Her Master's Collar (On the Hunt) by Sara Brookes Page A

when he flipped over and laid himself out.
    He listened as she settled next to him, her head on his shoulder. Wasn’t this a surprise? He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, tugging her sweaty body close. They were both sticky with perspiration and other fluids, but neither seemed to care at the moment. What he did care about was the fact he’d let it go so far. He hadn’t planned this at all. Hadn’t intended to let the power of the moment carry them both.
    As if she sensed his distress, her fingers lifted to press against his lips. “Don’t. Just don’t say whatever it is causing tension in you. It’s better if you don’t. I’m just as responsible as you are—probably more so considering the fact I egged you on.”
    “You certainly got that right.”
    She pushed up and away, shaking out a pair of tattered work pants. Her body was flushed and so beautiful, he didn’t want to see her cover it up just yet. He rose, not bothering to scoop up his discarded clothing as he approached. She lifted her leg to step into the pants, but he stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.
    “Being with you has always been so intense. I don’t know how you do it, but even when you have me thrown out of whack, you always manage to turn my world right side up. I’ve missed it. Sorry, no, not it . I’ve missed you . There was a void in my life I don’t want to ever experience again.”
    She turned to him, the corners of her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I didn’t think it was possible to feel someone’s absence this much. I want to work this out with you, Roland, and we will. Collar or not.” Her hand pressed against the center of his chest. “I like hearing you call me pet. I want to hear it again and for a long time to come, I think. If you’ll have me back as your submissive, that is.”
    “Without question and without reservation.” His mouth dipped, teeth and lips feasting on hers as he took possession of his sub once more.

Chapter Five
     
    A few hours later, darkness spread out in front of Korene. The lightless hole in front of her was a stark contrast to the oxidized sand beneath her feet. The gaping mouth of the cave seemed ominous enough without adding the fact it was pitch black. She didn’t realize she was blindly staring at it until Jericho touched her elbow.
    “You all right?”
    “Yeah. I’m fine.” The lie spilled easily from her lips. In truth, she wasn’t fine. The frantic moment she and Roland had shared in the cargo hold helped her forget the danger they all faced, but the reality had slammed back into the moment she’d stepped out onto the sand. There was a very real possibility no one would return to Earth. What a morbid fucking thought.
    Annoyed with her own head, and her inability to stay out of it, she plastered on a smile. “Just another day in the office.”
    He continued to stare at her for a few moments, his concern evident. Luckily, Roland called their names so she turned to catch the pack of supplies he tossed her way. “Everyone check their systems before they step off. Especially your thrusters . Looks as if it’s a long way down. Don’t need anyone trying to become one with the wall.”
    She held her breath as she watched Roland step forward, engaging the small deflection boosters embedded in the soles of his boots. Finley went next followed by Markus. Jericho gestured for her to go. Because she knew he wouldn’t allow her to remain here alone, she held her breath as she took the first unnerving step.
    Nothingness spread out under her feet. Vertigo spun the odd-shaped opening a few times, forcing her to close her eyes as she waited for everything to stop spinning. When she opened her eyes a second later, she caught sight of the lights of those who’d gone before her. The boosters on her feet compensated to control her descent as she trailed behind them.
    Falling slowly, she had time to take in her surroundings. The vertical rock walls fenced her in. With the blackness