Chapter 8 – Nathan
CHAPTER 8
NATHAN
I went back for our clothes, and it only took a few minutes to pick out all the dead and stuck wasps. They weren't as big as I remembered, but damn if they didn't pack a punch with those stingers!
I clambered back to our makeshift campsite and gathered enough sticks and wood to make a fire next to a log where Emma sat, watching me work.
Jokingly, I knocked on the log. "Sounds nice and solid!" I inspected the end of the log. "No room for critters in this bad boy."
She was not amused at my comments and shot me a glare. "Too soon? Too soon..."
I set about getting a fire started and used my knife to shred the ends of two sticks to make us toothbrushes. Emma was not impressed.
There's a weird thing about one's appreciation of the present moment–it all depends on what came before it.
If you've been extremely poor, survived cancer, made it out of major surgery, been shot by a rifle round, had your legs blown off by a IED... wasp stings and foraging for food might feel like a walk in the park by comparison.
But if you've only ever known higher education, benefit from a supportive family, and are used to getting your nails done, well, wasp stings and foraging for food is no doubt a painful new low.
Emma's lucky this is as bad as it gets.
But at the same time, I respect that this isn't easy for her. How could it not be.
I refocused on carving a three-tipped spear out of a longer branch, hoping the roughly shaped trident would work on the small fish I spotted in the lagoon.
Just feed her, and she'll feel better...
I waded back into the pool, my growling stomach providing more than enough motivation to catch us both a meal.
I quickly made a fool of myself, missing fish after fish, my spear striking nothing but rocks. Each failed attempt splashed water everywhere, making me look more like a flailing octopus than a skilled hunter.
Finally, after an eternity of failed stabs, I managed to spear one of the small fish.
I turned to Emma, a victorious warrior with his catch, and lifted my spear in triumph with the fish wriggling on the end. “Behold, my mighty catch!” I declared, striking a pose like Poseidon with his glorious trident.
Emma didn’t notice my ridiculous pose or even hear me. She focused on the bites covering her legs, still causing her pain and causing her to wince as she inspected the puffy pink bumps on her legs.
Flittering fingers of light from the tropical sun filtered through the trees, illuminating her shoulder with golden sparkles. She let out a delicate sigh, looked into the distance, and rubbed at one of the bumps for relief.
Watching her sit there on the log, unaware of me taking her in, a wave of truth washed over me, like god himself was endowing me with wisdom from above.
This is the most beautiful woman I will ever meet.
I wish I could kiss each and every sting on her whole precious body to make her feel better. Nothing would make me happier than relieving her of those bites and any pain that may come her way.
A fish jumped beside me and made a delicate plop in the water beside me.
She pulled her attention to the sound and caught me ogling her, but I just continued to stare.
"What? They hurt!"
Realizing I should say something, I struggled to string together coherent words.
“Sorry...Looks like those things really did a number on you, eh?”
“Me?” She smiled, gesturing at me. “You have way more stings than I do, Slow-poke .”
I waded out of the water and made my way over to her with my catch. I glanced down at my torso, beads of water clinging to bright pink sting marks all over my goosebump-covered belly.
She reached out to my stomach when I got to her, softly brushing her fingertips over the sensitive marks left by those wretched insects. Her face showed empathy, as though she could feel the pain from the bites through her fingertips grazing my flesh.
“Guess you’re pretty fast when you’re motivated.” I chuckled.
“Bullshit.” She smiled. “You lagged behind on purpose to let me get away.”
“No, no... You're just that fast. I promise.”
I shrugged, and heat rushed to my cheeks. I wasn’t sure if it was because of her recognition of my attempt to slow the hornets down for her to escape, or if it was from her touching me. “It’s all in a day’s work, ma’am.”
She narrowed her eyes and pulled her hand away, cool air replacing the light warmth of her touch.
We laid our clothes by the fire to dry and nibbled at our small fish dinners, trading stories to pass the time as the sunset, somewhere far beyond the tree-covered walls around us, slowly changed our world a shade of pink, purple, and soon totally dark as we lost ourselves in conversation.
I went on and on about A-school with Jax, and she divulged ridiculous tales from her time attending college in Long Beach. It was both a lighter-hearted and deeper conversation than I'm used to with women.
Looking back, after so many failed attempts at relationships, I'd thought I was bad news for any lady who took a liking to me, so why let them get close?
Her musical laugh reverberated off the jungle canopy and firelight danced in her eyes.
I poked a stick into the fire to shift the burning embers.
“As soon as we get back to Puerto Rico, I’ll buy you a real cheeseburger.”
“That does sound good, but honestly, this isn’t bad.” She took a bite of fish and licked her fingers.
“You mean, it’s not terrible ?” I immediately felt stupid for calling back to what she’d said about our kiss. But she just smiled, and I melted inside a little more.
No matter how many times Jax told me I hadn’t met the right person, I never believed him… until now. I could feel all my walls crashing down and I was powerless to stop it.
“So what’s your favorite memory from one of your missions?” She set her rock plate aside. “You’ve been all over the world. It couldn't have all been bad. I bet you’ve seen some beautiful views and done some cool stuff that didn’t involve getting shot at.”
Taken a bit aback by the shift in topic to my service, I thought about her question a moment. “Uh, I don’t know...” I rubbed the back of my neck and then scrubbed my hand over my hair. I tried to recall a mission or thought that didn't involve violence, death, or sacrifice. Even if the backdrop for a mission was Paris and the Eifel Tower, we don't get sent into a situation to make tea and small talk.
“Getting shot at or not, I… I guess this would have to be close to the top of the list.”
She blushed a bit and said, "You liar." and threw the remains of one of her fish at me.
The fish hit my chest and fell onto my lap. I tossed it back into the water–nutrition for the next generation.
"No, seriously! I met a blonde carnival freak that was seven feet tall. I got my cardio in, running from those flying insects from hell. I got to have a dogfight of sorts with a MIG in the tropics. You know how many Cessnas have ever tussled with a freakin' MIG? It's gotta be one of the rarest things on earth. The guys back at base–they're not gonna believe it."
She shot me a look of skepticism, so I continued.
I furrowed my brows with as much sincerity as one ever could.
"... And I got to know you ..."
I’ve spent my entire adult life saving and killing people, but I couldn’t save myself from this.
The fire crackled as she scooted closer, her shoulder pressing against mine, our shared warmth flipping on every switch in my body.
Curling her fingers through mine, she leaned in, and her lips drew me in like a magnet once more. It took everything I had not to kiss her. My back went rigid as I sat up straight.
“Emma…” I sighed. “We can’t.”
She blinked and let go of my hand and I clenched my fists, hanging my head.
“I get that it’s been a while, but have I really gotten this bad at reading the vibe?” She scooted away, tucking her elbows in as if trying to make herself small.
“No!” My eyes widened. “It’s not that. I mean, I want to… I really want to.”
“I don't get you, Nathan. You're hot–then you're colder than ice. I can't take...”
“Because I promised your brother.” I let out a heavy exhale and stood up, pacing to the other side of the fire. I crossed my arms. “I promised Jax that I wouldn’t…” I made an indistinct gesture, sweeping my hand in a circle in her direction. "...touch his little sister with my horn-dog hands and ruin her with my..."
“What?” She laughed. “Wait… Are you serious?”
I raised my eyebrows and bit my lip, shrugging.
She got up and walked around the fire to face me.
Let me just make sure I’m understanding this right.” She touched her temple as if fighting off the worst headache of her life. “The reason you’ve been running hot and cold on me is that my brother made you promise we wouldn’t get it on?”
“Yes! No. Well, I promised I wouldn't even touch you, much less, um. That . And a promise is a promise.”
I scratched the mosquito bite on the back of my neck and looked at the ground.
Emma stood up and practically got in my face.
“Nathan.”
She slapped her hands to the sides of my face, forcing me to look her in the eye.
“I’m a grown-ass adult, and so are you. Jax doesn’t get to determine what I have for lunch, where I live, and he most definitely has zero – zeeeeero – say in who I let do much more than just touch me with their hands.”
“He’s right, though,” I said under my breath, taking her hands away from my face. “I’m not proud of it, but I’m kind of a… shitty guy… at least when it comes to – I mean I’m not exactly boyfriend material.”
She put her arms around my neck and her warm lips covered mine. Her body pressed against me as she kissed me fiercely, the damp fabric of her bra against my chest.
She released me from her firm kiss before I could even really kiss her back, but the twinge in my underwear sure knew what was going on.
“Right or wrong…” She said quietly but firmly, “I’m allowed to make my own mistakes.”
“Emma,” I whispered against her lips. “I don’t want to hurt you. And I can't lose my closest friend.”
She frowned up at me, shaking her head softly as she ran her hands through my hair. “You won’t.”
God, I’m going to regret this… Caressing her cheek, I let myself drown in her eyes for a moment longer before placing a soft kiss on her forehead and backing away. I’m sorry.
Despite my every effort to stop this before things got any further, the twinge down below grew stronger, and I was pretty close to having to hide a boner from her.
She exhaled a disappointed sigh, circling around the other side of the fire to sit on the log. Plopping her elbows on her knees, she buried her face in her hands and slowly shook her head.
Taking an unsteady breath, I walked over and sat beside her on the log, relieved she didn't shoo me away and hoped my erection would get on the same page.
“What did my brother say, exactly ?” She propped herself up on one elbow.
“I think it was something along the lines of, ' Keep your dirty playboy hands off my little sister, or your only true friend in this whole goddamn world will cut them off with a blunt object and force-feed them to you, you horndog bastard. Don't screw this up! It's called self-control! Not a finger on her, you hear! ' but with expletives. " I swallowed hard. "Many expletives."
The embers in her eyes smoldered as she stood up, turned to me, grasped my wrists, and placed my hands atop my head as though I was surrendering.
I cocked an eyebrow, wondering what the hell she was up to.
I took a breath to speak, to tell her to stop, that I was sorry for letting her down. But the words got hung up in my throat!
She plopped herself onto my lap, straddled me, and squeezed my hips with her knees for balance.
“Okay…” She nipped my bottom lip and grinded against the excitement in my boxer briefs. She pinched my nipples and angrily said, “No hands, then, sailor.” as she twisted them hard.
Fuuuuck me.
My already flimsy defenses shattered completely.
Abandoning any pretense of restraint, I gripped her ass with both hands, pulling her tightly against me. She let out a yip of excitement, wrapping her legs around me and arching her back.
Her hands cradled my face, and our breaths mingled as we leaned in for a deep kiss.
Just a whisper away, she paused, our lips barely apart, the anticipation beyond electric.
“So, what do you want?” She let out as she rocked against me.
I slid my hand from her ass up to the back of her bra.
"All of you, Emma. Every bit I can taste." I kissed her deeply, her tongue meeting mine as she ran her fingers into the back of my hair. I want all of you.
I pulled her bra away from her perky tits, down her silky arms, and tossed them by our clothing pile by the fire, releasing her delicious breasts that have been begging me to palm them since we first met.
My heart raced like I was in a firefight and I must admit, the feel of Emma against me sent my heart practically bursting out of my chest. Distracted, no doubt from the blood racing away from my brain and somewhere more vital, I lost my balance, and Emma let out a "Whooop!" as we almost toppled backward off the log!
Deciding we needed to be a bit more grounded for this, I cradled her backside and slid forward off the log, landing my butt firmly in the sand and pebbles below. Feeling safe from falling now, we reconnected our plump lips, and my god, if this isn't heaven–I don't know what is.
She ground against my underwear again, and I took the hint.
I braced her back with my hand and tilted her back, resting her as softly as I could on the sand. She giggled, no doubt at the absurdity–not what we were doing, but where we were doing it; outside, under twinkling stars, the only dim flicker of light coming from our needing-to-be-stoaked fire.
"This is crazy," she said with a big, beautiful smile.
"I know, right? So glad we splurged for a nice airbnb this time."
She laughed at me and I kissed her deeply before she could say another word.
Deciding we were way beyond baby steps, I grazed my hand down to her panties and felt her wetness soaking through them. She writhed against my hand, letting out an "hmmmmmm" with my touch. But instead of ripping her panties aside to explore further, I brought my wet fingers to her breasts, coated her nipple with her own moisture, and was greeted with a nipple that firmed up immediately as the moisture cooled her.
I cupped her breast and warmed her firm nub with my lips and tongue, biting just a smidge to let her know she wasn't the only one who could do a little teasing with pain.
She inhaled and shuttered a bit as she ran her fingers through my hair and grasped the back of my head. I sucked her nipple lightly, enjoying the taste of her... on her, flicking my tongue around and over the rosy peak of her nipple until the throb and an ache between my legs reminded me we had so much more to enjoy.
I sat up and she gazed at me, her eyes flickering gold from the fire as she bit her lip and pushed against her nipple with her hand as if to calm it down. She raised an eyebrow and looked at my underwear, my dick throbbing in anticipation, barely contained behind the thin fabric.
There are few rules to love-making; get consent, don't leave marks where a boss might see them, etc. But, I live by one in particular–you've gotta get yours before I get mine.
Looking down at her, I licked my lips, tasting her salty sweetness once more. I pulled down my underwear a few inches, releasing my erection from its fabric prison, and stroked myself so she could prepare herself for what would come shortly.
My mouth watered as I dipped my head down to taste the tender blossom below her pelvic mound. She gasped as my tongue delved down into the outer crease, exploring and unfolding each petal like a puzzle.
Her essence was sweet and tangy, almost floral, as I nestled my head between her thighs, slipping my fingers into the tight slick opening. Her hips rolled in a circle as she arched her back and her body opened to me, not just accepting, but begging for more.
I absolutely worshiped Emma's pussy, licking and sucking, pleased that the swell of a fleshy pearl had already surfaced to greet my tongue.
“Don’t stop, Nathaaahhhhn. Oh, God…” Her nails raked through my hair over the crown of my head as she lifted her hips toward my open jaws. “Nathan, please.”
I toyed with her, bringing her to the edge of paradise before slowing to the rhythm of the crackling fire. Her breath hitched, causing her breasts to bounce, driving me crazy as I took my time, drawing out as much pleasure from her as I could.
“Stop… torturing me.” She rocked her legs back and caressed the breast I was giving so much attention. “Please.”
I don't know what came over me, but I trusted my gut.
I didnt' finish her, but left her on the edge of the abyss, a hair's width away from orgasm.
Licking my lips, I used the heel of my hand to wipe the silky liquid from my chin, and rubbed it across my cock.
The warm orange glow of the flames licked her curves as I crawled on top of her, and she pulled me into another ravenous kiss.
The head of my member found the sleek velvety entrance to the well of her body and I pressed gently. Her thighs shook as the tight passage stretched to accommodate my girth. Warm… and wet.
I scooped one arm under the small of her back, and I swear, it felt like Emma's pussy sucked me in.
I thrust deeper and deeper, brushing my lips over hers with every motion. “Kiss me when you finish, Emma.”
Not a second more and her lips collided with mine as she practically pulled the hair from my head.
Through heavy breathing, she tried to suppress a moan as we were kissing, and Emma lost all control. Sweat trickled down my forehead and back as I struggled to restrain my own climax.
Her shoulders shuddered upward and she both gushed and clenched around my shaft. “I’m… I’m…mmmm” She bit my bottom lip as her limbs went rigid, and she let out a deep moan as she shook beneath me.
God, yes!
I could tell she was almost to the end of her tingly trip to paradise, but I greedily wanted more out of her.
I drove myself into her harder and faster. She let go of my lip, tilted her head backward, and arched her back. Her chest rose to meet mine, and she gripped my arms as I shook her whole body with each thrust, her breasts heaving and falling in a circular motion that grazed my chest over and over.
Her nails dug into my arms and her eyes rolled back. She shuttered a second time, and I finally felt satisfied.
Tipping myself over the edge, I pulled out just in time to cover her belly and breasts in hot milky ribbons of my pleasure.
She let go of my arm and took me into her hand, stroking and working out the last few beats of my orgasm, my whole body shuddering with each pump of her grip.
Even in the heat of the moment, I wished I could have waited. If I’d been a stronger man, I would have talked to Jax, man to man, and told him that I would do right by his sister. This wasn’t some random hookup for the sake of distracting me from the fact that I had an empty fucking life. No… Emma was more than that. And she made me want more.
Emma pulled her drenched hand to her pussy, rubbed herself for a second, looked me straight in the eye, and licked our sex juices off her first finger.
She blinked slowly at me and smirked.
"Tastes like us ." she purred, gesturing toward my mouth with her wet middle finger.
I accepted her gesture, parted my lips, and the salty sweet taste of us both hit my tongue.
I closed my lips around her finger and she slowly pulled her finger out. "Tastes like us." I replied.
As she reached up with her head to kiss me once more, a little voice inside made me wonder if I've ever really fucked before.
I sat up and reached over for my tee shirt that was almost dry from the heat of the fire and wiped her off with the warm cloth. Collapsing beside her in the sand, I let out a deep breath into the cooling night air.
“That was...” She panted, curling up with her head on my shoulder and draping her arm over my lightly heaving chest, “I mean, I didn’t know you were gonna turn it into an Olympic event.” Drawing circles with her finger around my nipple, she kissed my pec. “I would have brought a trophy with your name on it.”
I chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Pretty sure we'd both get medals for that one, Emma.”
With Emma naked and pressed against me, I could smell her hair, a tantalizing mix of her natural scent and the fresh, earthy aroma of the forest around us. It mingled with the musk of our sweat, a reminder of the intensity and urgency of our escape and the fire burning beside us. Her hair tickled my face, soft and slightly damp, carrying a faint hint of pine and rain.
The forest’s rich scent enveloped us, grounding the moment in nature’s embrace. The air was thick with the smell of damp leaves and moss, the distant scent of wildflowers, and the sharp tang of tree bark.
I could feel the heat radiating from her, blending with the warmth of my own skin. The sensation of our slick, sweaty skin sliding against each other added to the raw, primal feeling of the moment. Her breath was hot against my cheek, and I could feel each of her exhales against my bare skin, sending shivers down my spine.
The forest seemed to close in around us, the tall trees standing as silent witnesses to our passion. Sand and pebbles beneath us dug into my back, a stark contrast to the softness of her curves and the smoothness of her skin.
The tension in Emma slowly eased, and with light tremble, she drifted to sleep.
Emotions swirled inside me, but there were too many to identify the main one.
Leaving consciousness behind, I fell entirely into darkness, my last thought an unanswerable question; Is this moment drawing a line in my life? Before we made love...a nd what came after.