Jayna looked up, her face unreadable.
Carefully, Quinn sat down in the armchair beside Jayna’s. “I know that it hurts to remember, but do you recall your time in Bari Batu?”
At the name of the Edull city, the woman made a keening noise. She started to rock back and forth.
Quinn’s gut cramped, and nearby, Ever pressed a hand to her mouth.
“I’m so sorry, Jayna. I just want to find the other women who are still captives—”
Jayna shot to her feet.
Quinn held out a hand. “Take it easy.”
“I…want to help.” The woman’s voice was rusty and cracked with disuse.
“Anything you can remember—”
Jayna backed up, her face pale. “It hurts.”
Dammit, Quinn had made it worse. When Jayna hit the wall, she slid down it, curling her knees to her chest.
Quinn rose. “I’m sorry, Jayna. It’s okay, you’re free. You’re safe.”
Suddenly, Mace shouldered into the room. He spotted Jayna and his brows drew together.
“Jayna.” His voice was a deep rumble. He strode across the space and hunkered down in front of her. “Don’t let the Edull win. You fight to get better.”
Jayna quivered, her gaze locked on the man. Then, she leaped at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His muscular arms closed around her gently and he pulled her close.
Quinn blinked. It was unbelievable that big, grumpy Mace could be so gentle. She glanced at Ever and the woman raised a brow.
Deciding to leave Jayna with Mace to calm down, Quinn headed out of the room with Ever.
“I feel awful.” Quinn sighed. “The last thing I wanted to do was upset her.”
“Give it time,” Ever said.
“The others might not have time.” The gnawing in Quinn’s gut hurt.
Ever grabbed her hand and squeezed. Quinn looked at the woman’s cybernetic fingers. She’d survived her own hellish captivity. So had Quinn. So had the other women at the House of Galen and the Dark Nebula Casino.
Jayna would survive, too. And not just survive, but thrive.
Parting with Ever, Quinn made her way to Magnus’ office and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
When she entered, she saw Magnus and Jax, and Galen and Sam from the House of Galen. The other woman smiled at Quinn.
“Hi.” Quinn met the other imperator’s single icy glance and Galen nodded.
Jax moved to Quinn and slid an arm around her shoulders. “How’s Jayna?”
“Confused.” Quinn blew out a breath. “It’s like she’s locked her mind away.”
Jax kissed Quinn’s temple. The move was so easy for him now, and it made her chest warm. He was so observant, noting exactly what touches of affection she needed.
“She did what she had to in order to survive. Once she feels safe, she’ll remember.”
Nodding, Quinn leaned into him.
“So, another man falls under the spell of a woman from Earth.” Galen’s deep voice was amused.
“Yes.” Jax sounded way too pleased with himself.
Sam smiled at them and shot Quinn a wink.
“I’m teaching my cyborg all about love,” Quinn said.
“And I’m an eager student. A very eager student.”
She elbowed him. God, she loved him.
“I take it Jayna still hasn’t spoken?” Galen asked, his tone becoming serious. “We have no new leads on Bari Batu or the other humans?”
Quinn shook her head, the happy feeling she’d had just a moment ago vanishing into thin air.
“We’ll give her time,” Magnus said. “And while we do, we continue to have Corsair, Zhim, and Ryan search for any clues. I already have them working to unpick Gaarl’s life. He purchased Jayna, so he had links to Bari Batu.”
“The others are still out there.” Quinn closed her eyes. “Being hurt, abused—”
“Hey.” Jax put a finger under her chin and forced her to look up. “We’ll fight for them. And if I have learned anything, it is that humans are tough. They’ll survive, just as you and Jayna have.”
Quinn gripped him harder. “We’ll find them and bring them all to safety. Then they’ll be free.”
* * *
Jax stood with Zhim on the balcony of Zhim and Ryan’s penthouse apartment. The information merchants had an incredible view across Kor Magna, all the way to the desert.
Quinn was inside with Ryan, finishing up talking with her family back on Earth. Her parents and brother had dissolved into tears and laughter when they’d seen her.
“Nothing yet on Bari Batu.” Zhim’s dark hair danced in the breeze.
Jax sighed and pressed his hands to the railing. “It weighs on Quinn.”
“These women of Earth are like no other species I’ve met before.”
Hearing female voices, Jax glanced back through the doorway. Quinn and Ryan appeared.
“You’ll help her shoulder the burden,” Zhim said. “And don’t forget, these Earth women are strong.”
Jax nodded. That was the truth. Their soft skin covered steel. “As soon as you hear anything —”
“You’ll know,” Zhim promised.
As Quinn approached, Jax held out his hand. Her fingers closed around his. He could see she’d been crying.
“How was your call?”
“Great.” She managed a small smile. “Nice to talk to my family, but sad, as well.”
Jax vowed he would spend the rest of his days making up for the loss of her life before.
Together, they said goodbye to Zhim and Ryan and headed down in the elevator. Soon, they were walking back towards the arena.
“Magnus asked me to tell you that, when you’re ready, he’d like to offer you a place on the House of Rone security team.”
Quinn looked up at him, surprise stamped on her face. “I’d love to.”
Seeing her pleasure made warmth fill in his chest.
Then her smile faded. “After we find the others.”
“Of course.”
When they reached the entryway to the House of Rone, the guards nodded and opened the doors. Jax stopped her in the doorway.
“This is your home now.”
She turned into him, smoothing her hands up his chest. “Home for me now is wherever you are, Jax.”
The storm of emotion almost dropped him to his knees. He’d never been someone’s center before. Magnus had protected him, cared for him like a brother, but he was well aware that Magnus’ heart was Ever’s. This strong woman in front of him, however, was all Jax’s.
She made him stand straighter, made him want to be by her side forever. To fight any dangers she faced. He smiled. Or help her fight them herself.
They walked through the corridors and headed out to the small training arena. He spotted Magnus and Ever standing under the arches. Ever was holding baby Asha, and Acton was with them. The cyborg was staring down at the baby with no expression on his face. But Jax knew the cyborg well enough to know that there was some bemusement to him.
As Jax and Quinn got closer, Acton’s gaze fell to their joined hands. This time, Jax spotted the flicker of confusion on the man’s face.
Acton struggled to feel, and all the changes around him were difficult for him to comprehend.
With a nod at them all, he swiveled and strode away.
“He’s scary,” Quinn murmured.
“He can be. But like most of us, there is still a man beneath the machine, even if Acton doesn’t want to admit it.”
“How were Zhim and Ryan?” Magnus asked.
“No news.” Jax glanced across the training arena, and spotted Jayna.
She was on the edge of the training arena, her face lifted to the sunshine. When she moved, she stopped by some large pots that were overflowing with plants and flowers. She stroked the foliage. Mace shifted into view, standing behind the woman, her silent shadow.
“She’s still not talking.” Ever jiggled the baby and Asha made a ha
ppy sound.
“She’s a survivor,” Quinn said. “Once she heals, she’ll help us find the others.”
Ever smiled. “Well, at least she knows she’s safe, since it appears she has her own personal cyborg bodyguard.”
Quinn leaned into Jax. “I have to admit that having your own personal cyborg is pretty darn nice.”
Jax’s arm squeezed her tight.
* * *
Mace
His boots thumped on the stone as he walked down the corridor. He was ready for a shot of home-brewed liquor and some sleep.
As he passed a closed door, he heard a thump and a muffled noise. He stiffened. He knew exactly whose room it was.
Mace charged through the door.
An object whizzed at his head and he caught the vase before it smacked into his face.
A pair of startled brown eyes looked back at him.
“You have good aim,” he told Jayna.
Her eyes were wide and panicked. She made a sound like a frightened animal, and he wasn’t even sure she saw him.
She stumbled backward, crouching low. He knew that even though she was free, in her head, she was still stuck in the hellhole the Edull had trapped her in.
“Jayna.” His voice was deep and firm. Mace couldn’t sound soft and reassuring if he tried.
Her breathing was too fast. He’d seen so many beaten, terrified people stuck in the fight rings when he’d been forced to fight. He watched the blows beat them down until they’d crumpled.
But Jayna hadn’t crumpled.
“You’re safe, remember?” he said.
She shook her head, her matted hair flying around her face.
“You’re hyperventilating.” Mace had no idea why this small woman got to him so much. “Slow your breathing. You don’t want to let the Edull win, do you?”
She snarled and glared at him.
Mace shrugged. “I’m not going to coddle you. I’ll say their name. I’ll remind you that you drakking survived.”
Her glare deepened. Good. He liked seeing her spirit. They thought they’d broken her, but they hadn’t. And besides, her breathing had slowed.
“The Edull can’t get you here. I won’t allow it.”
She rose and took tentative steps toward him. Then she raised a hand, her fingers brushing the bare skin of his chest.
A flash of heat washed over him and Mace frowned. What the drak? He didn’t like being touched. As a kid in the gangs, people either wanted to beat you or touch you in no way an adult should touch a kid.
But as Jayna closed the distance between them and pressed her face against him, he realized her touch didn’t bother him like it should. He noted that the top of her head didn’t even reach his shoulder.
He lifted a hand and pressed a palm to the back of her head. Despite the tangles and knots, her hair was silky. Her warm breath puffed on his skin.
The unfamiliar urge to pull her closer and wrap his arms around her hit him. Scowling at the wall, he stopped himself.
Mace knew himself well. He was rough and hard, with no soft edges. He’d been raised with fists, kicks, and punches. Fighting was all he knew.
No, that wasn’t quite right. In the last few years, he’d learned loyalty. To Magnus, who’d saved him, to his fellow cyborgs, to the House of Rone.
Caring for others was a weakness. He’d seen so many innocent fighters die in the organized fights the gangs had forced him into. He’d watched men try to protect their women, women try to protect their children. They’d all died, their weaknesses exploited.
It paid not to get too close to anyone. They always died or betrayed you.
“Get some sleep now,” he told Jayna.
Pretty eyes peered at him through tangled hair. Despite her traumatized appearance, her gaze was steady. Like she could see all his dark secrets.
Mace stepped back, then he swiveled and stomped out of her room.
He didn’t want anyone in his head or under his skin. Jayna was House of Rone now, so he’d protect her and make her feel safe, but that was it.
Drak. He really needed a double shot of liquor.
* * *
Jax dropped flat on his back on his bed, panting. Quinn, who was straddling him, flopped against his chest.
Pleasure was still racing through him, and he felt his woman’s heart hammering against his skin.
She made a purring sound. “I like being on top.”
He pulled her up and kissed her, taking his time. When he pulled back, her face was dazed. Just how he liked it. “I like you on top, too. And beneath me, and pinned to the wall—”
She nipped his jaw with a laugh. “I get it.”
He leaned over and grabbed a blanket that he’d bought for her. He wrapped her in the soft fabric, and she nuzzled her cheek against it.
She’d officially moved into his rooms. Their rooms. He’d never shared his space with anyone before, and he liked it. He liked her clothes hanging beside his in the closet. Liked seeing the lotions she enjoyed in the bathroom. Liked the small pile of half-twisted wire scattered across the table. She was exactly where she belonged.
He shifted to the edge of the bed and lifted her into his arms. He carried her out onto the balcony.
“Jax, we’re naked!”
“It’s dark.” He sat down on the large cushions scattered on the balcony, and settled her on his lap.
“Oh, I can see the stars tonight,” she said.
He nodded. “The moons aren’t up tonight, and there are no arena games, so the lights are off.”
“They all look so different. None of the constellations that you can see from Earth.”
He tightened his arms around her. “You miss your planet?”
“Yes.” She turned to face him. “But I’m happy, Jax. It’s a bittersweet loss, because I know I can never return. At least I can stay in touch with my family. I’m happy right here in Kor Magna, in the House of Rone, in your arms.”
“Quinn—”
“I’m alive and safe. I’m in love. That’s more than I’ve ever wanted.”
“I’ll spend our lifetime keeping you safe and making you happy.”
She nuzzled his cheek. “I have my own cyborg to make all my dreams come true.”
He kissed her. “Anything you want, Quinn Bennett.”
“I want you to make love to me under the stars, Jaxer Rone.”
He pushed her back onto the cushions. “I thought you were worried people might see.”
“You’re right, it’s dark.” She nipped his neck.
It was dark, but as he wrapped Quinn in his arms, his heart was alive with the light of love.
* * *
I hope you enjoyed Quinn and Jax’s story!
Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone continues with DEFENDER, the story of big, tough cyborg Mace and Earth survivor Jayna. Coming the 20th August 2019.
If you’re interested in learning more about the House of Galen gladiators and the strong, smart women from Earth they helped rescue or Magnus and Ever’s story, then check out Galactic Gladiators.
For more action-packed romance, read on for a preview of the first chapter of Edge of Eon, the first book in my best-selling Eon Warriors series.
Don’t miss out! For updates about new releases, action romance info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.
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Preview: Edge of Eon
She shifted on the chair, causing the chains binding her hands to clank together. Eve Traynor snorted. The wrist and ankle restraints were overkill. She was on a low-orbit prison circling Earth. Where the fuck did they think she was going to go?
Eve shifted her shoulders to try to ease the tension from having her hands tied behind her back. For the millionth time, she studied her surroundings. The medium-sized room was empty, except for her chair. Everything from the floor to the ceiling was dull-gray metal. All of th
e Citadel Prison was drab and sparse. She’d learned every boring inch of it the last few months.
One wide window provided the only break in the otherwise uniform space. Outside, she caught a tantalizing glimpse of the blue-green orb of Earth below.
Her gut clenched and she drank in the sight of her home. Five months she’d been locked away in this prison. Five months since her life had imploded.
She automatically thought of her sisters. She sucked in a deep breath. She hated everything they’d had to go through because of what had happened. Hell, she thought of her mom as well, even though their last contact had been the day after Eve had been imprisoned. Her mom had left Eve a drunken, scathing message.
The door to the room opened, and Eve lifted her chin and braced.
When she saw the dark-blue Space Corps uniform, she stiffened. When she saw the row of stars on the lapel, she gritted her teeth.
Admiral Linda Barber stepped into the room, accompanied by a female prison guard. The admiral’s hair was its usual sleek bob of highlighted, ash-blonde hair. Her brown eyes were steady.
Eve looked at the guard. “Take me back to my cell.”
The admiral lifted a hand. “Please leave us.”
The guard hesitated. “That’s against protocol, ma’am—”
“It’ll be fine.” The admiral’s stern voice said she was giving an order, not making a request.
The guard hesitated again, then ducked through the door. It clicked closed behind her.
Eve sniffed. “Say what you have to say and leave.”
Admiral Barber sighed, taking a few steps closer. “I know you’re angry. You have a right to be—”
“You think?” Eve sucked back the rush of molten anger. “I got tossed under the fucking starship to save a mama’s boy. A mama’s boy who had no right to be in command of one of Space Corps’ vessels.”
Sentinel: Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone #1 Page 16