by Catty Diva
Envy was relieved to be alone where she could think, but she found she couldn’t form a clear thought. All her thoughts kept turning back to the handsome secretive male she was involved with. Even thoughts of her uncertain future couldn’t hold her attention like he could.
Reluctantly, she left the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her to find they had a guest.
“Hello.” Their visitor gave her a long hard look. “I was just telling your partner that Edington Senior’s death was declared natural, but that they are looking for his daughter who was kidnapped in the confusion his demise caused. It seems Junior wants you badly.”
“Who exactly are you?” She asked.
“I am an old friend of a friend. My name is Strong.”
“What’s your first name?”
“Darling, we would have to be a lot closer than we are now for me to share that with you.” He chuckled when Justice growled. “Easy, big guy. Just explaining myself. My full name is on a need to know and you two don’t. I’m just doing a favor to someone I owe a hundred to.” His face had a sad look now. Envy thought he’d loved this person and felt loss at her absence. The same that she would feel when she and Justice parted.
“What’s our next move?” Envy asked.
“That’s where you’re lucky. Seems the Mazlans aren’t smart enough to wait for a better time to come to Earth.” Strong explained.
“The Mazlans?” She asked looking at Justice for answers.
“I guess she wasn’t supposed to know? Not like she wouldn’t figure it out when she stepped on the ship with all those big ass bastards.” He observed.
Justice just scowled at him. “So when will they be here?” She asked.
“In just a few hours, so we need to get you dressed and ready. Not that I don’t appreciate your attire.” Strong praised with a chuckle. Justice just growled. What the hell was up with that?
“Okay. Can we eat and get something to wear?” Envy questioned.
“Coming right up.” Strong agreed. He moved to open the door where a cart was with food on top and clothes on the shelf below. The man was clearly prepared and happy to be rid of them. She couldn’t blame him.
His name was the same as that of a black market pirateer. That was how he described himself on illegal radio broadcasts when he advised the women of the world to rise up and overthrow the men that were ruining things for all of them. That guy already had a world of trouble looking for him and they’d managed to add to it. It had to be the same guy, Envy couldn’t imagine that big of a coincidence.
“I’ll leave you both to it.” His glance hit the completely trashed bed. Her face heated. The man left quickly.
“Strange guy.” Justice finally said. Envy moved to the cart. Grabbed her clothes off it, and went to the bathroom to change. When she came back out, Justice was dressed in leathers. Like Mr. Sexy needed tight fitting leather clothes so he would look even sexier. “Damn! You look hot.”
She was wearing a skin-tight cat suit made of a material she didn’t recognize. “Thanks.” Was all she said because she didn’t know what the hell to say.
They sat down eating quickly and Strong came after them in no time. “You two ready?” He asked. “We need to leave now to get to the site in time for pick up. They arrived early. Crazy Mazlans like to do things their way. It’s not far, this will be their first stop so we’ll be hoofing it.”
“We’re ready, but what about my bike?” Justice said as he slid his baton on the back of his vest. Luckily, there was a slot for it. Whoever loaned the outfit to Justice must like to be loaded with weapons too.
“You rode a bike here?”
“We left it about a mile back and hid it well.”
“Shit!” Strong said. “That could cause trouble. Let’s go get it and I’ll give you the GPS location to meet the ship once you have the bike and are ready to go.”
“Thank you.” Envy said. It was clear the change of plans and the presence of the bike had upset him.
They left the pirateer’s hideaway carefully after his perimeter cameras, guards, and alarms showed it was clear. It was easy until they hit the briars, brambles, weeds, and bushes. The suit she was wearing had long sleeves and even though it was soft, it protected her well. Justice helped her whenever the going got rough.
“Did you pick the roughest patch of ground on the planet to hide your bike in?” Strong asked.
“It’s in your territory,” Justice answered with a chuckle.
“It’s intended to keep people out, not offer a hiding spot for valuables.” Strong insisted.
“Whatever works,” Justice answered with a shrug. “We’re almost there so you don’t have to cry anymore.”
“Damn it, I’m not crying. I just can’t believe you made a lady walk through this twice.” Strong observed.
“Well, look what the privateer dragged in.” A cold male voice noted.
“Menace, I see you’ve somehow managed to stay alive.” Strong sounded unhappy about that fact.
“Well, I’ve been doing bounty hunting. Seems the little filly is worth her weight in gold.” Menace drawled.
“Is she worth your life?” Justice asked with a growl.
“Is she worth yours?” He returned mildly.
“Damn straight,” Justice admitted.
The two began to circle looking like two alpha dogs fighting over a steak. They were close in size with Justice having only a slight advantage. The fists began to fly so fast it was hard to follow, but it was clear who the better fighter was. Justice fought with supernatural skill, pummeling Menace all over his body and taking few hits in return. A kick to his chin knocked him out and his body fell hard. He moved in and Envy looked away unwilling to see more violence.
“Stop,” Strong said. “Don’t kill him.”
“Why not?” Justice asked curiously.
“He’s my brother. Now that you’ve beaten him, he’ll leave you alone and let you go. No one will ever know he saw you.” Strong explained.
“How are you so sure you can trust him?”
“It’s the rules he was raised by and he might be an asshole, but he still follows them.” Strong admitted.
Justice shrugged. “Let’s get on the bike, Envy. Where do we go now?” He climbed on and gave her a hand as she settled in behind him.
Envy saw relief all over Strong. He might not get along with his brother, but he loved him and would have fought to protect him. “Here’s the coordinates. I owe you one.”
“Just call us even. Thank you.” Justice said as they roared off on the bike. Envy hoped they would have no more troubles headed their way.
Hopes didn’t seem to be worth a shit as they dodged police and soldiers alike to get to the pickup point. The further they went, the fewer patrols they saw. They finally reached a spot in the middle of nowhere and waited for the ship to land. They were to enter the small cargo bay and ride up to the other ship in the hold.
“Are you alright?” Justice asked.
“Yes, I’ve just never gone anywhere or done anything and now everything has changed at once.”
Justice pulled her into his embrace. He rubbed circles on her back, which seemed to help calm her although she didn’t know why. “It’ll be alright.” he cooed in her ear.
It struck her as odd having the big bad ass male cooing at her as if she were a child especially when they had slept together. She felt a strong wind hit her but saw nothing. “Let’s get back on the bike quick.”
They did and the air shimmered revealing a ship. Justice gunned it heading to the back while she saw a hesitant woman moving out of the shadows and then rushing to the open door followed by others. No enemies appeared and all boarded peacefully, including the two of them.
“Do they even know we’re on board?” She asked.
“With any luck, no one will know until we’re on board the big ship.”
Chapter 7
Mazlans
It was almost as if wishing made it not so. It was only mo
ments later armed guards came back into the hold searching for them. “Put your hands up and step out where we can see you.” A male called.
Envy stepped out and the guards stared at her as if she was a sweet treat. It pissed him off, so he stepped out too. Now the guards growled. “How did you get on our ship?”
“It’s my understanding Zebir is aboard? Ask him.” Justice said coldly.
The guy who looked to be in charge used his com. Looking up, the guard made an unhappy face. No doubt he wished Justice gone so he pursue Envy. So not happening! “Looks like they are guests. We’ll escort you to your rooms.” The guard offered.
“Thank you.” Envy said.
“You’re welcome.” The guard said with a warmth he never directed at Justice. “Follow me.” The guard instructed as he led the way with his males following behind Justice and Envy.
They moved through doors into the guest quarters of the ship. The guard stopped and opened the door. “This will be your room.” He pointed to Justice.
“We share a room.” The guard looked at Envy and she nodded, but her face grew heated.
“Fine.” He said. “I’ll take you to the next room, it’s larger.” He led them to the next hallway and opened a door to a luxury suite. It was clearly intended for visiting dignitaries.
Justice turned after Envy entered and closed the door in the guard’s face. “That wasn’t very nice.” Envy pointed out.
“Was he nice?” Justice asked raising his brow.
“He wasn’t warm to you, but he wasn’t rude either.”
“Depends on how you define rude.” Envy didn’t answer that so he let it go. “I wonder how you get food around here?”
“I imagine they have a place we can go and get food. I bet the guard was about to tell us where that might be.” Envy said. Justice ignored the dig.
“Let’s go explore,” Justice suggested. He could see the suggestion appealed to her. Taking her hand, he led her out of the door. Carefully, he noted where they were and where he intended to go.
“Maybe we should ask for directions?” Envy suggested.
“You doubt my ability to find food?” He raised his brow and looked directly at her.
“Why do men hate to ask for directions?”
“It shows weakness and an inability to find the way on one’s own.”
“You’ve never been here before. There’s no reason to search aimlessly for the cafeteria.”
Justice led her straight to a place people were eating. Smiling at her, he led her to the line where people were getting trays and filling them with food. Food which, he would admit, smelled and looked good. Handing Envy a tray, he took one for himself and they worked their way through the line. Food was now basically dealt with, but clothing was the next problem and he had no idea what to do about that.
Envy carried a backpack, but he didn’t think she had any clothing in it. His pack had been filled with weapons, an emergency first aid kit, and a small amount of food. As they sat eating their food, he tried to work through what to do. In the end, it didn’t matter. They had just put their dirty plates on a belt that took them to the dishwasher when the annoying guard they’d dealt with before walked in making a beeline for them.
“I was sent to let you know that clothing and personal items were delivered to your rooms.” The guard said.
“Thank you.” Envy said with a sweet smile that made him feel irritated. She should save those for him.
Justice just looked at the Mazlan, took Envy by the arm, and led her to their room as she said goodbye over her shoulder. “Sometimes you are just plain rude.” She glared at him.
They made it to their room where everything was there as promised. They each had clothing including underwear and something to sleep in if they chose to wear it. He had no intention of wearing his and he planned to prevent her from using hers. The female was coming to mean too much to him, but he had no idea of how to change that.
“Come to bed with me, Envy.” He coaxed. The passion and want were in her eyes for him to see. Stepping closer he pulled her into his arms so she could feel how much he wanted her.
The rock hard bar of his cock pressed against her and she gasped. His lips dropped to hers and he branded her with his passion. When he pulled back, they were both panting. “Strip, Baby.” Justice began to remove his clothes quickly. He watched as Envy did the same. She might try to resist him, but he could tell she couldn’t hold out.
Once she was naked, she lay on the bed. The woman was everything he could ever want and more. Settling down was looking better than ever and he wanted to claim a piece of her heart. The longer he was with her, the stronger his feelings grew. Maybe he should tell her, but he feared the possibility of rejection. He’d tell her later after he gave her more pleasure than she could stand.
He could smell her arousal and need rode him hard as he got on the bed with her. Sometimes passion ruled and you couldn’t help it. He positioned himself between her thighs and sunk into her. Justice pounded into her and he felt her legs wrap around him. Her ankles locked and he liked the way it felt.
Slamming deep inside her, he felt an animalistic need take over. Careful not to hurt her, he still drove in hard and fast. He could hear his heart beat in his ears from the effort he put forth and his breathing was ragged. She clung to him, moving only her hips and only as much as needed to slap against his. Justice felt almost dizzy with need as he pounded into his female, taking and giving all the pleasure he could. Her slick heat combined with his male hardness and the explosion, when it hit, rocked their world.
Never in his life, jaded as it was at times, had he felt such bliss. It washed over him, basking him in pure pleasure and euphoria. Justice prayed she felt at least half as much, then she would stay with him forever.
Chapter 8
Running
Envy couldn’t catch her breath as her body was overwhelmed with pleasure. What was this man doing to her? He’d just taken her to wilder places than she’d ever dreamed existed and now he rolled them over and wrapped his body around her as if he’d never let her go. She felt so safe and warm, but it was an illusion. Men like him didn’t settle down, she’s heard about others like him. Maybe her father had even been one, not that she would ever know for sure. The master traded in lies so much, she wasn’t sure he’d even known the truth of her origins anymore.
It was time to make plans and see to her future because no one else would. She would be in a strange new world and all alone. Taking what Justice offered her for now, she would disappear when the time was right and save him the embarrassment of having to deal with her. Envy would have a couple weeks of heaven before all hell would break loose in her life, but she was strong. Nothing would ever get the best of her again.
Life fell into a routine of sorts. Envy went to the ship library to use the computer to plan out a new life for herself. Opportunities were rich among the Mazlans and the extensive education the master had given her so she would be an interesting companion, would pay off. Envy applied to teach at the college that was just being established. It would give her a decent salary and housing was provided. She had enough money to get things started and she would hold back her jewelry as her emergency fund.
“Hey, Envy. What are you up to?” The guard, his name was Amaz, asked.
“Just looking at opportunities to better myself.”
“I think your male might object to that.”
“We’re halfway to Oison and he hasn’t made a commitment. He’s got a lot of human in him.”
“That’s not what I see when you two are together. He growls at other males just like a Mazlan would. Looks to me like there’s a lot of something else in him, too.”
“Amaz, you don’t even like him. Why are you worried about his feelings?”
“I don’t dislike him. He’s a worthy opponent. It’s not him I’m worried about, anyway. Your heart will break, little one. It’s clear to see for any who watch you.”
“A girl has to do what a
girl has to do.”
“What does that even mean except you refuse to listen? You humans have so many odd sayings.”
“No odder than Mazlans who have many secrets.” She sensed they had a hidden side that she probably would prefer not to see.
“Touché.”
“Looks like you enjoy using some of our sayings, too.”
“They grow on you.” He said with a smile as he waved goodbye.
Envy was lost in thought after the guard left. She felt a bond to Justice and it had been there almost the moment they had met. That didn’t mean he felt it, too. There was no desire in her to be a clinging fool having to be told plainly how things were going to be before she realized she was unwanted. It was best to follow her own plan and claim her future. Her teaching job would allow her the free time to follow other pursuits. There was so much to do on Oison that she would have to flip a coin to decide where to start.
Her com rang and she answered it. “Where are you, Baby? I’m in the gym.” Justice explained.
She looked at the time and saw she had let it get away from her. This was their midmorning workout session. Envy was not dressed properly and already late. She hurried to the room to change before proceeding to the gym. They had not stood around waiting and were all busy so she warmed up. Her turn would come once the other fighters had done their thing.
Right now, Justice was showing them some moves using an assistant. Usually, that was her, but he’d found another easily. Envy had no doubt he always would. An ache hit her in the chest, why had she fallen for a man like him? She was the worst kind of fool. At least she would walk away with him none the wiser that he held her heart in his big powerful hands. He was done and everyone watching clapped.
When she looked at him, her heart sang. It was a shame lust was all he felt and that wasn’t enough to keep her at his side. She’d seen most of his display of skills and the man would make an excellent coach for young fighters. Not that she had any say in his life or ever would.
“Ready to spar with me?” Justice asked.