Please be aware that contents of this chapter may be deemed M rated

Fifty Eight

A current of electricity coursed through her body, her skin melting beneath his touch. She became aware of his need pressing uncomfortably against her thigh and smiled.

She held his head in her hands, his brown skin glistening with anticipation. His breath quickened as he lent forward and captured her lips with his own. Tentatively he pushed his tongue into her mouth, and secretly hoped he hadn't overstepped a mark.

She pulled away slightly, running her index finger across his cheek and then lightly along his lips. He closed his eyes as his mind swayed with possibilities, his lips hovering over the tip of her finger.

A low grown escaped his throat as she slipped it into his mouth which he accepted hungrily. A sound of need escaped from the woman, it only fueled his desire further as he flicked his head back, removing her finger and molded his mouth back over hers.

He was completely undone by her touch.

He pushed her back into the couch and pulled her top over her head, revealing her milky white breasts. He stopped, mesmerised at their proximity to his face. She giggled at his attentiveness.

They were better than he ever imagined.

Instinctively, he moved a hand up and cupped one, running his thumb intimately over the taunt skin. He felt his need almost explode as a small cry of pleasure left her lips.

He was set on the edge.

Their mouths locked, frantically pushing and nipping, tongues intermingled as the need for satisfaction took precedence.

She was under him completely, his size and weight only enhancing the fierce lust consuming her.

He continued to kiss and nuzzle down her neck to her chest where he boldly took her into his mouth, she immediately arched her back as the sensation of his tongue against her. She wound her hands around his head, holding him hard against her chest, forcing herself further into his mouth.

Her body pushed back hard into the cushions as his mouth trailed down her chest, stopping at her stomach.

He wanted to continue.

He quickly glanced upwards and caught her eyes, heavy and damp with desire.

She groaned as he resumed the mission, his mouth continually exploring every inch of her body until she finally felt his warm breath penetrate her intimately, followed quickly by his tongue.

His strong, capable hands held her up to him as he continued, completely lost in his own aching desire.

He was ruthless, just as he was on the battlefield.

A cry.

Quickly he changed tactics.

It didn't take long.

He was in the zone, the foreplay followed by pleasuring her, his aphrodisiac.

He breathed hard against her neck, sweat soaked his entire body.

He waited for his breath to return and moving aside to give her some room he shyly looked up from under his eyes, "Elin, I – ,"

"Shh, Hardcase, just rest for a minute."

"Thank you," he whispered, his head enmeshed in her yellow hair at her shoulder.

#

"See this one here, this discharges about twenty rounds before we need to change the power supply."

"Cody!"

"Yes?" The Commander smiled innocently at Niki and stood carefully placing the weapon back into his holster. "The safety locks on Nik."

She tilted her head and gave him one of 'those looks,' one he took to mean 'that's enough,' and he laughed, the deep sound making her smile in return.

"Come on Piers, time for bed," he said lifting the boy up and over a shoulder, his legs flapping wildly under his arm. Piers giggled and let Cody carry him into his bedroom.

Niki waited twenty minutes. Quietly she peeped into her sons room, the sight bringing a lump to her throat. On the small bed Cody lay, fast asleep with her son lying in the crook of his arm.

She walked over and shook him gently, "Codes," she whispered, "Cody," a little louder.

His eyes popped open startled, quickly scanning the room.

"Hey, you coming out or spending the night in here?"

He lifted Piers off him and onto his own pillow, pulling the blanket up, and followed her out of the room.

"He looks good Nik."

"Every day I thank the stars for Padawan Offee."

"Every day I thank the stars for you," he said as he swung her into him, holding her tight against his black bodysuit.

"Can you stay a little longer?"

"That depends on what you have in mind," he grunted as he lifted her up over his shoulder like her son and walked effortlessly into her bedroom, slapping her behind as he went.

"Cody!" Niki giggled.

#

Rex could feel her legs wrapped tight around his hips.

"Gem, you gotta give me some room to move." They had always been a good match sexually. She had been quick to learn and keep up with his incessant need for fulfillment.

He moved out of her slightly and ran his hand down her right thigh, and in one swift move, he dipped low and threw the slender limb over his shoulder.

Gem had never felt so alive. He would take control again.

Both exhausted and breathing hard on the bed, she turned over to face him. Her eyes half closed in satisfaction, he commented, "there's something different about you Gem."

This was it.

"Rex, I have - "

Beep, beep, beep.

Rex rolled and grabbed his wrist comm.

His voice changed, became deeper and more serious.

"Copy that General. See you in Hanger Bay Two for the debriefing."

"Osik!" he moved out of their nest in one fluid movement, talking on the comm, calling in the men as she heard the refresher turn on.

" – something to say," Gem finished the sentence alone in her bed.

#

Hardcase sauntered into the barracks and down the corridor into his quarters. Men were scrambling along the length, diving past him as he continued towards his room.

"Hey big guy," he heard a brother yell from behind. Hardcase turned and saw his scarred brother staring in front of him, "you're late," he said, a slow smile creeping across his face. Chopper nodded and turned, casually slinging his deece over his left arm as he went.

It was 0400 hours.

Jesse looked up at his best friend as he continued to pack his bag.

"Hey ner vod, where you been?" He looked up anxious.

Hardcase just stopped, raised an arm in victory and flashed an enormous, familiar smile.

They all knew that look.

"No way," Jesse sprung up off his bunk, dropping his kit and headed towards him. He grabbed his brothers shoulders and shook them hard, "you didn't?"

"I did."

Kix swung around at the depth of his brother's voice. He sounded different, less earnest and now for the first time, more mature.

Hardcase let out a satisfied sigh, "I can die happy now," he stated simply as Jesse slapped him hard on the shoulder, clasping his right hand in his.

"You can tell us all about it enroute."

"Where they sending us this time?" Hardcase looked around at Kix.

"Umbara ner vod. Umbara."

#

People like us - we don't

need that much, just some -

One that starts

Starts the spark in our bonfire hearts[4]

#

[4] Bonfire Heart. James Blunt. Moon Landing (2013)