A Kid Like Her (A Riddick - Jack Romance/Adventure Story)

Lessons To Be Learned

The trio went back up the stairs, leaving through the balcony door, and had just started down the hallway when Jack heard someone calling her name.

"You two go ahead. I'll catch up."

She had only walked a few steps when she was forcefully grabbed by the wrist and pulled into a dark alcove. A hand immediately covered her mouth as she was pressed against the wall, her body trapped with legs between hers to keep her from kicking. Looking up at her assailant, she saw twin silver reflecting pools. Although her anxiety fled, anger flared hot in its place. There was venom in her eyes and it was directed straight at him.

Riddick removed his hand from her mouth. "Jack."

"Riddick, I have somewhere I have to be."

He paused only for a moment as she threw his own words back in his face. He caressed her cheek, taking note of her balled fists.

She didn't flinch, but she looks like she wants to knock my ass into the next solar system.

"And where would that be?"

"Anywhere you're not. Last thing I want to do is deal with you right now."

"One minute of your time. That's it."

Against her better judgment she gave it to him. "It started ten seconds ago. What the fuck do you want?"

"A kiss," he whispered. That was the last thing she expected to hear. The look on her face told him so, too. Her lips parted to say something, then she closed them tightly. "I want to give you a kiss, Jack."

Not the bedroom voice. Just ignore it. Open your mouth and tell him NO. No, no, no!

"What are you up to Riddick? You think a kiss will make it all better? It never worked when I was a kid with a scraped knee, and it sure as hell won't work now. If you'll excuse me?" She tried to move but he held her firmly against the wall.

He moved his mouth just under her ear, knowing what it did to her. "You gave me a minute and I still have forty seconds at least."

She felt soft lips graze her cheek, traveling toward her mouth. His breath was against her lips; she knew his were just a whisper away. She swallowed involuntarily and kept still, concentrating more on standing her ground, oblivious that he no longer pinned her to the wall.

"This means nothing." She already had less venom in her voice, which encouraged him.

"Jack. Thirty seconds."

At first, he barely brushed his lips against hers. It was almost imperceptible, making her question if she even felt them at all. She parted her lips slightly to breathe and she felt them again, against hers, this time staying just long enough to tease.

"Down to twenty."

He had spoken directly against her mouth, his breath causing her to unconsciously lick her bottom lip to moisten it. Then his lips swept over hers, making brief contact, pulling away, returning, enticing her to lean forward and kiss him back. Her body was definitely not playing fair, wanting his kiss even though her mind was protesting the thought.

"Only ten left."

In spite of herself, the next time he drew near, feeling his breath, she leaned in ever so slightly, but it was just enough to meet his lips. For a fraction of a moment she sensed he would give in to his game when the pressure of lips on hers deepened. In the next instant they were gone leaving her waiting for him to try again. He never did.

She opened her eyes to find herself completely alone. All she heard was his voice. "Times up, Jack." He receded into the darkness with a slightly smug smile on his face, which thankfully she couldn't see.