Starlight Cowboy

by Stephanie Beck

  “You keep telling yourself that, baby,” Shields called. “I wouldn’t get too close to James. Pregnancy is the worst you could catch from me, but can’t say the same about my cousin. Let’s go, Aaron. The bars await.”

  Walking away from Annalina was the hardest thing he’d ever done, but Shields had to follow through with the plan. James wouldn’t dare hurt her, not with the press on their tail. They’d go to the hotel and have coffee or something. James would lie out of his ass, but she’d be safe. Their baby would be safe, and then they could put this entire mess behind them.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Annalina’s heart raced. James. The villain in this whole clusterfuck walked beside her, shortening his long strides to match hers. If life were fair, he’d be an ugly troll, but, he was quite handsome. Not as handsome as Shields, but they shared many similar traits. Same blue eyes, same cowlicks in their hair, though James’ was jet black. Even in stature they were alike, tall, slim-hipped, and muscular. The Albright genes were good ones.

  James also shared Shields’ love of talking, but unlike him, chose to talk only about himself. Money, businesses, airships—the jackass truly enjoyed bragging about his wealth. Annalina slowed her steps. Paparazzi swarmed them—the Mars junket was one of the most competitive, brutal markets in the world for gossip. A pregnant captain, laid low by one of Earth and Mars’ wealthiest families, was front-page nonsense. She’d never considered Shields’ popularity while on ship. Their baby would be in this sort of limelight. They’d protect the little one. She and Shields—whom she worried about less now that James was in her sights.

  Shields wouldn’t like it, but she would watch out for him however she could. If that meant having the slime ball next to her, breathing her air…she could handle it.

  “I own the spa,” James said. “And also a few land vehicles. Would you be more comfortable riding, Annalina?”

  He kept saying her name. She despised the syllables on his lips. Scum like him should call her “Captain” or nothing at all.

  “How exciting for your family to be doing so well. I’m happy to walk out in the open. It’s been so long since I’ve had freedom.” Though, Mars Colony did appear to be a giant spaceship. She’d been under the impression the ceiling was clear. Maybe it was, but so many tall structures blocked any natural light. It resembled a shopping mall and smelled like one, too. Fresh-baked bread made her mouth water and stomach growl so loudly their entourage chuckled.

  “Hear that?” one of the reporters asked. “Mr. Albright, I’d bet your new charge would enjoy one of Mars’ famous pretzels.”

  “I would.” She paused. “Are they close? Do you mind? I’m terribly sorry to be such a bother when I understand you’re so very busy.”

  The photographers around them gave her sappy, sweet smiles, though James scowled. The dark look didn’t last, not in front of the cameras. “Of course, Annalina. Let’s get you a treat. Something my deadbeat cousin would never do. If he won’t take care of you, I will.”

  She wanted to defend Shields. He’d gotten her through the morning and motion sickness with ginger rice, meditation, and naps. More than excellent care. He’d even searched all the old literature they had for all the silly synonyms for pregnancy, to make her laugh. Once he’d figured out what she needed—a combination of pampering and good humor—he’d done it all without comment or complaint. She hated being helpless, but Shields never made her feel that way.

  James held out a chair and patted her shoulders after she sat. The tiny bistro—adorable and exactly what she’d hoped to experience on Mars—wasn’t the same with James and the paparazzi. Maybe after everything, she and Shields could try it together.

  “One for each of my friends as well,” James said after a quick moment at the counter. He returned with a huge tray of golden pretzels. “And first pick for our guest of honor.”

  James frowned as Annalina chose a huge one. She heard his phone beeping, so knew it wasn’t her that caused the frown. She’d bet he didn’t let his communications go to record often. James handed off the tray. Annalina grabbed his elbow.

  “I’m…so…thankful for you.” Tears filled her eyes at her command. If she could buy Shields and the team a few more uninterrupted minutes, she’d call the crying headache worth it in the end. “You’ve taken care of me and shown me true compassion.”

  She stood and threw herself into his arms. Flashbulbs lit up all around them. Annalina amped up her tears. He couldn’t check his phone now. The beeping stopped. James’ body was tight and his pats awkward. What she wouldn’t give to slip his phone from his pocket and drop it in a cup of water. She held on as long as she could then took her seat. He grabbed for his phone.

  She couldn’t take it, couldn’t crush it. One of the reporters bumped her chair. Annalina lifted the glass of juice the waiter had brought her. Her chair jostled again, and she let the cup fly.

  James gasped, his phone a sticky mess of red sludge, and wrapped it in layers of napkins. “You little—”

  Annalina burst into tears and grabbed for napkins. “I’m so sorry.”

  The photographers around them had cameras at the ready. James’ face turned as red as the juice drink. She’d read up on him. He was known as a lady’s man, a real catch and suave number, but his temper made the headlines as often as his smile. How much further could she push him?

  “If you don’t mind, Annalina, I would like to get you to your hotel. You seem tired. I fear this is too much for you.” He stood and pocketed his phone.

  Though his words could be construed as a question, she heard the command. The reporters jumped out of the way, clearing a path. Annalina looked longingly at her pretzel. Even covered in red juice, the twisted fried dough still looked delicious. She blamed James for the loss of her snack. She kept her face down and followed James out of the store. His pace increased, no more waiting. She had no trouble keeping up, not daring to push him much further.

  Business boomed around them. Everyone was out and about, doing their jobs and living their lives. She hoped she and Shields could one day be like those people—blissfully unaware of the bullshit going on beneath the surface. The few block walk didn’t take long, but by the time they stopped, sweat trickled down Annalina’s forehead. She couldn’t wait to sit and relax.

  James held open his arms in front of a giant staircase. The photographers ate it up. One elbowed Annalina. “He’s such a showman.”

  “Yeah, he sure is,” she muttered.

  “This is the Mars Spa. You’ll be treated like a queen here, Captain Annalina. A true queen. Come along.”

  She didn’t have to pretend the stairs were difficult. Between the thin atmosphere and the extra ten pounds on her bladder, the hike was challenging. She had worked out on ship, but the long walk and stress were far beyond half an hour on the treadmill. Who the hell put fifty stairs in front of a place to rest and relax? An idiot, that’s who. Shields was going to rub her feet in payment.

  “Come along now,” James said, tugging her along. “Your day of pampering awaits. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of my concierge. Diego will see to your accommodations. Ah, here he is, now. I will be going.”

  Too soon. She grabbed his arm. The more time she bought, the longer the authorities had to secure evidence. “You’re leaving me? I thought we were going to talk.”

  She looked to the reporters, who nodded. “You were going to tell me about your family, remember?”

  “Yes, I know. Let’s plan on dinner tonight.”

  She hung her head. “I know I’m a…a burden. That’s what Shields said. Who would want to help a pitiful thing like me?”

  She turned from him and mounted the last of the stairs. “I’ll just. Yeah. I’ll be fine alone. Thanks for your hospitality.”

  She’d be on the rag pages, for sure. Her mother would be horrified, sisters would gasp, and her father would rage, but all she could do was hope her performance would work.

  “Hell,” James muttered and grabbed her e
lbow. “Fine. I’ll take you to your room, and then I must go. All of you, disperse. I’ll inform you of our whereabouts later.”

  In an instant, the paparazzi was gone, leaving Annalina and James alone. She wished for the cameras back. Even in the public area, having James so focused on her…he was a predator. Strength and cunning poured out of him. Sweet Shields hadn’t had a chance against such a mind, but her man wasn’t alone any longer.

  Sweat dripped down her neck when they reached the top of the stairs. “Finally. Wow, what a hike.”

  “Yes, part of the draw. Pain and pleasure, you know.” James looked off into the hotel. “You’ll be on the second floor, so more stairs. I’ll trust you to move faster. You’re pregnant, not an invalid. Only the truly worthless can’t take stairs in an efficient manner."

  The roundabout bullshit—must be an Albright trait. She picked up her pace, mind racing for more ways to keep him occupied. Police officers milled about, but James didn’t spare them a sideways glance. As she understood, the hotel’s coffee shop was the best on planet. She’d bet the police often stopped in. She hoped they were here for a reason this time.

  The stairs to the second floor were far less daunting. She took them at James’ pace. An empty hallway led to her room. He tapped a series of numbers into the keypad and handed her a slip of paper.

  “Your personal code. Everything you need can be charged to this room—my treat, of course. I have to go now. The hotel can get hold of me should you require my assistance—but you’re an adult. Only a silly child would need more help at this point. I will return by eight o’clock.”

  “Could you just…” She squeezed his bicep, not nearly as impressive as Shields’. “Never mind. I’ve taken enough of your time. Thank you for your kindness.”

  She stepped into the room, hating to have James at her back. She didn’t trust him when he waited beside her, to have him out of sight had her hair on end.

  “What? What else do you need?” He strode into the room.

  The beautiful space was done in deep red and creams, the colors of harmony and life. A line of huge, heavy vases gave life to the plan in her mind. Annalina set her paper down on the shelf and wrapped her hands around the dense base of the largest vase.

  “Could you read these numbers? I can’t quite…is that a four?”

  He stepped beside her, his body warm. His jaw clenched. “For the love of—”

  She swung the vase toward him, slamming it against his ear. He crumpled to the ground without so much as a grunt.

  Annalina fished the phone out of his pocket and freed him of his other electronics, his blaster, and a nasty-looking knife. To be safe, she removed his shoes, overcoat, socks, and vest. The sweat from the stairs had lots of company, but, by the time Annalina dragged James to the closet, empty save a built-in bench, another five minutes had passed. James had started to groan, but hadn’t come out of the full stupor. Annalina closed the closet door and shoved a heavy stone trunk in front of it.

  Shields had told her he needed time to implement his plan. She sat on the trunk and closed her eyes. She’d bought him some.

  ***

  Barrel after barrel of drugs. That shithead. Shields wanted to rant and curse his cousin, but instead he watched police from Mars and from Earth go through the evidence.

  “What the hell is that stuff?” Aaron asked.

  So far, James hadn’t shown his face. The rest of his gang, including an older brother, his father, and an assortment of cousins were tied up along the walls. They’d already called their lawyers, but the proof was right in front of them. They were in serious trouble.

  “That stuff is the newest element gifted to us by some of the outer moons. It’s an effective painkiller when used wisely.” Shields counted the bins again, but lost track. “When not used wisely it’s highly addictive, and ridiculously expensive.”

  “So they mined the Jup moon for dope and then left it littered with explosives to keep anyone from what? From knowing? From getting more? I don’t get this.” Aaron ran his fingers through his hair. “And where the hell is James? I don’t like that he’s not here.”

  “I don’t either. I don’t know what he was pulling with Annalina. Probably trying to make the funny papers.”

  “Good for him. I always think it is interesting to see the before and after in the paper. Picture of James out and about with a beautiful lady, right next to his mug shot. It’ll be awesome.”

  The man in the red shirt who’d taken the evidence papers approached. He grinned from ear to ear. “Captains, great news. We have a warrant for James Albright and any of his known associates. It’s a very broad warrant for our courts to issue. Even the crooked judges couldn’t believe he’d mined a new moon for drugs. I’ve sent my best men to get him from the hotel.”

  “He’s at the hotel? With Annalina?” Shields froze. He hadn’t thought they’d get so far.

  “He escorted Captain Williams to her suite and has been there ever since. He’s quite a lady’s man. If your first mate is coming off a break up, I’m sure we’ll find him in bed with her. It’s always easier to arrest them with their pants down.” The officer strode away.

  Shields looked at Aaron. The older man’s eyes widened. “What the hell is going on? I’ll call Ellen and meet you there.”

  Shields took off at a sprint. James had a problem of shitting where he slept, so his warehouses were closer to the hotel than was wise. Shields had told Annalina he’d see her in the evening, but late afternoon was even better. They’d get James out of the way and start the making up now.

  The ridiculous stairs slowed him down. Who the fuck put stairs in front of a spa? The tranquil, sweet atmosphere inside did nothing to ease his fears. Shields stopped at the desk. A tiny man, well dressed and well groomed, looked him up and down.

  “Fresh from the fields?” the jackass asked.

  “Annalina Williams. Now.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I don’t give out Mr. Albright’s personal friends’ information.”

  Shields reached across the counter and grabbed him by the collar. “Now, you little jackass. Or Captain Albright is going to kill you.”

  “Fine, level two. The main suite.”

  Shields threw the twerp against the wall. “Thanks.”

  “James doesn’t pay me enough for this crap,” he muttered, but Shields was already running.

  Uniformed police officers milled about and seemed content to wait for James to emerge. Fuck that. Shields stormed the stairs two at a time, mind reeling. He never should have assumed James would bend to social protocol. His cousin was a beast. An idiot. A threat. Shields slammed his fist against Annalina’s door. He second guessed the action and jumped back. The element of surprise might be something he could have used. Why the hell had he knocked?

  The door opened before he could make a new plan.

  Annalina smiled. “Oh, hello. About time you showed up. I’m jonesing for a pretzel."

  Shields grabbed her and shoved her behind him. “Where’s James?”

  “In my closet.”

  “What?” He searched around for signs of his cousin.

  “I hit him with a vase and dragged him into the closet. Are the police here? Can they take him, so we can eat? Oh. I have his phone, as well. I bet it’s full of all sorts of evidence.” She handed him a clear bag with several electronics, including a phone peeking through a wad of napkins.

  “Um.” He’d thought…wrong. He stepped out and shouted for the police. Officers stormed the stairs within moments.

  Annalina caught him by the arm and pulled him to the end of the hall, giving the police plenty of room to do their job. Shields hugged her tight, more relieved to have her in his arms and safe than he could put into words.

  “You scared the hell out of me,” he whispered. “If you ever—”

  “Finish that sentence, you ass, and I’ll knee you in the groin.” She shoved away from him. “I was doing what you wanted to do. You said you’d do anything to keep
me safe. That goes both ways. I took a calculated risk. He had no reason to hurt me and every reason to hurt you.”

  He held up his hands, not wanting her anger and so happy to see her. “You’re right. I’m just…I’m blown over this is going to work out.”

  “You found what they mined?”

  “Drugs. Truckloads full. With James’ name on all the paperwork. He and his cronies will be in jail for a long time.”

  She shook her head. “He destroyed a moon for drugs? What a wasteful idiot. And everyone is fine?”

  Thuds and shouting from the hotel room demanded their attention. Shields kept Annalina behind him. James, trussed up like a turkey, hit the doorway and then the floor.

  “Well, hell, sorry, Mr. Albright. Here, let us help you.” The officers lifted him again but showed little care in dragging him down the stairs.

  Annalina rose on her tiptoes and rested her chin on his shoulder. Her belly pressed to his back. “So…on Mars three hours and mission accomplished. Can we please go get some pretzels? Oh, and you owe me a hell of a foot rub.”

  “You got it, babe. Anything you want.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Annalina would have paid the astronomical price tag for the swanky mud bath, but the fact Shields footed the bill through the Albright name worked, too. The plash of water droplets hitting bottles at precise moments filled the room. Windows lined the walls, providing plenty of natural light and making the space feel open. Barrels of Mars’ volcanic ash stood side by side under the windows, but the rustic barrels doubled as tables stacked high with chocolates and wine. After so many months on ship—where quiet reigned—the gentle noise and indulgent atmosphere sent the last of Annalina’s anxiety packing.

  The scent of baked dough filled her nose, making the mud bath with tinkling music even better. Her stomach growled.

  “All right. First craving, officially satisfied. I’m a damn good boyfriend, or whatever the hell we’re calling me. What are we calling me?”