“How did you fuck her?”
“Liv, stop it.”
“Tell me, Zavir. I want to know. Harder than me?”
“Yes,” he gritted out.
“Did you hurt her?”
“No. She’s a Krinar.”
“She can take it. She can take what I can’t.”
“Where are you going with this?”
“Did you lock her up to fuck her?”
He fisted his hands. “No.”
“Ah, she gave it to you freely.”
“So do you.”
“Maybe you should get a harem or something.”
A spark of surprise lit his eyes. “Are you jealous?”
“Me? Jealous?” She laughed. “Why would I care?”
“You do care,” he said, this time with a hint of satisfaction.
She blew out a puff of air. “In your dreams.”
“Why can’t you be honest? What are you so afraid of?”
She crossed her arms. “Nothing.”
He cupped her cheek, his tone turning soft. “You’re the only woman I want, kitten.”
“Really?” She nearly bit her tongue for how hopeful it sounded. “Why should I believe you?”
“Because I won’t lie about this.”
“I trusted you once and look where that has gotten me.”
“You know why I shot your brothers and took you. I’ve already explained why I’m keeping you.”
“Yeah. To fuck me while you keep me safe. Oh, and you like having an amusing pet around.”
“I’m not going to fight about this any longer. I have my reasons for what I did, and if you were objective for once, you’ll see I’m right.” He brushed a thumb over her cheek. “All I ask is that you trust my intentions, if not my word. Everything I do is for your safety. I don’t want to harm you, little kitten. I just want to keep you. Is that such a crime?”
She hung on his words, her gaze stuck to the movement of his lips. Her heart had paused on the promise underlying those soft-spoken words. Could she trust him again? Could she trust his intentions?
For the first time since they’d met, vulnerability flashed in his eyes. There was a side to the big, dangerous man she didn’t know, a side she’d glimpsed in the little things he’d done to make her life beautiful and easier.
“All right,” she said, letting out a slow breath. “I’ll try to trust you again if you work to earn it.”
He nodded. “Good. Now, if I remember correctly, this conversation started about a picnic.”
“Yes,” she agreed, albeit a bit less enthusiastic than before. All these intense emotions were draining. Maybe she was going to have her period.
He smiled. “I have urgent business to take care of, but I can put it off for a day. I know this is important to you.”
It was a sweet gesture, one of those things that made her like him more than a little and gave her hope. Could she be more than his amusement? Did she want to be more? She averted her gaze, not wanting him to see the conflict in her eyes. “Thank you.”
“I’ll let Wian know.”
“Okay,” she said placidly. “Can I call Anita? We’ll need to discuss what to prepare for lunch.”
“Call whenever you want.”
She bit her lip, staring at him from under her lashes. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
He placed a kiss on the top of her head, and then he was gone.
She didn’t waste time. She requested the house to call Anita and sighed with relief when her friend’s face appeared in a holographic image.
“Oh, thank God,” Liv exclaimed. “I thought Zavir would never let me talk to anyone else.”
“He just called Wian. We’re on for tomorrow.”
“What do we prepare?”
Anita laughed. “I knew it would cheer you up. I’ll take care of the food. Just bring your bikini.”
A thought struck her. “I don’t have one.”
“I’m sure Zavir will take care of it for you.”
“I suppose so, but it bothers me that I can’t take care of it myself.”
“Things will change. Just wait and see.”
After discussing the lunch menu, Anita said goodbye to catch up with work. Liv went to bed with the tablet, trying to focus on reading, but nothing interested her. It was already late when she commanded the lights off, and still Zavir hadn’t returned. Lying in the dark, she couldn’t help but mull over their discussion. For all her intentions to trust him, she also couldn’t help but doubt. For all she knew, he was with Xita.
Stop it, Liv.
Those kinds of thoughts weren’t helping. Zavir had been right about one thing. She was jealous. She was jealous and envious. Too much was at stake to be honest, even with herself. Her pride had taken a knock and her body had been punished, but what she was afraid of was having her heart trampled.
After spending the night going through every bit of information he could find on the safe house, Zavir returned home to pick up his charl for their date. A real date, this time, even if it was a double date. He was eager to get to the Resistance safe house, which was on the other side of the globe, but he had a week before Korum’s team cracked the code, and Liv was more important. She hadn’t been as excited about anything since the fried chicken substitute in the bar.
Indeed, her eyes were glittering like blue gemstones when he walked through the entrance.
“I’m ready,” she announced, standing in the lounge wearing a sundress with thin straps and no bra, looking gorgeous, soft, beautiful, and like everything he wanted.
His gaze dropped to the hard tips of her breasts. “You’re not going like that.”
“What do you have against topless tanning? I do it all the time.”
Imagining her semi-naked on a beach with other males, his vision went dark and just a bit red at the edges.
She came closer, flashing him a teasing smile. “What’s the matter?”
His hunger for her grew to a dangerous level. He ordered both his dick and the possessive beast in him down, fisting his hands not to grab her. “Why do you think something’s the matter?”
She stopped flush against him. “You look kind of murderous right now.”
“What can I say?” He studied her face, enjoying her smile. “I’m possessive.”
“Don’t worry.” She took an elastic band from her wrist and tied her hair into a ponytail. “I’m only joking, but if you don’t want me swimming naked, I’ll need a bathing suit.”
“Already taken care of.” He held out the parcel he’d brought.
“I didn’t know there was a bathing suit shop in Lenkarda.”
“There isn’t. I made it with nanotechnology.”
She took the two-piece from the bag, holding it up in the air.
“Really?” She flushed a little as she said it.
“What?” It was white with silver chains for straps. According to the data, it was made to the latest Earth fashion. “Don’t you like it?”
“It’s beautiful. Stunning.” The red color of her cheeks deepened. “It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“I’m not sure I have the body for this.”
“Your body is perfect. Just how I like it. You’ll look beautiful. Perhaps too much. On second thought, maybe I should make you something less revealing, like a surf suit with a high neck and long sleeves. The sun is harsh out here, and your skin is very fair.”
She had the nerve to roll her eyes. “I know the nanocytes you pumped into me will heal any sunburn and prevent skin cancer. We’re already running late. I’ll put this on, and we can go.”
“Yes, kitten,” he said obediently, resisting the urge to slap her ass, or pull her dress over her head and do other things that would make them even later.
When she exited from the bedroom wearing the bikini under her dress, he had to adjust his hard-on.
“Come on,” she said. “I don’t want to make them wait.”
Smiling at
her enthusiasm, he took her hand and led her to the pathway that gave access to the beach. It was a beautiful day with a cloudless sky. Anita and Wian were already waiting under the palm trees on the white sand. A picnic table and chairs had been set up, as well as a portable barbecue.
“Very Earth style,” Zavir said as he took everything in.
“Men here on Earth love to grill stuff on the barbecue,” Anita said. “I’m sure it will grow on you.”
While Liv helped Anita set the table, he discreetly scouted the area, making sure there was no danger. After a lunch of grilled peppers stuffed with minced mushrooms and herbs, and some Krina vegetable varieties on the side, Liv pulled her dress over her head.
She dumped it on a towel spread out in the sun. “Let’s go for a swim.”
His mouth went dry. The bikini showed off her enticing curves, and even if he’d seen those curves plenty of times naked, he’d never seen them in three scraps of material that hinted, hid, and in the process teased. She was already walking to the water when he was finally able to move again. He caught up quickly, taking her hand to lead her into the water. There were many dangers in the sea–creatures that stung, coral that cut, currents that swept away.
They swam out a long way into the sea, until the turquoise water turned dark blue.
“That’s far enough,” he said.
She splashed water at him. “Scared?”
She had no idea. The fear of losing her was a fear bigger than any he’d faced in his life. What was he to make of it? He wasn’t sure he liked the feeling, but it was what it was. It came with the choice he’d made.
“I’m tired,” she said. “I’m going back.”
Silently, he swam next to her, matching her strokes, making sure he could catch her if her arms grew tired, but she was a strong swimmer, stronger than most.
“Did you train for swimming?” he asked as they exited the water.
She caught her ponytail and squeezed the water out. “It was part of my military training.”
He stopped. “Military training?”
“My brothers wanted me to be able to fight if needed.”
Taking her hand, he led her over the sand toward their picnic spot. “What else did you learn?”
“How to fight with a knife. How to fire just about any gun or rifle.”
“I don’t like the sound of it. It’s dangerous.”
“They didn’t give me a choice.” She pulled on his hand, bringing him to a stop again. “Will you?”
He contemplated his answer for a while. How was he supposed to put it without causing another argument, without raising another barrier?
“Let’s go for a walk,” he said.
They took a path that led into the jungle and curved along the shore.
“It’s beautiful here,” she said, looking around. “Peaceful.”
He pulled her into the shade of a tree. “I have to go away tomorrow.”
Alarm filtered into her eyes. “Where?”
“I can’t say.”
She leaned against the trunk, her gaze wide on him. “You’re going on a mission.”
“Kind of.”
“Zavir…” Biting her lip, she glanced down at where she dragged her toe through the sand.
He gripped her chin to turn her face back to him. “Are you worried about me?”
She gave him a crooked smile. “Kind of.”
Warmth glowed deep in his chest. “Playing word games with me?”
“Of course not. You don’t play games.”
“No, I don’t.” He trailed his hand down the curve of her neck, cupping her nape. “You remember well.”
“When will you be back?”
“As soon as I can. The house will provide for you. If you need anything while I’m gone, you only have to ask.”
“You’re going to keep me locked in while you’re gone?”
His chest tightened, a bit of the earlier warmth evaporating. “Why do you ask when you know the answer?”
“What if… What if you don’t come back?”
“I’m not planning on getting killed.”
She studied him with her big, troubled eyes. “No one ever does.”
“I’ll come home to you, kitten. That’s a promise.”
She nodded, suddenly very interested in her toes again. He waited, feeling more coming.
When she faced him again, her eyes were more sad than clouded. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Which one?” he asked, knowing exactly, but putting off answering. He could only answer truthfully, and she wasn’t going to like the truth.
Her voice was soft. “Will you ever give me a choice?”
Dragging his hand to her shoulder, he absently caressed the spot where he’d bitten her. She already knew the answer to that question, too. It was best to approach the answer differently. “If I do, will you stay?”
Her eyes started to shimmer as she stared up at him. The seconds ticked on as she considered the question. Like him, she seemed reluctant to give him anything but the truth, but it wasn’t always easy telling the truth. The truth, if yes, could set her free, or no could confine her to her prison. The fact that it took her so long to speak already told him the nature of her truth. It squeezed his chest harder and twisted his insides, even as he felt the tears that started dripping from her eyes as if they were his own. They continued to stare at each other, the unspoken a weight between them.
Finally, she whispered in a pained tone, “I honestly don’t know.”
It slayed him, those words, in ways he couldn’t explain or understand. He wanted her, but by zut, not at this price. It never occurred to him how his feelings, this unknown devastation raging through him, would come into the equation.
Wiping away a tear, he kissed the wet skin of her cheek. “Will it be so bad, staying with me?”
His words only made her cry more. She sobbed so hard she couldn’t speak.
Taking her in his arms, he held her against his chest. “It’s all right. You don’t have to answer.”
All he could do was hold her until the worst of the storm had passed.
Somewhat calmer, she pushed away from him, rubbing the heels of her palms over her eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
He wanted her more than anything, but he cared too much to see her like this. “Liv, I–”
A female voice called from the path. “Thank goodness. There you are.”
Anita and Wian came rushing up to them. The looks on their faces promised nothing good.
Anita grabbed Liv’s hand. “We just got some news. It’s about your brothers.”
Liv paled. “What’s happened?”
“They escaped.”
Zut.
“What?” Liv looked between Anita and Wian with huge eyes. “When?”
“The day after they were brought here, as far as we can tell.”
Liv’s gaze turned to Zavir, her eyes burning on him. “Did you know?”
“Where did you get the information?” Zavir asked Anita. “It’s classified.”
Wian replied, “Someone at the memory bank leaked the info to the media. By now, the whole world knows.”
Liv stood straight, her hands fisted and her body shaking. She seemed to be seeing nothing and no one other than Zavir. “You asked for my trust.”
In front of Anita and Wian, he adopted a stoic face, but inside he was unraveling. “I couldn’t tell you.”
“There’s more,” Anita said. “There’s a price on their heads. They’ve just become the most wanted men in history.”
“From who?” Zavir gritted out.
“Government law enforcement agencies. The twins are wanted for multiple crimes, including treason and possession of illegal arms.”
“I can’t believe this.” Liv wiped her hands over her face. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. It’s all my fault.”
“I’m sorry,” Anita said. “I know how much you love your brothers.”
“There’ll be no saving them now,” Wian added regretfully.
“If you don’t mind,” Liv said, “I’d rather go.”
“Of course.” Anita gave her a sympathetic look. “I understand. I’m sorry you had to find out like this.”
“I appreciate you telling me.” With a cutting look at Zavir, she headed down the path.
“Liv.” He went after her, taking her arm. “Let me explain.”
She pulled free from his hold, not slowing her stride. “You lied to me. Again.”
“I didn’t tell you, but I didn’t lie.”
“It’s the same damn thing,” she said over her shoulder.
Zavir could only stare after her, defeated and doomed.
“This time,” Wian said as they watched her go, “you really screwed up.”
“Why do you say that?” Zavir snapped.
“If you ever had a chance with her, you just blew it.”
Chapter Eighteen
Liv’s insides shook with worry, disappointment, and anger when Zavir let her into his quarters, but she kept her lips sealed. If she opened her mouth, she was going to say things she’d regret. How could he keep this information from her, thinking it would never get out?
Much as on the beach, they stood facing each other silently, but with a very different ambience. She waited for his explanation, but all he said was, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
That was it?
He attempted to smile, but it was a weak effort. “Don’t you have anything to say to me before I go?”
What else did he expect her to say? Thank you for betraying her trust? Again?
He nodded slowly, as if the absence of her words gave him insight into her thoughts. “The truth is I care about you.” He traced her jaw with a finger, as if memorizing the lines of her face. “Take care, kitten.” His cocky smile returned in all its glory. “Try to behave.”
She bit back a retort, feeling the loss of his touch as profoundly as a dip in temperature when he dropped his hand. Yes, there was much to say, but her wounded pride wouldn’t let her. Her battered heart fluttered as he walked away from her, and her throat throbbed with suppressed tears when he exited into the jungle and the wall closed on his disappearing shape.
“Be safe,” she whispered to the hole he’d left, feeling the loneliness all the way to her soul.
The Krinar's Informant: A Krinar World Novel Page 14