Star Princess (In the Darkness Book 1) Read online

  “You make me feel incredible,” I tell her. I lie on my side and kiss her. I don’t want to climb over her just yet. I still don’t know everything that happened to Diana. The last thing I want to do is accidentally trigger some painful memories for her.

  Instead of being the aggressor, the way I usually am, I’m still, and I let Diana touch me.

  “You’re so muscular,” she says, running her hands over my chest.

  “Well, I am Orchidian,” I say. “It’s kind of in our blood.”

  “You have good blood,” she says, and then she laughs. “I’m sorry, that was totally weird.”

  “You’re fine,” I say. “Just keep touching me.”

  Diana smiles and bites her bottom lip. She runs her hands down my chest and to my stomach. She touches my arms, and my sides, and finally, her hands reach between my legs, and she grips my cock.

  “You’re thick,” she says, admiringly.

  “You can handle me,” I say.

  “Oh, I know,” she laughs. “Trust me: this is not my first rodeo.” She winks, and I smile. I’m glad she has such an incredible attitude about sex. After what happened to her, it would be easy to shut down and feel bad or scared or dirty. She is none of those things. She is perfection, and I’m so proud of her for reclaiming what was stolen from her.

  “Get on your back,” she whispers, and pushes me back. I lay on the soft blankets, and she climbs over me. Diana runs her breasts over my face, and I suck one into my mouth, nibbling on her nipple gently. She groans, and offers me the other nipple, which I play with happily.

  “You’re so perfect,” I groan. “I can’t wait to be inside of you, baby.”

  “I know,” she says. “Is it crazy that I want this so fast?” She shakes her head. “We’ve only just met.”

  “We’ve waited long enough,” I tell her. “I need you, Diana.” I don’t know why I’m admitting this to her. I shouldn’t need her this fast, this soon, yet I do. There’s something deep inside of me that wants her on a biological level. I need her.

  Maybe she really is my mate.

  Diana smiles and slides down my body until she’s hovering just above my cock. It’s hard, and ready, and it feels like it’s about to explode. She kisses me on the mouth, and then she lowers her body onto mine.

  Instantly, I groan.

  “You’re so fucking tight,” I tell her.

  “Maybe you’re just really big, fuck,” she groans. Diana grips my shoulders with her hands and her eyes lock onto mine as she moves her hips in slow figure-eights. She groans as she performs this silence dance of love of my body, and it’s all I can do to keep from coming instantly.

  “You’re beautiful,” I tell her, and I thrust up into her. Now it’s her turn to groan, and I love the little hiss of pleasure she gives me when I move my fingers between our bodies. I rub her clit quickly in soft little circles, and I feel her body tighten over mine.

  “That’s it, baby,” I say. “Come for me, Diana.”

  “I haven’t…not in so long…” She groans, but she’s breathing hard, and I know she wants this release. She needs this release, and I’m honored she’s chosen to give herself to me in this way.

  I thrust up into her faster and faster, and I keep rubbing her clit until she bites her lip, throws her head back, and cries out with release. I can’t hold back a second longer. Watching her come is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, and I come, too. I thrust up into her one last time and grip her hips tightly as I orgasm.

  She collapses against my chest, and I wrap my arms around her.

  That was fantastic.

  Incredible.

  Magical.

  “Diana,” I whisper, and she shakes her head against my chest. I feel wetness on my skin, and I realize she’s crying. “Diana,” I say again.

  She looks up at me, and I realize these are happy tears: not sad ones.

  “Thank you, Max,” she whispers. “Thank you for giving me back my body.”

  Chapter 9

  Diana

  When I wake up, for a moment, I think I’m in the cell again. I open my mouth to scream, but then I hear Max breathing, and I realize that everything is okay.

  I’m safe.

  I’m with Max, and I’m safe.

  Everything is going to be just fine.

  I was brave. I was bold. I believed in myself, and I believed in Max, and I trusted him.

  I lie beside him now and run my fingers over his chest. It’s hard, and I wonder how much of it is because he works out and how much of it actually is because he’s Orchidian. Orchidian men all seem to be so strong and big. Much bigger than Earth men. Much bigger than humans.

  Giving myself up to Max was incredible. Freeing. It reminded me that I am more than my past. I am more than the darkness that I was lost in. I am more than what happened to me. I am more, and I am fine.

  “Hey,” he lifts my hand and presses a soft kiss to it. “How long have you been awake for, beautiful?”

  “Only a few minutes.”

  “Sleep well?”

  “Yeah,” I tell him. “Really well.”

  He opens his eyes and smiles at me.

  “Sarah was worried you’d have nightmares, you know. You had them when you first came to the ship, so she gave you a sedative. She gave me some of the pills to keep on hand. You know, in case you needed them.”

  “Apparently, all I needed was you,” I smile, and this time, Max kisses me. He brushes his lips over mine and smiles.

  “You’re amazing, Diana.”

  “You too,” I whisper. “Thank you,” I say, clearing my throat. “For last night.”

  “What about it?”

  “I just know...it could have been really weird or awkward, but it wasn’t. It was just so...nice. It was nice to feel like a real woman again.”

  “You’re a beautiful woman, Diana, and you’re incredible. Trust me: it was no hardship.”

  “What happens now?” I whisper, because I’m not sure how this is supposed to work. Max is my rescuer, of course, but he also has his own life. I can’t ask him to change all of that for me. I won’t ask him to change all of that for me.

  “What are you asking me, love?” He looks at me curiously. “Are you asking me if I want to be with you?”

  “I don’t know.” I whisper. I don’t know if what happened between us was a one-time thing. I don’t know if he wants more, if he’s capable of more.

  I don’t know if I am.

  Max kisses me. He kisses me like I’m beautiful, like I’m precious to him.

  “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met,” he says. “You’re so brave, love. The only thing you need to worry about is healing. You’ve been starved, and you need to eat, and I’m going to take care of you, Diana. I’m going to make sure you heal completely.”

  “What if…what about…”

  “What is it?”

  “The man who took me,” I whisper. “What if he comes back?” It’s not something I really want to think about, but I have to. Is there any chance he might come back for me? Is there any chance he might view me as the one who got away?

  “He’s not going to come back.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  Max hesitates, and I look up at him.

  “Is he dead?”

  Max nods.

  “Did you see him die?” I ask, whispering. Is there any chance Boss Man could still be alive? Is there any chance, any circumstance, in which he might come back and try to steal me away?

  “I shot him myself, love. We transported him to Orchid, and I killed him there. The king witnessed the entire thing.”

  “Orchid? Your home planet?”

  “One and the same. That man was our entire mission. He stole something from the royalty on Orchid, and we were hired to get it back.”

  “I think you got more than you planned for,” I tell him softly.

  “I got more than I could have hoped for, love.” He strokes my cheek. “It was suppo
sed to be a normal mission. It wasn’t supposed to be anything special, but then you came along, and you just changed everything, didn’t you?”

  “I’m sorry I messed up your plans.”

  “I’m not. You’re incredible, Diana. You’re brave and strong. I had to bring the asshole in to the king. Luckily, the king is a reasonable man. Once I explained what happened, he was more than happy to give me the honor of killing the bastard.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper.

  “I would do anything for you, Diana.” I’m surprised by how certain he sounds.

  “Why? You barely know me. I mean, I don’t want to sound like I don’t appreciate it, but why me, Max?”

  “You’ve been through hell and back again, Diana, and you know what? You’re still fighting. You’re still brave. You’re going to have moments that are hard, moments that feel impossible to get through, but you’re a beacon of bravery. You’re going to be just fine, and I want to see your journey.”

  He kisses me again, and then Max pulls me on top of him.

  “Max,” I giggle. “What are you doing? We just made love last night.”

  “I can’t get enough of you, Diana. Are you sore?” He looks concerned, but I shake my head.

  “No.”

  “Then I want to get my fill of you before breakfast,” he says, and he kisses me once more. Max is big, and strong, and safe. He is my safety. As I sink down onto him, I’m surprised at how aware of every inch of my body he is. He kisses my neck, and my breasts, and he runs his hands down my back, and I realize that I never want this moment to end.

  I never want any of this to end.

  I feel like a fairy princess who has gotten a second chance at life, and I want to spend it with Max. I know this is crazy. I know we’ve only just met. I also know that he gives me a peace I’ve never experienced before.

  I want more.

  Chapter 10

  Max

  I shouldn’t feel as happy as I do when she’s riding me.

  She moves so sweetly, like a beautiful dancer on top of me. Diana is strength and power, hope and bravery, ecstasy and pleasure. She is all of these things wrapped up in one sweet, beautiful package, and I never want to let her go.

  My mother always told me stories of mates.

  She said that when you found the person you were supposed to be with, you would move heaven and hell to get to them. She told me you’d trek across any desert planet, any barren plains, if only it meant you got to see them.

  I never knew what she meant until I met Diana.

  Killing Ulizeoa was satisfying. It gave me closure, as I hope it brings her closure. He will never hurt Diana again. He will never hurt anyone again. No matter what she wants to do, no matter where she wants to go, I will make it my life’s duty to keep Diana safe.

  When she asked me what happens next, I almost asked her to be mine. It’s not fair to her. We’ve only just met. She’s only just been rescued. It’s normal to feel a companionship with your savior, but what I feel for her is so much more than that.

  What I feel for her is incredible, and I don’t want to let this feeling go.

  Diana rides me like she’s a fucking star. She’s so brave, and so strong. Most people would be reeling after going through something half as terrible as what she experienced. Most people would be terrified to even think about having sex again, but not her.

  No, my girl is much too strong for that.

  My girl is a hero.

  She groans, and she begins to grind faster against me. Faster, faster, faster, and all I can do is hold onto her hips as she rides into ecstasy. She cries out, squeezing me as she comes, and my own orgasm follows hers.

  She collapses on my chest: tired, spent, worn out, and I just hold her.

  I hold her, and I hope I never have to let her go.

  ***

  I hold Diana for what feels like hours, but finally, I realize I’m going to have to get going if I want to accomplish anything today.

  “I have to work,” I say apologetically. “Unfortunately, I have to do some paperwork and a debriefing. Why don’t we shower and eat together first?”

  “You’ll be gone all day?” She asks. She doesn’t sound sad or pouty. She’s just curious.

  “Most likely. Sarah says you can spend the day with her in the medical bay if you want company, but you’re always welcome to stay here, as well.”

  “In your unit?”

  “It’s yours now, too.”

  She kisses me, and we go to the shower together. We get cleaned up, and then I hand her a uniform to wear.

  “What’s this?” She looks at the red clothing.

  “It’s a visitor’s uniform for the ship. It should be your size.”

  “Interesting,” she says, looking at it. “Well, I suppose it’s better than the medical gown I was wearing yesterday.”

  She puts the clothing on and sure enough, it fits perfectly, showing off her every curve.

  “Beautiful,” I murmur.

  “You too,” she says, motioning at my own uniform.

  “You think I’m pretty?” I strike a pose, and Diana laughs. The sound fills the room, and once again, I realize I don’t want her to ever leave. She’s a light in my life.

  “The prettiest,” she agrees. We head into the main area of my living unit and eat breakfast together, and Diana tells me she wants to spend the day with Sarah. I grab her cane, and carry her over to the medical area of the ship. Her ankle feels a lot better, but it’s still a little sore. When we arrive at the medical unit, I hand her the cane and I press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

  “Meet me for dinner?” I ask her.

  “It would be an honor,” Diana agrees easily. She turns and heads inside medical unit, and I make my way to the ship’s command center, where I have a meeting with Blake. We’ve got to give a debriefing about everything that happened on Dreagle, and we’ll also receive our next assignment.

  We don’t always do back-to-back missions, and I prefer not to. I think it’s good for everyone to have some down time to be able to enjoy a normal life. Living in space isn’t easy. Staying on a ship isn’t simple. We’ve all left behind our home planets, our friends, and our loved ones to pursue this lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean the choice hasn’t come with a cost.

  “Busy morning?” Blake joins me, striding beside me. He matches my pace, and I nod.

  “Relaxing,” I say.

  “Did you and Diana?” He asks, and I know he’s not being crude. He’s my brother in every way but blood. If he’s asking me this question, it’s because Blake cares about me.

  “We did.”

  “Brave little thing, isn’t she?”

  “I was surprised,” I admit. “It was her idea. You know I would never pressure her into something like that.”

  “I know, brother,” Blake pats my shoulder as we walk, making our way through the ship to the command room. “Are you okay?”

  “What do you mean? I’m not the one who was hurt.”

  “You care about her,” he says. “Sarah told me you were in the medical unit constantly while you waited for Diana to regain consciousness.”

  “Sarah needs to mind her own business,” I say, but I don’t really mean it. If Blake is like a brother, then Sarah is the little sister I never had.

  Blake just chuckles. “You don’t have to tell me. Sarah seems to know everything that’s happening on the ship at any given moment.”

  “To be fair, it’s sort of her job.”

  “Maybe,” Blake says, but his voice trails off. I’ve wondered for a long time why he and Sarah aren’t together. They both obviously care deeply for one another.

  “Is everything okay with you two?”

  “Yeah,” he shakes his head. “We’re fine. It’s just...I don’t know. I have a lot going on, I suppose.”

  “If you ever need to talk about it, you know I’m here for you.”

  “I know, and I appreciate it.” We round the corner and we’re about to ente
r the busy command room, but Blake stops and turns back to me. “Be careful with Diana,” he says. “She seems really sweet, Max. She seems like a genuine darling.”

  “I plan on being careful.”

  “My father always told me you’d know your true mate when you met them,” he says. “And I know you’re not me, and I know it’s not my place to say, but I’d bet money that Diana is your mate, Max. You look at her like she’s the moon and the stars. You look at her like there’s no one else. If that’s truly the way you feel, you shouldn’t wait to tell her.”

  Then he pushes open the door, and he goes inside.

  Chapter 10

  Diana

  “So, you and Max,” Sarah smiles when I walk into the room.

  “What’s that, now?”

  “Sit down,” she laughs, and points to a chair near her desk. This isn’t the medical room where I was yesterday. It’s a different place.

  “Is this your office?”

  “Yeah. You were staying in one of the medical bedrooms. When someone is injured on a mission or becomes hurt, I’ve got several rooms where they can stay during recovery. This is where I spend most of my days, though.” She motions to the comfortable space. “Pretty sweet, right?”

  “I like it.” I lean back in the chair, and Sarah sits across from me.

  “How are you feeling today?”

  “Pretty good.”

  “Any pain?”

  “No, no pain.”

  “How about nightmares?” She asks gently. “Did you have any trouble sleeping?”

  “No,” I blush. “No trouble there.”

  “Oh,” she says, and smiles at me. “I take it you and Max are getting along.”

  “Um, well, you see…”

  “It’s okay,” she holds up a hand. “You don’t have to tell me. As your doctor, I’ll just warn you to be careful. You went through a traumatic experience, and sometimes you may experience unexpected anxiety.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you were kept in a cold, dark cell, right?”

  “Yeah,” I shiver, trying to push the memory from my mind.