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In true Navik fashion, he simply grunts and goes back to cooking.
The moment feels surreal. I should pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming, but if I am, I don't want to wake up. Me taking a dip in the pool and Navik barbecuing over an open flame, it's all so—normal.
The irony of my present situation isn't lost on me; finding solace in this cave-like dwelling after being imprisoned in the underground caves on Onis. But Navik's home opens up to the outside while nestled within Zeva's craggy mountains, offering a sanctuary I hadn't expected.
As I swim, my thoughts drift to the harsh Universe just beyond the darkening sky overhead, where it feels like everyone out there wants to use me, kill me, or both.
I dive under again, seeking refuge in the water's healing embrace. It's as if each stroke washes away another layer of my horrifying captivity. I'm immensely thankful to Navik for giving me this moment of reprieve.
"Food's almost ready," Navik calls out. "If you want to use the purifier, the time is now."
I make my way to the pool's edge, reluctant to leave its soothing depths.
"Got a towel?" I ask, hoisting myself out of the water.
Navik leaves the fire pit and approaches as I stand before him shivering, aware of his gaze lingering on my dripping form. It's impossible to ignore the slow burn of desire that seems to always be simmering between us.
"Here," Navik grunts, handing me a towel he plucked from a basket set against the wall. Our fingers brush briefly as I take it from him, an electric current passing between us. I quickly wrap the towel around myself, shielding my body from his intense scrutiny.
"Thanks." The word comes out as a raspy whisper, heavy with unspoken emotions. "I'll only be a minute."
"I left some fabrics inside the cleanroom," Navik calls after me. "Maybe you can fashion a garment until I can get you proper clothes."
"Okay, thanks," I call back, passing through the main area Navik has set up like a living room with large, comfy chairs and tables. I'm looking forward to lounging about while taking in the view of the forest beyond the faux wall separating Navik's cave from the outdoors.
I step inside the cleanroom and pause. Sitting on the floor is a huge basket filled with luxurious fabrics in shades of midnight blue, amethyst, and obsidian. My fingers itch to touch the silky material, to wrap myself in its softness.
I pluck a piece of midnight blue material from the top of the stack, admiring the way it shimmers in the soft light of the solaris rocks embedded in the walls. The fabric is finely woven, with a soft, elegant design that catches the light like a prism. I trace my fingers along the intricate pattern, feeling its silken texture. It's unlike any material I've ever touched before.
It's a large piece and my mind races with how I can best drape it around my body to make a dress as I drop my towel and step into the purifier. I close the door to the upright pod and crank the handle. Immediately, I’m enveloped by a cloud of warm steam.
I sigh as tense muscles relax, the purifier working its magic as it cleanses and rejuvenates my weary body. The pod hums softly around me, a soothing symphony of alien technology that lulls me into a state of tranquility.
Sadly, this moment can't last forever, so I shut off the purifier and towel off. Dinner will be ready soon and I don't want to keep Navik waiting.
And I have a big decision to make. Should I stay here to keep Navik from risking his life again and never be reunited with my mom, or return home and hope he isn’t killed in the process?
I shake out the elegant fabric, feeling a deep sense of contentment as I drape it around my body. It molds itself to my curves as I arrange it in a toga style. The fabric feels expensive and cool against my skin, a soothing balm to the rawness of my emotions. For a moment, I allow myself to revel in the luxury of peace, entertaining the idea of this being my home.
Navik is waiting for me on the patio where he cooked our meal. A table is set up for two and Navik is just setting out plates of food when I'm struck with a bout of nerves.
He notices me and stops to stare. His icy gaze touches me from the top of my head to my toes peeking out under the silky fabric of my makeshift garment. I fidget under the intensity of his stare and wonder what he is thinking.
He doesn't say anything for a long moment, just keeps his eyes locked with mine. Finally, he speaks. "That fabric suits you well, starfire."
I feel my cheeks flush at his compliment. "Thank you," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Why does this feel so much like a first date?
"Sit," Navik gently commands, gesturing toward the table.
I walk over and take a seat, my eyes glued to Navik's face. He looks different in the waning sun and warm light from the fire pit. His normally harsh features softened by the flickering flames.
His hair is still damp from his turn in the purifier, the ends sweeping across his massive shoulders. Always bare chested, his muscles flex and roll with his every movement. Sculpted from granite, his body is a work of art, and I can't stop myself from admiring every inch of him.
Navik is a Kaul of few words, but his actions speak volumes. I can tell by the way he looks at me, the way he touches me, that he wants me just as badly as I want him.
He’s changed clothes, wearing loose fitting pants in a soft white that hang low around his tight waist and billow around his thick thighs. Buttery leather shoes adorn his feet, reminding me of expensive slippers. He looks comfortable and at home in his mountainside oasis.
