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The plan was simple. Get in, retrieve the data, and get out again. This wasn’t the first time Shepard had been blackmailed by the Reds, and she doubted it would be the last.
Last time had been a smash and grab. She was good at those. This time it called for something a little more subtle. Which was why she was sitting in a shuttle with Thane.
He seemed trustworthy.
Shepard allowed herself a glance at the drell in the co-pilot seat. He had his hands folded neatly in his lap. Thane responded to the glance with a small dip of his head.
There was something unsettling about him.
“Thank you for agreeing to this,” Shepard said. “I know it’s unusual.”
“You’re welcome,” Thane replied. “It will be a pleasant distraction from the mission.”
“You might change your mind about that,” Shepard said.
Her mind changed the instant they met up with Liara’s associate planetside.
“You’ll be attending a resort for newly weds,” Nirala said as she handed them both a datapad. “Miss T’soni has provided supplies and a transport.”
Shepard’s mouth felt dry. The transport was an exotic, top of the range, model. When she looked in the bag of clothes her heart sank further.
“The target will be there with his new wife. He’ll have the data with him,” Nirala continued. “You’re booked in for two days. That should give you plenty of time to find it.”
“I see.” Thane ran his hand over the roof of the transport. “I’ll get changed for our arrival. Our appearances must not draw attention.”
He entered the shuttle with his bag.
Shepard ran through the information as she waited. They’d landed in a private hanger that looked out over a wooded valley. The resort was three valleys over. It had its own waterfall, along with a long list of amenities that promised a luxurious retreat.
“Your turn, Mrs Icaros,” Thane said as he walked out of the shuttle. He’d changed into a well fitted white shirt that was open to the waist, exposing a bright green only broken by vivid stripes of black, and a pair of tight black trousers.
“Thank you, Sere Icaros.” Shepard took her bag into the shuttle and tried to find the most substantial garment in there. This was ridiculous. She couldn’t help grinning at the absurdity of wearing those things when she’d spent the last thirteen years of her life in military dress.
There was a time when she’d worn much worse than this. The past kept reaching back to her.
She decided on a short strappy black dress and black heels. The air was warm on her bare legs as she walked out into the hangar.
Maybe she could loosen up a little. They were headed towards near certain death after all.
Nirala didn’t register her reappearance. Thane did. He watched her walk towards him, his arms folded across his chest as he leant against the transport. Something flickered in those dark eyes of his.
“You look…”
“Underdressed,” Shepard said with a smile. “At least it’s not cold.”
“Indeed. Shall we?” He opened the transport door and held out his hand.
“Give my thanks to Miss T’soni,” Shepard called. “I’ll be in touch when we’re done.” She danced past the offered hand and lowered herself into the plush driving seat. It smelled expensive. Once there was a time when she would have killed to get a ride like this.
Thane settled in next to her, and Shepard gunned the engine. The transport handled like a dream. She settled back into the seat, grazing her bare thighs over the luxurious seat, and sighed.
It earned her a look from Thane. The early evening sun flashed across his face as the transport banked.
“What kind of data are we retrieving?” Thane asked. He looked down at the datapad with a frown.
“You sure you want to know?” The transport chirruped as it locked onto the resort landing pad.
“Yes.”
Shepard smiled. “You can keep a secret, can’t you? I have a feeling you’re good at that.”
Thane made a small noise in his throat.
“It’s compromising footage of me from a long time ago,” Shepard admitted. “I could claim it was fake, but I’d rather it didn’t get into the wrong hands.”
Thane nodded. “I see. Have you given much thought as to our ruse?”
“Not really,” Shepard admitted. She’d never been married. She had no idea what newly weds did.
The transport landed with the softest of bumps. Two attendants were already walking over.
Thane leaned close. “Follow my lead.” He slid easily out of the transport, waved the attendants away, and crossed to Shepard’s door.
“Allow me,” he said.
This time Shepard took his hand. It was warm in her own, and she looked up to see a smile vanishing from Krios’ face. His warm gaze drifted across her skin.
“Beautiful,” he said. Thane slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her close, and let his lips graze her neck.
It was shockingly intimate. No one had touched her like this in years, and Shepard couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips.
Thane pulled back, and used one finger to lift her chin.
For a disbelieving second Shepard thought he was going to kiss her. She could feel his warmth through the thin fabric of her dress. Her own heart had begun to clamour.
“Husband,” she murmured, half in warning, and half in something that caught in her chest.
“My apologies,” Thane said in a tone that contained no apology. He kept one arm around her waist as they turned to the attendants.
“Our bags are in the car,” Thane said.
“Excellent, Sir. If you’d both like to follow me,” one of the attendants said with a bow.
Shepard matched her pace to Thane’s, well aware of his hand on her hip. His fingers tightened against her.
The resort building was beautiful. Even the landing pad was lined with lush vegetation and twinkling lights. There was an intoxicating scent on the wind.
They walked in, and Shepard couldn’t help staring. The walkway looked out over an intricately tiled courtyard that was sunk into the ground. Half smothered laughter rang up from the swimming pool at the bottom. The stained glass roof was adorned with stars, casting rainbow pockets of colour down into the space. It was dizzying.
“This is your private suite,” the attendant said. “You’ll find details of all our shared facilities inside.”
“Thank you,” Shepard managed.
She walked through the arched doors and her mouth dropped open. The main room was huge. It contained long sofas, a small bar, and a jacuzzi right in the centre. It was lit with another stained glass dome.
A screen on the wall was broadcasting information about the resort. Shepard ignored it and went to explore. There was a large main bathroom with a shower that could fit at least three people and a big bath. A second smaller bathroom adjoined it.
One of the rooms was just for clothes storage. Further down a dimly lit corridor was a bedroom. The bed was the biggest she’d ever seen. Each wall was mirrored, as was the ceiling. There was a screen on the opposite wall.
“Apparently you can purchase footage of your stay,” Thane said. He’d followed her down the corridor.
“There is another room,” Thane said.
Something in his tone caught Shepard’s attention. She headed past him and took a look into the last room. It was dark. There was a harness hanging from the ceiling. She shut the door quickly and rested her head against it. “Do all newly weds have lots of sex?”
“Not all, I suspect,” Thane said. He padded slowly back into the main room.
“Will you be ok with the humidity?” Shepard asked as she went to collect her bag from next to the door.
“We’re not here for long.” Thane made two drinks at the bar and sat down to watch the screen.
There was no point in unpacking.
Shepard tossed her bag on the bed and went back for her drink.
“All guests meet for meals,” Thane said. “After that there’s drinks and entertainment. All extras are free of charge.”
“Extras?” Shepard kicked her shoes off and wiggled her toes. She looked up to find Thane watching her with a small frown.
He sat back. “Stimulants. Aphrodisiacs. Contraception.”
“That takes me back,” Shepard said with a grin. She was beginning to enjoy herself. This place was beautiful. Thane looked alternately at ease in his surroundings, and uncomfortable to be around her. He could be fun to play with. It was the least she could do after his stunt at the landing pad.
She reached across and picked up a small box that had been left on the side table. Inside was what looked like medication.
“Are you familiar with the contents?” Thane asked as he swirled the drink in his glass.
“No.” Shepard sifted through the box with one finger.
“Drell/human sex can have side effects. For the human. This medication removes those side effects. The resort has considered every need of their guests.”
Shepard threw the box aside. “I’m going to get a shower before dinner.” She finished her drink, got up, and left.
The shower was delicious. Fresh water ran over her skin, and she took as long as possible. There was no need to conserve water. She’d been nervous about playing a newly wed with Thane. She’d only known him for a few months at most. They’d spoken onboard the Normandy . She’d trained with him.
Most of her thoughts had been focussed on the mission. Now they swirled back to her past. It had never truly fit. Two halves of a disconnected life that had only splintered further. She had died, and her life had begun yet again.
Her time on Earth had been hard, fast and brutal. She’d never quite reconciled that dark eyed girl with the soldier she’d become. That girl was still a part of her. They’d done terrible things that she’d never spoken of again. Things in dark rooms, with drugs in her veins, and lust running beneath her skin. It hadn’t all felt bad. That was the problem.
She got out, dried, and went to look through her clothes. What would she have picked, given the choice back then?
The dress was at the bottom of the bag. It was small, and sheer, and possibly lingerie.
Shepard slid into it. She dabbed perfume on her neck and wrists, applied the barest wisp of make up, and went out to meet Thane. He didn’t look up as she approached.
“The target is a Mister Whelan. He’s booked into the lounge for this evening. He’s also booked into the private club. I made reservations. By all accounts it is…” He glanced up and his fingers froze on his omni-tool. “Shepard. You look...breathtaking.”
“It’s not Shepard,” she corrected. “It’s Merle Icaros.”
“Of course. My apologies.” Thane got to his feet and tucked his hands behind his back. “I thought we were trying to blend in.”
“We are. But I was thinking, no one would expect to see Commander Shepard wearing something like this.”
“I see. I’ll change for dinner.” Thane stalked away, his hands tight behind his back, and Shepard stifled a laugh as she lay on the sofa. Maybe she was scaring him away. He was polite and distant. She was being annoying.
He returned wearing a well fitted suit. “Shall we? I’ve already memorised the layout.”
They received little attention as they entered the restaurant. It was cosy, with tented ceilings, and flickering pools of light at each low table.
Shepard spotted their target straight away. He was a bored, rich looking forty something with a young asari wife on one arm. Whelan was a new associate of the Reds. He’d contacted Shepard with his threat of publishing the footage unless she paid up. Liara’s research showed he was up to his neck in debt with Volus brokers. Not just desperate, but stupid too.
“I see him,” Thane said as they were seated. “How would you like to proceed?”
“I doubt he’ll carry it on him,” Shepard mused.
“Their security system is surprisingly good,” Thane said. He picked his menu up. “We could break into his suite, but it would take time.”
“Easiest way in is to steal the key.” Shepard ordered with a flick of her omni-tool. “We’ll follow him. We’re bound to get an opportunity.”
“Agreed.”
Their drinks arrived first. Thane had ordered water. Her own drink was tall, with layers of pink and white, with what looked like fruit on top. It tasted of cherries and something heady that she couldn’t name. The fizz in her mouth settled low in her abdomen.
She’d ordered without much thought, opting for the drink on special. One look at the menu told her she’d ordered a drink known for its aphrodisiac properties. That explained the low hum in her blood. Hopefully her Cerberus mods would burn through it before she got in too much trouble.
Neither spoke until their food arrived. Thane kept a calm watch of Whelan’s table.
Shepard had ordered a taster platter. Her stomach rumbled at the sight of her food. She couldn’t help the sigh of pleasure as she picked up a morsel and bit into it. It was warm and salty on her tongue. Sauce ran down her hand, and she licked it off with a long sweep.
She caught Thane watching and let her tongue linger over the skin of her wrist.
He looked away without expression.
Shepard resolved to behave herself. “Would you like some?”
“What is it?” Thane asked. He’d ordered a brightly coloured salad.
“I don’t actually know.” Shepard pushed the platter over and continued eating.
Thane stared at it for a long moment before trying some. He looked between her and the plate, as though mulling something over. “Would you like to try some of mine?”
“What is it?”
“A collection of foods that originated from Rakhana. They are a delicacy amongst my people.”
Shepard smiled. “I’ll try.”
She watched Thane pluck out a pink curl of his food with his fingertips and realised with a jolt that he was going to feed it to her. She opened her mouth, and felt Thane’s fingers brush her lips.
Shepard drew back. The food was delicious. It was sweet, and somehow sour, and damn she’d got herself into this.
A pair of newly weds across the room were feeding each other and giggling.
“He’s leaving,” Thane said.
Whelan got to his feet, embraced his wife, and began to leave.
“She’s heading to the casino,” Thane said. “Her table reservations are on file.”
Shepard touched her fingers to her lips. She needed her head clear. “We stay on him. He’s the target.”
“As you wish.”
This time when Thane slid his arm around her waist she returned the favour and leant in. He was muscled, and hard, and confident as he steered them after Whelan at a discreet distance.
Whelan descended a set of stairs to the private club. The bass of the music engulfed Shepard as they walked in. It shook through her, vibrating through her long limbs and up into the centre of her head. It felt good.
She spared a glance for the dance floor as they were led to a small booth. People were closely entwined. Someone was having a private dance in a booth across the way.
“Oh no,” Shepard murmured. She was confident Thane wouldn’t hear her over the music. There had to be something she could do to wipe out the effect of her drink from earlier.
“I’ll fetch the drinks,” Shepard said, turning on her heel and fleeing before they were even seated. The music called her to dance as she skirted the dance floor. Someone was moaning in a nearby booth.
This was too much. She was being enveloped by her past, a shadow passing over her, and it set her shivering. How many nights had she spent in places like this?
She examined the bar and selected a whisky for Thane. There was a neat set of jars containing what looked like sweets. The bar attendant gave her a quick smile and pressed her mouth close to Shepard’s ear. “The stims are good. They’ve got an extra kick. Keep you awake all night.”
Shepard held three fingers up. She downed the jewel like tablets without water, picked up the drinks, and turned to survey the bar.
Whelan was up and dancing.
Thane was shadow. The dancing lights showed only the briefest glimpse of him there waiting for her.
He was unsettling, like an itch she couldn’t quite scratch, and Shepard realised with dismay that it wasn’t like an itch at all. It was a longing. She tried to shake her head clear as she trailed back across the dance floor, towards the darkness, and the creature waiting for her there.
This was an act. They were on a mission. She was pretending.
Shepard set the drinks down with a clunk. She shuffled in, keeping her distance, and took a sip of her drink. This time it was just water.
Thane took his glass, gave it a long look, and took a small sip.
At least they couldn’t talk in there. The music stole every sound.
Whelan was dancing with a couple of asari now, and he moved out of their line of sight.
There was nothing for it.
Shepard got up, and Thane followed. She caught his hand, meaning to shake her head and send him back. Her eyes met his. Thane caught both of her hands and pulled her off balance.
They were on the dance floor now. Whelan was to their left.
Thane leant close, his breath on Shepard’s neck. “He’s not going anywhere.”
She hadn’t planned on dancing. Her body moved before her mind could catch the trail of sensation that pulled her forwards. As far as her crew knew she was a terrible dancer. It had been easier to keep up that pretence.
Thane let go of her hands and set his hands on her waist. There was a slither of respectful distance between them. He turned his head away, watching the dance floor, and something stuttered in Shepard’s chest.
She closed the gap. Her hips met his, and Thane looked back to her. He shifted to the beat, pressing forwards, and Shepard pressed back. Her arms were around his neck.
He pressed his lips to her ear. “Shepard?”
The scent of him set her blood singing. His fingers drew lazy patterns on her back. She leant her head against his. “Not today.”
Thane sighed, a whispering breath across her neck as he buried his face there and pulled her closer. His body moved with easy grace. Shepard responded. She was greedy to have his attention, for the friction of his body against hers, and the rolling beat that trapped her.
This was the ghost of her past, slipping beneath her skin and opening her wide to the ache that waited.
Whelan wasn’t going anywhere. She saw him watching them, not with suspicion, but with a slow grin.
“I have an idea,” Shepard said. She nodded towards the bar. Thane released her, blinking slowly, and melted into the dark.
Now Shepard danced alone. She moved, eyes closed, until her back collided. Her eyes flew open, and she made a show of gasping in shock as Whelan span to face her. His pupils were blown wide from the various extras he’d already taken.
His smile broadened, and he took Shepard’s hand.
She glanced back over her shoulder, laughed, and stumbled against Whelan. He took the opportunity to grab her ass. She let him.
He wasn’t the best dancer. They collided a couple of times. Each time Shepard smiled and glanced down at her feet. She felt Thane watching her. He had circled the dance floor, drinks in hand, before taking up position near their booth.
Shepard felt Whelan slide his hands up her waist, and she tilted her head quickly.
Thane was between them in an instant. He swept her away with light steps, his fingers tracing up the sides of her ribcage and round to her back.
Whelan called something but it was lost over the music.
“Thank you,” Shepard murmured. She slipped her hands up inside Thane’s jacket to find his pocket. He stilled, pressed one hand to hers, and pulled her to the exit.
It was cool and quiet after the heat of the club.
“Here.” Thane stopped and draped his jacket across her shoulders. He swept her hair out from beneath the collar, his fingers drawing across the sensitive skin of her neck. He set one arm around her waist as they drifted back up the stairs.
A couple walked past them laughing.
“I assume that was the key,” Thane said, with a glance at his jacket.
“It was.” Shepard grinned. “He’s in room twelve.”
“This way,” Thane said. He checked his omni-tool before leading the way back across the maze of walkways that made up the centre of the resort. There were still people in the swimming pool below. Their activities sounded less innocent now.
The stims had begun to kick in. Everything was sharp and crisp, from the rasp of Thane’s hands against her skin to the lingering scent of flowers in the air.
He nudged her with his hip. “I had no idea you were a skilled pickpocket.”
Shepard shrugged. “You don’t survive on the streets by being good.”
They stopped in front of a door. Thane raised his omni-tool. “I’ve redirected their cameras, but we must move fast.”
Shepard fished out the key, opened the door, and closed it firmly behind Thane. Both listened and heard only the bubble of the jacuzzi.
“I’ll take the bedroom,” Shepard said. She began searching. After five minutes she’d found nothing. The data had to be there somewhere. She checked under the bed, found only a box of shoes, and glanced up to find Thane at the door. His fingers were on his lips.
He stepped over to one of the mirrored walls to reveal a closet.
Shepard ducked in, followed by Thane. He slid the door shut silently.
Voices filtered down the corridor.
"That dumbass,” one of them was saying. “He honestly thinks someone like me would fall for someone like him.”
“You’re far above him,” someone else said. “Perfect, even.”
There was a high pitched squeal.
It was almost completely dark in the closet. Shepard reached back and found that there was very little room. She didn’t want to be trapped there. Thane was silent. He was illuminated by the thinnest slither of light.
“Careful,” the second voice said.
“Relax, my husband is getting off with some idiots at the club. He’ll be hours yet.”
There was a low groan. Shepard licked her lips. That was Whelan’s wife and someone not Whelan. There was a breathy laugh, followed by a splash. They were getting in the jacuzzi.
“Hours,” Shepard whispered. She rubbed her face hard.
“Are you well?” Thane asked. He took hold of her arm, and stepped closer.
There was a louder groan from outside. Shepard felt dizzy. Three stims and the alcoholic aphrodisiac had played havoc with her senses. She wanted to stuff her hand in her mouth and bite it until her reckless pulse evened out.
“I’m fine.” Shepard rested her hand on Thane’s chest. “I might have overindulged.”
“You chose an interesting drink,” Thane whispered. There was the faint trace of a warm laugh in his throat. “I wasn’t sure it was intentional.”
“It wasn’t.”
“Was the dance intentional?”
Shepard stiffened. “Yes. And no. That’s not how Commander Shepard dances,” she said.
“You’re not Commander Shepard. Not today,” Thane said. He drew closer.
“We were acting,” Shepard said. Her whisper was unsteady.
“You draw me forwards, then push me back. I believed we were playing, nothing more. Yet…” He sucked his breath in with a hiss. “Your dance felt like an invitation. One I am happy to accept.”
“An invitation?” There was a long, hair raising growl of pleasure from the other room. “I’m always pretending,” Shepard said. She licked her lips. “People expect—”
“I am not people. Back in the transport you said I could keep a secret,” Thane said, his voice a low hum. “You are correct. You need not pretend with me, Shepard. Tell me...what do you want?”
Her hand was still on his chest.
She should have known better, but then she’d had that drink, and danced with him in the dark. If she said she wanted nothing, she knew Thane would withdraw without hostility. He was all grace. But to say no would be a lie.
No one would ever have to know.
“You,” Shepard said. She held her breath. He moved closer, and touched his lips to one corner of her mouth.
“Where would you like me?” he asked against her lips.
The moans outside were rhythmic now.
Thane kissed down her neck, across her collarbones and down to the centre of her ribcage.
She stifled a moan.
“I have an idea,” Thane said. He dropped to his knees, and Shepard was forced to step back to make room for him. His breath was warm on her thighs. “Would you like me here?”
She wished she could see him. There was the faintest outline of his back as he knelt before her.
“Yes,” Shepard said. Thane’s hands slid up to her waist. He tore her underwear off with a neat rip. She felt cold air, and then Thane’s tongue.
Her moan was louder this time. He licked into her with eager flicks of his tongue. Every nerve ending was simmering. His head was against her thighs, and she arched her back, falling back against the side of the closet.
Thane stilled. He lifted her onto his shoulders and Shepard felt the cold closet wall against her hot back. She was lost against his mouth.
“Quiet,” Thane murmured. He lifted one hand and pushed his fused fingers into her mouth. She licked the rough pads of his fingers.
He slowed as she tensed.
Outside someone was crying out with ragged gasps of joy.
“Fuck,” Shepard whimpered. His tongue was going slowly. Each movement was deliberate torture. She squirmed against him, heard his low growl, and knew that she was going to lose hard.
Her orgasm was already blooming second by delicious second against Thane’s hungry mouth. He paused, breathed against her thigh, and then sucked at her clit with a delicate hum.
Shepard felt her biotics light up. She closed her eyes, searching for control, and bit down on Thane’s fingers. There was no holding it. She clenched, hips rising, and Thane stopped. There were colours behind her eyes. Swear words on her lips. He’d stopped .
“Thane,” Shepard stuttered out. He lifted his mouth from her. She gasped in need. “What are you..”
Something clicked behind her.
Thane set her gently back on her feet and stood slowly. He held her against him, and Shepard could feel how hard his own heart was racing. He whispered something that sounded like a prayer, and licked up her neck to her ear.
“They’ve gone,” Thane said.
Shepard raised her head to look at the side of the closet where she’d heard something. A small door popped open. Inside was a data stick. “We found it,” Shepard said. “You stopped.”
Frustration rippled through her.
“I did. Excellent work, Mrs Icaros.” Thane swept the door open and he lifted his hand to help Shepard out. She stepped out on shaky legs. A glance in the mirror showed her flushed and glowing face.
She allowed Thane to guide her out.
“You should go back to our room,” Thane said. “I’ll return Whelan’s keys. I won’t be long.”
Shepard watched him go. She’d been so close. Her orgasm was fading, pleasure bleaching unwillingly from her bones.
She strode back to the room and threw herself down on one of the long sofas. They had the data stick. They could leave now, and that would be the end.
Maybe it was just the drugs, Shepard reasoned. She sighed deeply and trailed her hands across her body. That wasn’t true. She’d been longing for Thane for longer than she could admit even to herself. He’d felt better than she could have imagined. Shepard bit her lip.
The door opened. Thane padded silently in. He stood over her with his hands tucked behind his back.
“What do you intend to do?”
“With what?” Shepard asked. She couldn’t bring herself to move.
“The data.”
“Destroy it.” She threw it at Thane. “Here.”
His biotics bloomed, and she watched as Thane crushed it in one glowing fist. “There. Our mission is complete. We could return to the Normandy .” He tilted his head to one side. “It seems a shame to leave unfinished.”
“It does,” Shepard said.
Thane picked up the small box of medication and offered it to Shepard. More drugs couldn’t hurt now. She glanced at the instructions, took out a tablet, and swallowed it down. Her throat tingled.
Thane stalked closer, swept her up in his arms, and carried her through to the bedroom. He threw her down on the bed with a thrumming growl.
“I am yours to command,” Thane said. “Confess your lust. I will free you of your sins.” He moved over her, his hands tugging at her excuse of a dress, and Shepard wriggled until it was over her head and away.
She dragged Thane’s jacket off. He undressed swiftly, his eyes never leaving her.
He was beautiful. His colours grew in vibrancy where they reached the curve of hips. The colours tapered into a pale pink.
Shepard reached out to run her hands over him and was answered with a soft groan.
He nudged her further onto the bed with his thighs, his hands catching at hers, and Shepard chanced a glance upwards. Thane was iridescent beneath the lights. His skin flexed, catching the light in tiny flecks.
Thane took hold of her chin and pressed an open mouthed kiss to her lips.
The reflection ceased to hold any substance. There was only his tongue in her mouth, his muscled form between her thighs, and the curling desire that left her reeling.
This was real. It wasn’t the past. It wasn’t an unknowable distant future. He was hers right now.
“I need you inside me,” Shepard said. She watched transfixed as Thane took the lube from the bedside table and spread it on his fused fingers.
“Gladly.” He touched her, spread her with his fingers and dipped inside her.
Shepard closed her eyes, her muscles clenching around his fingers. She allowed herself a moan at last.
Thane shifted back and stood at the side of the bed. He took hold of Shepard’s hips, and she arched her back.
He moved inside with one long, heavy thrust. He used one hand to support her hips. The other he used to touch her clit.
The drugs heightened every sensation to an almost unbearable pitch. The orgasm flickered back to life, and Shepard felt the tension catch her. She wanted to hold this feeling forever.
Thane was moving with slick purpose, driving her forwards even as she wanted to stay in the thrust of him and the smooth caress of his fingers.
He paused, kissed her exposed belly, and pressed harder.
Shepard looked at him. He was intent, but watchful. He purred. It was soft enough for Shepard to catch the edges of it. She arched again, muscles fluttering, and the ache throbbed harder into a wave of pleasure.
He stopped moving.
“Please,” Shepard moaned. She tried to thrust her hips against him, to keep the friction lighting her up, but Thane smiled. He slid out of her.
It was enough to make her scream. “Thane,” she babbled. “Don’t stop, please.”
“We have all night, siha.”
She didn’t know the word. Right now she didn’t care. She was aching for him to the point of pain.
Thane climbed across the bed. When Shepard followed he took hold of her. “You trust me with your secrets,” he murmured. “Will you trust me now?”
Her trust had carried her this far. They hardly knew each other. Still, they were likely to be dying in each other's company soon. Death had a way of stripping the extraneous cares from a life.
“Yes,” Shepard said. She lay down next to Thane, her back to his chest, and raised her leg. He moved inside her. His hand was between her legs again.
Their reflection shined over them. His green legs were entwined with hers.
The past seemed to have caught up with her. It hadn’t been as bad as she’d feared. Somehow it had lost its sheen of fear. The girl had become a woman. She was flushed and ready in the reflection, giving of her own volition, and enjoying herself on equal terms.
Thane smiled into her hair, whispering against her, and she softened into him. He could keep her secrets.
The pleasure lapped at her from the inside. She heard the cry in her throat, felt the slide and warmth, and a butterfly of sensation that bubbled up inside. She let it roll over her. There was a rush. She was alight in the flare of her biotics. It sighed across her skin and Shepard came at last.
Colours tingled behind her eyelids. She laughed, a pure ripple of joy, and cried out as Thane tensed inside her. He trembled and uttered a soft cry, his hips writhing against her. There was a heartbeat of movement together and then stillness.
Shepard looked down at their legs. She let out a contented sigh. “That was the best orgasm of my life.”
Thane stirred. “I believe that may be one of my favourite memories.” He smoothed her hair back from her face and nuzzled into her neck.
The jacuzzi was bubbling softly in the next room. The box of medication was still quite full.
“Liara said we had two days,” Shepard said hopefully.
Thane propped himself up on one elbow and considered her with liquid dark eyes. “Two days to find a single data stick?”
Shepard smiled. “I can keep a secret if you can.”