Chapter 3—Simone

SIMONE'S HEART RACED as she made her way through the colony's corridors, searching for Tiberius. The past two days had been a whirlwind of conflicting emotions since their unexpected kiss in the lab. At first, she had been elated, the spark between them finally igniting into something more tangible, but as the initial euphoria faded, doubt and uncertainty crept in, leaving her questioning the wisdom of pursuing a relationship with the commander of their mercenary force.

She had thrown herself into her work, burying her feelings beneath a mountain of research and experiments, but even as she pored over data and tinkered with biocircuits, her thoughts kept drifting back to Tiberius—the warmth of his lips against hers and the strength of his arms as he held her close. No matter how hard she tried to focus, she couldn't eliminate the memory of that moment.

Now, after two days of avoidance and internal struggle, Simone had come to a decision. She couldn't let fear and doubt dictate her actions. She needed to confront Tiberius and be honest about her feelings and reservations. It was the only way to move forward, whether that meant exploring their connection further or agreeing to maintain a professional distance.

As she rounded a corner, she spotted Tiberius emerging from the armory, his broad shoulders filling out his combat gear. Her stomach fluttered with nerves, but she squared her shoulders and quickened her pace to catch up with him.

"Tiberius, wait," she called out, her voice echoing in the empty corridor.

He turned, his dark eyes widening slightly as he saw her approaching. "Dr. Wiley. What can I do for you?"

Simone winced at the formal address, a stark reminder of the distance she had put between them over the past two days. She came to a stop before him, her hands fidgeting at her sides as she searched for the right words.

"I... I need to talk to you. About what happened in the lab."

His expression remained neutral, but she could see a flicker of something in his eyes—anticipation, perhaps, or apprehension. He nodded, gesturing for her to continue.

Simone took a deep breath, her heart slamming against her ribs. "I've been avoiding you," she said, the words tumbling out in a rush. "After we kissed, I didn't know how to face you. I was scared of what it meant, of how it might complicate things between us."

Tiberius's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing at the corners. "I noticed," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I figured you needed some space to process everything."

She nodded, relieved he understood even without her having to explain. It was one of the things she admired most about him—his ability to read her, to sense what she needed without her having to say a word.

"I did, but I realize now that avoiding you wasn't the answer. We need to talk about this, to figure out what it means for us."

He stepped closer, his presence filling her senses. She could feel the heat radiating off his body and smell the faint scent of gun oil and sweat that clung to his skin. It was intoxicating, and for a moment, she forgot what she had been about to say.

"I'm impressed," he said, his voice low and intimate. "It takes courage to confront something like this head-on."

Simone's cheeks warmed at the praise, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know about courage. More like necessity. I can't keep running from my feelings, no matter how scary they might be."

Tiberius reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against her cheek. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, and she leaned into his hand, savoring the contact.

"I'm glad you came to find me," he said softly. "I've been thinking about that kiss too. About what it could mean for us."

Her heart skipped a beat. "And what do you think it means?"

Tiberius's thumb traced the curve of her cheekbone, his eyes searching hers. "I think it means we have something special, something worth exploring, but only if you want to."

She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. There were a thousand reasons why pursuing a relationship with Tiberius was a bad idea—the power imbalance between them, the potential for distraction from their mission, and the risk of heartbreak if things went wrong—but standing there in that moment, with his hand on her face and his gaze locked on hers, none of those reasons seemed to matter. "I do want to. I'm scared of what it could mean, of how it might change things between us, but I can't deny what I feel for you."

His smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Then let's figure it out together," he said, his voice warm with promise. "One step at a time."

Simone nodded, a giddy laugh bubbling up in her throat. She felt lighter than she had in days, the weight of her doubts and fears lifting from her shoulders. "Agreed," she said, rising up on her toes to press a soft kiss to his lips.

As his arms encircled her, drawing her close, she pressed against him. They stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them fading away. When they finally pulled apart, she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face, mirroring the one on his.

"We should probably get back to work," she said reluctantly, glancing down the empty corridor. "People will start to wonder where we are."

Tiberius chuckled, his hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Let them wonder," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We have more important things to discuss."

Simone raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? Like what?"

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Like when I can take you out on a proper date," he said, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Somewhere away from prying eyes and colony business."

Simone's heart fluttered at the thought, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her. "I'd like that," she said softly, meeting his gaze. "Very much."

Tiberius grinned, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "Then it's a date," he said, his voice filled with promise. "I'll make the arrangements and let you know the details."

Simone nodded, excitement bubbling up inside her. "I can't wait," she said, her smile widening, "But for now, we really should get back to work. The colony won't run itself."

Tiberius sighed, a rueful chuckle escaping his lips. "You're right, as always," he said, reluctantly releasing her hand. "Duty calls."

Simone stepped back, already missing his touch, but there would be time for more later, for stolen moments and whispered promises. For now, they had a job to do. "I'll see you later," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "And, Tiberius? Thank you for understanding and being patient with me."

His expression softened, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Always," he said, the word like a vow.

With one last smile, she turned and headed back down the corridor, her steps lighter than they had been in days. She felt like she could take on the world, and that was a feeling worth holding onto, no matter what the future might bring.

The afternoon sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the shipyard, when Simone's comm device chimed with an incoming message from Tiberius, requesting her presence near the docking bays at dusk.

Anticipation and nervousness swirled within her as she hurried to make herself presentable. After freshening up and changing into a simple but flattering sundress, she made her way through the winding corridors, the occasional crew member or scientist offering a polite nod as she passed.

By the time she reached the shipyard, the sky had taken on a warm, amber hue, the twin moons just peeking over the horizon. Tiberius stood waiting beside a sleek, open-topped skid, his expression inscrutable as always. Yet Simone could detect a glimmer of something in his dark eyes—excitement, perhaps, or even a hint of nervousness to match her own.

"You look beautiful," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

Simone felt heat rise to her cheeks at the compliment. "Thank you," she said, suddenly self-conscious under his intense gaze. "Where are we going?"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Tiberius's mouth. "It's a surprise, but I promise, you'll enjoy it."

Curiosity piqued, Simone climbed into the passenger seat of the skid, inhaling the crisp evening air tinged with the scent of the planet's exotic flora. Tiberius slid into the driver's seat beside her, and with a gentle hum, the skid lifted off the ground, gliding smoothly out of the shipyard and into the dusky landscape beyond.

As they soared over rolling hills and winding rivers, Simone marveled at the breathtaking scenery unfolding before them. The twin moons cast a soft, ethereal glow over the terrain, illuminating the vibrant hues of the alien foliage and the shimmering waters below. She'd been here for months and hadn't taken time to really see anything outside her lab. "It's beautiful."

He took her hand, his calloused fingers intertwining with hers. "Wait until you see our destination," he said, his voice low and intimate.

A thrill of anticipation coursed through Simone at his words, and she leaned back in her seat, content to simply enjoy the journey and the company of the man beside her.

After a short flight, Tiberius guided the skid toward a secluded valley nestled between two towering mountain ranges. As they descended, Simone gasped, her eyes widening at the sight that greeted them.

The valley floor was a riot of color of exotic flora and fauna unlike anything she had ever seen. Towering crystalline trees glittered in the moonlight, their branches swaying gently in the evening breeze. Vibrant, bioluminescent flowers dotted the landscape, their petals unfurling in mesmerizing patterns, and in the distance, a shimmering lake reflected the celestial bodies above, its waters rippling with life.

"Echo Valley," said Tiberius, his voice filled with wonder. "One of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, and a designated conservation zone per your father."

Simone could only nod, rendered speechless by the sheer beauty that surrounded them. As the skid touched down on a grassy knoll, she stepped out, her feet sinking into the soft, moss-like ground. "It's... magnificent," she whispered, turning in a slow circle to take in every detail.

Tiberius moved to stand beside her, his presence warm and reassuring. "I thought you might appreciate a change of scenery," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "A chance to escape the confines of the colony, if only for a little while."

Simone met his gaze, her heart swelling with affection. "It's perfect," she said, reaching out to take his hand. "Thank you for bringing me here."

His thumb brushed over her knuckles, sending a shiver of pleasure through her. "There's more," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. He gestured toward a nearby clearing, where a blanket had been spread out with a small picnic basket resting atop it.

Simone laughed, delighted by the thoughtful gesture. "You really did think of everything, didn't you?"

Tiberius's lips curved into a rare, unguarded smile. "I wanted this evening to be special," he said, his voice low and intimate. "A chance for us to be together, away from the demands of the colony and our responsibilities."

Warmth bloomed in Simone's chest at his words, and she stepped closer, drawn to him like a moth to a flame. "It already is," she said, her free hand coming to rest against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

Tiberius's gaze smoldered, his arm snaking around her waist to pull her flush against him. For a moment, they simply stood there, bodies intertwined, the world around them fading into insignificance. Then, with a tenderness that belied his imposing stature, he cupped Simone's face in his hands and lowered his mouth to hers.

The kiss was a soft, unhurried, gentle exploration of lips and tongues. Simone melted into his embrace, her fingers tangling in the short hair at the nape of his neck as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

Desire unfurled within her, a slow burn that ignited every nerve ending. She had kissed Tiberius before, in the heat of the moment, but this was different. This was a promise, a declaration of something deeper and more profound than mere physical attraction.

As if sensing the shift, he deepened the kiss, his hands roaming the curves of her body with reverent exploration. She responded in kind, tracing her fingers over the hard planes of his chest and the rippling muscles of his back.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, they broke apart, foreheads resting together as they caught their breath. Her lips curved into a radiant smile. "That was..." she began, trailing off as words failed her.

He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "It sure was," he said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Perhaps we should take a moment to enjoy the picnic I've prepared."

She nodded, her cheeks flushed with desire and something more—a sense of rightness, of belonging, that she had never experienced before. As they settled onto the blanket, she leaned into Tiberius's side, savoring the solid warmth of his body against hers.

For a while, they simply sat in comfortable silence, sharing the food and drinks Tiberius had packed, their fingers occasionally brushing in a tantalizing caress. The moons climbed higher in the sky, bathing the valley in their ethereal glow, and Simone was utterly captivated by the beauty that surrounded them.

Yet as breathtaking as the scenery was, she found her gaze continually drawn back to Tiberius, taking in the sharp angles of his face and the intensity of his dark eyes. There was a vulnerability in his expression, a rawness that she had never seen before, and it stirred something deep within her—a need that could no longer be denied.

Slowly, almost unconsciously, she leaned in, her lips seeking his once more. Tiberius met her halfway, his kiss searing, consuming, and igniting a conflagration of desire that threatened to consume them both.

They tumbled to the ground, their bodies entwined, the passion between them burning brighter than the twin moons above. Tiberius's lips trailed a path of fire along her jawline, her throat, her collarbone, and Simone arched into him, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

His hands explored her body, mapping the contours of her curves with exquisite precision, and she writhed beneath him, desperate for more. She tugged at his shirt, realizing this was the first time she'd seen him without body armor, and she liked being this close to his flesh—soon to be bared to her with the removal of the thin T-shirt.

The fabric slid over his head, revealing a landscape of sculpted muscle and smooth skin that made her mouth go dry. She ran her hands over his chest, reveling in the feel of him and gently raking her nails across his nipples, drawing a low growl from deep in his throat.

He pulled her closer, his mouth claiming hers once more as his hands slipped inside her bodice, caressing her breasts through the thin fabric of her bra. She moaned, arching into him as his thumbs brushed against her hardened nipples, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her throbbing pussy.

She untied the sundress and let it pool at her waist so she could fumble with the clasp of her bra, eager to feel his bare skin against her own, and he helped her remove it, tossing the garment aside. His lips captured one of her nipples, sucking and teasing, and she cried out, bucking her hips against him as she sought friction for her aching center.

His teeth grazed her nipple, and she gasped, head falling back in ecstasy. He moved lower, trailing kisses down her stomach, and she trembled, on fire with need. "Please," she whispered, not even sure what she was asking for, but knowing she needed more.

He obliged, lifting her skirt ot her waist as his tongue darted out to taste her through the fabric of her panties, and she nearly came undone right then. She reached for him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she urged him on, and he chuckled, the sound vibrating against her most sensitive spot and making her whimper.

"So impatient."

He pulled back long enough to completely strip her, removing the sundress and her bra with slow, sensual movements until she lay before him in nothing but a pair of lacy panties. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet, she'd never felt more desired.

He gazed at her with such intensity that she might melt under the heat of his stare.

"You're so beautiful, Simone. I've wanted this since the moment I laid eyes on you."

She flushed, her heart pounding as he lowered his head, his tongue tracing a line of fire up her inner thigh. She shuddered, her hips rising to meet him, and he hooked his fingers in the waistband of her panties, pulling them down and exposing her slick folds.

He groaned, the sound sending a fresh wave of arousal through her, and she cried out as his tongue found her clit, swirling around the sensitive nub and driving her wild with pleasure. Her fingers tightened in his hair, holding him against her as he feasted on her pussy, licking and sucking until she was on the verge of coming apart.

Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body trembling as she teetered on the edge of release, and she begged him not to stop, her voice hoarse with desire. "Please, Tiberius, don't stop. I'm so close..."

He hummed against her, the vibration sending her over the edge, and she shattered, her orgasm crashing through her in waves of bliss. She called out his name, her body quaking with the force of her climax, and he continued to lap at her, drawing out her pleasure until she was spent.

When she finally came down from her high, she was boneless and sated, her limbs heavy with satisfaction. Tiberius looked up at her with a smug grin, his face glistening with her juices, and she laughed, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. "You look like you had a feast."

He smirked, leaning in to kiss her, and she tasted herself on his lips, the flavor heady and intoxicating. "I did, and I plan to do it again and again."

Simone shivered at the promise in his words, her body already responding to the thought of more pleasure. Hastily, she helped him disrobe until they were both completely nude. "I want your mouth over and over, but first..." She reached between them to stroke his cock. Her head cleared for a moment, and she asked, "May I scan you?"

He nodded his assent, and she initiated the scan with a discreet press of the button on her wrist comm. In seconds, it assured her he was healthy and astoundingly fertile. She giggled when she showed him. "It's a good thing I have a BioChip. Your sperm count—"

He growled, taking possession of her mouth with his again, kissing her deeply before pulling away. "There are better ways to use your mouth than talking about sperm count." His lips twitched.

She arched a brow. "I've never done that before, but I confess to some scientific curiosity." She squeezed his cock again, making him groan. "I haven't really done much of...this."

His smile was tender. "I thought that might be the case. You're a woman of brains, but I'm the one who unlocked your passionate side." He bent to kiss her again.

She put up a hand. "Do you want to scan me?"

"No, I trust you. I know you wouldn't lie to me like I'd never lie to you. I'm going to make love to you, Simone. I'm going to take my time and show you how a man should treat a woman. I'm going to worship every inch of your body and make you scream my name."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding at the intensity of his words. "Tiberius, I'm yours. I'm ready for whatever you want to give me."

He kissed her again, slowly and deeply, and she melted into him, her body aching for more. His cock was still in her hand, and she regretfully broke the kiss. "I want to taste you."

He groaned, letting her push him back onto the blanket. She knelt between his legs, taking a moment to admire the sight of his cock, hard and proud, waiting for her.

She licked her lips, then leaned forward to run her tongue along the length of his shaft. He shuddered, gripping the edges of the blanket, and she smiled. She wanted to drive him as crazy as he drove her. She swirled her tongue around the tip of his cock, tasting the salty sweetness of his precum. She moaned, taking more of him into her mouth, and he gasped, bucking his hips involuntarily.

It was definitely strange but not unpleasant. She rather liked it when he rolled his hips. At first, the scientist in her tried to analyze his reactions so she could hone her technique, but soon, she was lost in the sensations. She loved the feel of his cock in her mouth, the way he tasted, and the sounds he made. She sucked and licked, taking him deeper and deeper until his cock hit the back of her throat.

He cried out, his body tensing, and it was clear he was close. She pulled back, releasing his cock from her mouth. She looked down at him, her eyes blazing with desire. "I need you inside me, Tiberius. I can't wait any longer."

He sat up, grabbing her and pulling her into his lap. She straddled him, her thighs on either side of his, and she reached down to guide him into her. She sank down on his cock, taking him fully into her, and they both moaned at the sensation.

He kissed her as he began to move, thrusting up into her. She met his thrusts, her hips moving in perfect rhythm with his. They moved together, their bodies joined as one, and the pleasure was almost unbearable. She clung to him, digging her nails into his shoulders as she rode him, her cries of ecstasy echoing through the valley.

The sound of her voice must have been enough to send him over the edge, and he came with a shout, spilling himself deeply inside her. She followed seconds later, her orgasm crashing over her, and she collapsed against him, spent and sated.

Afterward, they laid together, bodies entwined on the blanket, their limbs intertwined, and hearts beating in perfect synchronicity. She traced idle patterns on his chest, her head pillowed against his shoulder as she savored the intimacy of the moment. "You were amazing."

Tiberius chuckled, the rumble reverberating through his chest. "So were you," he said, pressing a tender kiss to her brow. "Words seem inadequate."

Simone hummed her agreement, snuggling closer to his warmth. She felt utterly content, as though she had finally found the missing piece of herself, the part she hadn't even known was absent until Tiberius had come into her life.

As the moons continued their stately march across the heavens, Simone allowed her eyes to drift shut, secure in the knowledge that whatever the future might hold, she would face it with Tiberius by her side, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.