I woke up refreshed, stretching out on the narrow bed, I checked my computer and cursed. I took a nap but had slept for too long. Night had fallen and now, I was too alert to sleep. I padded out to the living area, looking for Ben but he wasn't there. I poured a glass of water and drank it quickly before walking out further into the temple. The darkness and silence was eerie but it suited my mood.

I explored quietly, padding on bare feet, holding my phone aloft. The small light illuminated the carvings on the walls and cast creepy shadows. I went further in and almost stumbled onto Ben sitting cross-legged in the center of the temple, his eyes closed in thought and his hands rested easily on his thighs. I didn't want to disturb him, so I turned to leave but he called my name. I paused.

"Don't leave, your presence is soothing." He said, his deep voice echoing in the chamber, sending shivers down my spine.

I scoffed, no one had ever claimed that my presence was anything more than nerve-wracking. "What are you doing?" my voice rang in the darkness.

"Meditating." Ben didn't even open his eyes.

Curious, I came closer. "For what?"

"Clearer thoughts."

"Is it working?"

At last, he opened his dark eyes. They melded seamlessly in the blackness around us. "No, since you're here."

I made a face at him and he grinned. Ben sobered and gestured at me to sit. I sat across from him crossing my legs on the cold floor. "I was thinking about you," he began.

I shifted uncomfortably, I had a feeling that this wasn't a conversation I was ready for. The cold didn't help stem the dread creeping through me. I looked around but there was nothing to see. We were surrounded by darkness, I had no choice but to look into his eyes. I searched for a quip, a biting comment, something to break the intensity. I was afraid of what he was going to say. I opened my mouth but nothing came to mind.

"No don't speak. I want to get this off of my mind. Artemis, you…confuse me." Ben struggled. "I'm not supposed to be attracted you. I'm a Sith, I'm supposed to be above earthly desires and I'm not allowed to let my emotions control me but they do. You control them. And I let you." Ben fisted his hands in frustration.

I held my breath at his admission. I finally understand his resistance to my efforts to control him. He was trying to deny his own frailty, his wants and desires, in that moment I feel his hatred. But also his desire, his adoration and it's all tangled up in a convoluted mess that's made him lash out since there is nowhere for the pent up frustration to go. So it build and builds as I push and push until Ben had no choice to explode. What else could I expect?

I bit my lip. I would have preferred an explosion of violence, not feelings that I might reciprocate. I shook my silver head. "I don't want to hear it. If you say it, everything will change," I whispered. I didn't want to hurt him but for the best of both of us, I needed to be strong and push him away. I readied myself to lash out but Ben mustered his courage and blurted out before I could begin.

"I adore you." He leaned forwards and pressed his lips against mine. It was awkward, I froze, caught between my heart and my mind. When I felt him falter and pull away, I turned my head, letting my hair fall between us in a curtain of silvery stars. "What do you want? I won't love you," I said coldly.

"I don't care," Ben said and I could feel his intensity behind my hair. "It's your decision." I paused. No one had ever given me that power. All they wanted was for me to follow their choices. For the first time, I could decide. I realized I was tired. Tired of being the paragon for everyone around me, basking in their fear, awe, and judgement. Tired of wondering what they would allow me, how an affair would affect my reputation. I swore that no one would look down upon me again. I would be above the rest, I would take what I want. And Ben was what I wanted.

Making my decision, I pushed my hands through his curls and drew him closer. I was going to have him. I kiss him and he returns it, all fervent and enthusiastic despite his inexperience in a way that leaves me breathless despite my jaded cynicism. I nip at his lower lip, encouraging him to part them. I slipped my tongue in caressing his while he halted in clear surprise at my actions. I flitted his tongue gently around his mouth, teasing, coaxing. Soon enough, he relaxed again and his tongue met mine. I flicked it idly, deepening the kiss yet further, and this time he responded in kind. He makes me feel like a girl again with nerves and butterflies.

His hands are reverential as he explored my body, trying to memorize the feel of my skin, the contours of my body forever. His mouth giving me only adoration. It was everything I wanted and more, transcendence and completeness. I wrapped my svelte arms around him and we stared at each other exchanging breaths and chaste kisses. It was everything and yet not enough all at the same time.

We broke apart breathing hard, staring at each other. He stood, pulling me flush against him. I wrapped my legs around his narrow waist and in a series of kisses and laughs, we somehow made it to the bedroom.

I was going to have no regrets. None at all.

Kicking the door closed behind him, Ben stripped out of his clothes quickly and divested me of my clothes slowly, one article at a time. I stood before him fully naked and he swallowed. I fought down the urge to tease him. He looked dazed but what else can I expect when he hasn't been with any other woman?

"You're beautiful," he breathed, his eyes huge and luminous in his flushed face. "So completely beautiful," it came out in a rush. He lowered his head and I could feel his tongue running like a hummingbird's wings over my nipple, sending those indefinable shafts of sensation shooting through my body and soul. I threw my head back and closed my eyes, enjoying his ministrations. He moved on to my other breast while palming the one he had previously attended to. I opened my opaline eyes and glare when he nipped me, mischief dancing in his ebon eyes.

I pushed him onto his back and straddled him. Ben's black eyes devoured me. His member was hard and throbbing behind me. I rolled my hips slowly, sensually and I felt his penis jump behind me. A surge of power swept through me. I could control this man so easily with my body. I should have done this forever ago.

"Now?" he whispered: a questioned prayer of acceptance.

"Now."

I slid slowly down upon him and Ben arched his back in such irreverent pleasure I was mildly surprised that he didn't cum right there. I rode him until his hips started shattering and he stuttered, pleading with me. We fit perfectly together, his girth stretching me out filling me so well, my eyes rolled back in pleasure. I moved faster and faster, the burn in my thighs complementing the pleasure flying though my body. I fingered my clit bringing myself to fulfillment as Ben's orgasm hit him and he cried out my name in perfect completion. I rode out my pleasure as it gripped my body so profoundly I wondered if I could survive it. Colored lights flitted in my vision and my muscles shook with exertion. I could never remember a climax lasting so long and deep. Maybe because I took a man's virginity so willingly given, it filled me with such ultimate pleasure. Opening my eyes as my orgasm resolved, I raked my hand across Ben's flushed chest hard enough to draw a few razor thin lines of blood while I squeezed my inner muscles and he squirmed from overstimulation.

"Why'd you do that?" he slurred.

I smirked down at him. "I'm marking you as mine. No one else can have you."