9. Jade
9
JADE
Oh, God. Zeleck is going to kiss me. And I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.
My heart thumps in anticipation, my mouth suddenly dry. Time seems to stand still as he leans down, his head cocked at the perfect angle for our lips to meet.
Closer…closer… closer .
At the last second, I panic and pull away, my breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The profound disappointment on Zeleck’s face is like a knife to my heart.
He recovers first, his disappointment melting away as a determined glint sparkles in his eyes. “Now that the rogues are gone, we should begin our search.”
His voice is a soothing balm for my frayed nerves. “Right. Our search. Good idea.” I appreciate how he doesn’t turn the awkward moment into something totally weird.
“We need a way to clear the underbrush. The bits of Rakuium will be embedded in the soil underneath.” Zeleck takes the lead, his movements confident and sure as we find sturdy branches to use as makeshift tools.
Then, we get to work, taking frequent breaks for sips of water and bits of food.
The search is grueling, the humid air thick and heavy around us. Sweat trickles down my temples and my back aches from the repetitive effort of clearing a small area of ground, then digging for the elusive pieces of shiny black rock.
Despite the tedious work, there’s a comfortable energy between us as we work side-by-side toward our common goal. But, when hours pass with no sign of Rakuium, my initial eagerness wanes, replaced by a growing sense of discouragement.
My frustration peaks as the suns dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees. “We’re never going to find any Rakuium.”
Zeleck straightens, looking at me with a goofy grin. “You cannot be ready to give up so soon. What kind of quest would this be if it was completed with so little effort?”
I wouldn’t call our effort little , although his optimism is infectious. I manage a small smile. “You’re right. Maybe I’m just ready to give up for today. I’m not used to this kind of work, and Terrans don’t see well without adequate light.”
“There is a stream nearby where we can set up camp.” Zeleck points into the distance. “Would you like me to carry your pack?”
I hesitate only briefly before handing it over, since I’m still feeling the effects of the mead hangover. “Thanks.”
He leads the way through the forest, the soothing sounds of rustling leaves making me feel more and more tired. Thankfully, he was right about the stream being nearby. After a short walk, we arrive at a picturesque clearing next to the water, which looks more like a small river than a stream.
“We should fill our water containers.” Zeleck kneels by the water’s edge to fill his flask.
I glance at him, his golden scales shimmering in the fading light, and feel a flutter in my chest. I kneel beside him and fill my canteen.
“You can wash up first while I set up camp,” he says.
I agree with a nod, eager to wash away the dirt and grime from our sweaty day. Turning my back to him, I remove the holster from around my waist. Then I slip off my shirt, boots, and leggings, but leave on my underwear. Zeleck’s already seen me in my sports bra and panties, and I’m not quite ready to bathe bare in front of him.
The cooling air and even cooler water give me goosebumps, but I don’t let that deter me from getting clean. I use my hands to scrub my hair, face, and neck, then work down my body, using the friction of skin-on-skin to do the best I can without the homemade soap that’s used in the Rakui village.
Once I adjust to the temperature, the water seems refreshing against my skin. It feels good to wash away the dirt and some of the tension that's been building inside me. I take my time bathing, all too aware of Zeleck's occasional glances my way.
Sure, he’s setting up camp and building a fire. But he’s also keeping an eye on me. Is that for safety reasons or for reasons that are a bit more…voyeuristic? Makes me wonder what he’s thinking.
When I’m finished, I squeeze as much water out of my hair as possible while letting my body air-dry. Wet underwear isn’t ideal, so I quickly strip off my bra and panties and re-dress, my skin tingling from Zeleck's stolen glances as much as the cool air.
“Your turn.” I realize there’s only one bedroll next to the tire, making the tone of my voice is a little too bright.
I mean, it makes sense that two bedrolls wouldn’t fit in his pack…and I didn’t think to bring my own. And sleeping next to each other doesn’t mean we have to do more than just sleep.
Zeleck heads toward the water. “I will be quick, and then we can eat.”
After laying my bra and panties over a bush to dry, I sit beside the fire, using a stick to prod the wood just for something to do.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Zeleck kick off his boots, drop his loincloth, and untie the strip of leather he wears underneath it to keep his junk from flopping around.
Although I’m trying not to look, I can't stop myself from stealing glances at him, my curiosity getting the better of me. His body is a work of art, his muscles hard and strong. Even though I don’t get a good look, I can tell he's well-endowed. That thought makes a flush erupt over my cheeks, and I avert my gaze, hoping he doesn't notice I was looking.
Eventually, I sneak another peek. He moves with exaggerated movements and unnecessary flexing of his muscles, making me wonder if he knows I’m looking and is showing off. The thought should be a turnoff. But it gives me a thrill. I guess that makes me a voyeur, too.
I turn my attention back to the fire to avoid outright ogling, but it’s hard to shake the image of his muscled body from my mind.
Movement on the shore tells me Zeleck is getting dressed. But when he’s done, he doesn't move away from the water's edge.
“Is something wrong?” I call out.
He turns to me with a huge grin on his face. “No, Jay-duh. Something is very, very right.” He reaches down and picks something up from the shallow water, holding it up for me to see.
My excitement bubbles over. “You found a piece of Rakuium!”
Without thinking, I get up and race toward him, throwing my arms around his neck. My momentum catches him off guard, and he loses his balance. His arms instinctively wrap around me as he falls to the ground, and I land on top of him, my hands still around his neck.
Stunned by the fall and Zeleck’s discovery, we both lay there, tangled together. Then, the reality of our position sinks in, and I realize our faces are inches apart, his warm breath mingling with mine.
“You did it,” I say softly, my voice barely a whisper.
“ We did it,” Zeleck replies, his voice low and husky. The longing on his face is impossible to ignore.
Without over-thinking things, I press my lips to his, caught up in the rush of exhilaration and the feel of his hard body pressed against mine.
His response is immediate, his kiss so consuming it takes my breath away. His hands tighten around me, holding me tight. It’s like he can’t get close enough.
Fleetingly, it crosses my mind that Rakuis don’t know how to kiss…that he shouldn’t be this good at it…shouldn’t know how to use his lips and tongue to send me soaring. And yet, I’ve never been kissed like this before. Never felt this kind of intense physical connection with anyone.
Flashes of last night come to mind, how Zeleck took care of me and made me feel safe…and how I wanted to take him to bed. I thought it was the mead making me feel those things. Except I’m not drunk now and I feel the same things, only more .
The depth of my want becomes almost frightening in its intensity.
Until reality washes over me, and I remember my TEASE.
Are these fierce feelings I have for Zeleck even real?