Chapter : Mikhail

The panting of his breath filled the silence. Racing, always racing. Trying to reach the end. The goal. The prize.

His breath heaved, and his body tightened. Almost thereÉ

He thrust one last time and withdrew, spilling his seed on her stomach. Better to waste it than believe any woman's claim about birth control. Women lie, and the last thing he wanted was to sow a mini version of himself.

Climax achieved, Mikhail rolled onto his back with a satisfied groan and reached for his pipe. Carved out of a rare wood, the bowl of it held a tiny crystal that immediately ignited the pinch of herb he dropped on it. He sucked on the stem. The smoke tickled the back of his throat with a familiar taste that made him close his eyes in pleasure. The effects were immediate, a relaxing euphoria that required only a few smoky drags of the prized plant, a plant found on only a few planets. It had cost him dearly but tasted so good. Especially after sex.