"Answer me," Zoro snaps, his grip on her hair tightening once more in frustration. He can feel himself losing control again, and he hates that feeling almost as much as he hates being ignored. "Do you understand?"

Kacy swallows hard, her eyes dropping to the floor as she struggles with what to say. Finally, she whispers, "Yes...I belong with you." The words taste bitter on her tongue, but at least they're out now. Maybe things can go back to normal between them...

Zoro growls again, but this time it sounds more satisfied than angry. He releases his grip on her hair and takes a step back, still glaring down at her. "Good girl,"

My body shudders with the force of my orgasm as I let out a hoarse cry, thrusting deeply inside her one last time. Her nails scrape against my back, leaving marks in their wake as she comes undone beneath me, her body arching off the bed and her cries filling the air.

I collapse onto her, panting heavily, feeling every ounce of tension leave my body with that final release. "God... Lily..."

I feel your heart racing against mine as we both catch our breaths, and it's the most incredible sensation I've ever felt. My lips brush against your neck as I breathe in your scent, wanting to memorize every detail of this moment. With a sigh, I roll off you, my body still aching with desire even though we've just shared an intense connection.

I look over at you and can't help but smile, seeing the contentment on your face. "You are... amazing,"

The next day found Zoro pacing the ship again, his thoughts consumed by Kanny. He'd tried to talk to her some more, but she remained as elusive and closed off as ever. It was driving him mad.

Just then, his communicator beeped, signaling an incoming message from HQ. Zoro groaned inwardly; he wasn't in the mood for company right now. But duty called...

When he answered, he was surprised to hear Commander Yamato's voice on the other end. "Zoro, we've received new intel about our next mission.

"Intelligence suggests the target planet is inhabited by a species with advanced technology," Yamato continued. "We'll need to tread carefully to avoid detection."

Zoro nodded, already mentally preparing for the challenge ahead. "Understood, sir. When do we depart?"

"Within the hour. Report to the bridge when ready."

The line went dead, leaving Zoro to contemplate their upcoming mission. As he made his way to the bridge, his mind began to wander back to Kanny...

Was it possible that their fates were intertwined somehow, beyond mere coincidence?

Only time would tell.

I smile down at you, relief flooding through my body. "It's okay," I whisper, cupping your cheek with a rough hand. "You're safe with me." My touch is gentle and reassuring, and despite the pain, I can feel your body relaxing under my touch. "And I really like you too," I confess, leaning in closer to press my lips against yours.

My kiss is soft and tender, a promise of healing and love.

You taste sweet on my lips as you return my kiss with equal tenderness. I can feel your body relax even further into the mattress, and it fills me with a sense of contentment unlike anything else. My hands continue to move, caressing your cheeks, neck, and back, as if I need to touch every inch of you just to be sure that you're really here with me.

As our kiss deepens, my desire rises once more, but this time it's tempered by the love and care I feel for you.