Liberation

by Sabine Priestley

  “And that’s the way it’s done,” Dani said with all the swagger she could muster. Which was a lot, even with the pain radiating from her wrist.

  Dugo laughed. “So what do you say? Have a drink with me?”

  “Dugo…”

  “Hey,” he said, shrugging. “I never see you with no one here. You fly around the world and take your pictures, but this is home. Why you not date anyone?”

  “Who says I don’t?” Dani could tell by his stance he wasn’t buying it. Didn’t matter, he didn’t have to. It was her business. “Gotta go. Catch ya next time.”

  Chapter 2

  The following day, after a swim along the beach, Ian sat on a barstool across from Jared. Two additional members of his EP team sat on either side of him. They were like night and day. Armond Nolde, white-haired albino, and Marco Dar, dark and swarthy.

  “That was no accident last night, boss,” Marco said.

  “I know.” Ian motioned for Jared to pour them some drinks.

  After leaving Dani’s match, they’d ported off world to the base where their fighters were kept. Humans had no idea their little planet was the focus of increasingly frequent alien attention. It was the EP’s job to keep it that way. Last night Torogs attempted to land. During their interception, a team hired by Councilman Gordat Prayda fired on Ian’s ship. The Torogs fled, and Prayda’s goons claimed mechanical failure of their equipment.

  Mechanical failure, like hell. Politics on Sandaria had become increasingly perilous.

  Jared poured beers for the three Sandarians and wiped down the already-clean counter.

  “Aside from the obvious,” the albino Armond said, reaching back to tighten his ubiquitous pony tail, “I find it disturbing Councilman Prayda appears to believe the accidental death of Lord Cavacent’s heir and only child would go unpunished.”

  Armond had a point. “I talked with my father after the incursion last night. He agrees the increase in Torog activity is concerning, but thinks we should stay quiet about the attack on me. The fewer waves we make right now, the better. Let’s just try and avoid any further contact with Councilman Prayda’s pets.”

  Marco rapidly tapped his beer glass. “If you’d just let me blast that crag last night—”

  “The emperor’s guards would be all over us,” Armond finished.

  Ian sensed Marco’s rising anger at Armond. The two rarely saw eye to eye. “At ease.” Ian slid Marco’s beer away from his tapping finger. He used his psi to calm the man. I’ve told you before to stop letting him get under your skin.

  Marco’s psi wasn’t strong enough to broadcast his thoughts but the release of tension in his shoulders as he took a long pull on his beer was enough for Ian.

  Jared, who’d been listening to the exchange, leaned against the bar. “Trouble in paradise?”

  Marco snorted.

  Ian ignored the reaction and addressed Jared. “Let’s just say the empire is a little unstable right now.” The concern on Jared’s face was clear. “Don’t worry too much. Earth shouldn’t be involved. Aside from you and the Papallos, earth can remain blissfully ignorant of the existence of aliens.”

  Closer to his father’s age, Jared bore the appearance of a scruffy old sea captain. He’d worked with his father before Ian took over.

  “Where’s the new kid?” Jared asked, pouring some mixed nuts into a bowl.

  Grinning, Marco grabbed a handful of nuts and shook his head.

  “She’s getting settled,” Ian said. “Has some more unpacking to do. You’ll meet her later.”

  “Marco here said she’s height-challenged,” Jared said.

  Marco held his hand out below shoulder height. It wasn’t much, given that he was sitting. “She’s a little spitfire.”

  “Five-foot-four,” Ian said.

  “With her boots on,” Armond added.

  Jared raised a bushy eyebrow.

  “Just wait till you catch her in action,” Ian said. “Unbelievably fast and knows how to use her size to her advantage. Oh, and she’s got blazing red hair.”

  “I have got to see this.” Jared blew his nose and shook his head. “You three over six-foot, and Little Red Riding Hood.”

  Ian laughed. “An odd picture all right. It works, though. She nailed the trial and has total psi-control over her ship. Never once went to manual.”

  “So, what do you think the Torogs were coming for?” Jared asked.

  “The usual,” Ian said. “Hunting humans or going after carnium.”

  Jared stacked more glasses behind the bar. “That’s the stuff you use to go all faster than light, right?”

  Ian found Jared’s vernacular to be a continuing source of entertainment. “Been taking notes?”

  “I work for aliens. I’m always taking notes.” Jared leaned back against the bar and crossed his arms. “Third time this week Torogs have hit our radar. What’s going on?”

  “I wish we knew,” Ian said.

  Jared remained silent for a moment. “You know, boss. I don’t like the idea of Earth not having you guys around. Don’t go gettin’ yourself killed.”

  “I don’t plan to. My father thinks the emperor doesn’t have long. The problem is, no one knows who or what will take his place. Until we know that, we just have to ride it out.” Ian’s psi registered the approaching vehicle before he heard the crunch of tires on the crushed-shell gravel outside. Desire pulsed through him. “Well, well. Looks like we’ve got company. Sounds like Ms. Standich herself.” Ian took a beat to enjoy the sensations she induced.

  “She the one you’re stalking?” Marco said.

  Ian scowled at him. “I’m not stalking her.”

  “Whatever you say, boss.” Marco pointed a finger at Jared. “He said it.”

  Jared plucked a nut out of the dish and flicked it at Marco.

  The nut stopped in mid air, a few inches from Marco’s face and spun around for a moment. Marco flicked his finger. The nut shot through the air and bounced off Jared’s head, causing him to burst out laughing.

  A moment later, the massive wood plank that made up the front entrance creaked open grudgingly. Sand scraped against the floor. The sliding doors at the back of the bar stood wide open, and the cross breeze pulled at Dani’s blond hair as she struggled with the weight.

  “When,” she said, clutching a white hat and beach bag, “are you going to fix this thing?” She held her right wrist close to her chest. Slipping through the opening, she turned to use her rear to push the beast closed. She gave a mighty shove with her ass. The door gave more than expected and she let out a short squeak as she tried to regain her balance.

  Graceful as always, Ian thought.

  “Thanks for your help last night, by the way.” Dani glared at Jared.

  Ian stifled a laugh.

  Waves of purple radiated from her arm and the left side of her face. She wore large, dark sunglasses that hid the injury to her eye, but her wrist was visibly bruised and swollen.

  Jared rushed around the bar and gave the door a shove. “What can I say? My allergies never stop. You gotta learn not to be distracted.”

  “Hold it in next time.”

  “Sure, kid.” Jared kicked at the bottom of the door, which finally clicked shut.

  Ian was surprised by the obvious closeness of the relationship, but then he never stuck around when locals came into the bar. Until now.

  “So?” Dani said, placing her bag and hat on a bar stool not far from Ian and his EPs. “When are you going to fix that thing?”

  “Fix it? Why? Keeps the tourists down to a minimum.”

  “You own a bar on the beach. Aren’t you supposed to want tourists?”

  Jared shrugged. “I’m good with the ones I get from the hotel”—he indicated a path leading up a slight hill—“and the few wanderers.”

  Dani gazed at the beach beyond the small patio and sighed. “You do have a slice of heaven here.”

  Jared poured some nuts into a bowl and slid them across to her. “I don’t t
hink you’ve formally met my friends here.” He indicated the team. “This is Armond, Marco and ’course you know about Ian. Guys, this here is Dani.”

  They exchanged greetings and Dani focused on Ian. “Been enjoying my fights, Mr. Cavacent?” She smiled with her striking blue eyes.

  Jared coughed loudly.

  Ian was sure the word “stalker” was buried in the cough somewhere. He decided to ease up on his usual role of arrogant millionaire. He needed to find out why she captivated him so. “Call me Ian, and yes, I have been enjoying your fights. You have an unusual technique.”

  Dani scoffed. “Lack thereof, you mean.” She removed her sunglasses and revealed a nasty gash below her left eye. Dark bruises surrounded the puffy wound.

  “Ouch.” Jared leaned in for a closer inspection. “At least you won.”

  Dani set the glasses down. “Yeah, well it’s going to be awhile before I can compete again. I figure you owe me some drinks in the meantime.”

  “Suppose that’s only fair.”

  Fascinating purple swirls worked their way up to her shoulder and out from her cheek. The color was deep and rich, meaning she was in a great deal of pain. That, or she had an unusually high tolerance for it.

  Dani dug around her bag with her left hand and pulled out an insulated Tervis cup. “Rum and coke, please.” She slid the cup over to Jared.

  “Want some ice for that wrist? And maybe your face?” he asked.

  “No, thanks.”

  Jared set her drink down while she gathered up her bag and put her sunglasses back on.

  “Why thank you kindly, sir,” she said with an exaggerated southern accent. “I always rely upon the kindness of strangers.”

  Jared bowed. “Anything for you, Miss Scarlett.”

  “Boys.” She gave a nod and headed for the path leading to the hotel pool.

  Ian waited until she was out of earshot. “She moves like a cat.”

  The men watched as she tripped and sloshed her drink onto the path.

  “A clumsy cat,” Marco said, finishing his beer. “That’s it for me. I can’t take this humidity. I’ll check in with you later, boss.” He stood. “Thanks, Jared.”

  “I too, have had enough of this damp climate of yours.” Armond said, getting to his feet. “I’ll report in this evening.” He followed Marco out.

  Jared sneezed. “That’s why you selected this place, isn’t it?”

  Ian didn’t answer, just grinned. “How long have you known her?” He indicated the direction Dani had taken.

  “Years,” Jared said around his tissue. “Her aunt took her in when her parents died in a plane crash. She was only fifteen or sixteen at the time. I used to let her sweep up around the bar in exchange for sodas. Got the feeling she needed the company. Anyway, auntie spends most of her time in New York these days. Dani keeps the house going when she’s not off freelancing for Vogue or some other slick rag.”

  “Journalist?”

  “Photographer. She’s good too, if you like that sort of thing.” Jared wiped his nose again. “Personally, I prefer landscapes and animals to pretty humans.” Jared popped a few peanuts into his mouth. “She’s in pain.”

  “That woman, my friend, is in a world of hurt,” Ian agreed.

  “Think maybe you could help her out?”

  Ian finished off his beer. “You know how I am about getting involved with locals.”

  “She’s good people, boss. Besides you don’t have to get involved.” Jared made quotes with his fingers around the last words. “I’ve never seen her with anyone. Losing your folks at such a young age, I suppose it can mess you up. Just tell her you know some techniques to help with the pain.”

  Ian cast another look at the retreating woman. “Why are you so concerned? Is there something I should know about you two?”

  Jared harrumphed and crossed his arms. “I’m old enough to be her dad.”

  “So?”

  “I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for her, but it’s more like a daughter. Like I said, she’s good people.”

  Ian couldn’t deny his attraction to her, and he was curious to see if he could figure out why he found her so appealing. Probably those blue eyes. I’ll talk to her for a while. She’ll have nothing to say, and I’ll get her out of my system. “Fine. But just enough to ease her pain. I can’t do more, obviously.”

  “Obviously. Thanks, boss. Hey, when you get back, I’ll buy you a beer.”

  “That’s real generous, considering I own the place.”

  Jared chuckled and ate another handful of peanuts.

  Dani had finally gotten herself situated on the raft, her drink within reach on the deck, when she noticed Ian heading her way. A deep thrill rippled through her and she bit her lip. The pool area was empty except an old couple eating ice cream at the far end.

  Ian sat next to her cup, and dangled his legs in the water. Nice, muscular legs.

  “Hello again,” he said.

  “Ian.” Dani nodded in greeting.

  “I’m guessing you’re in a fair amount of pain right now.”

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” Where was he going with this?

  “If you’re interested, I’m proficient in an ancient Chinese art of pain management.”

  Dani tilted her hat to get a better view. “Seriously?” She’d heard some lines in her time, but that had to be the cheesiest.

  “Seriously.” He shrugged and took a sip of her drink.

  Dani huffed and scowled at him. “You better not drink it all or you’ll have to get me another one.” His smoky green eyes were an intriguing contrast to his olive skin. The way he looked at her made her body tingle. “How exactly does this Chinese voodoo work?”

  Ian pushed off the side and into the water with a smile on his face. “Certain places on the body can be manipulated to ease pain and do other things like lower blood pressure.” He stood next to her, causing a slight wake to bob the raft up and down.

  “Hmm…I don’t know.”

  “Really? Jared’s worried about you and I promised I’d help.”

  Dani glanced back toward the bar. She couldn’t see Jared from here, but she knew he’d be worried. It’s what he did under all that gruffness. When she looked back, she found Ian’s gaze had shifted to somewhere south of her eyes. A flood of pleasure washed over her at the thought of his lips on her breast.

  She cleared her throat.

  Ian smiled at her with a crooked grin.

  The thrill from earlier boiled over to something far less manageable. Wow. This is some serious attraction. “Um, precisely where and how will you be manipulating me?”

  Ian laughed. “I assure you my intentions are honorable.”

  Well, that was disappointing. She tilted her head. If he didn’t feel the same attraction right now, she’d eat her bikini. “Go ahead then. Let’s see what you can do.” She pulled her hat down over her face and leaned back.

  The raft rocked in the water as he moved behind her. He lightly touched her injured arm sending a zap of euphoria through her. Wow.

  His fingers slowly trailed up each of her arms and the tension in her core rose with it. As he reached the base of her neck, she said a little prayer he’d be open to a friends-with-benefits situation. His hands settled on her shoulder muscles and pressed harder. A bolt of pleasure shot through her. This is insane. She couldn’t slow her breathing. He was no where near her private bits, yet it was as if…

  Ian ran his thumbs up the cords in her neck.

  She caught her breath as the intensity increased. No way. Her body tensed as pleasure exploded, leaving her motionless as the incredible sensation rolled outward to her fingers and toes. Holy shit.

  Ian drew his fingers along the top of Dani’s shoulders, enjoying the buzz her silky smooth skin created.

  Her body shivered, causing his psi to ripple through him. Interesting.

  He gently probed along the muscles to find the right spot.

  Dani let out a long sigh and relaxed into his hand
s.

  He found it odd he’d have such intense chemistry with a human. He closed his eyes and reached out with his psi. Her cheek possessed only a flesh wound so he dampened the nerve endings to stop the pain. Next he moved to her wrist where he found a hairline fracture. He focused his psi and mended the bone, leaving most of the bruised tissue and muscle, but again dampened the nerve endings. A minute passed before Ian realized something was off. His psi buzzed with an energy he’d never experienced before.

  Dani’s breathing quickened.

  He was about to let go when a blast of psi tore into him. The sheer force was astonishing. He nearly flung her behind him, before he realized it was her.

  Not possible. Humans don’t have psi. Unable to resist, he explored further. Like a Sandarian child, her psi was unrefined and clearly not under control. He should let go, but like a moth to a flame, he delved deeper. And deeper still. The magnitude floored him. She could very well be as strong as he.

  This had the potential to change everything. If people on his planet found out, his family could lose all rights to this world. Rights to both the carnium and their protectorship of Earth. Humans could never defend themselves against the aliens who would come looking for an easy grab at the coveted mineral. With the unrest of the empire, it might be years before another protectorship could be effectively established and agreed upon. By then, Goddess knew, how much damage would have been done.

  A human with psi. It made no sense. His family had been protecting earth for generations. Never had a human been found with psi. He’d been with a number of women, and never had there been an inkling. He needed to discuss this with his father. He began to pull back. As though in response to his leaving, her psi pulsed and pleasure unlike anything he’d ever imagined washed though him. His body and psi buzzed with the intense energy. Stronger and stronger it grew. He drew a deep breath, riding the wave of pure ecstasy.

  Almost as if—holy goddess. Ian slammed the connection closed and staggered back. His heart pounded in his chest. He stared at his hands as though they belonged to someone else. My psi-mate? The pleasure slowly subsided. He wanted more, needed more. Mother Goddess help me.