Asteroid Read Free Page B

and there was a considering expression on his features. “Why do you think? In my lifetime, I have met many women, but none set my blood singing like you do. It is as peculiar for me as it is for you, but I believe we should give it a try.”
    She thought about it for about half a second before she took a step toward him. “Let’s try then.”
    He reached out and lifted her chin on two fingers. Issul leaned down slowly, giving her plenty of opportunity to back away if she wanted to.
    Sebena stayed firm and closed her eyes when they started to cross. His breath feathered across her lips and they parted in reflex. He stroked her lips with his own, slowly caressing her.
    She shivered, her skin coming alive with just that tiny touch. Sebena was amazed. She had had a few lovers in her life, but none had been able to arouse her like this with a simple kiss. Most had found her inability to climax to be a personal failing in her and eventually, she had simply given up on sex.
    Sebena leaned up to increase the pressure of the kiss, but Issul backed away, moving from her mouth to feather kisses across her cheekbones and her nose, across her forehead and then back to her mouth.
    She sighed and smiled against his lips at the blooming warmth that was spreading through her at his caresses.
    While he was kissing her, she heard two people pass them in the hall, soft giggles trailed away, but she kept her eyes closed. She was lost in the spell he was weaving and when he backed away from her, she swam up out of the warm haze to open her eyes.
    Issul was smiling and there was enough of Zeering in his eyes to make her self-conscious.
    “It is a good start, Sebena. A very good start.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm, walking her the twenty steps to her quarters. “I will wish you good night. May your dreams shake the stars.”
    Still dazed, she entered her quarters and smiled hesitantly at him before closing the door. A low, moaning sigh squeezed out of her chest and she quickly stripped for bed. It was going to be a restless night, but she hoped that dreams came quickly.

    Chapter Four
    The message to join the captain for breakfast woke her with a harsh beep. With the bleary eyes of a woman who had not had any sleep staring at her in the mirror, she took a rapid gel cleanse and brushed her mediocre pale brown hair into a long, loose pony tail down her back. It had waves in it from her braids but otherwise was unadorned.
    She dressed in her uniform and made sure that she looked presentable before heading out to the captain’s mess with only five minutes to spare. She moved quickly through the halls and skidded to a halt in front of the door at exactly the right time.
    Sebena pressed her hand to the palm scanner and the door opened to show Captain Helov, Avatar Issul and the junior officer who was serving.
    She greeted them, “Good morning, Captain, Avatar Issul.”
    “Gunner Hadros, please be seated.”
    There was only one empty place set and it was next to Issul. She nodded and took her seat.
    The junior officer began to serve the moment that she was settled.
    She was nervous and simply listened to the captain and Issul speaking. She couldn’t add anything to the conversation regarding Alliance politics, so she sipped at her water and paid attention.
    She perked up when she heard something of interest. “We are landing today?”
    The captain gave her a slight smile. “Well, you are landing today. The planet has filed for your release from the mining ship for no less than three months.”
    Sebena blinked. “I beg your pardon, Captain?”
    “The Alliance has authorized your residence transfer to Zeering. You will be eligible to return to the Sheppan in three months.” He smiled as the officer put a plate in front of Issul and then himself. Sebena’s breakfast was served last and she waited for Issul to begin before she took a few careful bites.
    The food was not what she was used to, but if she didn’t have to man her