10. Alyssa

CHAPTER 10

ALYSSA

" I believe my rehabilitation is complete," Raaj says as I walk up to him.

I feel a mix of excitement and sadness wash over me as Raaj's words sink in. My heart skips a beat, torn between joy for his recovery and the realization that our time together might be coming to an end.

"That's... that's wonderful, Raaj," I manage, trying to keep my voice steady. "You've made incredible progress. How do you feel?"

Raaj's eyes meet mine, a warmth in them that makes my breath catch. "Better than I have in a long time, thanks to you."

I can't help but smile, even as a pang of longing hits me. "I'm glad I could help. But, you know, there's still more we could work on. Your flexibility, for instance..."

"Always the dedicated therapist," Raaj chuckles, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

"Speaking of which," I say, seizing an opportunity, "I've been meaning to ask. Have you ever tried Fanged Fighting?"

Raaj's eyebrows shoot up. "You know about Fanged Fighting?"

I nod, a hint of pride in my voice. "I picked it up in school. It's an amazing workout, and the discipline is incredible."

"I'm impressed," Raaj says, a new spark of interest in his eyes. "I've practiced it myself."

An idea strikes me. "We should spar sometime. It could be great for your rehab, and... well, it'd be fun."

Raaj grins, a challenging glint in his eye. "You're on. But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're my therapist."

I laugh, feeling a thrill of excitement. "Wouldn't dream of it. How about this afternoon? We can use the training room in the east wing."

"Perfect," Raaj agrees. "I look forward to seeing what you've got."

As we part ways, I can't help but feel like I've broken through another of Raaj's barriers. The prospect of sparring with him, of sharing something we both enjoy, fills me with a warmth I can't quite explain.

The air in the rehabilitation center's mock cave is thick with humidity, the heat designed to mimic the natural environment of Vakutan. Sweat beads on my skin, the thin, traditional garb clinging to me like a second skin, accentuating the curve of hip and breast in a way that feels both empowering and vulnerable. I watch Raaj across from me, his own attire barely containing the coiled strength beneath. His eyes meet mine, a smoldering challenge reflected in their depths.

"Ready to get schooled?" I quip, adopting a fighting stance, my muscles taut and ready.

Raaj's lips twitch into a half-smile. "In your dreams."

We circle each other, the air charged with anticipation. The first move is mine, a swift kick that Raaj deflects with ease. He counters with a feint, then a jab, forcing me to dance back, our movements fluid and synchronized. The rhythm of our sparring is a dance, a conversation of bodies that speaks louder than words.

"Not bad," Raaj comments, his breath even despite the exertion.

I retort, "Just 'not bad'?" and launch myself at him with renewed vigor. Our limbs tangle, the slickness of our skin making grips precarious. We're both laughing now, the sound echoing off the cave walls, a testament to the joy of the fight.

Suddenly, I find myself pinned against the cave wall, Raaj's body pressing against mine. Our laughter dies, replaced by a different kind of tension. His gaze drops to my lips, and I'm suddenly aware of the heat of his body, the rapid beat of his heart matching my own.

"Alyssa..." he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that sends a shiver through me despite the heat.

I don't resist as he leans in, our mouths meeting in a fiery kiss that steals my breath away. It's a kiss born of adrenaline and attraction, a kiss that acknowledges the inevitable. Our hands roam, exploring the contours of each other's bodies, the thin fabric providing little barrier to our touch.

Raaj pulls back, his eyes searching mine. "Is this... are we okay to do this?"

I nod, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to stop."

With a groan, he claims my mouth once more, our bodies aligning perfectly as we give in to the desire that's been simmering between us. The world narrows to the feel of his skin against mine, the taste of his kiss, the urgency of our connection. The cave, once a place of training, becomes our sanctuary, a private universe where nothing exists but the two of us.

Our movements become more frenzied, the need for each other overriding all else. I can feel the hardness of him pressing against me, a tangible testament to his desire. Raaj's hands slip beneath the fabric of my attire, finding the heat at my core, and I gasp as his fingers deftly bring me to the brink.

"Raaj," I breathe, my body trembling with the force of my impending release.

"Let go, Alyssa," he whispers, and I do, my climax washing over me in waves, echoed by Raaj's own shuddering release moments later.

As our breathing slows and the world comes back into focus, I realize that everything has changed. There's no going back from this, no pretending that we're just a therapist and her patient. We're something else now, something deeper and infinitely more complex.

And as we dress in silence, the weight of what we've just done hangs in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the new path we've set ourselves upon.

I look up at Raaj and blink my eyes coyly.

"Would you like to come back to my place?" I ask. "Claim your prize for winning the match?"

He only growls as I take his hand in mine and lead him out of the caves.