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“No wonder the eruption didn’t even disrupt your sleep.” He shook his head, disturbed and amazed at all that Elena must have survived here. “This place truly is Perdition.”

“What? You don’t adore our lovely planet? I don’t think the travel brochures do it justice.”

His mouth cocked up in a lopsided smile at her teasing comment.

“Hmm. I must admit the accommodations have been exceptional.” He gently gripped her chin, wagging it slightly.

“We aim to please here at Hotel Hell.” She grinned.

He recalled the pleasure her mouth had given, and his mood instantly shifted, as one finger traced her smiling lips.

“Oh, I know that look. As tempting as you are, big, red and sexy, we’ve got a long day ahead of us.” She wrapped one of the blankets around herself and scooted back.

“You are right,” he petulantly huffed. “We’re getting off of Perdition.”

Resisting Elena was difficult, but getting her safely off the planet was a very convincing goal, still he watched her rifle through a neatly folded pile of clothes, utterly distracted by the way the blanket gaped, revealing her full behind. Elena paused and glanced back at him.

“I can feel you staring, horn-dog. How about you slather on some wasp bomb and go relieve yourself.”

“I could relieve myself right here,” he teased, even as he fetched the bag holding the wasp repellent.

“My first impression was right, you are a devil,” she declared with a snort.

He grinned as he rubbed the repellent on himself, making sure to lift his vestment so she could see what she was missing out on as he coated his thighs. If she wanted to liken him to an evil deity, he shouldn’t let her down.

“Get!” Elena pointed toward the entrance, attempting to look serious.

He chuckled and scampered outside. He glared at the erupting volcano as he exited, then looked around for any of the wasps as he found a spot some distance from the cave. The repellent was very effective, but he hadn’t coated his shaft. Getting stung there would be highly unpleasant. Thankfully, it was early enough the winged bastards were still dormant. Swiftly he did his business and returned to the cave to find Elena dressed. The pants she wore appeared loose and the long-sleeved shirt too tight, but he didn’t dare ask where she got the extra clothing. He had a sense the answer would dredge up terrible memories.

"How can I help?” he asked as she prepared them something to eat.

“Would you mind trading these ferns for the ones I have just up the path? They need to get some sunshine.”

He looked at the abundant greenery she cared for, which in return helped filter the cave air.

“I can do that. Do they need any water?” He grabbed the nearby makeshift metal saucer holding the plant.

“I think they’re okay. Thanks, handsome.”

Handsome.He grinned as he went to work.

Between the violent volcanoes, and the vile reptiles, the need to get off this planet was strong, and yet he couldn’t recall a time when he’d been happier.

Elena

“Are you sure you have all that?” She glanced at Payim as they hiked, a bundle of blankets hanging off one arm and two overloaded bags dangling from the other. “You don’t have to be the pack mule. I can carry something.” She held out her empty arms, showing off just how barren they were.

She’d packed enough supplies to last them until tomorrow, knowing Payim would want to work on his ship once they retrieved the power cell from the tunnel.

“This is hardly a burden. You’ve got the hard job, leading us around these hot springs and geysers.” As he stubbornly shook his head, refusing to let her help, his mask slipped.

“At least let me fix that.”

Although the small volcano blast wasn’t as worrisome as Payim thought this morning, it was still a nuisance. The last thing either of them needed was to suck in a bunch of ash.

Payim bent low, presenting her his face. She smiled, amused at the giant man practically having to double over just so she could reach. As she adjusted his mask, covering his nose, he intently stared into her eyes. All morning and the entire hike she’d felt his heated gaze. She pretended not to notice but with a man like Payim it was kind of hard, and her body definitely noticed, her nipples hardening beneath her shirt. The urge to kiss him was strong, but this was hardly the place to get distracted unless they wanted a boiling hot shower.

“With all the ash, at least we know those reptiles won’t be able to easily spot us,” she commented, glancing away from him toward the hazy sky.