective contact, especially while in their 'office'. At least not if he intended to live and Mal had no plans of dying anytime soon no matter what anyone said.
"No hurry. There are private quarters if you'd prefer…" he raised a pudgy hand and one of the women started to get up.
"No, no we can manage." Mal assured moving Thaïs along towards the exit. They could hear Ezra chuckling as they left and it grated on them.
Outside the cool air only teased them. People walked past ignoring them and then Mal was turning down a side street.
"The Doc'll figure this one out." Mal muttered as he led Thaïs through a narrower street, still gripping her arm.
"Figure it out?" Thaïs echoed, her voice harsh. "What's to figure, Capt.?" Thaïs demanded yanking out of his hold but it didn't diminish the heat of his hand imprinted on her. "We're humped." She snapped turning away from him. Her palms smacked on the white wall of the building they were behind.
"We aint." Mal denied. "We get to Serenity and have the Doc dose us with that-."
"Because we aren't doped up enough?" Thaïs demanded angrily. She struck at a stack of crates but even the sound of them falling over didn't satisfy her. "You couldn't just take Jayne. No, I had to come with you and look what's going on?" she threw her hands up. "I'm a friggin knot of-." She bit her lip and expelled a choked scream, balling her fists. Anger was quickly gaining an upper hand and it was becoming more difficult to keep breathing evenly.
"We can deal with this." Mal assured but he forced his hands to stay still, stay away from Thaïs though he wanted to reach out. Another breeze ruffled his hair and he could've sworn it felt like someone had lazily threaded their fingers through it.
"Right." Thaïs nodded, her tone decisive. She straightened, a hand reaching to her side. "I'm going to feel a lot better after I riddle that fat pig with holes." She spun on her heel heading back to the sweet smelling room and Ezra. She meant it and Mal reached her in two strides, grabbed her wrist and took the gun.
"That's not solving anything. And," Mal added. "I can't afford to kill anymore…associates." Only he was inclined to agree with her on Ezra.
"You're not. I am." Thaïs corrected but Mal didn't let her walk past. His arm snaked around her waist, both much too close to each other. He could feel her, the warmth seeping into his clothes and her scent-.
"Hit me." Thaïs ordered jerking away from him. "Do it."
"What?"
"Hit. Me." Thaïs repeated through clenched teeth. "Knock me out- now, before you look any better than you already are." The admission was torn from her.
Mal stared at her, the dark violet eyes… she licked her lips and he felt his stomach knot.
"Hit me!"
Mal raised his fist, pulled back… she was standing right there, waiting for him to just swing… he stepped towards her, closing the distance and his arm lowered. He watched her face change, the tip of her tongue darting out to lick her dry lips again.
Mal touched his fingers to her mouth and she jerked away from him as though burned.
"Damn-. Damn!" Thaïs shoved at his chest, angry and beginning to panic.
"Thaïs-."
"Shoot me." She cut in reaching for her gun but he held it out of her reach.
"You crazy?" Mal exclaimed. "Aint gonna shoot you." He could see dismay in her eyes and knew she had reason to be alarmed. It made sense but he wasn't exactly thinking straight himself. All he could think about was pressing her up against the wall and tasting her-.
"This is your fault!" Thaïs socked him. A half closed fist that hurt just as much as if she'd punched him. He felt the sting spread across his chest but it was nothing like the coil of lust that crept up on him just as suddenly.
"How did I get into this mess?" Thaïs wondered rubbing both hands over her face. What was it about her? Was she marked in some way because of the last time?
'Don't think about him. Just don't think-.' Thaïs told herself.
She felt his hand grab at her shoulder, so warm even in the cool evening air. He spun her around, his fingers curling into the collar of her coat as Mal pulled her up into his chest.
The touch of his mouth on hers was unexpected and the sharp wrench in her gut ripped a moan from her lips.
They stumbled, each one trying to dominate the other and smacked into a darkened door.
The sky was darkening; Serenity was haloed in a burning glow from both suns. Inside, Zoë carefully made her way down the cat walk and stairs into the bay where Jayne was unloading the land mule.
"Where's the Capt.?" she asked rubbing a hand over the swell of her belly, soothing the life growing inside.
"Said to meet here." Jayne grunted lowering another crate to his son. "Aint they back yet?" he questioned looking around as though Mal might just walk in.
"No." Zoë replied walking towards the doors. "They aren't." she frowned, worried something might have happened. "How did the meet go?"
"Don't know." Jayne grunted grabbing another crate and hauling it across the bay while Jabéz stacked another crate. The kid was red faced but not out of breath, Jayne smirked. "I went to pick up supplies. Mal and the girl went to the meet."
"They went alone?" Zoë questioned sharply. Jayne frowned.
"Aint like they was goin' into trouble. It's a meet." He retorted but he still glanced out the doors, starting to feel a little concern creeping on him.
"We are talking about the Capt." Zoë turned to him.
"Does he get in trouble a lot?" Jabéz asked looking from Zoë to his Dad.
"Gorram…" Jayne grumbled glancing over his shoulder and out the bay doors.
He pressed her up against the wall ignoring her soft gasp. Whatever had been in those rolls… he pushed off her.
"Cant." He panted yanking on his shirt neck and feeling hot all over. It was too tight around his neck, restricting-. His coat was gone, had dropped it by the door somewhere along with hers when they first stumbled in.
"Shouldn't." She agreed trying to catch a breath but it only made him more aware of her shirt, the tight fit over her chest-
"Shàng dì, I'm goin' to that special hell." He muttered taking her in his arms again. Her arms wrapped around his neck, their mouths meeting hungrily. His hands slipped around her waist, fingers digging into her hips painfully but she didn't pull away or protest. She ground her pelvis against him, felt him bulge, stiff under his trousers and ran her hand down his chest. She hooked her fingers in his waistband, yanking on the button until it came undone. He helped, removing his gun belt and dropping his suspenders. He reached between them quickly undoing her own gun belt and tossing it with his.
He tried again to push himself away, stop what they were doing- it just wasn't right. She wasn't herself and he was no better than the other one if he continued.
"Háizi-." He groaned cupping her face in his hands, feeling the delicate bones of her cheeks and trying to think past the haze in his brain.
"No." she growled rising on her toes and pulling him down to her mouth. She kissed him, ran the tip of her tongue over his lips then nipping at his bottom lip. It was unexpected and he hissed at the sting. He pressed his mouth against hers, harsh, demanding, his tongue sliding into her mouth, tasting her.
She was sweet, the tea still on her tongue, cinnamon and cherry-. His fingers tangled in her inky hair pulling it from the twisted updo she'd been wearing. He barely felt her fingers graze his bare chest as he explored her mouth with his tongue, dipping and fighting with her own as she pressed against him.
"Cant!" she panted turning her head away and breaking their kiss. He trailed down her jaw barely aware that she'd spoken. He wanted to taste all of her, his hands roamed over her body pulling on her clothes. She bit her lip, eyes clenched tightly shut but it only enhanced the tremors sliding through her body when he licked down her jaw to the curve of her neck. She panted heavily, felt her heart pound in her chest and her skin flushed with heat. She pulled on her shirt, accepting his help as he yanked it over her head. She felt his rough hands on her breasts and couldn't contain the pleasurable shudder coursing through her. With a moan she tossed her shirt and tangled her hands in his hair pulling him to her. She felt him bite, the moisture from his tongue seeping into the dark material.
She wanted to cry and rage, at the same time she felt every muscle in her body vibrating with his touch. It was just like before only she was there; her mind was fully functioning telling her exactly how to take control but her body wasn't co-operating. She couldn't make her breathing slow, couldn't focus on the meditation she'd learned and applied the last few months.
She hissed as his hand pulled on her hair. He drew back, brown eyes locking with hers. Both saw an apology, they knew what was going to happen, that it had been forced on them and neither was able to change anything.
Groaning and inwardly cursing himself for a fool, Mal kissed her, a little gentler than at first. Frustrated, she yanked the shirt from his shoulders. The sting of tears burned her eyes but she squeezed them shut.
It was like a craving, a need and they couldn't deny it.
He bit her lip, one hand reaching between them to shove his trousers down his hips to release the stiff bulge then reaching to her waist and undoing her own. With both hands he gripped the black material and pulled it down her hips. He slid one hand over her thighs, groaning at the feel of her soft skin, warm under his palm. She arched against him, reaching down to shove her pants lower. Mal brushed her hands aside, pulling the material down and kneeling in front of her. He trailed his tongue over her abdomen both hands running up her legs, behind her thighs while her hands tangled in his hair again.
"Shàng dì." She moaned when he cupped her ass and squeezed. Mal nipped at her thigh, his hand grazing the warmth between her legs. He felt her tremble, a throaty moan escaped her and then he was pulling the trousers off her legs along with the tall boots.
"Special hell." He muttered hooking her leg on his shoulder. He ran his cheek along the silky skin of her thigh and pressed an open mouth kiss on her. Right then he'd gladly fling himself to the darkest pits of hell so long as he could taste her…
She reached up, grabbing at the bar welded to the wall on her left. A flush of heat suffused her cheeks at being so exposed to him. Thaïs glance down, watched as he flicked his tongue.
"Tā mā de wǒ." She exclaimed with the first touch of his tongue on her. She couldn't contain her cries of pleasure. The Capt. knew what he was doing and whatever she wanted, Thaïs couldn't help feeling like her world had just been turned inside out.
"I aim to." Mal muttered cupping his hand on her ass and pulling her towards him. "God help me…" the rest of his words were muffled inside her, vibrating through her core while she squirmed.
"Please…" she begged panting and pulling on his hair. Mal drew back slightly, one hand coming up to part her folds and then he was suckling the little nub. He grazed it with his teeth slowly lapping it. Thaïs trembled, her legs almost buckling as she gasped for breath. She couldn't form a coherent thought. All she felt was Mal, his tongue doing delicious things to her and then he stood suddenly. The only thing keeping her from falling over was the wall at her back and Mal's body pressing against hers while he tore the bra open exposing her breasts. Callused hands roughly cupped her, pinching her nipples painfully but it only aroused her more. She reached between them, gracing her nails down his thighs, enjoying the hiss of breath he let out and the groan against her lips when she grasped him.
He was hard, the tip wet and he bucked against her hand. She wanted him inside her, needed to fill the throbbing ache between her legs.
"Tā mā de wǒ." She rasped against his mouth. "Xiàn zài, I can't..."
Mal moaned into her mouth, his mind still telling him it wasn't too late to stop but she was rubbing him and she felt hot beneath his hand. He slipped a finger inside, felt the slick wetness drip into his palm and ground his mouth against hers. It was unbearable, the way he felt, like his heart was going to burst if he didn't gorram have her right then.
"Cant … háizi …" he groaned, the tone of his words apologetic and then he felt her hand tighten around him and just grabbed her. Mal lifted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist greedily, hands gripping his shoulders. He tried not to hurt her, to hold back but when he felt that slick heat at his tip… Mal clenched his hands on her thighs, dropped his head onto her chest and rammed into her.
She cried out, her back scratching against the stone wall and reached over her head grasping at the metal bar. Thaïs couldn't keep from crying out when he thrust into her again, felt him stretching her but she wanted him.
Mal couldn't help himself, she was tight and hot and she pulled him with her legs, urging him with little pants and moans… He took her nipple in his mouth, sucking hard at the nub while she cried out again.
"Yes! Tā mā de wǒ!" Thaïs exclaimed arching her back, it pushed him deeper into her. Mal felt her clench around him and it was unbearably erotic. The way she felt-she was small, he had to be hurting her, had to somehow control himself but it was too damn good and she wasn't stopping him.
"Gorram-!" Mal grunted against her breast. He slid his hands to cup her ass, it was easier to lift her and thrust, the heat building with each plunge inside of her.
She struggled against him, needing more contact, more friction, panting and moaning. Mal pushed away from the wall, turned to the crate on their right and roughly set her on the scarred wood. Thaïs yelped, felt the roughness against her skin and leaned back as she pulled him to her again.
Mal grunted, his hands gripping the edge of the wooden crate as he withdrew. Thaïs protested glaring, a low growl sounding in her throat but Mal grabbed her around the waist and turned her. He pushed her down on the crate, a hand on her back keeping her bent over the wood, the other grasping her hip. He rubbed up on her, felt her squirm, arching her buttocks up towards him.
Mal dragged in a breath, his heart beating wildly and trying to gain some modicum of control over what he was doing to her… She raised her leg onto the edge of the crate having to stand on her toes. An invitation if Mal had ever seen one and it certainly was tempting.
"Malcolm." She rasped trying to look over her shoulder at him. He was still hard, panting heavily; sweat coating his chest in a light sheen. Without warning he rammed into her again, rough and fast. Thaïs gasped, clenched her eyes shut and held still. Her hands clenched at the wooden crate, a faint whimper left her lips and then she felt him rub his finger over her clit. The sting of pain was threaded with instant pleasure and she arched up, moaning as Mal thrust into her, deeper than before. Each sound she made aroused him, her gasps and pleas urged him. He could feel his head pushing against her, inside- a sign she was smaller than he'd first thought but he needed to fill her up. He wanted to feel all of her.
"Shàng dì!" Thaïs screamed her release arching off the crate as Mal pumped into her. She went limp, panting and Mal held her leg up bucking behind her wildly. A moment later he yelled, stiffening, both hands clamping on her hips while she trembled beneath him.
Mal groaned, his chest resting on her back as he dragged in a breath. She was coated in a light sheen of perspiration and Mal lightly grazed her skin with his teeth. She moaned, ass shifting beneath him. He felt her clench around him, pleasantly painful and was surprised to feel himself still hard inside her.
"…wasn't…done…" he muttered against her skin, pressing a kiss to her back. He could hear her heart beat under his ear. The rapid staccato only slightly concerning him. He trailed a gentle hand up her hip and side; rising enough he could cup her breast in his hand and squeeze. She turned slightly on her side, cooperative and Mal trailed his mouth over her shoulder to her neck.
Thaïs sighed, her body tingling again at his touch and closed her eyes. There was a difference this time, it wasn't like before. The drug had been oral, not injected so the effects had to wear off sooner- at least she wanted that to be the case.
When Mal slid out, Thaïs groaned, her body clenching as he did and she heard him suck in a breath. Mal lifted her, turned her so she faced him, her legs spread for him. Mal ran his hands up the inside of her thighs, stepping between as she wrapped them around his waist. She could feel his skin slick with sweat, a bead running down his chest and she caught her breath. She couldn't help her arousal, or leaning forward, her tongued darting to lick it from his skin. She ignored his sharp intake of breath and the half muttered protest that they should stop. He didn't mean it anymore than she did and Thaïs continued to taste him, nipping at his chest and running her hands over his back.
Of course they should stop, they both knew it, had tried and ended up in the storage room unable to keep from pawing each other. She'd blame it on him later because he'd insisted she go along to every meet and drop since Zoë wasn't in a condition to run around getting in trouble with him.
And Jayne?
Thaïs was heartily glad the Merc hadn't been along because- God no! One man was bad enough, and the Capt. to boot! But worse would be to have both of them- well…maybe it wouldn't be so bad-
"Wait." Mal gripped her shoulders pushing her back. He drew in a shuddering breath trying to clear his head and push down the rising heat inside him. He couldn't put out of his head what he'd just done to her, to Thaïs- she was just a girl!
'Only she's done more than any girl should. A lot of things you want her to do again –. Special hell! Special hell!' he scolded himself but it was a half assed attempt.
Mal stared at the violet eyes looking at him with hunger, her lips parted and the tip of her tongue licking at the corner. His fingers dug into her arms painfully but only worked to arouse her. She wiggled to the edge of the crate, pulling him against her, seeing the same hunger in his eyes.
They weren't done.
She hated that it was so but didn't push him away. Her body tingled with anticipation feeling him shudder. There was more they needed from each other. Wanted…
"Now." She whispered, her voice husky and it rippled over him. His grip shifted, hands moving from her arms to her breasts. It was too easy; Mal had no hesitation in running his hands over Thaïs, as though she belonged to him.
Thaïs moaned, eyes half closing when he fondled her breasts. He felt her hands run over his chest, her short nails scraping over his nipples making them hard. She pinched him getting a short hiss of breath and then he was twisting her nipples, retaliating. He cupped the full breasts in his hands as she arched her back, felt their weight and pushed them together. He bent to one, licking at the tip then flicking his tongue watching her eyes close and her lips part. Her cheeks were flushed a light pink and gazing at her skin found the same flush over her neck and chest. He wanted to lick and taste all of her and he dragged his tongue over her breasts to the valley between and up her neck.
Mal suddenly stumbled, his legs tangling in his trousers and he fell on his butt.
"What the ruttin'-!" he scowled only to find himself staring at Thaïs. She easily hopped off the crate, her slight weight settled on his hips.
"Now." She repeated bracing her hands on either side of his head. Her breasts grazed his chest, the inky hair coming down like a curtain around them.
"Tā mā de wǒ." He breathed cupping her ass in his hands, fondling the soft warm skin.
"Yes sir." She scooted up, thighs spread wide because of the width of his hips. She reached between them, her small hand grasping him. Mal looked down, watched as she pumped him. He was rigid and she guided his head inside her. Mal grit his teeth at the feel of her slick heat, his hands clenched on her ass while Thaïs lowered herself onto him. Both groaned at the contact. He didn't fit completely and then she circled her hips, rising up and come down hard.
Mal banged his head on the floor at the contact barely registering her pained grunt. He closed his eyes following her rhythm. He kept telling himself that special hell was going to be waiting for him but just then he really couldn't bring himself to care. He looked at her, the full lips swollen from being kissed and then she bit her bottom lip. Mal pulled her hips down just a little concerned about what he was doing but it was a vague thought in his mind. He was more aware of her moving over him, the heat of her body and the feel of it under his hands, each thrust taking him deep, his crown meeting with the wall of her cervix… If anything concerned her about this she didn't show it.
He reached between them parting her folds and pressed on the hard little nub. Thaïs shuddered at his touch, her soft cry of surprise pleased him and Mal stroked her. She was riding him, arching her back, her short nails scratching down his chest. Thaïs gasped moans of pleasure, her movements becoming frantic. Mal reached up, his hands cupping her breasts, squeezing, fondling and then sliding up her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair, pulling her down to him. He caught her lips with his, teeth nipping at the corner then licking it. She made a noise in the back of her throat, half moan half sigh and a moment later Thaïs sucked in a breath and stiffened.
Mal reached down, grasped her hips firmly and brought her down again and again while she lay on his chest panting, her body trembling. Mal felt his release pulse through him. He tried to get a breath but it only enveloped him in her scent. The warmth of her seeping into his bones and he reached his arms around her, pulling her into his chest…
She was right. He knew it and this- it was his fault. He'd told her to drink; they didn't want to offend Ezra and their future business dealings with the fat bastard. Mal groaned wishing he hadn't been such a glutton, what had he been thinking to eat three rolls?
He thought of what he could've done even as his hands skimmed over her back guiltily enjoying the feel of her soft skin, still warm. No, right now this was good, too damn good to wish it away…
Mal frowned, hands going still on her back. What was he thinking? Good? He'd as much as taken advantage of Thaïs-.
She hadn't moved nor he and they lay still. Her breathing was even, Mal could feel it on his chest. Her inky hair was heavy, the strands thick and damp…
"Thaïs-."
"No." She pushed up and rolled off him, both aware of the void left as they separated.
Thaïs lay on her back, the cold from the floor a shock but it was better than thinking of the pleasant ache between her thighs. An ache that was more of a slight throbbing, one she'd never be able to completely get rid of if what she'd read about the XORA was correct.
Mal frowned, all he'd wanted was to apologize, something he didn't do much of and she hadn't given him a chance. He rose on his elbows, frowning at her but she had her eyes closed. He tried not to look at her, even so his eyes wandered over her breasts as they rose with each breath. They were full and pert, the perfect fit for his hands… Her skin was covered in a fine sheen of perspiration, lightly flushed and there were darker indentations from where he'd bitten down. He'd marked her more than once but couldn't for the life of him remember when. His eyes rested on the faint scar under her collar bone, a reminder of the risk she'd taken for Zoë…Mal was grateful, the girl had saved his friend- the only he could really count on, that alone had earned her some respect if not trust. And yet this was how he thanked her… Mal's jaw clenched, eyes wandering over her again. Thaïs' leg rested over his stomach, hips turned towards him... It was then he noticed the darker imprint of where he'd placed his hands and held on.
Mal remembered Epsilom Prime and the way she'd looked. The faint marks, her pasty color- he glared, thinking he'd done no better to her and he hadn't cared, not when he'd thought she was over indulging but then...well, she hadn't and it had been different.
Mal reached out, unsure of touching her again though he traced a gentle finger over the marks he was sure would become bruises. He saw her light shiver at the gentle touch but she didn't pull away and thought that maybe she slightly tilted towards him…
Mal glared at the marks, it wasn't his way, to hurt a woman. He didn't think Thaïs knew it could be any other way, had ever experienced anything else- that it wasn't always about lust, she didn't have to be treated- it wasn't right.
Mal drew back and reached down, over her leg and tugged off his boots decisively. Free of his trousers he turned towards her again. She was looking at him, the violet eyes so dark they were almost black. She wore a slight frown on her features, a little confused but Mal made up his mind to make it different. He wouldn't think about right or wrong. That guilt and- well, it was certain to come later, when he was alone.
He drew in a breath, his hand resting on her thigh, caressing the soft skin gently. He didn't know what to say but words wouldn't make any difference, not with what he'd already done to her. Mal wasn't going to leave her a memory of this like the other one, that sīshēngzǐ from… Mal wasn't about to let some drug make him into another animal and he'd show her there were other ways- at least he would if she'd allow him to.
Slowly he leaned over, his chest pressing against hers, their skin gracing. He touched his lips to her mouth softly, telling himself he'd stop if she made him, wouldn't go any further …
Thaïs rested her hands on his shoulders intending to push him off but…. She could feel his hand glide up her side, feather light, barely gracing her skin and she shivered. It was strange, such a simple touch and she could feel her body responding. The throbbing increased, an incessant pulse she desperately wanted to ignore. His mouth pressed on hers gently, nipping at her lip and trailing small kisses along her cheek and jaw… She breathed a sigh and turned her head away giving him access to her neck where his tongue trailed along her pulse.
Mal drew a heavy breath and it filled him with her scent, like…hyacinths. He kissed on the marks he'd made on her neck and on her collar bone, licking at her skin. When he nudged his knee between her legs she didn't protest, instead she spread her thighs and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She parted her lips for him, eyes half closed, enjoying the new sensations as he kissed her.
Mal slipped his tongue in her mouth, felt her respond in kind but he pulled back slightly until she withdrew. He kissed her again, trailing his tongue over her lips. Her fingers threaded through his hair and it didn't seem as though she wanted to stop though maybe Mal should have. Instead, he settled himself over her comfortably, his arms on either side of her, taking his weight from her, fingers threading into the inky waves pooled beneath her head. Right then, Mal couldn't think past what he was doing, the feel of her skin under his hands and her taste…
She opened her eyes, impossibly dark violet, looking up at him when he pulled back. He was flushed, hair damp- she could feel his skin slide over hers with every breath they drew. He felt hot, pleasantly heavy on top of her and she arched her back just enough to press her breasts against him. Thaïs wasn't sure what would come next but her body felt like a taught string. Was he going to stop? Her brow furrowed because she wasn't sure if she shouldn't tell him to stop but she couldn't say that, not when he felt so good right where he was...
Mal dipped his head to hers, pressing a little more into her body. Her felt her legs slide up his sides and her hips buck under him. He vaguely wondered if she realized what that did to him. He moaned into her mouth, cupping a hand over her ass and pulling her towards him as he pressed her down.
She realized quickly how little she knew, what she wanted and needed-. He was kissing her but it was different- good. He made her feel… Thaïs liked it, the feel of his hands on her body, the weight of him- it was good. The thought stopped her, breath caught in her chest. She did like it, and she wasn't half crazed or drugged. Not as she'd been when they'd stumbled into the doorway and fallen through…
Mal ran his tongue down her jaw to her throat. His hand skimmed over her chest cupping her breast and kneading it. His mouth closed over the hard nipple, suckling. She pressed his head to her, tugging on his hair with a soft gasp at another lightning tremor. Mal nipped at her skin, pressing a kiss to her collar bone where only the faint mark from Kovha's knife-happy goon remained. He didn't well on it, not while his hand slid down her hip to grasp her thigh squeezing then sliding between them, unerringly reaching for her and finding the heat of her core. She gasped against his temple feeling the stroke of his fingers. With slow and practiced moves, Mal felt her respond. She arched up, against his hand with a moan on her lips. She parted for him, lifting her hips eagerly, wanting more and Mal obliged. He slipped a finger in only to come out wet. She moaned as Mal rubbed her folds, dipping into her again.
Thaïs clamped around his fingers, hands digging into his shoulders as she arched up. She heard him curse softly, under his breath but he pumped his fingers again. At her gasped breath Mal braced his hand on the ground and settled over her. He slipped inside with a shudder running through his entire frame. He griped her thigh and had to press her hips to the ground hooking her leg higher on his back to fit. He slid in fully; stretching her while Thaïs' hands gripped his shoulders tightly, her back arched. Mal heard the soft, pained moan and stilled, giving her a moment to settle. He pulled out a bit, reluctant to leave the slick heat and watched her expression. Her brow smoothed and with a tender kiss on her lips Mal pushed into her again, feeling her body stretch for him. He moved slowly, building a rhythm all the while reveling in the slick heat of her and the snug fit. Even in that position he could feel her, his head pushing against the wall of her cervix as he stroked her.
He rose onto his forearms and his thrust earned a gasped breath from her. Mal murmured something intelligible against her ear, pressing his lips to her temple. Thaïs turned her head, found his jaw and nipped his chin. He looked at her; face upturned knowing what she wanted from him even though she hadn't voiced it. Mal kissed her, their mouths parting and she mimicked his movements. Thaïs slid her hands down his sides and up his back, softly scratching at his skin. She could feel herself tensing, the friction building between them as he moved. Felt him touch her deeply and the mild pain it caused was drowned by the touch of his fingers evoking another moan from her lips. When he rose on his arms, she blinked up at him, half afraid he'd stop but he cupped her face in his hands.
Mal held her still as he moved, watching her expression change with each thrust. Her lips parted, breathing raggedly but she held his eyes. Thaïs arched her back, both legs wrapping around his waist and pulling him into her. He kept it slow, her skin rubbing against his; little beads of sweat ran off his neck. She panted as the feel of him became too much. Thaïs bit her lip and bucked beneath him, her brow furrowing as her hands clenched on his back. The half formed words died on her lips as Mal drove in and she shuddered, her thighs tensing as she clamped around him. She stilled, her body wracked with gentle tremors as Mal continued moving, gritting his teeth as she clenched around him.
Mal's breath hissed past clenched lips, felt his balls tighten while Thaïs' shudders milked him. He took her mouth, kissing her deeply. He reached for her thigh, hooking his arm under and thrust. Thaïs' arms wrapped around his shoulders pulling Mal to her. He was close to bursting but he wanted her with him when he did. He shifted, changing angles and grazed the hard nub. She moaned into his mouth, dragging her short nails down his back until she cupped his ass. Thaïs cried out with each thrust until she came crashing down a second time along with Mal. The echo of her scream bounced back at them, his name torn from her lips.
Thaïs gasped for breath, eyes closing. She felt his heavy weight settle on her, his hand tangled in her hair. Mal pressed his lips against her cheek, kissing his way to her throat where he nestled his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder. He couldn't get away from her scent and he felt like warm wax, soft and bendy- amazingly satisfied with himself and for once unable to think of anything else but the soft body in his arms. His mind was blank, not a thought went through it aside from what his body felt and that was enough.
Thaïs lay there listening to his breathing even out, blinking up at the ceiling of the storage shack they'd fallen into. This was not how she remembered. It had never felt…as…the way Mal had touched her was…
Her thoughts were in a jumble and the only thing she was certain of was that they'd crossed a line and she wasn't sure what to do- if there was anything to do. She wasn't sure of the thoughts in her head because right then it was her body doing all the talking. The feel of him still inside her and his skin…Thaïs could feel every inch of herself still hot from Mal's touch, her legs still wrapped around him. A craving started in her belly, a craving for more of what she'd just experienced with Mal and that's what brought reality crashing down around her.
It was Mal, the Capt. and she'd brazenly spread her legs for him a third time, without the excuse of being drugged… or had it still-. Thaïs bit her lip knowing she'd done it because she'd wanted to feel more, wanted not to think, to forget and Mal had done that for her. His hands, his mouth, his body… he'd given her a reprieve from reality.
From who she was…
Her eyes stung and she squeezed them tightly not wanting to cry.
She couldn't.
The crates were stacked, the supplies put away and there was still no sign of the Capt. or pilot. Zoë stared into the dark night, her brow creased with worry. It wasn't like the Capt. not to call in, check on his boat. It was more likely that something was wrong only she couldn't go in and rescue him as she normally would have done. She clasped both hands over her belly rubbing in slow circles as she turned to Jayne.
"You're going to look for them."
Jayne made a face but nodded. After all, he was the only hand available on Serenity because it wasn't like the Doc was gonna be any help. Aside from Zoë the only other capable hand, aside form himself and the Capt. would be Thaïs and the girl was out with Mal.
"Maybe we should wait some more." Jayne proposed. "The girl's about as- uh, she can take of herself." He amended realizing Zoë might not like him saying she was scary sometimes. Not that he wanted to admit that's what he thought of Zoë.
"You're going." Zoë scowled.
"Can I go?" Jabéz asked. He'd been off the boat a handful of times since arriving and it was getting claustrophobic. Both adults turned to the cat walk answering with a firm 'No' at the same time. Jayne turned to Zoë frowning but didn't say a word. He didn't want his son running around town, not when they couldn't be sure if they were safe.
"Alright, let me get-."
"Not Vera." Zoë ordered following him to the catwalk. "You don't need an arsenal to go looking for the Capt."
"Are we talking about Mal?" Jayne questioned half turning towards her and wondering if the pregnancy had damaged her brain somehow. Because the Mal he knew was always getting shot or hit or just… Hell, Mal just found trouble and that was why Jabéz wasn't going anywhere off Serenity. At least not until Jayne got him a little trained.
"Right." Zoë agreed. "Maybe a couple grenades." She conceded.
Jayne grinned thinking that was more like it.
"Not a word." Thaïs said as she slipped her shirt over her head immediately grabbing her boot. She did her best not to look at him, for once not bothering to push her hair out of her face as she slipped her other boot on. "We don't mention this-it never happened." That was all she could think of- all she'd let herself think about. Even if she still wasn't satisfied, even though her body was quivering-demanding more of the same-
"Thaïs," Mal began, already picturing the reactions of his crew when they found out what he'd done. "We need to talk about this." Because he didn't like this feeling starting in the pit of his stomach, a knot of guilt for taking her the way he had. Then again, he wasn't exactly sated and watching her dress-
"We really don't." Thaïs answered grabbing her gun belt and buckling it but her fingers fumbled with the loop. She blinked the grittiness from her eyes, refusing to even think about crying. She'd willingly participated, had enjoyed- Thaïs couldn't pretend she hadn't been willing, that she'd liked-. Hell, she'd almost begged him to take her a fourth time.
"We aren't pretending I didn't- that we didn't just-diu…" he was stammering like a fool and she wasn't looking at him. She wasn't letting him anywhere near- not that Mal blamed her because he felt like a- a- perverted old man trying to feel up a pretty girl. Only he'd done a lot more than that and thinking about where his mouth had been and- he fisted his hands to keep them from reaching out for her again. He still wanted her and she wouldn't turn him away, not now when they were feeling like-
"That's what I want." Thaïs snapped glaring at him. Anger, she had to let her anger take over, to erase everything else. "Not to think about it, not mention it- go on, we don't want to insult that dà féi zhū! Wouldn't want to hurt a budding business partnership." She grabbed her coat off the ground snapping it to get dust off the black material, quoting him. "I'm a gāi sǐ de shǎ guā, is what! Listening to you-you- you're constantly getting in trouble." She accused slipping her arm through a sleeve and reaching for the door handle at the same time. She got tangled up, unable to get the door open until she shoved her arm through. Thaïs quickly pulled her coat on and yanked on the door.
"Thaïs," Mal reached for her arm and at the last moment pushed the door closed instead with Thaïs staring intently at the rusted metal. Mal knew he was standing too close to her, he could see she was tense, her shoulders slightly hunched in. Gone was the façade of confident officer and she stood there, just a confused young woman… Her long hair was tangled, partly stuck in her coat and he reached to pull it out.
Thaïs flinched but didn't pull away from him. Just a simple touch and she wanted to turn around, let his hand run through her hair and cup around her chin… she clenched her jaw and remained stiff, ordering her body to comply with what her mind was telling it to do.
Mal wanted to take her silence and lack of movement as a good sign. She was angry and he didn't blame her. Most women weren't as dismissive about sex as a man and it was clear Thaïs was one of those women. She was not as cold or uncaring as she had made them think. He felt his gut clench, he'd taken her and she'd responded but how much of it had been really her? How much of the experience had been because of the XORA…
"It isn't going away just because we want to pretend this didn't happen." He drew in a breath, feeling his own guilt in the matter while he trailed his fingers in the length of inky locks down her back. The silky feel of it drew him a step closer to her, his hand trailing down her back. Mal stopped himself from leaning into her, forced his hand not to cross any lower than her waist. He'd never pretended to be anything other than he was but he wouldn't take advantage of a woman- not like this only…hadn't he proven he could and would do that? At least Thaïs had a valid reason for her behavior. Mal wondered what this would do to her. Would she be able to surpass the urges of her body? How much harder would it be for Thaïs to be in close quarters with him now that he'd-.
"I don't- I'm not…proud of myself. I wouldn't…" but he did, a few times and there was no going back, no changing what was. Thaïs didn't say a word, nothing though she didn't need to. Mal knew she'd felt…something, other than what she'd experienced before, had seen it clearly written on her face and that would have to be enough. He wouldn't force her to re-live this night if that's what she wanted. He could give her that much.
Mal stepped back, letting his hands drop from the door and her waist. Thaïs wasted no time in getting it open. She walked, buttoning her coat so he wouldn't stare at her bouncing chest. Part of her clothes had been left behind and she wasn't going to think about his missing buttons. She clenched her jaw as she thought of what they'd just done and how much she'd liked it. Yes, that was it right there. That was the problem, she enjoyed it, liked him touching her and she wanted to turn back, to have him inside her again, filling her up until she burst…
Mal followed her into the street glancing up at the sky which was too dark. He cursed under his breath knowing his crew was going to be asking questions, wanting to know where they'd been, what had happened…
"Děng dài. I said wait!" he ordered raising his voice when she didn't slow her pace.
"I am not talking-."
"That's not what-." Mal drew in a breath running a hand through his messy hair. "There's gonna be questions-."
"We found a bar and you joined a game. Lost track of the time. Good enough?" Thaïs questioned, she had trouble meeting his eyes so she stared at his forehead instead. It barely helped, there were brown strands still damp clinging to his forehead. She felt her hand start to reach up and forced them into fists. She had to stop looking at him, ignore the way he was looking at her, stop wanting to go back to that dark room and ask him to take her again, to feel his hands run over her skin-
'Stop it!' she ordered but it wasn't easy to do. She was all twisted into a knot and having him so close she could smell him, the scent of his skin-leather, gunpowder and…just…him… It was driving her nuts trying to stamp down her desire and focus on the even breaths she'd tried to take.
Mal frowned, when had she had time to come up with a story? And was he at all upset that she had? Watching her, Mal didn't miss the flicker of desire in the violet eyes or the flash of panic that quickly replaced it. He found himself wanting for her to reach out to him-
"Good." Thaïs turned and started walking again, not giving him a chance to see how badly she wanted him again or to protest her story. She sorta got the idea he didn't mind, didn't want to tell his crew what they'd done anymore than she did. Thaïs thought Simon might take offense only because he'd known her as a child, because they'd played and gotten in trouble… He was too much the uptight Alliance boy, well mannered and groomed. And what about Apollo? He'd been raised just the same…only he'd been nothing like Simon. Simon, who had always taken the big brother role-
The first thing she was going to do once they were back on Serenity was take a long shower. She wasn't going to think about any man and she certainly wasn't coming out of her bunk-
'And who's going to fly?'
She glared at the road in front of her thinking it couldn't be that easy. It was never that easy-
"Where you been?"
Thaïs jumped, gun in hand before she even realized it.
"Jayne?" Mal questioned coming up beside Thaïs. His hand took hold of her wrist easily. Mal didn't resist the urge to run his thumb over her wrist…
"Well it aint the gorram tooth fairy." Jayne grumbled.
Thaïs jerk her arm away from Mal when he pressed his hand to lower her gun. She shivered just as a cold gust of air blew and the long waves got in her eyes. Jayne didn't remember Thaïs having her hair loose when she'd left with Mal. About the only time he'd seen her like that was when she'd flown them out of the asteroid field and during the withdrawal form the drug she'd been dosed with. Other wise her hair was neatly pinned up or in a braid.
"What are you doing? Is my boat alright?" Mal demanded while stamping down the sudden urges to touch his pilot. He started walking towards his boat ignoring the speculating gaze from the Merc and the glare from Thaïs.
"Course it is." Jayne replied turning back the way he'd come. "Zoë made me come looking for you." He complained. Thaïs stayed a few steps behind them, quickly pulling her hair into a braid. She heard Mal tell Jayne her story and the Merc bought it easily. Thaïs didn't think Zoë would but she wasn't planning on staying around to back him up.
