by Shae Mills
“Don’t you dare tell me to loosen up! Last night you assaulted me, telling me I owed you. I owe you nothing! I asked for nothing. I demanded nothing. So don’t tell me I owe you with my body. That’s not fair, and it’s simply not right!”
“Okay!” he shouted. “Fuck it. You win.” Then suddenly, his voice softened. “Oh, hell, I’m sorry. Please don’t go away. You are right. I way overstepped the bounds. I’m really sorry. I’ll back off. I promise.”
“I thought you would have grown up by now!”
Jim released the door and held his hands up in surrender. “I have, Chelan. Christ, all I wanted was a little sex. I mean really, we’ve been doing everything together… sharing everything, and we’ve been getting along perfectly. I just thought the time was right.”
Chelan glowered at him. “The time was not right. Not even close.”
“Fine. Great. Whatever. You’re right. I said I wouldn’t touch you again, and I won’t. Christ, I’ll get down on my knees if you want. But just don’t leave.”
Chelan tried to calm herself so that she could think. She didn’t have anyplace to go, and that was a big problem. Right now she couldn’t exactly land back on William’s doorstep without a story in hand to tell Marion. Of course, she could get a hotel room, but how would she explain that to William without causing friction between the two men?
She sized up the man before her. Maybe it was the drink, she told herself. Maybe he was being genuine. She stared into his face. His eyes were racked with contrition—contrived or not, she could not tell.
“Please, Chelan,” he pleaded softly. “I will behave.” He backed up from her, allowing her the freedom to leave. “I’m gone all next week. The place is yours.”
Chelan straightened herself and sifted through his words while studying his body language. She dropped the pack and pointed her finger at him. “If you ever touch me again without my permission, I will call the police and press charges.”
Jim shook his head. “No problem. I’ve learned my lesson.” He put his hands on his hips and thought for a moment. “In fact, I should go to the office today anyway. I’ve packed for my trip, so I’ll leave right now and you can have your space.”
Chelan watched as he disappeared momentarily and then returned with his travel bag. He stopped at the closet to get his overcoat and then stood still and looked at her. “I am sorry, Chelan. It’s just that I want you so bad. I always have. You know that, don’t you?”
Chelan continued to watch him warily. “You can’t always take what you want,” she informed him firmly.
Jim hung his head. “I know,” he said. And he opened the door and left.
Chelan slid down the wall and sat still upon the floor. Did it ever end? Would she ever be truly safe? Could the men here not value pure, simple friendship? Why did they always want to take more?
She held her head as visions of Dar crowded in upon her lonely and fragile thoughts. Dar had waited. Many years, in fact. There were countless times while she was in his care that he could have pushed further, and she may have yielded to him. But he never did. All the men of the Empire had waited for her to come to them first. Even during times of great intimacy, no matter what her mental state, no matter what her dress, they never took from her. They only gave. They had cared and loved and offered her all, but she was never expected to pay in any way, and certainly not with her body.
Now her memory of Earth values and male-female relationships had been refreshed. Payment and power. With many men, you owed up or you were forced. And Jim had also touched on another long-ago forgotten aspect of the Earth male psyche… her clothing. From now on, she would only be in his presence conservatively dressed. Nothing was going to be misconstrued as an invitation again, fancy occasions or not. Lesson learned.
*****
Chelan enjoyed having the condo to herself, but she no longer relished the idea of leaving its confines. She was now so overly conscious of her conduct and how she dressed that she was at the point of never wanting to roam outside at all. She had even curtailed her workouts, no longer willing to endure the stares of the other patrons. As a consequence, as midweek rolled around, she was bored out of her mind.
Today, she found herself staring at Jason’s number. Jim had mentioned that Jason was a software and communications genius, wireless, and where better to start when looking for a job than with an independent contractor with his own company? But first she had to make up her mind as to whether she could endure the company of another Earth male. After all, he was Jim’s friend, and birds of a feather often flocked together. And she had to admit, though Jason had seemed fine, his sheer size now intimidated her. The Warlords’ size represented comfort and security. Now images of Ticees and Jim entwined like a poisonous vine about her thoughts.
She looked down, running her hands over her breast and her hips. They still hurt, and she closed her eyes. She had to be in complete control of her life from this point on. She had to reacquaint herself with all the social pitfalls of Earth society and avoid any future disasters. She been so completely immersed in Iceanean society for so long that the magnitude of the adjustment had taken her by surprise. Hopefully, it would do so no more.
She looked back at the number and reached for the phone. Maybe—if Jason was in town, of course—a lunch at a restaurant would be safe enough. Inviting him to the apartment was definitely out, and so was meeting him at his office. Gathering herself together, she finally punched in the numbers.
“Hello,” came the deep voice.
“Jason?”
“Well, hello, Chelan! It’s nice to hear from you.”
Chelan slumped into a chair, some of her nervous tension draining. “Ah, actually, I was wondering if you had had lunch yet.”
“No, as a matter of fact, I haven’t. May I suggest a place?”
Chelan instantly felt her heart warm for this man who seemed so respectful, especially after what she had just endured. “Yes, please. Someplace close, if you don’t mind, so I can either walk or take a short cab ride.”
“No problem. Not far from you there’s a restaurant called the Markethouse. A lot of businesspeople meet there.”
“I know the place. I’ve seen it on my travels. When are you available?”
“How about one? That will give me some time to finish some emails.”
Chelan smiled. “That would be lovely. I’ll meet you there at one.” She put the phone down gently and then skipped into her bedroom and shoved some money into her wallet. Well before one, she dressed warmly and headed out for the restaurant. It was not exactly within an easy walking distance, but Chelan wanted the exercise. The weather was turning bitterly cold, and despite all her layers, she shivered as she hustled along. But somehow the frigid bite was comforting, a familiar reminder of her true home so far away.
She stepped into the rustic restaurant and her eye was immediately caught by Jason standing. Chelan smiled and walked over to his table. He pulled a chair out for her and then helped her with her coat. She looked up at him as she blew into her hands for warmth. “It’s nice to see you again, Jason.”
He seated her and then sat down himself. “Likewise. I enjoyed meeting you at Jim’s that night.”
Chelan smiled. “I was staying at my brother’s, but as you may or may not know, I have had to relocate to Jim’s for a time. And I guess you know he’s out of town right now.”
Jason nodded. “I knew about your move. Plus, I came over Friday night to give him some manuals he would need on his trip. Jim said you had gone to bed early, so I missed you.”
Chelan reached nervously for her neck and looked down. “Yes, I’m afraid the symphony wore me out.”
Jason studied her closely as he took a sip of water. “Well, they have a tendency to do that sometimes. You just have to practice.”
Chelan smiled as she looked across the table at him. Suddenly, her heart skipped beats as she lost herself temporarily within the depths of his crystal blue eyes. He had a charisma about hi
m that no one would be immune to, and a warmth in his eyes that suggested a genuine kindness. “Ah, so,” she said, rousing herself from his spell. “What’s good to eat here?”
Jason smiled and picked up the menu. “Oh, let’s see—actually, everything. Plus the service is great, and they’re fast. I really like their ham and cheese sandwiches paired with a soup, but everything else I’ve tried is good also.”
After a time they made their selections and then waited. Jason stared at her over his water. “Look,” he finally said. “I know you must be feeling a little displaced right about now, maybe a little isolated. I’m going back into work this afternoon just to pick up some papers I need for a trip I’m making next week. Why don’t you come along?”
Chelan shifted uneasily. “That’s a nice offer, but maybe another time.”
Jason smiled and looked down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so forward. You hardly know me.”
Chelan appreciated his perceptiveness. “It’s just that I’m a little cagey right now,” she confessed quietly. “It’s nothing personal.”
“No offense taken, Chelan. One has to be careful these days.”
Chelan studied him once again, not sure what captivated her more, his features or his sensitivity. “You’re not married?” she asked, immediately shocked by her own brashness.
Jason chuckled lightly. “No, I’m not. It’s hard in my career to meet women. And when I do, I’m gone so much of the time nothing has a chance to flourish.”
“I’m still surprised,” she admitted. “Usually such talented men as yourself are hooked very young.”
Jason shrugged. “Only if you want to be. Actually, I was hooked once, long ago, but she slipped away. So now I’m a little chary about starting anything new.”
“Oh, well. Love is strange. Often when you’re least looking for it, it jumps up and bites you.”
Jason was silent for a moment while he looked deep into her dark eyes. “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with being bitten at an unlikely time.”
Chelan glanced down and smiled. “Yes,” she said softly. She looked back at him. “But it was also a long time ago.”
“Well, with me, I’m not holding my breath. With my schedule, well… I could never ask someone else to endure that. They would be better off with someone with a lifestyle that was not simply insane.”
Both of them sat up straight as their meals were served. Chelan picked up her fork. “So, where are you off to next week?”
“A company up in Canada, in Richmond, BC. They do remote sensing and satellite ground stations, among other things. I’m going to help them out for a couple of weeks.” Jason swirled his spoon through his soup. “Actually, I’m looking forward to it. Vancouver and the surrounding area is beautiful. And while we’re here freezing, the coastal climate there is quite hospitable.”
Chelan stopped eating. “Remote sensing, huh,” she repeated, her curiosity piquing. She watched him as he began in on his food. “I know quite a bit about that.”
Jason wiped his mouth. “Oh, how so?”
“I’ve just done a lot in that field lately.”
Jason raised his brows in interest. “For whom?”
Chelan hesitated. “Actually, I shouldn’t say.”
Jason grinned. “Say no more. I know all about those government military contracts.” And he began eating again.
Chelan sighed with relief. She twirled her fork and regarded him closely. “So tell me about the work.”
Jason swallowed. “Well, MDA provides geospatial information solutions, most derived from the high-resolution RADARSAT satellites, some commercial optical satellites, and of course aerial systems. They offer near real-time information solutions for complex operational support in such areas as oil and gas exploration, defense and security, agriculture, mining, you name it.”
“And this contract?”
“This time I’m dealing with some of the software specific to the remote sensing, both radar and optical satellite missions for a particular client. I’m basically working to enhance the clarity of the images, improving their detection capabilities.”
“Wow, I bet you have some fascinating images to look at.”
“You don’t know the half of it. It is easy to get lost in the software aspect of the issues you’re trying to correct or augment, but when you take a moment to sit back and look at the final product, it's amazing.”
“You must have seen a lot of advancements made over the last few years.”
“I have. Sometimes it’s mind-boggling. And when you show the end result to the customer, the responses are beyond satisfying.”
Chelan nodded. “I’ve run into some complicated imaging over the years. When looking for problem areas or for certain structures, manmade or geological, it becomes a challenge to interpret everything accurately. But for me personally, the more challenging, the more exciting. And the level of satisfaction obtained from a job well done is beyond words.”
Jason smiled. “I know exactly what you mean. How would you like to come along with me? I could show you some pretty fascinating stuff.”
Chelan’s heart nearly stopped, her opportunity for work and adventure suddenly realized. “Really? You would consider taking me on your business trip?”
“Yes. Are you game?”
“Maybe.”
He looked deep into her expectant eyes. “You’re a woman of many surprises, Chelan.”
“How so?”
Jason smiled. “First you refuse a drive with me—on totally reasonable grounds, I might add. Yet now you are actually considering flying away with me to a foreign country, totally at my mercy.”
Chelan went to defend herself but her mouth snapped shut. She honestly did not know why she had become so enamored with the man in such a short time. Regardless, for some unfathomable reason, she felt drawn to him. She smiled. “I guess I can be a little reckless at times.”
Jason laughed. “Well, your present bout of recklessness can only work to my advantage. In fact, I suspect you know a lot more about remote sensing than you’re letting on. You’re not the type to flaunt your expertise. If you wish, you may come as my partner. If your contributions are up to par, I’ll pay you well. You have some time to think about it, and if you decide to accompany me, I’m leaving Sunday.”
Chelan’s heart pounded in her ears. “You mean it?”
“You bet. I’ll be glad for the company. And somehow, I think you need the break from Jim.”
Chelan stared at him hard. “Why do you think that?”
Jason stopped eating and returned her stare. “He introduces you as an old friend, yet he showers you with affection and gifts befitting someone who is more. But I sense your unease with his intimacy.”
“But you don’t know my relationship with him.”
“No, but I know Jim. He gets what he wants at any price.”
Chelan looked at him skeptically. “And what does he want?”
Jason glanced down at his meal briefly. Then he sat back and regarded her. “He wants you, Chelan. I know he has quit seeing all his old flames. You are his priority now.”
“And why do you assume I don’t want the same?”
Jason exhaled. “I think I’m out of line here. It’s none of my business anyway.”
“No, no, go on. I’m curious.”
Jason took his time answering. “From what little I’ve seen of you, I would say that Jim is not your type. He’s flamboyant; he’s driven. You’re cautious and acquiescent. Jim’s lifestyle would infringe on everything you value about yourself.”
Chelan was surprised. “You’re a very perceptive man, Jason. But right now, I’m afraid I need Jim for a few things.”
Jason took a sip of his water. He leaned close to her, his eyes penetrating, his face serious. “Not in the long run, you don’t.”
Chelan straightened. “He’s been good to me.”
Jason raised his brows. “That’s great, but be careful.”
“That
’s a strange thing to hear coming from his best friend.”
“I am his best friend; therefore, I know him well. And despite all his merits, I believe he is capable of committing injustices. I would be a fool to look at you and assume all will go smoothly between the two of you. Jim is a very ambitious and compulsive man, and you are a very beautiful woman. He’ll wear you on his sleeve one way or another. And if you’re not willing, then he will break you down.”
Chelan went to defend Jim but then remained silent. Why should she defend him? Jason was right on every account. And only she knew just how brutally right Jason was. “I’ll heed your warning,” she said.
Jason smiled. “I don’t mean to interfere.”
Chelan shook her head. “You haven’t interfered. But enough of Jim. Let’s hear more about the trip. I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You won’t be in the way. And if the work isn’t to your liking, there’s plenty to do around the city to keep you entertained. You’ll need a passport, of course.”
Chelan’s heart instantly sank. “I don’t have one anymore. Mine expired long ago.”
Jason frowned. “Hmmm—that presents a bit of a problem.”
Chelan shrugged. “It doesn’t matter anyway. Jim would just blow his cool.”
Jason looked at her from under his brows. “He doesn’t own you, Chelan.”
“He thinks he does.” Chelan immediately regretted her imprudently spoken comment.
Jason leaned forward. His voice was low and deep. “I know I don’t know you, and I certainly don’t profess to know your relationship with Jim, so you can tell me to butt out if you want. But I would like you to tell me the truth if you can.”
Chelan held her breath.
“Has Jim hurt you?” Jason asked.
Chelan’s eyes widened. “How do you mean?”
Jason was silent for a time. Then he looked away and shook his head. “Never mind. I shouldn’t pry.”
Chelan didn’t want to reveal anything to Jim’s best friend, and she knew she had already said too much. “No, he hasn’t,” she fibbed. “We’re fine.”