by Anna Hackett
“I hope so.”
“Rest now.” He took the now-empty mug from her. He didn’t mention that he’d also laced it with a sedative.
She turned her face into her pillow, her eyelids drooping. “So tired.”
“Sleep.” She looked delicate, almost vulnerable.
He shifted to set the cup down and her hand shot out, fingers curling around his arm.
“Please…don’t leave me.”
His chest tightened. “I won’t.”
With that, she finally relaxed and drifted into sleep. Lore sat there, content to watch her and the gentle rise and fall of her chest. He glanced at her bedside table and his muscles locked. The coin he’d given her sat there, beside a glass of water holding the white perra blossom he’d gifted her.
Sometimes the hardest shells hid the softest hearts. He remembered his grandmother teaching him that. She’d also taught him that the most important things were worth the wait.
***
Madeline stepped onto the sand of the training arena, the morning sunlight bright in her eyes. The large suns of Carthago looked like they were racing each other higher in the pale-blue sky.
“I don’t have time for this,” she muttered. “I have inventory to go over in the kitchen. I’m optimizing the system so Galen doesn’t keep quite so many goods in storage. He’s losing a portion of them when they go bad before they get used—”
“The healer said you had to exercise.” Lore strode beside her, bare chest crisscrossed by leather straps, his voice radiating alpha-male stubbornness.
Oh, the man could toss out a smile and dispense the charm, but it was all a show. All of it hiding the bossy, obstinate man underneath.
Madeline had to admit that after a good night’s sleep and whatever the healer had given her—not to mention the breakfast of fresh fruit and eggs that Lore had forced her to eat this morning—her stomach felt much better. She had more energy than she’d had in a long time.
She turned her attention to the training arena. It was far smaller than the main Kor Magna Arena, and solely for the House of Galen’s use. Some new recruits were sparring on the far side, with Saff and Kace.
Saff looked like some warrior queen, her dark skin gleaming and her braids falling over her shoulder. Kace was standing with his hands behind his back, watching the training with a critical eye. Like the military commander he’d been before he’d left his service to stay here with Rory.
Madeline looked sideways at Lore. “The healer said light exercise. I don’t think they had gladiator training in mind.”
Lore shot her one of his lazy grins. “Don’t worry, dushla, I’ll go easy on you.”
They walked over to the rack of weapons that had been set out for the gladiators. Sunlight gleamed off the huge swords, giant axes, and other things she couldn’t identify. That was something else Madeline had plans to learn about. Galen had a team of people who made and maintained the gladiators’ weapons. She’d seen the receipts for purchasing metals, leather, and equipment, and she was sure she could optimize—
“Ah, this will do nicely.”
Madeline saw Lore holding what looked like the hilt of a sword without a blade.
She frowned. “What is it?”
“Laser sword.” He pressed a button and a bright blade of light shot out.
She blinked. “Wow. Um, what happens if I touch the blade?”
“It isn’t set to full power. You’ll get a faint burn—” that grin again “—and a hell of a sting.” With an experienced move, he spun the sword and it made a faint humming sound. “It’s light, and should be easy for you to use.”
She took the weapon gingerly. It was far lighter than she’d imagined. She moved it slowly through the air.
Lore grabbed another large hilt. The blade on his laser sword was also blue, but longer than hers. He looked a picture of the perfect galactic gladiator: tall, handsome, and strong, a high-tech weapon in hand.
He gestured her over to a clear spot on the sand. “We need to get you used to the sword, and to loosen up your muscles. Follow my moves.”
He started to swing the blade through the air, going through what was clearly a set of moves he knew by rote. His big body moved gracefully across the sand, and, for a second, she just stood there, mesmerized.
“Madeline? Move your sword.”
Right. She shook her head and followed his poses.
At first, she felt stiff and awkward, but she was surprised to find herself relaxing into it. It was nice to be outside exercising, the sunlight on her back. She’d been working on space stations so long, she was used to running on treadmills in small station gyms. And then she’d spent a very long time locked in a Thraxian cell.
Her muscles warmed up, and soon she was moving the laser sword more fluidly. Lore halted to correct her a few times.
Finally, he called a stop, and she retracted the blade, grinning. “I was getting good.” She pushed her sweat-dampened hair back. “Very good.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. How about we move onto something more challenging?”
Desire ignited in her blood. Madeline could never refuse a good challenge. “What did you have in mind?”
“A sparring match.”
Madeline paused. He was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. She assessed their strengths and weaknesses, just as she would have done if she’d been facing a hostile crowd in the boardroom.
Lore would never hurt her. She knew that deep in her blood. Her chest tightened. Never before, not once in her life, had she ever looked at someone and known they wouldn’t cause her harm.
“Okay, gladiator, you’re on.”
They separated, flicking their swords back on. They circled each other on the sand.
He approached, lightning-quick. Madeline barely had time to block his first swing. He was so fast. Their swords sizzled where they touched.
“Remember, you need to focus on your opponent,” he said. “Every fighter gives off some clue when they are about to attack. Look for those, anticipate.”
Nodding, she stepped back, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet.
She launched herself at him. He easily blocked her hit and spun. She felt an electric sizzle at the small of her back. Like the nip of ants.
“Ouch.” She turned, frowning at him.
He grinned. “You need to move faster.”
Determination filling her, Madeline focused. They sparred, attacking and blocking, spinning and dodging. Perspiration ran down her face. His blade touched her a few more times, each hit making her angrier and more determined. She was going to get a hit in if it killed her.
“Ahhh.” She lunged wildly and he moved, her weapon inches away from him.
“Don’t lose your temper,” he said, spinning.
She bit back a retort. He was right. She dragged in a deep, calming breath. She just hated losing.
She attacked again, their swords striking. She knew he’d be anticipating her to go high, because that’s what she’d been doing so far. Instead, she tried the unexpected and went low.
Her laser sword nicked his side, and she heard him hiss out a breath.
“Got you!” Madeline retracted her sword, and threw her hands in the air like a champion. “I did it!”
“So you did.” Lore threw his head back and laughed.
Everything in Madeline went still. It was such a good sound—deep and rich. She liked the sound of it. Her eyes went straight to his throat, the strong lines of him.
Damn. Against her better judgment, she liked him. Really liked him.
“Come on, gladiator,” she said. “Don’t get lazy. I want to hit you again.”
With a smile, he lifted his sword. “Just a little more. Don’t want you to overdo it.”
She moved, careful to watch his feet and how the muscles in his legs tensed. That was where she could read his next move. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid?”
With another laugh, he lunged forward. They sparred a little lo
nger, Madeline getting in one more hit while he got in two. On her ass. Her bottom was stinging a little by the time he led her over to the arched walkway, where a table of drinks was set up.
“Here.” He held a glass out to her.
She took a sip of the water, thankful that she didn’t feel the burn in her stomach today. God, she had to admit she felt good after that workout—skin flushed, muscles limber, energy zinging through her veins.
Then Lore reached out, his thumb rubbing across her cheek. She froze.
“You have some sand here,” he said, his voice deep.
She stared into his silver eyes, and that far-too-handsome face. “I told you that you’re not my type.”
“I remember.”
“You have all kinds of beautiful women throwing themselves at you in the arena. You don’t need me.”
“You’re probably right.”
But he didn’t move away, and the heat of him licked at her skin.
Dammit all to hell. Madeline reached out, grabbed the leather straps on his chest, and yanked his mouth to hers.
Chapter Seven
Lore’s tongue demanded entry, and Madeline let him in, their tongues colliding. She sank her hands into his thick hair, lapping up the taste of him. Desire throbbed between her legs, and soon, the kiss took on a wild edge, their tongues dueling. She moaned, feeling the need to devour and be devoured.
“I’d heard the healers recommended light exercise,” came Galen’s voice from behind them. “However, I’m not sure this is what they had in mind.”
Madeline squeaked and tried to pull away, but Lore held her still, taking his time to finish the kiss with a final nip on her bottom lip that made her moan again.
Finally, Lore lifted his head and looked over Madeline’s shoulder. “You should try it, G.”
Galen snorted. “I have a message for you. From Vashto and Cerria.”
Madeline straightened and turned to face the imperator. Her heart had lodged in her throat. “What does it say?”
“Well, they snuck it in, trying to ensure I wouldn’t discover it.” Galen’s tone expressed how he felt about that.
“I made you out to be a pretty scary guy,” Lore said, grinning.
“I am a scary guy,” Galen said. “They’ve invited you to a party tonight, at the Glass Palace near the District.” He held up a small medallion stamped with an image of fighters. “This is your invite.”
“Glass Palace?” Madeline asked.
Galen nodded. “It’s a large building made entirely of glass. There’s a legal fight ring in there. They usually hold showy boxing or wrestling matches for the tourists.”
“The fights are usually rigged,” Lore added. “Glitzy fighters with fake, ostentatious moves.” He sniffed. “Not really fighting.”
“They said you’re welcome to take one guest,” Galen added.
Madeline spun back to Lore. “Take me.”
“No.” His face hardened. “I don’t trust Vashto or Cerria. I don’t want you anywhere near them.”
“You’ve already staked a claim on me in front of them. They’ll be expecting me.”
“They’re dangerous.”
“I’m not a delicate damsel, Lore. I have a brain and I can use it.”
“You’re not well. Not functioning at one-hundred percent.”
She thrust her hands on her hips. “I feel much better today, thanks to you.”
“I didn’t like the way Vashto looked at you.”
“Well, I didn’t either. And I especially didn’t like the way Cerria looked like she was going to take a bite out of you. But we’ll be there together.”
“She does have a point, Lore,” Galen said, although he didn’t look too happy about it. “They’ve seen her with you, and you didn’t act like she was just an arena flutterer. I suspect the addition of a guest was so you’d bring her.”
Lore cursed.
“I have to find Blaine.” Madeline pressed her hands against Lore’s chest, desperate for him to see how important this was to her. “Please.”
“Drak!” He shoved his hands through his hair.
“I’ll stay by your side. We’ll watch each other’s back.”
Suddenly, he gripped her chin, forcing her gaze up. “Only as long as you promise to do everything I say and follow my lead.”
Madeline sniffed. She didn’t blindly follow anyone else’s orders. “We’ll see.”
He scowled. “You always have to try to be in charge.”
“The party is tonight,” Galen reminded them. “You’ll need outfits. From what I hear, it’s a pretty glitzy one.”
Lore nodded. “Fine. Let’s do this.”
Galen nodded. “And you’re only there to gather intel and get an invite to the underground fight rings. Do not take any risks or do anything dangerous. Understood?”
“Understood,” Lore answered.
After the imperator left, Lore moved so fast, Madeline gasped.
He backed her into the stone wall, caging her with his body. “I will keep you safe.”
She pushed against his chest. Of course, he didn’t budge an inch. “I’m not yours to keep safe, Lore.”
“Yes, you are.” He pressed his lips to her throat. “You just haven’t accepted it yet.”
Madeline felt traitorous heat flood her, his lips warm and wet on her skin. She couldn’t find any words.
“We will be together, Madeline. You will writhe under my hands and sigh under my mouth. You will moan when I slide my cock inside you and cry out my name when you surrender your pleasure to me.”
“Arrogant and overconfident alien,” she snapped, even as she shuddered with delicious pleasure at his words.
He stepped back and shot her a charming smile. “Was that a curse or a compliment?” He stroked his hand down her side. “Get used to the idea of us, and get used to the idea that I will protect you and keep you safe, no matter what.”
Madeline just stared at him, her mouth dry. Inside she was a confused mass of conflicting emotions. The one thing she knew, but couldn’t say aloud, was that a part of her liked—really liked—everything he’d just said.
Lore took another step away. “I’ll see you tonight.”
***
Lore tugged on the cuffs of his evening shirt as he walked into the living area. The black fabric had a shiny sheen to it—just a little flashy and perfect for this party.
He heard the click of a woman’s shoes and looked up.
His mouth went dry. Madeline walked toward him wearing an amazing gown. The blood-red fabric looked like liquid and draped over her curves. As she walked, a large slit appeared, baring one slim leg all the way to her thigh. She’d done something to her face, eyes lined with smoky black and her lips red. Her dark hair was slicked back.
His hands curled into fists. Want, desire, and vicious need slammed into him. He didn’t want anyone else to see her. This had nothing to do with rescuing her or helping her. Right now, Lore just wanted her.
“Ready?” she asked.
He managed a nod. “You look…drak, I can’t find a word to do you justice.”
The slightest touch of color filled her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“I have a gift for you.” He reached out, drifting his fingers over her bare shoulder. He fiddled with the slim strap of her dress.
She raised a brow. “Are you going to pull it out of the bodice of my dress?”
“No.” He flicked his fingers and held up his closed hand. “Do you want your present?”
She sniffed, acting like she was indifferent, even as a covetous light filled her eyes. “Well, you’ve already given me flowers and a coin. What’s left? I’m pretty sure you can’t find chocolate from Earth.”
“Chocolate, huh? I’ll see what I can do. But for now, this will have to suffice.” He opened his palm.
Madeline gasped, her gaze on the gorgeous bracelet made of sparkling silver and red jewels.
“How did you know I was wearing red?” She lifted a ha
nd, but didn’t reach for the piece of jewelry. “Lore, I can’t take it.”
“Of course you can. It’s a gift. Free of strings and expectations. I just thought it would look beautiful on you and complement your outfit.”
She blinked and looked up at him. “No one’s given me jewelry before.”
Lore lifted her wrist, and slipped the bracelet around it. He closed the clasp. As he’d guessed, it looked perfect on her.
Then he frowned. “You were married. Rory tells me jewelry is a requirement when you get married.”
“I’m not sure you should take everything Rory says seriously. But yes, it is common for partners to give each other jewelry, particularly rings, when they marry. But Wade and I were very young and we didn’t have much money. Sometimes it was hard just to put food on the table, let alone think about jewelry.” She stroked the bracelet. “After Jack got his new heart, and I got him and Wade set up in a nice house, I bought some jewelry for myself.” Blue eyes met his. “But no one’s ever given it to me as a gift. Thank you.”
He cupped her cheek, stroking the strong line of her jaw. “You’re welcome.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go to the party?”
She dragged in a deep breath and nodded. Galen and Nero met them at the door to wish them luck.
“Any problems, we’ll come for you,” the imperator promised. “Raiden and Nero will be monitoring the party.”
Nero nodded in agreement. “Any hint of trouble, we’ll be there.”
Lore slapped his fight partner on the shoulder. He always knew Nero had his back.
Madeline was quiet as he led her through the tunnels. Soon, they stepped out of the arena building and into the city of Kor Magna. They came out of an exit right near the District. Gleaming buildings speared into the sky, blinking with lights and advertisements for all kinds of vices and pleasures. Lore saw colored strobe lights arching through the night sky and heard the noise of transports whizzing through the busy streets.
Kor Magna was a city of contrasts. From the ancient arena and the lower-tech, cobblestone back streets where the locals lived, to the high-tech glitz and glamor of the District.
Madeline was taking in the District with an assessing eye. Lore tugged her down another side street. “The Glass House is on the edge of the District. Close enough for the tourists to find it, and far enough for it to feel like the tourists are getting a taste of the ‘rougher’ side of Carthago.”