Intergalactic Love Read online

  “Come on, there should be some tables for two in the back,” I told Darion. I gestured for him to follow me.

  “This is not ‘really packed’?” he asked incredulously.

  “Not even close,” I laughed. I did find a tiny table for two near the kitchen. I didn’t mind since it was the source of all kinds of good smells. As Darion sat down his eyes went everywhere. Watching the hustle and bustle.

  “I must say, I like to see these settings. Where I live, it is very much about refinement and...restraint. There is not so much of this kind of unbridled... swooshing around,” Darion said.

  I laughed. “Swooshing around?” I asked. I hadn’t expected that to be a phrase to come out of his mouth.

  “Yes, swooshing. These servers are swooshing,” he said, gesturing to a passing server with a tray full of plates.

  “I feel like the real Darion is coming out now,” I chuckled. He shrugged and ran his fingers through his hair. Oddly enough my fingers itched to do the same as I watched him. I so wasn’t going there, so I glanced away and tried to flag down a waitress.

  Once we had our food, Darion having ordered nearly half the menu, he seemed to relax even more. For one it was a true treat to watch him methodically make his way through a stack of French toast, a heap of sausage, eggs, bacon, deep fried breakfast sandwiches including more of those ingredients. He also ordered porridge, three glasses of orange juice, and one cup of coffee. Meanwhile I stuck to my order of French toast and eggs over medium.

  “You were right Rea, this food is quite delicious. It is all human cuisine, correct?”

  “Yep, these are a lot of breakfast staples back on Earth,” I said.

  He nodded thoughtfully and then sat back in his chair while picking up his cup of coffee. “How did you get the name Rea?” he asked.

  “My mom picked it out, um...I think it was a family name to some degree. Like a great aunt she was fond of growing up was named Rea, so she named me after her,” I said.

  “It is quite beautiful,” he said thoughtfully. I thanked him and then waved to the waitress down for our check. “So where will we go next?” he asked.

  “First we’re taking all the food we ordered to-go back to your guys. Then we can take a look at the itinerary,” I said.

  “No, I’d like for you to take me around to more hidden gems like this one,” he said. “Of course after we feed Moody and Tars. They’d be sore about not having tasted the food you raved about.”

  “Alright then, I can take you to a few places. We might not spend much time in Pod Nine though,” I admitted.

  “That is fine with me, as long as you are my guide,” he smiled. I wasn’t dense, I knew he was turning the charm on for me. But I couldn’t help being a little charmed. He was handsome, funny and sweet in his own way. He wasn’t anything like I’d pegged him to be at all.

  Chapter 4

  “I THOUGHT THAT SURELY the man would die. He had fire in his throat while walking a sewing thread!” Darion said while chewing a bite from his turkey leg. I’d taken him to Pod Four. They were known for their street performances and troubadours. They also had great street food too.

  “I think the tight rope was an illusion. There was no way anyone could walk on something so thin,” I said, laughing at him a little. He’d been amazed at performer on the tight rope.

  “You’d be surprised at the feats any person with enough will can pull off,” he said.

  “Is that how you saved Radon from the famine?” I asked.

  “Yes, along with help and advice from others,” he said rightfully enough.

  “So how come you wanted me to take you around these past couple of days? You’ve blown off Moody and Tars who were excited to gamble and go clubbing with you,” I said.

  “They are always excited for vacation time to gamble and visit clubs. On Radon, you’d hardly recognize them. It is all business,” he said.

  “So...what about you?” I asked, noting he didn’t exactly answer my question.

  “Honestly, I didn’t feel up to too much partying. I mostly wanted to relax during my time here. I find your presence soothing,” he said and gave me a charming smile.

  “Why thank you, that’s very nice,” I said. Darion chuckled. He tossed the rest of his turkey leg and cleaned up his hands.

  He said, “I was wondering...now that you have gotten more comfortable with me, if you’d like to have dinner tonight? In my suite, just the two of us. You not being my guide or babysitter, but just Rea.”

  “You’re asking me on a date?” I asked. I couldn’t say I was all that surprised. He had been giving me his undivided attention and flirting with me the entire time we’ve been around each other.

  “Is that what it is called here? A ‘date’?” he asked coyly.

  “Well yeah, it is,” I giggled.

  “Dates have a degree of romance involved correct?” he asked, making sure.

  “Yes, they do,” I laughed again. I was trying to buy myself time to think about it though. I knew, if I put myself in any situation that involved me being alone with Darion, what would inevitably happen. Even though I was aware that he was trying to charm me, I too had been letting myself get charmed. He was handsome and the furthest thing from what I’d expected. It was nice to be pursued again. It had been a long time.

  “You are trying to decide if accepting my invitation is worth it, aren’t you?” he asked after watching me for a moment of silence.

  “Yeah, I am to be completely honest,” I admitted.

  “Well, I believe I am entirely worth your time. Otherwise you wouldn’t have agreed to give it thus far,” he pointed out and gave me an almost smug smile.

  “You would be right about that wouldn’t you,” I chuckled. He simply shrugged. “Okay, sure I’ll have dinner with you,” I said. Mostly deciding on an impulse.

  “In a romantic—after hours ‘date’ kind of way, correct?”

  “Correct,” I said. He gave me a winning smile.

  “Wonderful.”

  “But what are you going to do with Moody and Tars?” I asked, imagining them walking around the suite with us there trying to have a date.

  “They will not be present. I’ve secured a more intimate suite, separate from the one you know of,” he told me.

  “A suite? Or a room?” I asked.

  “A full suite, with kitchen and living space, there is also a dining area on the balcony. It’s the equal of my other suite. It overlooks the resort’s gardens.” Almost nonchalantly, Darion took my hand in his. We were still wandering the popular Angle Park in Pod Four. It was a giant octagon with major paths branching out from a huge center fountain. The park was created to be very meticulously kept, with straightforward paths and an almost clinical feel to it. Artists and performers flocked to it as a statement for bringing ‘true’ beauty to something made to be almost completely the opposite of free form and natural expression.

  “So will this be a formal dinner? Or something a little more casual?” I asked Darion curiously.

  “Casual, since we’ll be dining in,” he said. “You always look beautiful in anything you wear.”

  “Thank you. I’ll see what I can do,” I murmured. Warmth spread through my chest from his compliment. It was little things like that, compliments or lingering smiles that had warmed me to him. But I wasn’t sure yet if he was just flirting and being sweet to get me into bed with him, or if he really liked me...and therefore wanted a taste. On the other hand, he was gorgeous. He could’ve spent his time going around with Moody and Tars. He would have had no trouble finding women for fun times if that was all he’d wanted.

  “So I wanted to show you the best view on Mars,” I told him.

  “Yes, where is that exactly?” he asked.

  “Pod One. It’ll be worth the trip,” I said. We left the park then and took the inter pod bullet train. Pod One was probably the most beautiful of all the cities on Mars. Its buildings literally sparkled from being made of glass and chrome. The streets were l
ight in color, made from whitewashed stone. There were few cars because just about everything one would need was in walking distance.

  I led Darion to View Point Park. It was on the outskirts of the pod and looked out over the most impressive mountain range on Mars.

  “Wow...” Darion murmured. The shades of red rock were vaguely Grand Canyon like. But some of the mountains on Mars were marble and had a degree of reflection about them, so it seemed like a few of the mountains glowed during the day.

  “I am glad you took me here,” he said. He took a deep, cleansing breath. I smiled up at him and then shrugged.

  “Everyone who visits Mars should see this at least once, it’s a staple,” I said. Darion smiled at me and then lightly tugged on my hand. My heart rate sped up a little, but I leaned into him and he tilted his head down to press his lips against mine. His were soft and molded perfectly to mine. Oddly enough I felt as if an electric current had been sparked between us. There was nothing but me, Darion, and the mountains.

  Chapter 5

  AFTER SPENDING YET another day together we split up briefly to get ready for our date. As I went through my closet in nothing but a robe and fuzzy slippers I kept wondering if it what I was about to do was okay. I called Mia for advice.

  “So I’m going to Darion’s suite...for a date,” I said as soon as she answered.

  “Are you gonna...you know, bump uglies with him?” she asked.

  “I think so. I mean a major part of me wants to. We kissed today,” I said. It felt like I was talking fast.

  “Oh, okay then...well Rea. I’d say just do what you want. I mean Sherry is gone and it’s not like you’re banging the whole group,” she mused.

  “It’s been a while since I had a fling and Darion is great...” I said slowly.

  “It seems like you made up your mind when you kissed him,” she said knowingly.

  “Yeah, you’re right...I should just have fun tonight then,” I said, successfully convincing myself.

  “Sure! Relax, get a nice dose of dopamine,” Mia said. I heard her chewing on something, maybe chips. I laughed and then told her I’d fill her in later before hanging up. I settled on wearing tights, heeled sandals, and a nice blouse that fell down to mid-thigh. The shirt also made my boobs look good. I brushed out my hair so that it fell in nice auburn waves around my shoulders. My fair skin hardly needed much makeup, so I stuck to some eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. With a few accessories added I was ready and the butterflies started up in my belly. I was about to have a date with the ruler of Radon after all.

  When I got to the Firdaxo I was surprised to see Darion waiting for me in the lounge area to the left of reception. He was wearing jeans, which looked amazing on him, and a casual white button up. His hair was pulled up into a half ponytail and he just looked plain delicious.

  “Rea, you look amazing, as usual,” he smiled as I walked over to him.

  “Thank you, I like the jeans look on you,” I said.

  “I find I quite like the fashion here. Jeans are becoming popular on Radon,” he said. He took my hand. He led me to the elevators and we stepped in. It was just the two of us. The air seemed to thicken and charge between us. Suddenly all I could think about was how soft his lips had been. I glanced up at him and found his gaze intent on me.

  “I recalled how much you like beef. I had steak ordered for dinner,” he said after taking a deep breath.

  “Thanks, I’m sure it’ll be great,” I said, a little nervous. Things were borderline awkward. “So how are Moody and Tars faring without you?” I asked.

  “They’ve taken debauchery to new heights. I hope I will not have to bail them out of restrictive custody before the time comes for us to leave Mars,” he said on a sigh.

  I laughed, I could only imagine what the two were up to. “If I hadn’t been the person to welcome you, would you be committing acts of debauchery along with them?” I asked with a smirk.

  “Possibly, though I would have grown tired of it quickly and deviated from them anyway,” he said. The elevator stopped on his floor and we went into the first of only four suites. The first thing I noticed was the great view of the gardens in the living area. I saw the dining table on the balcony set outside. Then flanking the living room was a kitchen. On the other side must have been the bedroom.

  I dropped my bag off on the couch as Darion led me outside.

  “It’s a beautiful night,” I said. I inhaled the soft flower perfumed air.

  “Are the seasons engineered here?” he asked curiously.

  “They are, they have to be,” I said as I turned around to join him by the table. The air was a perfect summer night temperature. Darion offered me a glass of wine and I took it eagerly. I thought maybe some of my butterflies could settle with alcohol.

  “On Radon we do not have much of a summer or winter in certain regions. Our planet is still recovering from the atmospheric imbalances that caused the Blight. We have to engineer longer, warmer seasons for an entire half of the planet,” he said.

  “Wow...that’s. That sounds like an immense feat,” I said.

  “Technology has made much possible. Without it I wouldn’t have met you,” he smiled.

  “You know you’re quite the charmer,” I said.

  “I’m not usually. Oddly enough, you bring it out of me. I find myself wanting to be softer and kinder towards you than others,” he admitted. He’d stepped close enough to me that he reached out to wrap a lock of my hair around his finger. He tilted his head and just like that we were kissing. As he moved his lips with mine I felt him take the wine glass back. He must have put it down because soon after his hands wrapped around my waist. He pulled my hips flush with his and I could feel he was already stiff in his pants.

  My breathing picked up and he licked slowly into my mouth. He caressed my tongue with his own and I felt his hands lower to cup my buttocks. I slid my hands up from his chest to wrap around his neck and pressed my breasts against his chest. I both heard and felt his soft moan, which only increased the heat curling out from my belly. Darion broke the kiss so that we could both catch our breath. I saw his eyes were a bit wild, his pupils dilated. He took deep breaths and calmed himself down a bit. I enjoyed his reactions.

  “I do not want to make this seem like I only asked you here for sex,” he said gruffly and then gestured to the table behind us.

  “Oh right...dinner,” I chuckled. He stepped around me to hold out my chair and I sat down. He joined me across the table and chuckled to himself. “What?” I asked, smiling.

  “Moody, Tars and I were talking as men do. He said predicted that you might taste sweet, like fruit. And you do,” he smiled. I blushed a little and glanced down at the covered trays.

  “Huh...” I said.

  “Do you not wish for me to discuss you with them?” he asked, his tone concerned.

  “Oh no, it’s fine. I just don’t know what to say to that,” I chuckled. Darion nodded and then he uncovered all the trays. There was delicious smelling skirt steak and an array of sides. I went for asparagus and mashed potatoes. A classic meal.

  “Do you have family here on Mars?” Darion asked after a beat of silence while we ate.

  “Ah, no. I have a couple of close friends that I grew up with and moved here with. But my mom passed away four years ago and it’s just my dad. He runs a major grain company with my three brothers and two of his own siblings back on Earth,” I said.

  Darion smiled wide, “That is certainly interesting,” he mused. “So your family is of wealthy stature?” He’d leaned forward, definitely curious.

  “Yep, the company goes back generations. We’re well rooted. It’s one of the major reasons I was able to come out here,” I said. “Getting to Mars is expensive,” I chuckled. Darion seemed pleased to learn my background. I felt compelled to tell the whole story, though.

  “As soon as I moved to Mars I cut myself off from the family finances. I wanted to make it on my own. Make a name for myself you know?” I said.
>
  “So you support yourself entirely?” Darion asked.

  “Yep, and proud of it,” I said.

  His smile widened and he nodded. “That is honorable,” he said and I could tell from his admiring gaze that he meant it.

  After we finished eating we went inside. I’d calmed down enough that I wasn’t as nervous. More than anything I wanted to touch him and kiss him again. Either we were on the same page or he read my mind. As soon as the balcony door slid shut his hands found my waist and he pressed me up against it. I slid my hands underneath his shirt and felt the smooth sculpted skin of his abdomen. I quickly withdrew my hands to unbutton his shirt. As I felt his chest and stomach I concluded that he must not have had one ounce of fat on him. Darion slid his lips from mine to nibble just under my ear and then my jaw. I pulled his waist flush against mine and loved the feel of his erection pressed against me.

  Darion picked me up with one impatient huff. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He sat down on the couch so that I straddled him. I kissed and nibbled a path from his earlobe to his collar and he slid his hands along the bare skin of my thighs and backside, pushing my tights down in the process.

  “What are you wearing?” he asked gruffly. I pulled back to look at him, a little confused. My chest was heaving and all I’d been thinking about was when we’d be getting our clothes off.

  “What do you mean?” I asked. He gently pushed me back, so that I could stand. He bent down to unbuckle my shoes. Once those were off he pulled off my tights and my blouse followed. He hooked a finger under my thong and then smirked at me. There was nothing but lust in his gaze.

  “You wore this for me?” he asked and I nodded, I had. “Are you fond of it?” was his next question. I simply stared at him, a little confused. His eyes flashed with heat as he tore through the thin material and pulled the thong off. I’d gasped in shock, but then a rush of heat swept through me and I felt the moisture begin to build up between my legs. Darion slid his fingers in between the lips of my sex. I swayed forward and rested a hand on his shoulder for support. He looked up at me as he rubbed my clitoris. My legs started to shake. I felt the orgasm building. He slid two fingers into my sex. When I moaned, I swear his eyes glowed for a second. He curved his fingers to reach my g-spot. He pushed his fingers into me over and over.