“Mei, I’m...” He stopped, taking a deep breath, only to let a soft curse leave his lips as he exhaled. “I’m sorry I was angry with you, fea.” Instantly coming forward, he pulled her tightly into his arms. He held her close, running his hand over her head, patting down her hair as he continued. “I was just so scared that I wasn’t able to protect you.”
“Jarek,” she whispered. A tear slipped over her cheek. “I don’t want our time together to be over.”
“It doesn’t have to end, Mei,” he said. “You can still come with me.”
“I have to marry Prince Lok,” she said. “It’s my duty.”
“But you told me you are not engaged to him. Together we can change that fate. We can carve our own destiny.”
“My family—”
“If you fear your family won’t accept me, then they will accept my title.” He took a deep breath. His eyes pleaded with her to stay with him, to trust him, to love him.
“What do you mean title?”
He tensed. “Mei, there’s something I haven’t told you. I am Prince Jarek of the Var by birth.”
“You…are a prince?” she asked, surprised. Mei looked over his pirate attire. “Royalty? You? A pirate?”
“Yes. No. A prince, yes, a pirate, not really.”
“You lied to me?” Mei was too weak to move. His hands gripped her arms, not painful, but definitely not letting go.
“No, not a lie. You assumed I was a pirate and I...” He pulled her closer. His face lowered toward hers as he looked deep into her eyes. “Here, in space, I’m Captain Jarek, leader of this crew. I never use the title unless I have to, like when I have to represent my family as an ambassador. Let your family have the title to satisfy them. My family will accept you into their arms willingly with or without yours.”
“But...” She frowned, confused. “Are you exiled? You do not rule from your palace?”
“I might not live in the palace, but my duty never diminishes. If their future depended on my sacrificing myself, I would. I know I would. But the truth is, I’m not needed.” He laughed quietly, lowering his mouth, so it was close to hers. “They have everything well in hand, and my knowledge of space and other cultures comes in handy when my family must leave our planet.”
She wanted to pull him closer until their mouths were pressed together in heated kisses, until their bodies melted and became one, but she was too shocked by his revelation to move. Jarek? A prince? She could easily understand his position, maybe better than most because she was what he was. Royalty. There was a burden on them, a selflessness they must bear. But, even for all his freedom, she could still feel the burden of his upbringing.
“See, Mei, you can still be loyal to your family and not live within the palace. I can still be of service by being in the stars. If my family needs me, all they have to do is call. It works. At first they were upset about my decision, but now they accept it. They have even come to depend upon it. The knowledge I have of the galaxy could not be gained by staying on Qurilixen. Let me show you the freedom of the skies and we’ll visit our homelands whenever we wish.”
Mei understood this. He might not be running away from his princely duties, but he wasn’t running toward them either. However, unlike Jarek’s family, her family did need her back on her planet. For that reason, she envied him.
“Why couldn’t you have crossed my path first? Why couldn’t you have kidnaped me before I went to Prince Lok’s palace? Why did I have to talk to him first?” Mei knew the answers. Prince Lok and her marriage would assure peace.
“I don’t understand.”
“I just wish fate could have been different.” Mei dropped her head against his chest. Her head ached, and her neck was sore. Jarek’s hands instantly went to her shoulder and began to rub up her neck, as if he could sense her discomfort. Mei moaned. His hands felt so nice, so comforting as they dipped up and down along her spine. “We should land at nightfall.”
“We will.”
“How much time does that leave us?”
“A few hours.”
“Mm, too long a time to wait and think about what must happen, and too short of a time until we have to part.” Mei sighed. “Will you make love to me again?”
Jarek answered with a kiss. His touch was soft and tender as he held her close. There was so much passion in his embrace, but also a sadness she could feel as well as her own. They knew this moment would come, yet they weren’t ready for it. Fate was a cruel mistress to give her this man only to take him away. Her pirate prince. Her Jarek.
“Wo ai ni,” she whispered.
Jarek pulled away just enough to gaze into her eyes. “And I love you, fea.”
What else could really be said between them that hadn’t been already said? His dark gaze flecked with gold. How perfect those eyes were to her. How handsome this man was. Her heart broke at the idea of leaving him, and she knew that it would never beat in such a way for any other.
“Jarek, will you make me a half mate?” she asked. “I can’t marry you, but...”
He gave her a sheepish grin. “That happened the first time we were together when I came inside you and our spirits joined.”
Mei rounded her eyes. “Are there any other secrets you want to confess, prince?”
He kissed her as soon as the words left her mouth. His tongue rimmed the edge of her lips. It was a sweet distraction. Between ever deepening kisses, he said, “None…that…I want…to talk…about…right now, fea.”
Mei giggled as he prevented her from answering. Jarek swept her up into his arms and laid her on the bed. His greater weight held her down as he pulled at the shirt she wore, parting the soft linen so he could devour her neck and chest with hot, wet kisses.
Sitting back on the bed, he pulled off his shirt. Jarek always looked so sexy, no matter what he was doing. The light contrasted the tight muscles of his chest and flat stomach. He brought his half-naked body next to hers once more. Digging his hands beneath the shirt, he found the warm flesh of her sides beneath it. A light sound left her, prompting him to resume licking and nibbling at her neck.
“Nî hâo mêi.” Mei said, squirming beneath his touch. It felt so good. She worked her legs restlessly against his thighs, hooking around him as she naturally angled her body toward his. “You are so beautiful.”
Jarek chuckled. “You are the beautiful one, fea. I could look at you forever.”
His eyes roamed down over her body. They stopped at her breasts. Leaning over, he massaged a small globe in his palm, circling the nipple with his thumb until it was a hard bud.
She lazily returned his kiss, sucking his long tongue into her mouth. Little whimpers left her throat, begging him to continue. Running her hands over the firm muscles of his arms, she caressed him everywhere she could reach. They’d made love often, and she had his body memorized. It was a memory she’d keep with her in the long years ahead.
Grandmother, please be wrong. Please be wrong. Please be wrong.
The thought repeated in her head like a desperate prayer.
Please be wrong. I don’t think I can leave him.
And yet she knew in her heart that she couldn’t risk the welfare of her people. Self-sacrifice was part of her life. How could she be happy with Jarek knowing she would possibly sign the death warrant of so many by not marrying Lok after the drug trade became known?
As her leg worked up against his stiff erection, he glided his hands boldly down over her flat stomach to dip between her thighs. Her body was wet and ready for him. Jarek growled low in the back of his throat. The sound made her shiver with desire, and she remembered the dangerous side of him as he’d shifted into a tiger. He always had that effect on her. Just one look, and she was wet and ready for him. The fact that he liked sex with her as much as she did with him was exhilarating. She pressed her fingers lightly against his shoulders, and he grinned against her mouth, knowing what she wanted.
He worshiped her with his lips, kissing between her breasts only to d
rag his tongue over her stomach. Rimming her navel, he reached for her hips, jerking her silk skirt up to expose her thighs. Her legs parted in natural invitation. His long hair tickled her flesh as he explored her with his mouth. He adjusted her knees over his shoulders and his hot mouth latched onto her awaiting clit.
Jarek moved his tongue, pressing it along her sensitive folds, parting her, drinking in her taste. He sighed in pleasure. She moaned loudly, thrusting her hands into his hair to guide his movements.
“Bâobèi,” she gasped. “My love, don’t stop.”
He became more aggressive. Mei tensed on the precipice of intense pleasure. His tongue stroked just right. She screamed, clamping down on his head with her thighs. He grinned and instantly shot up along her body to cover her mouth with his.
“Mm, Jarek. Sweet Jarek.” Her hips bucked, rubbing her moist folds along his hard stomach, wanting more of him, wanting it all.
Jarek rose up to unlace his pants. Once free, he drew his body to hers. She relished the feel of him sliding inside. It was as if they were made for each other. Mei took him deep, only to meet his rhythm as he pulled back. With a whimper, she wound her hands into his dark hair, the locks so silky and smooth. His smell engulfed her, and his lips held traces of her taste on them.
Her heart ached even as the pleasure built inside her body. Mei wanted this moment to last forever. She pulled him closer. He thrust harder, faster, deeper, answering her body’s silent cry for more. A second climax was close.
She trembled, panted, sighed for more. Tension gathered in her hips, and she knew she was close. Jarek pushed up his knee, angling her just as she liked, putting the perfect amount of pressure on her as he worked in and out. It was too much. Suddenly, she exploded, trembling with her intense climax. Closing her eyes, lights exploded beneath her lids. She squeezed him hard, causing him to come with her. His body released into hers, filling her with his seed. Breathing rapidly, he fell against her. Mei held him close, not caring that she was crushed by his weight.
“We should get dressed,” he whispered. “We should be in the cockpit so you can show Lochlann where to land.”
Mei nodded, letting go. Jarek seemed reluctant as he pulled away. Standing by the bed, he reached his hand out to her. She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. He kissed her softly, brushing her damp hair from her cheek.
Mei gave him a sad smile, unable to speak. He nodded in understanding, not saying anything either.
Please be wrong, grandmother. Please, I beg of you, fate, be wrong.
24
Outside the Lin Yao Mines, Singhai Territory, Lintian
Jarek glanced over at Mei. No matter how much he’d pleaded with her to remain with the ship, she’d refused to stay behind. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much room to fight with her on the matter, since she was the only one who knew the way.
Their lovemaking had left a bittersweet feeling inside his chest. He knew the honor in her and knew the risk he took in kidnapping her, but he didn’t have a choice. When she had been unconscious, he’d contacted her brother. The man had naturally been upset until he told him that Mei had a message for him. He’d lied to Haun, telling him that it was part of her fate that brought her onto Jarek’s ship. The Zhang prince instantly understood the words and wanted to speak directly to Mei, but Jarek pretended that he couldn’t hear the request as he fiddled with the controls to break up the sound.
Jarek then promised to send the map to the palace by way of a messenger pod when they were closer to the planet. Prince Haun had demanded his sister’s return. Jarek had somehow convinced him that she was safe and that she would be returned. Closing his eyes, he knew that the Var royal family seal he’d sent with the map would help to convince the man of his honor.
With what he was going to do, Jarek didn’t feel like he had much honor this day.
“Shh,” Mei said under her breath. “Someone’s coming.”
Jarek glanced at her. She’d bound her hair into a bun on the back of her neck. They were lined up along a ridge, resting on their stomachs. Lucien and Lochlann were still on the ship, standing guard. If The Conqueror was discovered or if there was trouble in the mines, Jarek needed the two men ready to go. When he caught Mei’s attention, he raised a brow.
“The wind told me,” she whispered.
Jarek nodded, sniffing. She was right. Someone was coming.
Below them, a valley was covered in small purplish-red flowers spotted with even smaller blue ones. The only entrance into the mines was in the valley, beyond which were miles of rolling hills. Blades of yellow and blue grasses stretched as far as their eyes could see. A few farmhouses were clustered close together to form a village, standing out against the pale blue of the cloudless sky. Lintian truly was as close to paradise as any planet in the known galaxies. It only added to his guilt in stealing her away from it.
He forced himself not to think about it. According to Mei, the modest nearby farms were fronts for the Lin Yao Mining Corporation. There was even a full crop of giant red flowers, which grew low to the ground. The farms looked authentic, and Jarek wouldn’t have been able to tell that they weren’t real without her help.
A single man came out of the mines. He glanced around, shading his eyes. Then, turning back toward where he’d come from, he waved his arm. A furry, bright red creature lumbered out, led by two farmers in drab brown clothes. The beast of burden pulled a cart behind him.
“Purple jade?” Jarek asked quietly.
Mei shook her head. “No, jade is only harvested at night. It is the law. Emperor Song fears that the mine location will be photographed from space.”
“With today’s technology, night really doesn’t prevent that,” Viktor said. “Almost any ship can photograph through darkness if they have the right equipment.”
Mei smirked but said nothing.
“I’ll go around,” Dev said. “Evan, you come with me.”
Jarek nodded in agreement. Dev and Evan backed up, making sure they were out of sight, before jogging along the ridge.
“I need to see what’s on that cart,” Mei said, making a move to follow Dev.
Jarek grabbed her arm and shook his head in denial. “Stay by my side. Whatever is on that cart will be inside the mines as well.”
“But—”
“Don’t risk yourself for what might only be mining tools or loose rocks.” Jarek didn’t let go, and she didn’t answer. They laid in wait as the slow beast hauled the cart. When the small traveling party finally made their way down the valley and out of sight, Jarek motioned for the group to move.
Jackson led them down the narrow cliff. As the best climber, he knew just where they needed to place their feet to descend. When the man reached the bottom, he held out his hands. Viktor jumped down, catching Jackson’s hands to silence his fall. Jarek followed suit, only to turn back to Mei. She had borrowed a pair of Lucien’s pants. They were a little big on her, but it was the best they could do.
Jarek held his hands out for Mei. She glanced over his shoulder and pushed off the cliff. Somersaulting in the air, she landed neatly on her feet. Jarek was impressed.
“Come on,” he ordered, running toward the mine’s entrance. He kept his eye on the direction where the cart had disappeared. The soft flowers crushed beneath their feet. He regretted the trail it left behind, but there was no other way into the mines.
Jarek reached out with his senses. The way was clear. He pushed faster, glancing at Mei to make sure she kept up.
As they hit the mines, he saw Dev motion from a low ridge. Jarek signaled back at him. He knew that the man would come in after them, just in case there was trouble.
Stalactites and stalagmites reached like jaws from the ceilings and floors along the entranceway. Mei took the lead, slipping by Jarek before he could stop her. He hurried in after her, concentrating hard. The rock was chipped away with low burning lights strung along them. Jarek noticed a few places where black scorch marks marred the surface. The dirt floor was li
ttered with pebbles.
The dim light of the cave was a stark contrast to the light outside. Viktor’s foot slipped. They all froze, waiting to see if anyone heard. When no alarm was sounded, they again moved deeper into the mine’s long corridor.
Mei stopped as they reached a round chamber. Six tunnels fanned out from the main entrance. Taking a light, Mei tilted it up from its place on the wall. It shone over the top of the openings, showing the Lintianese symbols carved crudely over them.
“Made!” she swore. “Sacred cats!”
“What is it?” Jarek asked, smirking as she used his curse word.
“They’re just numbers. I don’t know which we should try first.” Mei wiped her brow, frowning. “Beyond this there should be more tunnels. If you don’t know where you’re going, there is no telling where you’ll end up.”
“That one,” Viktor said, pointing. The third cave had a barricade in front of it, blocking access. “If I was doing something illegal, I’d want to make sure the night crew wasn’t coming in for a visit.”
“Smart thinking,” Jarek said in approval, slapping him on the back. Viktor grunted. Jarek took the opportunity to lead as he pushed past Mei. He heard her gasp lightly, but she didn’t protest out loud.
Jarek ran his hands over the barricade, trying to see the easiest way in. He wasn’t exactly small like Mei’s people.
“Here,” Viktor said, leaning over to feel along the floor. “It should be…right…down…ahh.” The barricade unlatched, falling back like a door. “There it is.”
“How’d you know?” Mei asked, impressed.
Viktor grinned. “Misspent youth. The door had to be one piece if that cart was to fit through it.”
“Good point,” she said, again moving past Jarek to take the lead. Jarek frowned as he followed behind her. The tunnel was long and straight. The lights dimmed for a long run only to again light the way, better than before.
“Oh, baby cakes, don’t be angry,” a voice said from down the hall. It was in the star language. “Behaving is such a broad term, open to interpretation. When I said I’d behave, I didn’t say how.”
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