The Evening Alone
For the next week, our journey seemed to go rather uneventful. Lara was my constant companion while Oliver ran the ship. I hadn't realized that not only was he their prince, but also the ship's captain. I never heard anyone call him by any formal title, unless that was the clicking sound I heard, but it all sounded the same to me. Everyday Lara showed me different parts of the ship so that by the end of my second technical week on board, I'd seen the entire ship and met most of the crew members. Everyone I'd met were so friendly and as curious about me as I was about them. I learned how the ship's engines work, where they exercise, rest, bathe, and more. I made regular visits to Iman and Byer so they could check my health and ensure that I was not suffering from other symptoms that might have been leftover from the original injuries.
My filters faded quickly and finally, the day came when Byer said he thought I was ready to have them removed. Oliver had wanted to come with me when this day arrived, but he had a ship to run so it fell to Lara to be there. The removal didn't take as long as I feared, but finally being able to touch my eye lids again felt wonderful. We celebrated by enjoying a long hot bath before my private dinner with Oliver.
Valente was already there when we arrived and she talked to us about what has been going on with the investigation on the tracker, which as far as I could tell, hadn't seen much progress. It turned out that I was right about the tracker finding the picture Oliver had in his quarters, but the tracker was able to keep his identity hidden. Sadly, since the device was removed from my body, any chance they had to figure out who was sending messages to Fleck and Wyman were also lost. Even though this opportunity was lost, I wasn't sorry. The nightmares had stopped and even though Oliver and I hadn't made love since my arrival, I'd never felt more loved.
I enjoyed being able to wash my face and hair as we chatted about how we were days from their home world. Lara helped me pick out a nice sexy gown and styled my hair as we prepared for my private dinner with Oliver. This was the first time since I had my filters put on that we'd had such a private meal, and I would also like to end our evening doing more than just cuddling. I mean, it wasn't that I'm a sex fiend, it's just, since the nightmares had stopped, I'd wanted to enjoy some quiet intimate time with Oliver that we hadn't been able to have due to all the work he must do to run the ship. The dinners were set on the small table and Lara stood guard outside of our room. She knocked once so I knew when he was close and I stood by the window with my back to the door. I heard the door slide open as I looked out at the universe.
I felt Oliver's hand on my shoulder as he said, "Good evening Alexis."
I turned around and said, "Good evening Oliver."
He gasped, "You're eyes. They're beautiful."
I smiled and said, "Thank you. Byer was surprised how fast they healed."
"As am I," said Oliver, touching my face. Then smelt the air. "What smells so good?"
"Dinner," I smiled. "I thought we could have a quiet night in."
Okay, maybe not quiet, but a night in, just the two of us was what I really want. Oliver smiled a wicked smile at me. "Why Ms. Perry, I do not think you're being fully truthful with me."
I tried to fain ignorance. "I have no idea what you mean Mr. Stone. Shall we eat?"
We sat in the plush black chairs and enjoyed a romantic dinner of foods that are of his world. I don't know what they were called, but thanks to Lara, I was able to find what he liked best and have them prepared. Lara and I worked hard to keep this evening private so she stood guard at our door which usually meant I was alone in the room and Oliver was working somewhere on the ship. Except tonight, she was there to ensure our privacy. The meal was quite enjoyable and soon, the electricity between is unmistakable. Oliver leaned over and kissed me the way he did that night in the restaurant, only this time, he doesn't apologize and we're not behind a red curtain.