Riff held me tighter than even Frank had, crushing me in his arms. I could hear his breathing, ragged and irregular. His heart and mine pounded together in unison, so loud I was afraid Frank would here and come back to investigate. He stroked my hair, comforting himself, more than me. I brought his hand to my mouth, kissing it, sucking on his fingers, licking his palms. I was trying to postpone the question I knew was coming.

"I thought you were in with Frank, Magenta. How did he get in here so quickly?"

"Riff," I responded, "I never did go to Frank. I went into the control room to change the location of our landing. I was feeling exited, and mischievous."

"Mischievous?? You were feeling MISCHIEVOUS?? How could you be so careless, Magenta? How could you be so stupid? Look what you got us into, you bitch!"

"Us??" I was confused, and angry. "You weren't the one who had a laser pointed down your throat. You're not the one who has to lie with someone you don't love. Someone who's...not...you, Riff..."

I fell back on to Riff, my breath now as ragged as his. He held me for a moment, his finger brushing against my cheek, my lips. I again let his finger enter my mouth, sucking lightly on it. Suddenly, he pushed me roughly on the bed. At first I thought he was still angry, but then I saw the passion in his eyes. He gently sat down on the bed next to me. He slowly lifted my dress over my head, kissing every inch of skin as it was revealed. He took off my undergarments, and then pushed me softly so I was lying down on the bed. He sat beside me now, still fully clothed. He ran his hands up and down my body, stimulating each nerve. I closed my eyes, and a soft sigh welled up in my throat. I edged towards him as much as I could. He stroked my breasts, my stomach, thighs and legs. I could feel the fire light inside of me.

He leaned his head now down towards my face, and looked me deeply in the eye. "I won't let him do anything to you, Magenta, my sister," he whispered, "He won't ever hurt you."

Now, finally, he lay down beside me, and finally he discarded his clothing. Oh, sweet love, how can you hurt me so? Why must this be so painful? You are my soul mate, why does all pain I feel come from you? I would much prefer the fear that Frank caused to the burning pain, so sweetly excruciating, that Riff had kindled inside me. Yet, I could not leave it. It was both the best and worst thing in my world.