“If we traveled faster today, we would only have a short journey tomorrow,” he added. “Are you up for that?”
He gave her a teasing grin, and she automatically responded to the challenge. “Of course.”
As soon as she emerged from the habitat, Winston came prancing over. He explored her hair, then butted his head against her chest until she stroked him. The fact that he seemed so pleased to see her eased something inside her, and by the time John had finished a remarkably speedy dismantling of their camp, she felt in control once more—or at least she did until he lifted her up on the horse and settled in behind her.
The warmth of his body triggered more memories of the previous night.
She had expected a lingering awkwardness but John was as matter-of-fact as always. If anything, he was too calm as he continued their idle conversation from the previous day. Hadn’t what had happened between them affected him at all?
They did travel faster today but Winston had an easy rocking gait that was surprisingly comfortable. The increased speed also increased the amount of cool air rushing past her, and John frowned when he helped her down during their midday break.
“Your skin is like ice.”
She shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me. Maybe it’s appropriate—they do call me the Ice Queen.”
The words were said lightly but they hung in the air between them as John’s big, warm hand came up to cup her face.
“No, my love. You are most certainly not an Ice Queen.”
He turned away before she could respond, but perhaps that was just as well. The warmth in his eyes threatened to destroy all of her defenses. Too distracted to talk, she focused on their minimal meal, and he made no attempt to start a conversation.
After lifting her onto Winston’s back once more, he wrapped one of the thin silver thermal blankets around her. He still didn’t say anything but the warmth in his eyes hadn’t diminished. She decided that she had to regain control of the situation. She didn’t need that distracting softness and concern from him lowering her walls.
Men could not be trusted—they were to be used, manipulated into helping her achieve her purpose.
She put her plan into action as they rode, no longer sitting quietly in his arms. Instead, she took every opportunity to touch him, to tease him—although always lightly and casually. A hand running teasingly down his arm. Shifting her position so that she rocked against his ever-present erection. The soft brush of her breast when she twisted to one side to look at the scenery.
By the time he decided to stop for the night, she suspected he was as frustrated and aroused as a man could be. She refused to admit that she was just as aroused.
Once again, he left her on Winston’s back while he set up the habitat. This area was not quite as enclosed as the canyon from the previous night. They had been climbing for the latter part of the day, and from the open side of their encampment, she could look out over miles of open Martian landscape. The sun was sinking in streaks of red and amber, setting the rock and hills aglow in response. John’s tall rugged figure looked perfectly at home against the wilderness, like some mythic warrior.
When he came to lift her off the horse, that unsettling warmth still glowed in his eyes and she wanted so much to believe in the promise, but she knew better.
As he lifted her free, she leaned into him, letting her breasts rub against the hard muscles of his chest, and she heard him groan. Her nipples were diamond hard, but it was not from cold.
“Take care of Winston and come join me,” she whispered, pressing against his body.
“Serena…”
But she didn’t wait to hear whatever he planned to say, slipping away with a last teasing brush against his cock.
As soon as she entered the habitat, she slipped out of her coverall and panties and knelt by the heater. A throbbing pulse had started low in her stomach, but she ignored it.
This was not about her. He would be putty in her hands.
The airlock opened, and he stopped abruptly at the sight of her. She had deliberately posed herself so that he would see her immediately.
“Serena—”
“It’s my turn tonight,” she purred. “Take off your clothes. All of them.”
She saw his cock jerk against his pants but he still hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Would you prefer that I remove them?” She tilted her head and gave him her best seductive smile, but he was watching her face far too closely for her liking. In order to distract him, she lifted her hands and cupped her breasts, offering them to him. “Or should I start without you?”
He gave a muttered curse, and then his clothes went flying. Her gaze flew to his cock as he stepped towards her, and her mouth went dry. Long and thick and perfect, liquid already pearling on the tip. And huge, she realized as she reached for him, her hand trembling. Her fingers wouldn’t close around him.
“You don’t have to do this, love,” he said gently, his hand covering hers.
“I want to.” And she did, desperately, but she was no longer sure it was about establishing control. “Show me what you like.”
He used her hand to stroke himself, harder and rougher than she would have done, but she felt him stiffen even more. He repeated the movement, still using her hand, and she leaned closer so she could swipe her tongue across the broad head. Oh yes. He tasted clean, salty, delicious.
She wanted more and she grabbed the firm curve of his ass, pulling him closer until she could take the entire head in her mouth. He groaned and his fingers tangled in her hair. She did her best not to tense as she waited for him to pull her closer, to force more of his massive cock into her
