Page 35 of Jude

Chapter 8

Jude ran a hand throughOctavia’s soft hair as his mouth covered hers.

The soft moans coming from her urged him on. He scooped an arm under her legs and swooped her off her feet. He strode around a small copse of apple trees until they were out of view of anyone else and wouldn’t be discovered.

Octavia clung to him, kissing him like she was starving and he was the nourishment she’d craved for so long.

Setting her feet back on the ground, Jude ran his hands up her sides. His fingers brushed her breasts.

She responded by tightening her hold on the back of his neck and pulling him in for a deeper kiss.

Jude barely heard the quiet hissing sound over his head until it was too late. The overhead sprinklers poured water on them.

Octavia broke away from their kiss and blinked water out of her eyes. She laughed, and swiped the water away. “Did you know this would happen?”

Jude tried to cover her with an arm, but it was no good. They were both soaked. “It must be Patrick. He’s not happy I’m in here.”

“That must be the guy who yelled at me when I came in.” Octavia tipped her head back. “I did say I was looking forward to a shower.”

“Let’s get out of here.” Jude grabbed Octavia’s hand. They ran back to the exit.

“That’s right,” roared Patrick. “Get out of here. Don’t come back without an invitation.”

They both laughed as they raced away from the bio zone.

Jude was happy to see the anger had gone from Octavia’s face. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips swollen from their kiss. She had to know he wanted her. He would show her in any way possible.

“So, what now?” Octavia shoved the soggy cap on her head.

“You still haven’t slept,” said Jude.

“You want to take me to bed?” Octavia’s eyelids lowered.

Jude backed her against the wall and ran a hand down her arm. “More than anything.”

She pushed her damp hair under the cap. “Maybe we should get cleaned up first? And there’s the small matter of the State and their weird comms signals.”

Jude felt like nothing mattered in that moment other than Octavia. But she was right, he couldn’t let himself get too distracted by her. There would be plenty of time for that later.

“You go to the comms room,” he said. “I’ll grab towels and something to eat.”

“Coffee would be good,” said Octavia.

“Then that’s what you shall have.” He grabbed another quick kiss before hurrying to his quarters.

He rough-dried his hair and shrugged on a clean T-shirt. His pants had escaped the worst of the drenching and would be fine in an hour.

He collected a clean towel and another T-shirt before heading to the canteen where he collected the only food available; two freeze-dried ration packs and some coffee.

When Jude returned to the comms room, Octavia was already in a seat, an earbud in as she listened to the channels.

“I got you something to change into.” He handed her the T-shirt.

“Thanks.” She took it but kept it clutched in her hand.

“Have you picked up on something?” Jude placed the food and coffee down and sat next to her.

“Take a listen to this.” Octavia handed him an earbud. She began to pull off her long-sleeved T-shirt and then stopped. “Keep your back turned. I’ve got nothing on underneath this.”