Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

LILY

" D on't take another long break," Paloma warns when I stand up from the crate I use as a chair and neatly fold the pants I've been sewing.

"What do you mean?" I casually ask as I tuck my knife into my waistband. I take very few breaks during the day, and I make them super short, running to the women's latrine and back without stopping to talk to anyone or grab a snack. That way, when I take a little longer break mid-day, hopefully no one will notice or care. They don't know where I'm going, that I'm meeting up with Ryko.

But Paloma is sharp. She doesn't miss much. She's also discreet and not the nosey type. Just the same, I haven't told her about Ryko. He's my secret, one I wish I didn't need to keep. If I could, I'd shout to the world all about the wonderful guy I met. But my people—and his—would not react well.

"Yesterday, Owen came by looking for you after you took that vint's order. Not once, but three times, Lily."

Between dealing with Owen and the vint, I'm not sure which is worse. The vint, the same trouble-maker from weeks ago, placed an order for a harness and told me to use my body for the measurements. I don't plan on making anything for him, even if he pays in advance, which he didn't.

"Owen needs to mind his own business," I reply, not wanting to think about him, either. "How did you get rid of him?" I ask, out of caution. We need to keep our stories straight.

"I said you were having female troubles. That shut him up, but I'm sure he'll be back today. I guess smoking and playing cards off by the animal pens gets boring after a few hours."

"The men make afternoon rounds because that's when the sun makes the smells in that section rather ripe."

"The animals or the men's?" she asks, and we both burst out laughing.

"That would be hard to determine, wouldn't it?"

She quickly covers her mouth, to contain her laughter. It's slightly after noon, meaning the men might already be within earshot.

"Look, Lily, I'll cover for you as much as possible," she whispers. "But don't anger Owen if you can avoid it. He has a nasty streak. And come up with a good excuse for where you've been going because he'll confront you at some point."

"I'm taking my usual walks. To stretch after sitting so much." It's the truth. Mostly.

I stretch my arms high above my head to emphasize my point.

"Walks. Got it," she says, with a slight shake of her head. "Just watch yourself."

"I will. And thanks, Paloma. Someday, I'll return the favor."

"Go, sunshine. Enjoy your walks and be careful."

I stroll to the edge of the market and enter the woods as if I'm going for a simple walk. Moving casually takes discipline as the urge to run and look for Ryko tempts me. Instead, I use the time to practice walking as quietly as I can, just like Ryko showed me.

With Pen'Kesh getting smaller the farther I walk, my mood lightens. All worries about the scary vints and creepy Owen fade away, especially as I envision seeing my sweet orc again.

While the past few weeks of clandestine meetings by the river have been full of wonder and discovery, worry taints our time together. Last week, I didn't see him for four consecutive days. A reminder that at any moment his grak could prevent him from traveling here.

A hand grazes my left arm, startling me. Before I can scream, a set of lips I know so well cover mine. My tongue dips and dances with Ryko's as I melt into his embrace.

When he ends the kiss, I lightly swat his chest. "You have to stop sneaking up on me like that."

"Pay attention to your surroundings more, female. I approached from your front, and yet you still did not see me."

"I was daydreaming."

"What is that?"

"Letting my mind wander."

He grunts. "That will get you killed. Unless you are with me. I will protect you. Always."

A smile fills my face. He's possessive and protective and the more I get to know him, the more I long to be with him. But each stolen moment together brings greater risk, to both of us which is why he takes my hand and leads me deeper into the woods.

From the moment I landed on Kovos three years ago, I was told over and over how orcs are monsters who will assault and kill us. That their only purpose in the universe is to terrorize.

All those weapons strapped to Ryko's torso make him appear scary, but I think that's by design. After all, who would be stupid enough to provoke a brawny male loaded with a broadsword and a half-dozen knives? Only a fool.

Orcs aren't uncivilized. They're intelligent, strategic, and have different customs. They're not even that different from us physically.

I barely notice Ryko's tusks anymore, except when he grazes them across my skin to tease me. There's so much more to him than those tree-trunk-sized thighs and sculpted abs which make my mouth water. I want to lick him everywhere, but I enjoy simply talking with him too, learning about him and his people.

"I need to get back soon. Owen's getting suspicious."

"Don't you trust me, female?" Ryko asks as we continue climbing the trail, going farther from Pen'Kesh.

"I do." I bite my lip. It's Owen I don't trust.

Ryko stops and runs a finger along my lower lip. "Stop this. You will damage your lip."

"I'm nervous."

"And biting your lip calms you?"

"A little."

"Then I will bite your lip for you." He runs a tusk over my bottom lip, which is nothing like biting, and feels sooo good.

My nervousness disappears, replaced by a thrumming throughout my body. I need more from this man. We've been kissing and touching for weeks, and yet he hasn't made a move on me since that first day.

"There. All is well again," he announces since I've stopped biting my lip.

Now, I'm thinking about where else I can bite that will cause him to run that tusk over me… maybe with a nip or two.

"Damn it," I say as a pebble sneaks into my sandal. I tap my foot against the ground, trying to knock it out. I should have worn my boots today, but I didn't think we'd be trekking through the woods. We always meet at the river, where the vegetation and soil have been ground into a relatively smooth path.

"How much farther?" I ask.

"Not far. Shall I carry you?"

"Women my size don't get carried long distances." With a finger, I scoop the pebble out. "I'm good now." The ridges on his forehead bunch. "What's wrong?"

Ryko growls. "You doubt my strength. "

"I know you can pick me up. But that's not the same as carrying me."

"A male will carry his mate whenever needed, or when she wishes it."

"That's very sweet of you, Ryko, but it's not necessary."

"But do you wish it?"

I nearly bite my lip again, fighting the urge to say yes.

"Lily?"

"It's not a good idea, okay? Let's leave it at that."

"You are scared of me. Still. After all these weeks."

"I am not scared of you!" I say with my hands on my hips. "I just think carrying me isn't… necessary." There, I've couched it in a way he'll respect and drop the subject.

"This is something you want. I see it in your eyes."

I do want it. To be carried and tossed about as if I'm as light as a feather. To screech and enjoy the terror of being lifted off the ground without the worry that the guy will buckle beneath me.

"You need a distraction," he says.

"For what?"

"We use distractions when training new warriors. Mainly to keep a young male from thinking about the danger of the sharp blade his opponent wields or how falling from a gorja won't kill him, but being trampled by its six hooves will."

"What does this have to do with?—"

"I will carry you and if you require a distraction, I will slip my hand under your skirt." The corner of his mouth kicks up. Then he grabs my ass with his large hand and squeezes.

I swat his hand away as my mouth falls open. "What are you doing?'

"A distraction," he explains with that infuriatingly handsome grin of his. "You forgot about the idea of being carried.

I did, for a split second. He's so well intentioned, but he doesn't get it.

"It's not about distractions. I'm too heavy. You'll strain yourself." There, I've put it out there in the universe, and he won't be able to argue with me any more over a fantasy that is meant to stay just that… a fantasy.

Both corners of Ryko's mouth lift fully, revealing more of his tusks. His version of a smile even though orcs don't smile, not like humans.

Without warning, he tosses me over his shoulder and runs amazingly fast as if he's carrying nothing heavier than a big, fluffy pillow.

And then his hand goes up my skirt, just as he warned.

I'm holding on for dear life as he runs, so I can't push his hand away. Worse, I don't want to!

The wind whooshes through my hair as trees whiz by in a blur. My breathing comes fast and deep from the sheer terror and excitement of being carried over a man's shoulder as he races through the woods.

I feel so damn free!

All my hesitation and self-consciousness fade away. I'm laughing, enjoying the hell out of all this bouncing and lack of control. But mostly, I enjoy not worrying about my size.

Ryko's got this. Or rather, he has me, as he races up the twisty, heavily-rooted path at top speed.

When wind blows up my skirt, I laugh. What's one more intrusion when his hand is already exploring the curve of my backside?

A mile away, Ryko sets me on my feet. We're in the middle of nowhere with huge trees surrounding us and a thick canopy of leaves above. His hands stay on my hips as I steady myself. The ride left me slightly dizzy and yet I'm still giggling, the high far from over.

With my skirt hiked up to just above my knees, I stare at him. "You're not even winded."

"Why would I be?"

He doesn't see me as being overweight or heavy …

"Remain here." He surveils the immediate area, moving out in increasingly larger circles, but always staying within sight.

Maybe I'm the one who doesn't get it. I love who I am, inside and out, but I still worry about others rejecting me. That's a lot of wasted time and energy. I need to focus on being happy. And that means finding a way to be with Ryko.

"We are safe here," he announces as he caresses my face.

"Thank you, for accepting me as I am."

"You are a beautiful female with spirit, my Lily. When I bring you to Mount Racha, all the unmated males will want you. But none will touch you. Only me."

I'd love to return with him. We've been stealing hours, minutes even, whenever we can.

"Does this mean you've asked your grak if we can live with your people?" There's no way New Earth's council would give me permission to bring an orc to our settlement. And I don't want to subject Ryko to the hostility and hatred there. That means we'd have to live with his people. If they'll have me.

"Not yet. My grak has forbidden me and my fellow warriors from interacting with humans, especially the females. He fears it will destroy his negotiations with your people."

"Negotiations?"

"Trade. For… resources."

Before I can ask him more, he captures my lips with his. I lose myself in him, especially when he glides those smooth tusks down my neck, leaving a trail of kisses behind.

"I don't want our people to keep us apart," I say as his lips sneak under the V-neck of my blouse, kissing the side of a breast, while his thumb plays with one very hard nipple.

"We will find a way, my Lily."

My breathing hitches and then I let go, no longer censoring my thoughts. "I want more with you. Much more than a few kisses here and there. "

Without a word, he unties his loincloth. The leather falls away and his massive cock, hard as steel, points right at me. I freeze.

"Lily?" Ryko's voice grows concerned. "You said you wanted me."

"I did. I mean I do." I lift my chin, trying to be brave. After all, I'm twenty-three, a grown woman, but I don't have much experience.

"My first time didn't exactly go well," I explain. "I was nineteen when my date and I snuck into the local park late at night. He said he wanted to be alone with me."

"He mated you?" Ryko sounds surprised. Perhaps he thought I was a virgin.

After gnawing on my bottom lip for what feels like an eternity as I debate how much I should tell him, I squeak out, "I trusted him."

Ryko grips my chin and lifts my head until our eyes meet. "He took you against your will?"

I nod, too ashamed to speak the words out loud.

The ridges on his forehead expand and he bears his tusks in a snarl that chills me. "I will hunt this male down and kill him. Slowly. Painfully. And I will speak your name with every slice from my knives."

"He's on Earth," I say, relieved that I'll never have to see Derek again. Or be the reason Ryko kills a person in cold blood, even though that asshole deserves it.

"Vekk!" Ryko snatches his loincloth from the ground and hastily ties it in place. He stares out into the thick of trees, then faces me, his expression rife with anger and pent-up frustration.

"I shouldn't have said anything," I mumble.

"Do not hold shame for the cowardice of another. And do not mistake my anger with this male for anything you've said or done. I will protect you from dangers past, present, and future. If I could find a way to Earth to destroy the male, I would, but we have no ship. "

"I know you would," I reply, because I don't want this to eat at him as it has me. He's so proud to be with me, so honorable, so damn protective, that my smile returns.

"I want to show you what you mean to me." I fumble with the words because I'm nervous about the thoughts running through my head. Of giving myself to him. Of messing it up!

Sex doesn't frighten me, not with Ryko. My entire body comes alive when he's near. But disappointing him terrifies me. I don't want to lose him.

"I will not take you yet," he says.

My hope falls, but then I realize we're in the middle of the woods. "I guess this isn't the best time or place."

Another growl escapes his lips. "First, you must trust me."

"I do!"

"No, you don't. I see hesitation in you, my little human, because of this other male."

"You have it backwards, Ryko. I trust you. I don't… I don't trust myself."

His ridges rise. "That is worse."

"I'm afraid my past will come between us." It already has, which is why I need to do something and fast, before I lose Ryko. "I'd like to…" I let my hand travel down his front, over his loin cloth, speaking for me. Once I show him I'm ready, he can take over.

To my surprise, he's already hard. But he's not making a move toward me.

That shatters my self-confidence all over again. "It's okay if you don't want me," I say to save us both any embarrassment.

He grips my chin and holds me firm as dark green eyes burrow into mine. "I'd like nothing more than to strip you bare and sink into your sweet flesh."

"Then why are you pushing me away?"

He releases me and steps back. "You are not ready."

"I am," I insist, even though I'm shaking .

"Show me. Take control of the situation."

Be orc . Those are the underlying words I hear.

He's right. I need to assert myself, overcome the residual fears from that night.

Keeping my eyes on Ryko's face, I untie the knots of his loin cloth, my fingers shaking so badly it takes longer than it should, but finally, the leather falls to the ground.

And I stand there, as still as the trees surrounding us.

"Look at me, female," he commands. "Take control not only of me, but the fear inside you."

"And then?" I ask, because I'm overwhelmed.

"Decide what you need and take it."

What I need? I need you. But I don't voice that thought.

Instead, I slide down his body, running my hand over hard muscles shaping incredibly thick thighs. When my knees settle in the dirt and I line my lips up with his cock, Ryko lifts me off my knees.

"Why are you stopping me? Don't you want?—"

He places a finger over my lips, quieting me. "I promised to protect you." He smooths out the loincloth on the ground in front of him. "The ground here is too rough for your delicate skin."

"How very gentlemanly of you," I joke, trying to contain my urge to laugh as I kneel on the leather loincloth. Oh, that is better.

"I'm not sure what to do," I confess.

"Follow your heart, my little human." His cock bobs before my face but doesn't touch me. The first move is mine.

My choice.

This is why I'm so relaxed. His cock is nothing more than a part of him, a male I love. And the more I look at it, the more beauty I see in it… in him.

The skin is a darker green than the rest of him, and there are ridges, similar to those on his forehead. I run my finger along his cock, past the silky-smooth tip and the first few inches to those fascinating ridges that ring his cock mid-way down. Such a contrast, both terrifying and exciting. I've never touched a cock before, let alone given a blow job.

Ryko's hands loosely close around my head petting my hair. "Follow your instincts."

My instincts say to trust him, so that's what I do. With my tongue, I reach out and touch the tip of his cock, surprised by the sweet and salty taste there. I have to admit a thrill moves through me as I lean in and lick him a second time with less fear.

Another swipe, and his hand stills in my hair, gripping slightly, but nothing painful.

As I explore, licking around the tip, listening to the slight hitch of his breath, my courage builds, emboldening me. I used to hide from everything and everyone, scared of what people think, what they'll do. Scared to try new things.

No longer.

My orc leans forward and brushes the head of his cock against my lips, encouraging me to continue. The tip of my tongue glides down that hard length, learning the soft, silky texture and fascinating ridges as I imagine him against other parts of me.

"I was wrong earlier," he says, his fingers sinking into my hair. "My female does not fear me."

Hearing him joke relaxes me further. This feels utterly dirty, me licking a guy there , and letting myself get wet and messy with him. When I curl the flat of my tongue along his underside, a slight moan escapes him.

And my lady parts clench. Hard.

How does he do that to me?

"Now what?" I ask, distracted by the thrumming between my legs.

"Open, my Lily."

My mouth opens, and slowly, he slides his cock in. I'm stunned that I'm on my knees, my mouth closing around an orc's cock.

That I started this.

I mold my mouth around his cock, like I'm the sheath to one of his swords. I hear the pun inside my head, but it fits so perfectly I can't think of anything else.

"No teeth, female."

My eyes dart up to him as I open wider, mindful of my teeth. He looks so happy, and serious at the same time.

A finger glides down my cheek. "You are mine," he trills as he slides in deeper.

I suck so hard my cheeks hollow. Deep, glorious moans fill my ears.

I did that! Me! I drew those beautiful sounds from him!

"You're so vekking good, my Lily."

But I want to be bad. So bad I won't be able to get the glorious sound of him moaning out of my head when I go to sleep tonight.

As I continue to suck on him he sighs. "It's been so long."

Before I can pull off and ask what he's talking about, he grips my head and begins thrusting his cock in and out of my mouth, fucking me. Slowly, at first, but rapidly gaining speed.

I dig my nails into his ass, a hard piece of flesh made for grabbing. With each of his thrusts, I push myself onto his cock until his tip strikes the back of my throat. That startles me and I lose the rhythm we attained.

"Breathe. Through your nose," he instructs.

I focus on what he's saying. It's not easy at first, but I'm happy to let him take over. I can't exactly ask questions with his cock down my throat.

As Ryko's moans intensify, my lower half begins rocking, the need for more rising within me. Electricity arcs through my body as if something more is building.

My pussy clenches air and my brain screams, Fuck me !

If I could, I'd pull him down on top of me, but he's made of steel. Every sweet inch of him.

Without warning, his cum splashes the back of my throat, surprising me. Tears form in my eyes, but I swallow, not sure what to do.

Immediately, Ryko pulls out and lifts me off my knees. The pads of his thumbs wipe the tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Did I hurt you? I was trying to go slowly, but your mouth was so vekking warm, tight, and perfect."

I shake my head, unable to speak. My emotions are all over the place. I'm falling for him, but what if he only wants me for sex? I'm not even sure where that thought is coming from.

It's all this sneaking around we've been doing for weeks. It has to be. The fear that our people will find out and then… I can't even imagine what would happen.

When a twig snaps nearby, Ryko slides a knife free from one of his boots. Then, he ties his loincloth on, grabs my hand, and leads me off the trail.

"Where are we going?" I whisper.

He places his hand over my mouth. A warning to remain quiet.

I focus on every footstep, making sure I move as quietly as I can. When I accidentally snap a branch, Ryko throws me over his shoulder. This time his free hand holds a knife instead of my ass as he enters a foreboding area of the woods.

Wisps of light filter through the treetops. Barely enough to see the dried leaves and twigs littering the forest floor. And the noise… there's none! No clicking insects, no rustling of the wind through the leaves, not even the caw of a distant bird.

Shadows reach out, threatening to touch me even as Ryko continues walking, silently, slowly, as if we're being stalked. I'm shaking, worried I'll distract Ryko and my teeth will chatter, sounding like a blaring alarm clock in this soundless void.

I squeeze my eyes closed and think of home back on Earth. I had planned on going to fashion design school. Then the Grud invaded and decimated life as we knew it.

A hand on my backside pulls me back to the present. I open my eyes to discover less light here. How is that possible? My instincts scream at me to turn back, but Ryko presses farther into the unholy depths of the woods.

Another twig snaps, but not of Ryko's doing. Whoever is following us is close. Too damn close. I start shaking and immediately bite my lip to keep my teeth from chattering.

Ryko caresses my ass, trying to calm me. He knows we're being followed. He's known it this whole time, and he's leading them. But where?

A few minutes later he sets me down on my feet and holds me until the dizziness passes, then places his lips against my ear. "Stay hidden and quiet."

I crouch behind a boulder he points to, then peer out again… until Ryko gently pushes my head back into the shadows.

He holds a finger to his lips, reminding me to remain silent. Soundlessly, he draws the sword sheathed across his back. I don't know what he sees or hears, but he's focused on a clump of trees off to his left.

With one last kiss of his warm lips on my forehead, he disappears in the direction of the noise we heard, leaving me alone in the middle of the unnaturally dark woods of an alien planet.