Liberation

by Sabine Priestley

  CHAPTER SIX

  Balastar sat on the couch facing the view port. Centered in the wall was an image of a massive stone fireplace. Flames crackled, and the logs glowed. Heat radiated from the illusion. Just another creature comfort he’d splurged on. His family used to have a cabin in the forest on Sandaria. Those were good times. After his father’s death, his mother couldn’t bring herself to go back there. With the fire active, he could almost imagine he was in the old wooden A-frame.

  He poured himself some whiskey and took a long pull. The liquid burned his throat. He was leaving tomorrow. A three week run. It would be good to get away from Kit. Anger turned his stomach when he thought of Corvak touching her. He took another drink. He had three women on different planets he saw on a regular basis. Dinner. Drinks. Sex. No strings. How had Kit managed to get under his skin?

  His com buzzed. It was her, and she was outside the airlock. Shit. What the frack was she doing here? He was tempted to ignore her, but something made him send a signal and unlock the door for her instead. He sent a message, telling her where he was and waited.

  Kit walked into the galley and straight for him. Her eyes smoldered, and her psi bowled into his. He hardened instantly. He set the drink down and grabbed hold of her. The kiss was deep and urgent. He didn’t know what had set her off, and he didn’t care. This was a bad idea, but he didn’t care about that either. They were both amped and in need of one thing. He ravaged her mouth, and she met him with a force of her own. Clothes were off and littering the floor. He maneuvered her over to the rug in front of the fire and lay her down. He couldn’t get enough of her. He licked and bit his way down her neck before taking one of her breasts in his mouth. He circled her tight little nipple with his tongue. Their psi was fully engaged, and he couldn’t stop if he had to. She spread her legs as he moved down.

  “Twist around.” Her voice was full of need.

  He spun so that his pulsing cock was over her mouth, just as he hovered over her mound. He lowered himself and licked her wet pussy. A growl escaped him as she took him in her mouth. His fingers plunged deep inside her as she sucked him. He flicked his tongue over her nub. It was too much and not enough. Nearly there, he lifted up and turned.

  “Not this time,” she said, pushing him down on his back. She straddled him and took his hard cock in her hand, holding it at her wet opening. He grasped her hips and pulled her down until she was fully seated. Her muscles spasmed around him. Gods, she felt good. He lifted her and found their rhythm.

  She leaned forward and placed a hand on either side of his shoulders. She rode him hard. The way her tits bounced drove him insane. He reached up and massaged the perfect breasts, pinching the hard nipples.

  She cried out. He loved the sound. Proof of what he was doing to her. His balls tightened, and he pumped into her three more times before his own growl of satisfaction rumbled in his chest.

  She lay on top of him, nestling her face in the crook of his neck. “Gods, I needed that.”

  For the first time in days, the itch that only Kit could scratch was silent. He stroked her back until, with a heavy sigh, she pushed herself up and off him. He joined her where she sat on the rug with her back against the couch, and they watched the fire burn. Their shoulders touched, and he slid his foot down next to hers. Even that slight contact sent a thrill through him. He sent a code to his com with his psi, and the wall surrounding the fireplace turned transparent and showed the Earth below.

  They sat in calm silence—unlike the storm swirling across the eastern United States below. A massive hurricane was pummeling the East Coast.

  “Balastar…” Kit’s voice was quiet, breathy.

  “Yeah?”

  She twirled the yellow-orange strand of hair in her fingers. “This thing between us. Do you think we’re bonding?”

  That wasn’t an easy question for her to ask. Like asking if someone loved you, it left you open, vulnerable.

  He appreciated the risk she took and owed her complete honesty. He’d asked himself the same question. Turning to face her, he took her hand and pressed a kiss on her fingers. “I’ve been wondering as well. Here’s the thing, though. I’ve seen people bond. I’ve even watched as they tried to fight it.”

  “Dani and Ian?”

  “Yes. It’s not something you can deny.” He let her hand go with a final kiss. “As much as this amazes me, as incredible as you make me and my psi feel, I could walk away. I will walk away. Tomorrow. I’m not going to get between you and Corvak.” And he wasn’t going to play second string again. He’d been there done that with Dani.

  A slight nod of her head was her only answer. They watched the storm rage below.

  ***

  Kit toyed with the synthetic fur of the rug. Then again, knowing Balastar, it might not be syn. She stifled the urge to sigh. Part of her wanted to tell him Corvak was leaving, but how desperate was that? She’d flat out asked if they were bonding, and he said he would walk away. She hated the wave of embarrassment that rolled over her. No, with Corvak gone, she could get her head straightened out. She’d go home, see her family, pick up another batch of distorters, and remember what it was like to be alone for a while. Who knows? Maybe their paths would cross again someday. She hoped so. In the meantime, they had tonight. “Are you coming to dinner at the villa? Corvak won’t be there.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “We kind of got into a fight. I told him to cool his heels on the ship.” It wasn’t a total lie. He’d be cooling his heels on a ship all right, just not hers.

  Balastar turned to her and ran his thumb across her lower lip.

  She took it in her teeth and sucked, eliciting one of those smiles that melted her insides.

  “I wasn’t going to, but if Corvak is staying here, I’m in.”

  “Good,” Kit said, straddling him. “It’s not until seven. You up for another round?”

  He grabbed her hips as she slid onto him. “I’m always ready for another round with you.”

  They found their rhythm, and she let it all go. Nothing mattered but here and now.

  ***

  Balastar stayed with her at the villa that night. She woke the next morning curled up in his arms. She was rolling over to say good morning when he bolted upright.

  “Frack.” He rubbed his eyes and glared at the clock next to the bed. “I’m late.” He looked at her and ran the purple strand of hair through his fingers. “We should have woken up earlier. I have to meet the delivery crew for my load of carnium. Security’s going to be tight.

  “Too bad.” Kit sat up and kissed him. It started slow and heated up fast.

  Balastar groaned. He took her face between his palms and gazed into her eyes. “Sorry, m’lady, but I must run.”

  That term again. She knew he meant it well, but it stung. Not a lady.

  He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then tossed the covers off and reached down for his pants. They were problematic as his erection was in the way.

  “We could take care of that, you know.”

  He laughed loud and from the gut. “I wish.” He finally managed to get the zipper up and pulled on his boots.

  Kit was going to take advantage of the shower before leaving. She got out of bed and stood before Balastar. “Safe journeys, my friend.”

  They stood for a long moment, neither speaking. She nearly blurted out that Corvak was gone, but that was too much like begging.

  Balastar looked as conflicted as she felt. Any next step with this man would be a big one, and right now, they both had work to do.

  “I meant to ask,” Balastar said, “is Kit short for something?”

  She smiled. “My full name is Kitayaná Athorika Durnar.”

  “That’s a mouth full. Like you.” He bent down and took each nipple in turn into his scalding mouth.

  She nearly came from that simple touch.

  “All right, Kit. Maybe our paths will cross again, and I can finish what I just started.”

  She bit her cheek. Co
rvak is gone.

  A final kiss, and he left.

  ***

  Kit took her time showering. Ria’s villa lacked for nothing, and the rain showerhead attached to the ceiling was a slice of hot water heaven. Back on the Tiger she had a state-of-the-art dry sanitizer. It got you clean, but it wasn’t the same as standing under a storm of water. She finished washing, then stood with her eyes closed, letting the heat soak into her deliciously sore muscles. She was looking forward to seeing her folks and oddly excited about having Tiger all to herself.

  She turned off the water and towel dried before padding out to her stuff. Space was cold, and she always felt the need to be prepared. She dressed in jeans and a pullover long-sleeved shirt. She put her ankle-high boots back on and shoved yesterday’s clothes into the bag. Flinging the duffel over her shoulder, she followed her nose to the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Sunshine.” Ria was as chipper as ever. She stood by the island with a plate of food in her hand. “You just missed Balastar. He took some to go.” Ria eyed her with a smirk.

  “I’m sure he can’t resist Gina’s cooking any more than we can.”

  “You’re so kind, Miss Kit,” Gina said, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “You would like some breakfast, yes?”

  Kit knew she was distracted when she hadn’t thought about eating yet. Fact was, she was ravenous. “Yes, please.”

  Gina gave her a plate and described the delicious-smelling dish. Chicken eggs, potatoes, onions, and a few other things that she was unfamiliar with. The combined effect was heavenly.

  Kit stood with Ria and ate a massive portion in amiable silence.

  Ria eyed her after she’d finished her second helping. “That’s some appetite you got there.”

  She swallowed the last bite and moaned in appreciation of a full stomach. “Accelerated metabolism. Where’s Ty? I wanted to say goodbye.”

  “He’s working out in the sim room.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You don’t know what a sim room is?”

  “No idea.”

  “This is a must see. Got a few minutes before you go?”

  “Sure. Hey Gina, any chance I can take some of this with me?”

  “Si, si. I make ready for you. And maybe some leftovers from last night, yes?”

  “Yes, please. Thanks.” Kit followed Ria out of the kitchen and down a large hallway. Paintings of Earth landscapes hung on either side, and a magnificent red woven carpet ran the length of the hall. At the end was a long, blank wall, out of place with no adornment of any kind.

  Ria approached and waved her hand. Instantaneously, a door appeared.

  The panel may have slid up into the ceiling, but it happened so fast she wasn’t sure. She stepped through into a large, open space. To the left, a tunnel disappeared into the distance. The walls straight ahead and to the right were smooth and sleek. A vehicle of some sort sat parked against the wall in front of them.

  “What is this place?” Kit asked.

  “We have a network of portal-connected tunnels all over the planet. It’s how the mining operations work and how we get around. The sim room is over here.” Ria crossed to the far side of the space to the right of the vehicle. Another wave of her hand, and an opening appeared. This time Kit was sure a panel slid up, but incredibly fast. They walked through the door into a steaming hot jungle. “Mother Goddess.” Kit looked around. Trees and animals were everywhere. She could hear but not see a waterfall, and the sound of muted laser fire had her reaching for her own weapon.

  “Hold on, it’s okay,” Ria said. “Halt sim,” she said loudly.

  Everything in the room melted into the floor. Everything except Ty who stood thirty feet away. He was breathing hard and wiping sweat from his brow as he approached. “What’s up, Red?” He kissed Ria with passion.

  Ria grabbed his shirt and held him close a moment before giving him a shove backward. “You’re all sweaty. Kit’s never seen a sim room.”

  “I can’t believe it.” Kit stared in awe at the empty space. The air, humid and sticky moments before, was cooling rapidly and smelled of nothing more than a slight ionized tang. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. How does it work?”

  Ria blew out a breath. “Suffice to say advanced physics, a butt load of nanites and a serious amount of power. You want a go?”

  Kit wanted nothing more, but she shook her head. “I already set up my rendezvous and need to get going. If I come back?”

  “Absolutely,” Ria said and slapped Ty on the ass. “Call me when you’re done here.”

  He nodded and waved a hand. The whole room started morphing.

  Kit stayed long enough to see the space transform back into the wild jungle. “Unbelievable.”

  Ria accompanied her to the base station and said goodbye at her airlock. “Stay in touch. I’ll let you know the second Rucon hears from the GTO.”

  “Thanks. I’ll set you as priority. As long as I’m not interstellar, you’ll get through. And I’ll be back, if for no other reason than some time in that room.” And maybe a run in with Balastar. She gave Ria a quick hug and entered her ship. How had she gone so long without girlfriends?

  She took a minute to survey the place. Corvak was a large man. With him gone, the Tiger felt bigger. Better. She tossed her bag onto her bed and breathed a sigh of relief that she’d be sleeping there alone. She went to the bridge next and got settled in the captain’s chair. As she prepped the ship for departure, it occurred to her that Balastar was gone. She knew he’d already departed, of course, but she sensed his absence somehow. She hadn’t realized it at the time, but when he was near, there was a constant background buzz in her body. It was gone now, and she missed it. She sent her request for departure and waited for clearance.

  She thought of Corvak. He was a scrapper, and he’d be fine. There really were plenty of women ready to take her place. There was another Vertan captain that they’d worked with off and on, and even she could see the sparks between those two. She’d reach out to him in a few weeks. Make sure they were good.

  Clearance came through, and she fired up the engines. The slight vibration of the hull lifted her spirits. She couldn’t wait to tell the consortium about the GTO. She started singing a favorite song. Hell, yeah. “Tiger,” she addressed the ship’s AI.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “Play Rockets to Morret. Loud.” Corvak hated her music. It was time to reclaim her life, her ship, and her rhythm. She released the docking braces, engaged the cloak, and blasted off, feeling better than she had in a long time.

  ***

  The three day trip to Wenarth was irritatingly uneventful. With each passing hour, the tension in her body grew. She was antsy, restless, and craved a certain blue-eyed male. Her contact on the small moon-sized planet was an older Vertan named Karl Vandorac, who she’d dealt with many times. He was a nice man and always insisted on feeding her when she delivered the devices. He lived alone, and Kit suspected he did the same for anyone willing to stay. She was returning to the Tiger when her com pinged. It was a text message from Balastar. Ria says Corvak is gone. Her heart raced.

  She waited until she was back in her ship before replying. Yeah. It was time.

  Where are you?

  Finishing up on Wenarth.

  Meet me on Dwinlia.

  Why?

  I need to fuck you.

  She burst out laughing. What happened to my gentleman?

  He desperately needs to be between those silky thighs of yours.

  Would love to, but I’m headed for Solaris 9. I have to see my folks. I’ll ping you when I’m done.

  You need to rethink your priorities.

  I’ll be in touch. Literally. The thought of him had her melting.

  You’re killing me.

  Maybe she did need to rethink her priorities. The way he made her feel. What if he was wrong? Were they bonding? No. He had a point about being able to walk away. They were star systems apart and doing just fine. A
little sex starved, tense, antsy, volatile, upset, and horny…but fine. She was fine, right? She ignored the inexplicable feeling gnawing at her heart.

  She set her course for Solaris 9, a forty-three hour trip. It was currently the closest planet that had an active portal to Vertan on it. She’d put in a request for a portal home as soon as she left Wenarth. She groaned when she got the reply an hour later—she’d have to wait two and a half days before she could get a portal home. She wanted to ask for special dispensation but knew there were only so many portals that could be created before the Torogs would be able to detect the activity. She’d have to bide her time like everyone else. A grin spread across her face as she messaged Balastar, telling him her plans and inviting him to join her. He was off the grid, so it could be a day or more before she heard back. The thought of seeing him had her melting in her chair. Once she was through the vector and on course, she changed clothes and hit the exercise equipment. Not as good as sex, but it would take the edge off.

  Kit was seriously digging having music in Tiger again. It hadn’t seemed like a big deal when Corvak had said he hated her music, but damn she’d missed it. Gina’s care package was long gone, and she was sick of food packs. She made a mental note to stock up on Solaris 9. And not just food packs. Decent stuff. Frozen, but decent. She thought of Balastar’s food printer. Someday maybe.

  After thirty-seven hours and nearly twenty miles logged on the treadmill, exercise wasn’t cutting it anymore. She tried not to think about Balastar, but it was a losing battle. The tension inside her was building. Like a rubber band pulled taught. Hour after hour, it worsened until she felt she was going to snap. Finally, four hours out from Solaris 9, he pinged her. It was an active connection so he had to be close. The thrill that ripped through her body took her breath. She opened the link.

  “Hey beautiful. How far out are you?” The sound of his voice resonated on a cellular level.

  She squirmed in her chair. “Little under four hours. You?”

  “Just got here. I win.”

  Yes! “Glad you could make it.”

  “It was a little out of my way. You owe me.”

  “Hmm, I think we can come to mutually agreeable terms.” She sat up straight, increasing the pressure between her legs.