Because of the embarrassing scars and bruises he went out of his way to conceal, no one else had ever seen his bare back.

Not even Maris.

He swallowed before he told her something he probably should keep to himself. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever been with, Z.”

Zarya froze as she heard those words. Was that even possible?

“What?”

“I was always too afraid of being outed either as a heterosexual or a member of the Sentella to take the chance. It was why it took me so long to touch you, even though I wanted you from the first time I saw you.”

Her head swam as she thought back to the early days of their relationship. Even though she’d craved him from the moment he’d first saved her, she’d had no idea that he found her even remotely attractive. Kere had started out as a liaison from the Sentella and he’d turned into an ally who helped them fight against Arturo’s tyranny.

Yes, he’d spent a lot of time with her, but she’d foolishly assumed it was for Resistance or Sentella business.

Until they’d been on the run from Caronese soldiers. To keep from hurting the soldiers, they’d hidden in a tight closet where there had been no room for them to even breathe. As she was forced to press tight to his body, she’d felt him swelling against her hip.

Neither had moved for countless minutes, but she could tell by his rigidness how much he desired her.

When the coast was clear, she’d swallowed hard, unsure of what to do.

“Sorry,” he’d whispered to her. “I—um… I hope I didn’t offend you.”

It was the first uncertainty she’d ever heard in his voice. “You didn’t offend me, Kere. I feel the same way about you.”

Without a word, he’d opened the door and checked to make sure it was safe to leave.

They had made their way out of the closet and back to the hangar bay where his fighter had been docked. After they launched and once they were sure no one was trailing them, she’d turned around in her seat to face him.

With a boldness she’d never had before with any man, she’d reached down to undo his pants.

“Zarya—”

“Sh,” she’d breathed, cutting off his protest. “I don’t expect anything from you, Kere. I more than understand why you can’t let anyone know who you are—that you have to stay in the shadows. I accept and respect that. But after everything you’ve done for me and the Resistance, I just want to give something back to you. I really do want to do this for you.”

She’d waited for him to protest again.

When he didn’t, she’d opened his pants and stroked him until her fingertips were wet from his desire. There in the darkness of space, he’d cupped her face with his gloved hand.

Already in love with him, she’d leaned down and taken him into her mouth to taste him for the first time. She could still hear his heavy breathing as he’d leaned back in the seat and let her lick and suck on him to her heart’s content.