by C. J. Barry
"Pity.” Bohr released her.
Cidra dropped her eyes back to the ground, stunned. It had only been a few seconds, but what she saw left her thunderstruck. The Saurelian's eyes held greedy lust. For her.
Physically, he was bigger and stronger than she had guessed. Probably a real prize by Saurelian standards and he knew it. Like the rest of his race, a deeply grooved fin-like ridge ran along the top of his hairless head. His eyes were golden slits, his nose two narrow dimples. A triangle-shaped space formed between his upper and lower unlined lips for the flicking tongue.
He was dressed in conspicuously embellished attire, a sharp contrast to the simple garb worn by his mate. Cidra guessed him to be Grey's height, but much heavier, more muscled. His demeanor was superior and cruel. The blatant, arrogant way he'd sized her up told her something else. Like a spoiled child, he was used to getting what he wanted.
She could hear Grey's deep breathing next to her, feel the anger simmering in him. It was only in deference to their mission, her mission, that he tolerated Bohr's treatment of her.
"Sil will show the female to your chambers. You and I have business to discuss.” Bohr nodded once to Sil. Properly cowed, she led the way through the massive entrance and down the main corridor to their residence.
Cidra could feel both sets of male eyes upon her as she followed Sil. Once out of view, she raised her head, drawing her first real breath since she exited the transport.
As they walked side by side, Sil glanced up at her and smiled sadly. “You get used to it."
"Never,” Cidra said with more bitterness than she could suppress. “I would never get used to it."
Sil nodded and turned down a side corridor. “If you had no choice, you would."
Cidra assessed the woman unfortunate enough to have been chosen by Bohr. She was very lovely and walked with quiet grace. Her gentle voice held a heavyhearted kindness. Her Saurelian features were classically delicate, well-bred and refined. The complete opposite of Bohr and probably the reason he selected her. Cidra couldn't imagine what Sil's life must be like.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. We come from such different worlds,” Cidra apologized.
Sil led her down yet another unidentified side corridor. Cidra struggled to keep her bearings. She realized all the hallways looked identical. All upward and downward orientation was gone.
"No offense taken. You are correct. Our paths are different. Perhaps we are not so different in other ways.” Sil glanced at her. The flicker of fire in her eyes caught Cidra by surprise. She smiled. Apparently, there was more to Sil than met the eye.
As they turned into another corridor, Cidra slowed to study the intricate details on the walls more closely. Every surface consisted of rock and was decorated with patterns cut directly into the stone itself. A deep, diagonal design covered the walls and ceilings. A patchwork pattern decorated the floor. The craftsmanship was exquisite, especially considering the sheer volume of the extensive corridors.
"The carvings are beautiful,” Cidra said in awe.
Sil smiled. “Yes, aren't they? Our cutters are the finest. They have to be. Our entire world is down here. They get a tremendous amount of practice."
"I'll bet,” Cidra agreed. Looking around, she was forced to admit that she was hopelessly lost. If the corridors were set in any pattern, she had been unable to detect it.
Sil finally stopped in front of a smooth, metal door. It opened obediently. Sil ushered Cidra into the guest chambers with a low bow.
"I hope you find everything to your liking. We rarely have the pleasure of guests. Please summon me if you require anything. Dinner will be served within the hour."
Cidra smiled warmly at her. “It's lovely. Thank you."
Sil bowed again and backed out of the room without a sound.
Cidra surveyed the spacious room with amazement. Every inch of it was carved out of solid rock, but it was different from the stone in the corridors. It sparkled. Cidra took a closer look. Flecks of light emanated from the stone itself. She realized that this entire room had been cut from a vein of precious stone. She grudgingly admitted that Bohr must be very successful. Only wealthy Saurelians could afford such prized property.
She flattened her hand against the wall and found that everywhere she touched, the temperature was the same. The furnishings were functional, simple, and slightly larger than standard human size. There were no windows, but ambient light cascading from the high ceiling lit the entire room evenly. Technology gleamed conspicuous against the natural materials.
Her eyes finally came to rest on the lone, large bed occupying center stage. Glancing around quickly, the significance sunk in. She should have realized this would happen. He couldn't very well sleep on the floor. And there was no reason to.
Cidra drew a deep breath. She would not back down again.
* * * *
As the guest chamber door closed behind him, Grey glanced around the room for Cidra and could hear her in the lav. He threw himself into a chair and noted the one bed. He blew out a long breath. He was in no mood to deal with that issue right now. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, preparing himself for what promised to be a torturous evening.
The short time Grey had spent with Bohr had reinforced his intense dislike of the man. Bohr was little more than a child, his manners crude and his demeanor overbearing. There was no doubt that Decker had picked the right seller for those ships. Based on Grey's brief observation, the man would cut a deal with anyone with credits. Forget the ethics, honesty or integrity.
He had spent the last hour showing the Crystal Zemi to Bohr, guaranteeing its authenticity and exalting its value. It was one of the most valuable artifacts in his collection on Vaasa, but its monetary value meant little to him. He'd give up more than that for the name of the Saurelian fighter buyer.
Although the greed had been evident in Bohr's eyes, if he didn't bite, this trip would be a complete loss. They had to find who purchased those ships. He wanted it for Cidra. She was counting on him. If he failed, the questions would haunt her forever. The guilt would haunt him longer.
The lav door slid open. Grey looked up quickly. He was about to tell Cidra about his meeting, but the words never came out. She stopped just outside the doorway, stunning in a sleeveless, silky azure sheath dress. The subtle lighting glowed across her bare shoulders down to the scoop neckline. Her auburn hair flowed down her back.
But it was the material of the dress that caught Grey's attention, a shimmering, glowing fabric that seemed to move of its own accord. He gripped the arms of the chair fiercely.
"Rosa insisted I purchase this.” Cidra hesitated. “Do you think it's appropriate?"
Grey launched himself out of the chair and covered the distance between them in a few long strides. Cidra's eyes were huge as he stopped within inches of her.
He reached for the fabric at her hip and rubbed the silky material between his fingers. It was gazar, a fine weave of silken threads, a product of the ethereal world of Mimos. Against human skin it felt cool, petal soft, and all but alive. It was practically an aphrodisiac for the male species and he was no exception.
He searched her face. Did she know it could drive him wild? Was she deliberately baiting him? All he could see in her eyes was apprehension and confusion. It suddenly occurred to him that this was Rosa's doing. He could almost hear her rich laughter ringing in his ears. The woman was incorrigible.
"Grey?” Cidra whispered with concern in her voice.
"It's fine.” He ruthlessly curbed his passion.
Under his intense scrutiny, Cidra's breathing had increased to match his. She was acutely aware of her breasts rising and falling inches from his chest. She was unsure what to say next. The dress was obviously having a profound impact on Grey.
He slid his arm around her waist and held her firmly in place. “But I should warn you. I may not be able to keep my hands off you tonight,” he growled low, his eyes dark.
Cidra could feel his heat through t
he thin fabric separating them as he pulled her to him and crushed her mouth under his. Cidra gasped at his masculine power and hunger. It was the same riveting, raw, dangerous, and utterly exciting kiss he'd given her on the dance floor. He possessed her, his breathing deep and savage.
Her body reacted instinctively, melting against his. Grey groaned. His tongue invaded her mouth, exploring deeply as she returned it with reckless abandon.
Grey moved his hands across the dress, sliding it over her soft body, the silkiness commanding his senses. He had to stop soon before he was pulled too near the edge. They would be summoned for dinner any moment. He hated Bohr all the more for it.
On cue, a gentle chime announced company. Cidra's head pulled back.
"The door,” she whispered, regret in her voice.
There was a moment of silence before the chime rang again. Grey released her. “You better get it.” Feeling the full ache in his lower body, he added, “I'm in no shape to greet our hostess."
He smiled grimly and sunk onto the bed. Cidra turned and headed for the door, hastily straightening her dress. The door slid open. Sil stood on the other side, her head bowed.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything.” Her yellow eyes met Cidra's, woman to woman.
"Not at all. We were just ... resting.” Cidra smiled lightly at Sil while trying to calm the pounding of her heart.
"Very well. Dinner is prepared. Kindly join us when you are ready.” Sil bowed and left.
The door slid shut. Cidra turned and rested back against the door, her body struggling to recover from the intimate assault. Grey sat quietly on the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands relaxed.
"Cidra, just how isolated were you on Avion?"
She looked confused. “What do you mean?"
"Did you see anyone?"
Cidra blinked at him. “Of course."
"Men?"
She turned ashen and then angry. “Why do you want do know?"
"Because I don't want to hurt you,” he persisted.
Cidra's mouth went dry as the full meaning struck her. He meant when he made love with her. She looked away quickly and then straight at him. “Syrus wouldn't allow anyone to get close to me. He felt it was too dangerous. Does that answer your question?"
He nodded once. “Must have been lonely for you."
Cidra tilted her head back against the door, watching him. “Very. But you know all about lonely, don't you?"
Grey looked up at her in surprise. “I know lonely."
"How?"
"I was an only child. My mother died shortly after my birth.” His eyes never left hers. Cidra knew she was about to hear something he'd probably never told anyone except maybe Syrus.
"And your father?” she whispered.
"Lied to me.” The words were so sharp and bitter that Cidra gasped. His gaze burned into her, through her to somewhere long ago.
"He told me she died giving birth to me. Every day of my life he reminded me that I was responsible for her death. And I believed him. Until the day I broke into Avion's archives."
Cidra's eye widened. She had heard of Avion's secret archives. An information system of sordid details, confirmed or otherwise, all documented meticulously. Juicy, potentially destructive tidbits with which to control their citizens and intimidate neighboring worlds.
"That's when I discovered that she had died long after my birth. Beaten to death. The attacker was never found. The whole incident was covered up and forgotten.” Grey's fists were clenched tightly, white and bloodless.
Cidra stopped breathing. Oh dear Lord. No wonder he didn't trust anyone.
"When I went home that night and confronted my father with the truth, he beat me for the last time. I left and never returned."
Tears burned her eyes. “I'm so sorry, Grey.” The hushed words sounded wholly inadequate. Her heart went out to the child and the man, wanting desperately to take back the past and make it right. She couldn't do anything about the past, but she could do something about the future. She could help him heal.
"Don't be. It's history.” He looked at her as if he finally saw her standing there. “I consider it a lesson."
Cidra sucked in air. “Don't say that. You can't go through your life believing that everyone will lie to you."
He snorted. “Why not? It's worked pretty well so far."
Cidra touched the center of her chest. “Because, its not good for your heart."
Grey stared at her and for a fleeting moment she saw the longing. Then his eyes hardened and he stood up abruptly. “Let's go. I want to get this over with."
* * * *
After more than two hours, Cidra conceded that the dinner was not going well. It was obvious that Bohr wanted the Crystal Zemi badly. He was willing to pay any price for it except the name of the buyer of those Saurian fighters. He flatly denied any knowledge of the sale at all. The fact that the mere name was so highly safe-guarded even after ten long years sent chills down her spine.
Grey was a capable and patient negotiator, but Cidra could feel his frustration growing. They weren't going to get anywhere this way. Time for a more direct approach. Time to find Bohr's office.
Cidra politely excused herself from the table, using the auspice of a lav trip to freshen up. She was fully aware of Bohr's lecherous gaze as she walked out. He had barely concealed his carnal desire all evening, staring exclusively at her breasts. Sil seemed unaffected by the blatant conduct, obediently holding her silence.
Grey was another story. Only Bohr seemed ignorant of Grey's extreme displeasure simmering just below the surface. Cidra suspected, under different circumstances, Bohr would find himself in serious trouble.
Silently, Cidra headed in the general direction of Bohr's office. The hallways were a maze of walls and doors, with no apparent pattern. Between the dark, earthen walls and sporadic lighting, it was nearly impossible for her to see anything.
It didn't take her long to realize that her chances of finding Bohr's office were small. Just as she was about to turn back towards the dining hall, she froze. Her danger sense triggered. She spun around to find Bohr staring icily at her.
"Are we lost?” he asked with a lewd smile, his green skin dark and menacing.
"I must have missed a turn. The lighting is very dim.” She obligingly lowered her eyes and managed a faint smile with all the humility she was willing to give Bohr—which wasn't much.
He suddenly stepped forward and trapped her between him and the wall, his tongue flicking around her furiously. She backed up instinctively, stunned by his swiftness. But disgust and anger followed with a vengeance. She glared directly into his glowing eyes, throwing humility to the wind.
"I've always wanted to claim a fiery human female,” he said leering down at her cleavage. His luminous, yellow eyes slitted. “I shall thoroughly enjoy this.” He grasped both her arms tightly with amazing strength and moved closer to her. A wave of repulsion swept over her when his tongue flicked over her, tasting the bare skin of her breasts.
She spoke crisply. “Let go of me now."
The corner of Bohr's reptilian mouth raised in amusement.
"Back off, Bohr. She's mine."
Bohr's head snapped around. Cidra saw Grey standing behind him, a dark, looming figure backlit by the distant dining hall.
The Saurelian stared at him for a long moment as if gauging his opponent's size and strength. Finally, he said, “She's only a female. You humans trade females all the time."
Grey's face was deep in the shadows, but his voice came through low and deadly. “Not this female."
"Not even for a name?"
Cidra's eyes widened. The name. He would give them the name for her. A sickening shiver rolled through her.
Her eyes flashed to Grey. Even in silhouette, she could tell he was furious, on the threshold of explosion. Fists clenched, body coiled, and much, much too still. Looking back at Bohr's cocky grin, she realized the Saurelian had more arrogance than brains.
Cidra made the decision. Grey was still healing. She had no doubts he'd win a brawl with Bohr. But at this rate, she'd never get her hands on the man.
Without hesitation, she brought one knee sharply up into Bohr's groin with enough power to lift him to his toes. He released her immediately and crumpled to the floor, groaning all the way.
Grey stepped into the light, crossed his arms, and leaned his shoulder against the wall. “You're lucky she got to you before I did. I wouldn't have stopped there."
Cidra made no move, leaving Bohr rolling helplessly on the floor between her and Grey.
"Did I ever tell you about Saurelian law, Captain? Civil law, rules of claim, penalties, and punishments?” Cidra glowered down at Bohr as he fought to breathe.
"No, I don't believe you did,” answered Grey, playing along. The fierce rage that had gripped him when he saw Bohr's tongue flick over Cidra began to dissipate. He could have killed the man with his bare hands. The bastard didn't know it, but he owed Cidra his life.
Cidra continued as if no one was writhing in pain at her feet. “It's very interesting. Females on Saurel have little power, however, once she is claimed by a male, total commitment is required by both parties. If a male is caught claiming another female, the law is on her side."
Bohr's head shot up. He stared wide-eyed at Cidra.
"While he is sleeping or otherwise occupied, she can make sure he never claims another female as long as he lives. It's usually quite a surprise for the husband—one minute he's a male, the next...” She grinned in satisfaction.
Grey kept his gaze steady, fighting a flinch any red-blooded male would have made. “Sounds extremely painful, not to mention depressingly permanent."
Bohr looked at him with desperation. “You won't tell Sil, will you? She'd do it tonight. I know her. And she'd enjoy it, too."
Grey only raised his eyebrows. “Cidra does carry your scent now, and she does have a witness.” He shrugged in mock resignation.
Bohr scowled at him. Then at Cidra and finally slumped in surrender.