Earth Mars Love (The Marsikons)

Chapter 16

Marcus couldn't believe the journey to Earth would go like that. If not for Regina, they would've never experienced a road trip, ordering food in the room, and then just sitting and relaxing in their nice suite. Even Kosmas smiled occasionally and talked. He'd never been a chatty person, but after he'd lost his wife, his only way of communication was grunts and nods. He busied himself with work and avoided any opening up to anyone, except Marcus and Darius.

Marcus let himself relax and forget about the global problems for one evening. He marveled in this sensation of freedom, just sharing jokes and laughing in a wonderful company.

Regina was so adorable in her blue mini-dress. Her hair brushed and fanned around her bare shoulders. She was stunning, and it was difficult for him to remember not to stare at her the whole time. When he looked at her lips, he wondered, if they would feel as soft as they looked. The desire to kiss her was strong, but at the same time, the dread filled his stomach. He liked her, wanted to experience the intimacy of touching her. But... It was so new to him. He didn't know how to behave properly in this situation. It didn't help that Darius' warning glances reminded him of their conversation.

And then Regina said something, that only intensified the pull toward her.

"Thank you, Marcus, for what you said at the market. Even if I didn't like your tone, I began to realize what happened to Mars and what awaits Earth if we won't do something. You've opened my eyes, and I appreciate it. For now, it's a lot of information to process, but I'll try to find a way to save our future." Without waiting for a reply, she left him standing in the living room, watching her retire to her room for rest.

It was the most unexpected words that she could've said. And, it wasn't what he wanted for her; again to take everything in her hands and be a savior of everyone. He wanted her to shift her focus from zealously doing her job and turn her thoughts to something else. But it was a start. Her face was so sincere and her eyes full of remorse, that he didn't want to start arguing again.

Anger was as powerful a feeling as any other. And to tell the truth? Arguing with her didn't make him want to fight. It made him want to kiss her.

This was going to be a long trip.

***

Marcus hoped for at least a few hours peace from his feelings for Regina, but as soon as they settled into their beds, Darius had other plans.

"I know what you're thinking," Darius said. "I've already warned you, but I'll do it again. Please, stay away from her."

"I don't know what you're talking about," muffled words came from Marcus' bed, where he lay with his head under the pillow.

"Stop bullshitting me. I see how you're looking at her. She's a beautiful woman. I see that too. But for her, you're just another man with whom she can flirt and maybe even have casual sex. But knowing you, you don't do anything halfway."

Darius' tone was hard and accusing, so Marcus put away the pillow and sat on the bed glaring at him. "How do you know? Did you ever see me with a woman before?" He hated it when someone accused him of anything.

"Exactly. You've been holding yourself for so long, spending all the time with your father, studying how to rule the planet, and preparing for this trip. And now, when you've met the first woman who looks at you with sympathy, you want to jump in a bed with her. What I'm saying, it's that you'll fall in love after one kiss, without knowing anything better and she'll squash your heart, because she's used to casual relationships and you're not."

In his mind, Marcus understood that he was right. It won't do anyone good if he would be guided by his heart and desires. He let himself relax too much and was too soft with Regina, feeling guilty after their conversation. He needed to get back to business and keep their relationship strictly formal, so she won't misunderstand his intentions. He needed to get supplies and go back to Mars, to save his home.

"Thank you, brother," Marcus said quietly and laid back down, with his head on a pillow.

"Anytime, brother. I just worry about you, and don't want to see you hurt," Darius' tone was sincere.

Marcus was grateful for this conversation. From tomorrow morning, no more parties, no more jokes. Just plain business-like relationship with her.

Reach the President, get supplies, go home.

The simple plan.

Nonetheless, regret filled his soul.