by C. J. Barry
"What do you want?” he mumbled gruffly.
Grey and Cidra exchanged a triumphant look.
"You know what we want."
Bohr muttered, “Information.” He took a deep breath. “The name of the buyer was Plass. I never met him or heard from him again. We conducted all our business over subspace."
"Was he working alone or for someone else?” Grey questioned, hoping for a more recognizable name.
Bohr shrugged. “I don't know. He never mentioned anyone else. In fact, he didn't say much at all.” He painfully staggered to his feet, leaning against the wall. “That's all I have."
"It's enough. Appreciate your cooperation, Bohr.” Grey slid over to Cidra's side.
"I have your promise, not a word to Sil, right?” Bohr begged.
"I always keep my word. By the way, if you're so worried about Sil, may I suggest you give her the respect she deserves. You might sleep easier. Extend our thanks for a lovely meal. I think we'll call it a night. And stay away from Cidra. She won't save you next time."
Ignoring Bohr's baffled expression, he took Cidra's arm gently and headed back to their chamber.
Cidra smiled up at him brightly. He could feel the satisfaction of their victory flowing through her, see the exhilaration in her eyes but the man in him saw something more. He saw a woman's hunger. The hallway felt like it would never end.
Finally he escorted her through their chamber door. Once inside, she pulled away from him and headed directly for the lav. Grey stood empty-handed and confused.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
"Cidra?"
He heard water running in the basin. She re-appeared with a wet cloth and began rubbing her arms with it. He watched the trail of water glisten on her skin, heard the blood thrumming through his veins.
Glancing up at him, she explained. “Bohr's scent. I can still smell it.” Then she paused, wondering if Grey would find that fact disgusting. Her eyes searched his face, but the only emotion she found made her want to melt. Looking down, she continued to wash her arms.
She didn't realize he'd moved until he gently pried the cloth from her hand.
"I'll do that.” His voice was husky and heavy. The heat from his body wrapped around her, drawing hers out, mingling and sinuous.
She watched in detached fascination as he started with her hands. He swabbed a finger with the cloth and pressed the clean fingertip to his lips. Cidra drew a shuddering breath as each finger enjoyed the same treatment. Then he wiped and kissed each palm and moved up her arms. Long, lingering, hot kisses followed the cool wet trail of the water. By the time he reached her shoulders, she was leaning back against the wall for support.
Cidra closed her eyes. Moisture skimmed along her throat and across her collarbone. She thought steam would surely rise. Gentle kisses followed, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.
Then he stopped. She opened her eyes to find the cloth in his fist hovering inches from her throat and over her breasts. His eyes were dark, fathomless, and locked onto hers. She knew what he was doing—giving her one last chance to run.
"There'll be no going back, Cidra.” It was little more than a raspy warning.
The slow smile that touched her lips gave him all the sanction he needed. Lucid thought evaporated.
Grey squeezed the cloth. One drop at a time rolled down her chest and disappeared between her breasts. A soft moan escaped her lips as he laid the cloth to her chest and followed the water's trail.
Holding the cloth in place, he reached for the fastener in the back of the sheath dress she wore. Blue gazar slid lazily to a puddle on the floor. She stood before him wearing only white silky panties. He couldn't move, couldn't think at all.
Her deep breathing lifted her breasts to him. With intense concentration, he drew the cloth down and circled each nipple, calling them to hard attention. His hands shook as he passed the cloth over one tip. Cidra gripped his wrist tightly, her fiery eyes met his, demanding and turbulent.
No longer willing nor able to prolong the game, he pulled her roughly to him and closed his mouth over hers. The cloth dropped to the floor, forgotten. She met his ravenous hunger with her own, opening her lips for him in a frenzy of blind desire.
He sucked in air when she slid her arms around his neck, tangled her fingers in his hair and pressed her body against his. A low growl escaped his lips. This time she was ready for him. He hadn't expected so much passion. Heat roared through him like a supernova. Her unexpected urgency fueled the fire, igniting a deep, rumbling groan.
Reveling in her effect on him, she slid her hands down his strong neck and across his broad shoulders. There was so much of him. She wanted to explore it all.
His kiss took on new urgency while his hands moved over her, possessing and claiming. She dug into his shoulders, demanding more, need conquering fear. Grey's warm fingers glided down her back and rested firmly on her bottom, pulling her against his burning arousal. Stunned by his size and hardness, she trembled in anticipation and want.
She had always been in full control of her mind and body, but suddenly she felt swept up in a violent whirlwind she couldn't begin to conquer.
Grey's kisses deepened as his hands moved up to her breasts, cupping them gently in each large palm. Sliding his mouth down, he whispered against her throat. “Be mine, Cidra. Be my mate."
She tipped her head back, struggling to get a decent breath of air under his onslaught.
"Yes.” It was a gasp of surrender. He was right. There was no other choice. This was their destiny. Unstoppable, unavoidable, inevitable. Just like the gypsy wings.
Grey knelt, wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his face to her stomach. He lifted her straight up and carried her to the bed. Laying her down, he covered her completely. She felt his unconcealed desire straight to her bones. She needed more. Now. She arched her soft body against his hard body and heard him swear.
Cidra fumbled to unfasten his shirt. He brushed her hands aside and yanked it off impatiently. Her hands stroked his bare chest, reveling in sleek muscles and hard planes. When she kissed his throat, a soft growl erupted deep in his chest. He rolled off and rid himself of his pants.
Grey came back to her and slipped one strong leg between her thighs. He moved his mouth down to a delicate nipple and sucked gently, his hot, rapid breath enflaming her skin. Distracted by the sensation, she jumped when his hand reached down to the silken panties and tugged at them. She was in no condition to help him. Frustration finally won out as he tore them off. Moving to her other breast, he mumbled something to her about another apology.
Whatever he said, she missed it. Those masterful hands were on the move again.
Grey heard Cidra's gasp as he explored the fine, soft tangle of hair between her thighs. He pressed his head to her breast, momentarily stunned by the wetness and heat. She was ready for him and it threatened to send him over the edge. Clamping down on his own runaway desire, he forced himself to continue with the scene he had replayed in his mind a thousand times in the last few days.
Cidra closed her eyes, lost in the wealth of sensations rushing through her. His mere touch left wild fire in its wake. A chaotic flow of heat and passion fused together in strange union.
"Grey!” she called as fire burned from very her core, coiling and tightening to an unbearable point.
"Let it take you, Cidra.” His mouth returned to hers while his fingers continued the gentle assault, pulling her towards her climax.
Unable to stop it, she allowed the moment to vanquish her self-control, crying out in a half-sob. Pressure unleashed with frightening force in wave after wave.
His control near its limit, he slipped between her legs and positioned himself against her, waiting for her to recover.
"Look at me Cidra,” he demanded softly. She opened her eyes dreamily and startled at the raw, animal desire in his face.
"I promise this will be the last time I ever hurt you.” With that he surged into her and stopped. She was more stunned by the tightne
ss than the pain. He felt so large inside her, she was afraid to move.
"Breathe, Cidra. Relax. Trust me."
His big body shuddered with the effort. Sweat glistened over his entire body. She could feel the leash he held onto, loved him for the struggle it took. Cidra finally exhaled, allowing her body to relax. She trusted him, with her life, with her love.
She softened her fierce grip on his shoulders and heard the release of his own breath. Cidra felt him tremble as he began to move slowly, thoroughly, beautifully.
She closed her eyes and concentrated on his heat, the smell of him, the power in him. He was pure male muscle and strength. Anticipating his rhythmic thrusts, she pulled him into her with increasing enthusiasm. The coil tightened again. This time she welcomed it, her cry filling the chamber.
Although he heard her, he was blind to the world around him, connected body to body, soul to soul. If he could capture this moment in time, he'd die a happy man. He finally let loose the last remnants of restraint and buried deep inside her one final time as his body screamed in liberation.
* * * *
Commander Plass stood still and silent in the thunderous grip of dejá vu. Although the ship had changed and the crew's faces were different, the view was the same as it had been over ten years ago. The planet of Saurel sat squarely in his ship's main viewport.
Expunger was a superior d'Hont espionage starship, capable of camouflaging itself to its surroundings and negating any scans that might detect its presence. Plass always preferred to study his quarry before taking action. It was a strategy that served him well and kept him alive.
Before leaving Dakru, Plass had commandeered the ship and hand-picked the crew. He now worked for himself. He was determined to uncover the truth, the reason why Tausek lied and then dismissed him. Locating Grey Stone's ship in orbit around Saurel confirmed his suspicions.
He recalled standing in this exact spot ten short years ago, negotiating a contract for twenty Saurelian fighters with a broker named Bohr. Plass had chosen the man based on his willingness to sell to a client he had never and would never meet. The transaction had been covert with no hard documents to support it. Just the way Tausek had ordered it.
They just happened to be the same ships used in Tausek's attack on the refugees. The same refugee attack that coincided with the Dakru shipment. The same Dakru shipment detailed in the files accessed by someone on Stone's ship. The same ship Plass had tracked to Saurel. Plass hadn't become the d'Hont Commander by believing in luck, miracles or coincidences.
The footsteps behind Plass jarred him back to the present. He turned to face his First Lieutenant.
"Commander Plass.” The officer addressed him with a perfect salute. The boyish face looked out of place inside a d'Hont uniform.
Plass nodded once. “Report, Lieutenant Fiske."
The young officer squared his shoulders. “We have confirmed that Stone and Faulkner are meeting with Bohr as you suspected. The tracking device has been attached to Stone's K12 jet. We should be able to follow them even at hyperspeed. Do you wish us to detain them?"
"That won't be necessary. We need more information before we take that step.” Plass’ attention turned back to Saurel.
"Yes, sir. Will there be anything else?” Lieutenant Fiske asked.
Plass nodded. “Inform Major Berman that I would like to speak with him immediately in my private quarters. That will be all."
The young Lieutenant acknowledged the order and departed.
Plass clenched his jaw. Stone knew about the ships. That was the only explanation for his meeting with Bohr. Treasure hunters had no need for Saurelian fighters. If he knew about the ships, he probably knew who purchased them by now. The only connection between those ships, that refugee attack, and the Dakru shipment was Tausek. Directly or indirectly, he was the common denominator.
Plass stared at Saurel one more time before heading to his quarters, wondering what else Stone knew.
* * * *
Cidra felt the weight of oppression lift as the K12 breached Saurel's atmosphere. They had bid a hasty farewell, with Bohr more than a little anxious to be rid of them. Cidra noted he never left them alone with Sil for even a moment. The thought of Bohr shaking in his boots over a mere female finally prompted a huge grin.
Grey glanced up from the transport controls curiously. “What's so funny?"
"I think Bohr has a whole new respect for females.” Cidra didn't try to hide her victory.
Grey shared her shameless grin. “I couldn't have done better myself."
She blushed at his open admiration. He believed in her, respected her abilities. “Thank you."
A long silence filled the small cabin while Grey set the K12 on autopilot to rendezvous with Calíbre.
Grey folded his arms across his chest and stared out into space. “What are you going to do once we find the missing shipment and clear your father's name?"
Cidra's eyebrows raised. “My, so optimistic.” She smiled sweetly. “You make it sound easy."
Grey shrugged. “It's only a matter of time. It always is. I want to know what your intentions are once we've completed this mission."
His sober expression suddenly alarmed her.
"My intentions? I work for you, remember? Don't you want me to stay on?"
Grey didn't take his eyes off the expanse of deep space in front on him. “I more or less forced you to come with me. I'm giving you a choice now. You're strong enough to take care of yourself. You don't need anyone to watch over you. I have a right to know what your plans are."
Cidra stared at him incredulously. “Are you serious? Do you really think I'd have agreed to come with you if I didn't want to? I already made my choice, Grey, whether you realize it or not. I'm not leaving unless you throw me out."
Grey swiveled his seat around to face her, his expression serious, his voice ominous. “I'd never have the strength to throw you out, love."
"I'm more than your lover. I'm your mate or have you forgotten?” Cidra clipped, unable to curb her rising indignation.
His face hardened. “I haven't forgotten. I meant every word. I just wanted to make sure you understood what it meant."
Cidra threw her hands up in the air, admitting defeat. “Then tell me Grey, what does it mean?"
"It means you're with me,” he said in a low, steely voice. “This is my life, my livelihood. I'm not going back to Avion. I'm not settling down on Vaasa or any other planet. We're out here, together. If you choose to stay, everything I have is yours. The good, the bad, and everything in between. No more, no less. Now do you understand?"
Cidra sat in silence, dazed. “Grey, don't you understand? I have no choice.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I love you."
Cidra watched Grey's stunned expression with utter surprise. He acted as if he'd never heard those words before. Maybe he never had.
His anger melted, his arms reached for her. He pulled her out of her seat and across his lap, taking her face in his hands. He nuzzled and kissed her gently. Cidra knew he hadn't said the words, but she could taste them on his lips. It was another step toward trust. For him, love and trust were tied together. He couldn't give one without the other.
She felt the fire build with every kiss until it was all passion, all heat, all Grey. His hands moved up and down her spine, around her bottom, up her waist, finally resting under her breasts. His thumbs slid across her nipples, tugging at the passion deep within her. He opened the front of her shirt, baring her breasts to his plundering. The kiss deepened in quiet charge. His hand slipped down between her thighs demanding entrance. She gasped as his other hand snagged the fastener of her pants and released them deftly.
"Uh, Grey?"
"Yeah,” he mumbled distractedly, his breathing becoming rough. He lifted her slightly and tugged her pants down her legs.
"I don't think the K12 was designed for this."
He nipped her jaw. “It was designed by a man."
She blinked several times, str
uggling with his logic and laughed. “Are you telling me that all men think about is one thing?” Her voice broke as he lifted and spread her legs to straddle him. She almost didn't hear his reply when he plunged his fingers deep into her heat.
"No, but it's a close second to everything else,” he murmured against her throat.
Her breathing increased to match his as she slid her hands down his taut abdomen to where his pants strained. She loved this honest reaction from him, reveled in her own power. She traced the bulging outline with her fingertips, enticing a low, feral growl from him.
His fingers flicked and taunted her relentlessly. She almost purred. “I see it's a close second for you, too."
He raised his head, meeting her eyes straight on with trapped fire. “When you're around it's the first thing on my mind."
He punctuated the statement with a possessive, lingering kiss as he single-handedly freed himself. Recklessly, he impaled her on him while she threw her head back and moaned.
He gripped her hips and set them in rhythm, losing himself in the wonder of her body. Deep space formed the backdrop behind her with Calíbre glinting in the distance. He realized his world was perfect.
* * * *
"How did you get Bohr to give up the buyer's name?” Barrios squeezed himself into a chair at the table in Grey's office.
"Cidra used her people skills.” Grey winked at Cidra, who smiled back, flushing slightly.
Barrios frowned. “I thought Saurel was a patriarchal society. Women are barely permitted to speak."
"Believe me, it wasn't her words that spoke for her.” Grey laughed and shook his head.
Barrios gave Grey a confused look and shrugged. He leaned back in the chair, pushing it to its limits. “Plass. That name sounds familiar, but I just can't place it."
"I can.” Decker stood in the doorway. “And you're not going to believe it."
All eyes turned to him as he sauntered over and settled himself into one of the chairs with a graveness that filled the room. Grey knew Decker to be well above theatrics. From the look on his face, his sources had come up with something big.