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It wasn't hard to do. The scene was so beautiful that even a space colony kid like Elian couldn't help but appreciate it: the clear water, the sunlight dappling through the leaves, the sound of birds in the distance. He closed his eyes and breathed in the clean air, feeling a strange sense of peace.
He'd never experienced anything like this. By the time that he'd been born, Earth had been too polluted for moments like this. His entire world had been big cities, the interiors of ships, and the recycled air of stations.
Opening his eyes, Elian looked out at the wild scenery, feeling a strange sense of longing. Despite the alien world around him, this was something that all humans could understand: the call of the wild, the desire for open spaces, the need for contact with the natural world.
He washed himself, feeling the clean water against his skin, the scent of the forest in the air. For a moment, he could almost pretend that he was back on an Earth that he'd never been lucky enough to know, that he'd grown up in a world of open skies and untamed landscapes, that he'd known what it was to be a part of something more than just steel and recycled air.
The cool embrace of the river, the scent of pine and the unknown fragrance of the alien world, the dappled sunlight through his closed eyelids…
For this moment, the alien world of Vasz felt more like a home to him than his actual home ever had.
It was a strange feeling. Elian turned suddenly, water splashing around him, wanting to tell Rael about this feeling.
He froze.
He had clearly caught Rael by surprise. The Borraq hadn't been keeping an eye on their surroundings, but was intently focused on Elian.
And when Elian faced him, Rael's eyes roved over his body.
Elian flushed. There was no mistaking the intensity and desire in Rael's eyes.
Last night, Elian had gotten the impression that Rael might kiss him. The Borraq had caught him in his arms, holding him close, his gaze burning into Elian's. In that moment, it had felt like Rael was going to lean in, that his head was going to lower, that his lips were going to…
Elian shivered, drops of clear water tumbling from his hair. No, he had to be imagining things.
But if the circumstances between them were different… If Rael was a human, if Elian wasn't a captive with a bounty on his head, if there was no war between their species…
Then Rael would be the ideal man. Kind, brave, protective of his people, strong. Someone who had taken care of Elian and treated him well, even when Elian was supposed to be the enemy of his people.
Elian ran his hands through his wet curls, washing away the last of the soap. He and Rael locked eyes as he stood in the river, desire burning in the alien's gaze.
The Borraq's body was a work of art, all sleek, rippling muscle. His golden skin seemed to glow in the dappled sunlight, the color a perfect contrast to the deep greens and browns of the surrounding forest. Despite the coolness of the day, sweat glistened on his skin, drawing Elian's gaze to the broad expanse of his chest, the chiseled ridges of his abs. A single trail of golden hair led down from his navel, disappearing into the loose fabric of his pants.
Elian's mouth went dry.
He'd never been attracted to anyone like Rael. In the space stations and colonies he'd been shuttled through, keeping his head down and focusing on survival had been his only priorities.
He'd never allowed himself to act on any desires for men, no matter who caught his eye. There had always been something more urgent to focus on, something more dangerous to dodge.
At least, that was what he'd always told himself.
But now… Despite the vast gulf of difference between them, something about Rael drew him. The sheer size of the alien, the power in his body, the deep rumble of his voice, the way his eyes burned with a fierce heat, fixed on Elian as if he were the only thing in the universe worth looking at…
He was staring. He couldn't stop himself.
"Come here," Rael commanded.
The sound of his deep voice sent a shiver down Elian's spine. His mouth was dry as he slowly stepped out of the water, water droplets trailing down his body, the cool air of the forest raising goosebumps on his skin.
He approached Rael. The Borraq said nothing, but his eyes blazed with unmistakable intent.
Desire and nervousness warred within him, a heady mix that made his head swim. Elian stopped in front of Rael, the alien's body towering over his own. He looked up at the Borraq, his heart racing, anticipation and need burning in his veins.
It was insane to have feelings for his captor — and for a Borraq especially! But after crash-landing behind enemy lines on an alien planet and kidnapped for the bounty on his head, his whole life was insane right now.
What was one more insane thing, right?
And maybe Elian could have one nice thing before being handed over to the authorities and disappearing forever...
