“Everyone was supposed to think I sold you. Just a few men know the truth: Draco, Nigel, Tristan, Brec, and Tirol. But I had to make it appear you held no interest for me; your auction accomplished that. I had every one of those bidders watched, so I knew how much your purchase would require. Legally you’re mine, though I wish things hadn’t gotten out of hand with Draco. I came home early, Jana, and I didn’t like the rumors I was hearing about you and Draco. It seems he got carried away with this little charade. It’s over, and you’re leaving with me tonight. This time, you’ll stay under Tirol’s custody. That should keep you out of new mischief.”
All of those times when he had looked as if he wanted or needed to say something. But this explanation was crazy! “I don’t believe you or this wild story. Why send me to Tirol’s? Why would I be safer there than here with Draco? Why would you go to such trouble to keep a charl who detests you?”
Her last remark altered Varian’s response. He lied to mislead her, “Because you haven’t sated my curiosity yet. As long as you’re entertaining and pleasing, I plan to keep you around. You should be flattered, Jana; no woman has held my interest half as long as you have. I enjoy you, in my bed and out. I plan to keep you as my mistress until I tire of you. So you see, it’s up to you to hold my attention and to keep me contented. If you’ve become overly attached to Draco, I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for him to deceive you. But I do understand how it happened. I’m familiar with your allure. As for the heart necklace, I’m sorry again. I have this bad habit of not knowing what to give you. And stars forsake me if bad habits aren’t hard to break.”
“Don’t you think it’s dangerous to expose your lingering hunger for me? What happens to me and Tirol if one of your enemies attacks his home while you’re gone? Why can’t I remain here, if I promise to stay out of mischief with Draco?” she said to test him.
“That wouldn’t be a good idea for either of you. You’re far too tempting to my friend. Besides, Tirol has excellent security precautions. He has had that for many years now,” Varian stated coldly, pain shining briefly in his blue eyes.
Jana wisely let that statement pass. “What if Tirol doesn’t want me to stay in his home?” she asked, playing out his game; for surely it was only a spiteful game to test her feelings.
“He suggested it. He doesn’t want me worrying over my property while I’m away on a dangerous assignment. Actually, he finds you as enjoyable as I do. Nearly as enjoyable,” he jested mirthfully, then nibbled on her neck.
“Stop it, Varian Saar. You don’t think I fell for this mean joke of yours!”
Varian grinned, then casually inquired, “You were teasing about a baby? I do take precautions against such undesirable accidents, so I might be suspicious.”
“You’ve never—” Jana halted her argument, then blushed.
Rumbling laughter filled the room. “I take injections every three months, and I assure you I haven’t missed a single one since I came of age.” When Jana turned a darker red, he smiled and kissed each fiery cheek. “I was wrong; you haven’t changed much. Is there something I should know?” he teased, patting her flat abdomen, then playfully cuffing her chin.
“You think you’re so damn charming,” she said at his smug expression. “Get off me, you lecherous beast, before Draco comes looking for us.”
“I suggest we head for the shuttle by the private entrance. I can send for your clothes and possessions later. Up, woman, we have lots of energy to spend.”
“If you think to trick me into appearing as if I’m trying to run off with you, it won’t work. And I left the gawdy clothes you purchased on your ship!”
“I also purchased every item you have here,” Varian told her. “I had them ordered and delivered before we arrived on Rigel for your auction. I suspected you wouldn’t want to use those worn during our travels. I hope you found my choices agreeable, particularly this dress tonight. You see, moonbeam, I do know you fairly well. I have made some mistakes where you’re concerned, but not many,” he boasted cockily, then grinned at her surprise. “With your cooperation, I won’t make anymore errors,” he remarked.
“I won’t leave here with you, Varian Saar,” she informed him stubbornly.
Varian pulled an airosyringe from his pocket. “I figured as much,” he stated in that same lazy tone. “I guess I’ll have to use this on you. Tell me, Dr. Greyson, do you know that alien truth serum reacts violently to lies or defiance? Our truth drug prevents any dishonesty. Privacy is a special thing, moonbeam, and I hate to invade yours. I’ll ask you once more; are you carrying my child?”
Jana’s alarmed gaze went from his determined expression to the instrument in his grasp, then shifted back to his entreating eyes. Even if the timing wasn’t wrong, he knew Draco was impotent, so continuing that ruse was futile. “No,” she replied tersely.
“Do you love Draco, and do you want to remain here with him?” he asked, waving the intimidating weapon before her pale face.
If Varian wasn’t lying about his hold over her, that would explain the strange episode in Draco’s room. “Yes, I love him.” When Varian narrowed his gaze ominously, she added, “Like a brother or best friend. Why did you have to come back and spoil things for us? Why can’t you release me?”
“Do you desire me? Do you want to leave with me?” he queried insistently.
Jana went red with guilt. She pulled her revealing gaze from his. “I’m waiting, moonbeam. Do you desire me? Do you remember how it was between us?” He touched her arm with the tip of the instrument. “The truth, Jana.”
Jana glared at him. The whole affair about charls seemed unreal, as did alien captivity. It seemed more like she had been a guest here at Draco’s following a lover’s quarrel with Varian! It was as if he had come after her, to win her back. The gravity and repercussions of truth and reality faded during her confusion. She knew he would keep his word, either way. “Yes, I still find you attractive and exciting. I haven’t forgotten what it was like to sleep with you or to be at your side! But I’m wrong for you, Varian.”
“You missed me, didn’t you?” he persisted, seemingly without feeling. He tapped the cold metal object on her nose, then her chin. “Didn’t you?”
Jana closed her eyes and replied, “Yes, damn you, I missed you.”
When she opened them, she glowered at Varian. “I won’t forgive you for what you’ve done to me. It can’t ever be like it was before, don’t you understand that? When you abducted me, I was an innocent girl who was terrified and disarmed by a cunning captor. It isn’t like that now. I’m not gullible and naive anymore; I’m not mesmerized by you. I’m not petrified by this new fate. Do you think it matters to me if you didn’t actually go through with my sale? As far as I knew, you did. And I despise you for it. In fact, I despise you more because it was only a vile trick to get your way. If you think I’ll become your willing slave again, you’re wrong. I’ve seen what my existence can be like without you in it, and that’s what I want. I swear to you, Varian Saar, I want to live here on Karnak with Draco.”
When Varian pressed the airosyringe to her arm and emptied it, she screamed at him, “You filthy, devious bastard! I’m telling you the truth!”
Varian’s eyes chilled, as did his voice when he responded, “I know, Jana. Curse you, woman, I do believe you! It’s only a sedative. Our truth serum could be lethal to your alien system, so I couldn’t risk using it, moonbeam. You see, Draco insisted you choose me over him before releasing you peaceably. According to this tape, you just did,” He announced nonchalantly, then held up a miniature recorder. “Of course, I only recorded those statements which suit my purpose. I’ll see you when you wake up, in my quarters.”
“Damn you! He won’t believe that tape. He’ll know you forced me to say such things! He won’t let you take me away! Damn you, Varian Sa—” The last thing Jana saw before yielding to the sedative was Varian’s victorious grin.
Jana stretched, yawned, then opened her eyes. She was curled on her lef
t side, facing a strange wall. She rolled onto her back, then sat up on the bed. She focused her gaze and scanned the unfamiliar setting. She searched her memory for clues to this mystery. She was clad in a teal-blue satin nightgown which she had never seen before. Her tawny hair was brushed free of its curls and ringlets. She was alone, and afraid.
Jana recalled her confrontation with Varian last night. Where was she? She stood up and hurried to a window. The scenery before her revealed her location: the mansion of Kadim Tirol Trygue on the planet Eire! How long had she been kept drugged? Had Varian dropped her off and continued his mission? Varian owned her…He had purchased her at the auction…
When the door behind her opened, Jana whirled to see if her fears were justified; they were. She glanced around for a concealing robe; there was none. Varian strolled forward, his blue eyes warming as they eased over Jana’s rosy face and partially exposed figure. He halted beside her and nonchalantly leaned against the panel between the windows. His sole garment was a pair of royal-blue swim trunks.
Jana wished his immense charms weren’t so boldly displayed before her troubled senses. She quickly pulled her appreciative gaze from his hard chest and shoulders. To remain so firm and supple, he would have to work out every day, and despite the time he spent on board a ship, his entire body was richly and deeply tanned. His ivory teeth and sensual lips gave him such a sense-stunning smile. Straying locks of sable hair teased the edges of his face.
“So it wasn’t a bad dream. You carried out your threat to steal me from Draco. What happens when he learns you tricked him? How would you feel if someone taped your words and used them against you? How could you humiliate all of us like this?”
“Humiliate?” He echoed the word. “How so, moonbeam?”
“You don’t think it’s degrading to be passed between two men? You said the choice was mine. You said that syringe contained truth serum. You said you owned me. You lied. I told you I wanted to stay on Karnak with Draco.”
“I said I would leave you there if you loved him; you don’t. When I returned to the party and announced I had purchased you from Draco, no one thought it was strange. Surprising, but not inexplicable. I simply told everyone present that I had missed you and wanted you back. Who could argue when you’re so perfectly suited to me? Everyone’s had the chance to observe you; your value and appeal can’t be denied.” Varian watched the effect of his words on Jana. She was shocked.
Varian went on, “Draco told everyone that I wanted you back at any cost. Being my good friend, he couldn’t refuse me. Besides, we told everyone that you were so glad to see me again, you chose me over Draco. Since he and I are so bewitched by you, naturally we yielded to your pleas. Actually,” he added, “Draco told them you’re madly in love with me and you were willing to return as my mistress just to share a part of my life.”
“You wouldn’t dare! He didn’t!” she shrieked in outrage. “No one in his right mind would believe such trash! How did you two explain away Draco’s feelings for me? I did understand you to say this charade was a secret?”
“We made no attempt to deny your or his deep affection for one another. We let it stand as is, brother to sister and vice versa. Best friends. It helps that Draco’s old flame returned to Karnak the same day, a recent widow. Right at this moment, those two probably are nestled in his home talking marriage. So you see, moonbeam, all the pieces fit together very nicely.”
“What about the amorous behavior everyone has been witnessing between us these past weeks?”
“As far as people think, you and Draco gave your relationship its best shot. It didn’t work; you two didn’t fall in love. Because you were secretly in love with me and he was still pining for Twyla,” he jested. “When she returned wanting him, and I returned for you, it all came together as it should.”
“This is crazy. I can understand them accepting the tale about Draco and this Twyla, but you and me? Exactly what am I supposed to have cost you?”
He chuckled at that question. “Ten million. After all, he did deserve compensation for all the time and money he supposedly spent on you. Eight is my lucky number and I paid your sale price, not Draco.”
“Just how does a starship commander come up with so much money?” she demanded sarcastically. “Your story is full of holes, Rogue Saar.”
Varian laughed heartily. “Evidently no one has told you how wealthy I am. Every katooga for your tutors, support, and desires came from me.”
“May I be so bold as to ask just how rich you are?” she . asked, sneering.
“I rank in the top seven…in this galaxy. Why be modest?” he hinted merrily. “I’m tied for number five. Tirol is number two. One, three, and four are married. Avatar Faeroe of Caguas ranks at six, and Councilman Garthon at seven. What else would you care to ask about your owner? And I am your owner now, Jana, not captor. I purchased you, so you’re my charl.”
Jana stared at Varian, stunned at his imposing status. She must have seemed like a pauper to him! Garthon, Canissia’s father, was a rich and powerful man whose daughter would inherit that enormous wealth and station. What was Canissia to Varian? At a loss for a suitable response to conceal her alarm and astonishment, she asked, “Who’s tied with you at number five?”
Varian’s eyes went as cold as arctic water. The muscle in his jawline twitched. “The owner of Trilabs and the planetoid Darkar, a scientist and chemist named Ryker Triloni.” As he shifted his weight to lean his back against the wall, he missed Jana’s reaction.
Jana walked to the bed, an action which presented her back to Varian and hid her expression until she could mask her consternation. There was that name again: Ryker Triloni. Was he Shara’s brother or cousin? Indeed, that scientist’s wealth made him a powerful enemy. Jana dared not dwell on the subject which bred such hatred. She would find another way to unravel that mystery. She sat on the bed and looked at the man before her.
“When do you leave on your mission?” Jana inquired.
“Eager to get rid of me so soon after our reunion?” he retorted.
“I didn’t mean it to sound that way. I was wondering what our schedule will be and how I’m supposed to behave, now that it’s common knowledge I’m your prisoner again.” She jumped up to pace nervously. “How does a love-smitten slave act, Commander Saar?”
“From the gossip about you and Draco, I’d say you’re a superb actress in that area,” he snarled, provoked by her snide query.
Jana said rashly, “It was easy! Draco was a superb actor and teacher.”
Varian straightened and surged forward. Jana bounded across the bed. Varian halted his pursuit. He could see Jana needed time and a gentle hand to help her work through her anger and suspicions. He had to consider her feelings. “Come here, Jana,” he ordered sternly.
When she didn’t move or speak, Varian informed her, “You aren’t my slave or my prisoner, you’re my charl. Draco never owned you. I don’t want you playing a phony role with me as you did with him. I was perfectly satisfied with your behavior during those two weeks we shared. You know what kind of man I am, Jana, and the kind of life I enjoy. If you can forget your resentment and conduct yourself like before, I see no reason why our arrangement can’t last a very long time, become a permanent relationship. You are legally my mate.”
Jana couldn’t believe she was hearing him correctly. “You can’t be serious?” When he nodded, she licked her dry lips. “Isn’t that a bit confining for a man with your flair for life and taste for multiple liaisons? Do you intend to set me up someplace, to visit when the mood strikes you?” she asked contemptuously.
“Unless I’m on a dangerous assignment, rules or no rules against it, you’ll stay with me on my ship. When I’m on leave, which is frequent, we’ll stay at my home on Altair. It’s a private planetoid like Karnak, only prettier and larger. You’ll love it. When I’m gone, you’ll remain here with my…friend Tirol.” He waited to see if she displayed any knowledge of Tirol’s relation to him. He thought it wise to kee
p his powerful connection out of this conversation.
“Isn’t that asking an awful lot from your friends? To babysit your mistress? What if he has to leave on business or for pleasure? He’s a very important man. This doesn’t make sense. It must be another ruse. Am I a prisoner here?”
“You’ll be safe here, with or without Tirol. But I would imagine he’ll take you with him wherever he travels. I told you, he likes you and enjoys your company. You’ve always underrated yourself, Jana. I find you irresistible and irreplaceable. Our time together was refreshing. It presented me with many advantages. Contrary to popular belief, Jana, it’s exhausting to live up to the role of intergalactic playboy and matchless lover. You never made any demands on me; you behaved as if all you wanted was me, not my wealth or status or power. You’re good company, Jana Greyson. And you’re beautiful and passionate. You’re like many women rolled together. You know how to behave in all situations, public and private. Owning you makes my life simpler and happier. With you around, no female will pursue me. Who would want to compete with you for attention?” His blue gaze slipped over her.
Jana became more and more confused. Varian had paid over eight million katoogas to insure her safety at Draco’s, then ignored the expense to reclaim her. Was he really afraid she would fall in love with Draco and forget him? Dare she hope that Varian cared for her more than he admitted?
“All right, Rogue Saar, I’ll try to do things your way. What time is it? I’m famished.”
Laughter filled the quiet room. “Something tells me you don’t have the same food in mind that I do.” He extended his hand and asked, “How about breakfast on the terrace? Then we can take a swim.”
When Jana stepped around the wide bed and placed her hand in his, he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. As their lips met, Varian warned himself she might need time to forgive him and to accept this new relationship. He reluctantly released her. “I want you very much, Jana, but I won’t pressure you with demands this soon. Your belongings are in there,” he informed her, pointing toward a closet.
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