“It wasn’t that bad, Lusahn.” Joq’s eyes crinkled as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair. “It’s just that I have a long walk home and don’t want to do it on a full stomach.”
As excuses went it was a poor one, but it was Joq’s way of saying they needed to get down to business. Her stomach did a slow somersault. With some effort, she managed not to look at Cullen but began collecting the dirty dishes and setting them near the sink.
“Bavi, Shiri, I would appreciate it if you would go to your rooms for a while. These gentlemen and I have much to discuss.”
When Bavi didn’t immediately leave, Lusahn gave him a pointed look that said remaining behind wasn’t an option. She wasn’t about to involve innocent children in Guild business, even one far too mature for his age.
He protested, “But the dishes—”
“It’s my turn to do them,” Cullen said.
Bavi conceded defeat and led Shiri down the hall.
When she was sure they were gone, Lusahn turned to Joq. “Since you need to leave soon, I suggest we leave the dishes for later and deal with more important things.”
Her mentor nodded and studied Cullen’s face for several seconds before speaking. “So, human, you are here because of the blue stones. Lusahn says they are being stolen in our world and carried into yours.”
She didn’t like Cullen staring at her, but when he shifted his gaze back to Joq, she found she missed it.
“They are, although the only stone currently in the Paladins’ possession was found in Missouri. That’s a long way from where I crossed the barrier. I assume that means the problem is widespread in your world, if your people are crossing from multiple sites with the stones in hand.”
Joq remained impassive. “Why do your people want the stones in the first place? Even in the hands of a major talent like Barak q’Arc, the power they generate doesn’t compare to the light and power in your world.”
Cullen sat sprawled in his chair, but she could sense his rising tension when he spoke.
“Even in our world, energy comes at a price. If the people behind this could harness the energy in your stones, or figure out how to make the jewels found naturally in our world emit the same energy, they would gain both money and power. I don’t know much about your world, but I would guess those two things have value here, as well.”
Lusahn said, “Of course. It is why the Guild and the Guildmaster work hard to regulate the use of the stones, so that no one person profits too much. It would seem that someone has gotten greedy.”
Joq gave an eloquent shrug. “Anytime our people come in contact with humans, there is corruption. What they don’t steal at sword point, they steal with lies. Our people lose while his people grow rich.”
“Like hell!” Cullen sat up taller and snarled, “I’m not denying we’ve got our own fair share of greedy fools, but we wouldn’t even know about those damn blue stones if someone over here hadn’t decided to make a profit off of them.”
Joq’s pales eyes flashed with growing anger. “So how did they find out about them, if someone on your side of the barrier hadn’t been sneaking over here?”
“Listen, Other, the real problem is that your people have been led to believe they can buy their way into my world with the stones by someone from here. Yet all it gets them is a sword in their gut.” Cullen held the pommel of his sword in a white-knuckled grip.
“That’s all your kind understands—violence and death. And despite what you’ve told Lusahn, I’m not convinced that you came here to stop the thefts at all.”
Joq shifted in his chair. Cullen might not realize that the older male was on the verge of drawing his own weapon, but Lusahn recognized the signs.
“Joq! Cullen Finley is a guest in my home, just as you are. If you two cannot have a civil conversation without resorting to swords, then perhaps it is time for you to leave.”
Joq relaxed enough to let her know that the crisis had passed, at least for the moment.
Cullen gradually sat back, although his hand never left his sword.
“So, can we agree that the flow of stones must be stopped for the sake of both worlds?” She glared at each man.
Joq nodded, then Cullen did the same.
Her mentor shot Cullen a nasty look. “Even if we stop the theft of stones, our two people will still be at war; it is the way it has always been. How many of my people have you killed with that blade you keep caressing as if it were a woman’s body?”
Lusahn had never known Joq to be so antagonistic. What had gotten into him?
“I’ve killed enough, Other—but I’ve always got time for one more.” Cullen’s voice sounded reasonable, but something deadly shifted in the glitter of his eyes. As gentle as he’d been with her, this Paladin would fight to kill if Joq kept prodding him.
She had no taste for seeing blood spilled at her kitchen table.
Before she could respond, Joq changed directions. “So why does her traitor brother Barak still live, if you enjoy killing us so much? I would have thought a prime male like him would have drawn Paladins as soon as he crossed the barrier.”
“I won’t discuss Barak with you.”
“Why not? He has chosen your people over his own—even over his only sister. In your world is such behavior condoned, or have you no honor? He would have been executed had he returned. Come to think of it, since you chose to take his place, perhaps you should die in his place.”
Lusahn gasped in outrage. “What game are you playing, Joq? I brought you here to help, not to cause a private war.”
She’d left her sword in her bedroom, not liking to wear it around the children. But the real question was, if this discussion continued to deteriorate, whose side would she be fighting on?
Cullen’s—because he was either her guest or her prisoner. He was in her home and therefore deserving of her protection. He might not think he needed it, but he’d never seen Joq fight. On a good day, Barak could have beaten Joq. She had no idea if Cullen could, and didn’t want to find out.
The Paladin’s smile was cold and unfriendly. “I don’t know what Barak’s problems were in this world, Joq, but he has proven himself to be an honorable man in my world. That is good enough for me.”
“So you don’t hate all of us, just most of us.”
It wasn’t a question, but Cullen answered anyway. “I wouldn’t hate any of you at all, if you’d stay on your side of the line. But as long as your people insist on invading my world, with swords drawn and murder in their eyes, we’ll be there to stop them.”
Lusahn leapt up and slapped her hands down on the table. “Enough! If you two can do nothing but bicker, then shut up. Joq, go home. Cullen, go to the basement.”
Cullen wasn’t about to be banished like some child being sent to his room, but she was right. This old friend of hers was deliberately trying to get a reaction out of Cullen. The question was, why?
“I’m willing to be civil if he will be, Lusahn.”
“Joq?” Her tone made it clear that no more trouble would be accepted from either of them.
Joq changed tactics again. “I would take you both to see something tomorrow before midday. Can you bring him to my place about that time?”
Lusahn studied him, probably as confused by the abrupt about-face as Cullen was. “I can if I can avoid my Blade. We aren’t on duty until just before the star sets tomorrow. If we’re careful, I should be able to get him there safely enough.”
Cullen wasn’t going anywhere until he knew for certain they weren’t walking right into a trap. “Why should we trust you?”
“I don’t care if you die, human, but I do care about Lusahn. She has endured enough pain without me adding to her burden by killing you.”
Okay, that was an explanation he could accept and believe. Joq seemed to treat Lusahn like a star pupil, or even a favorite younger sister. But there was something about the way the man looked at her when she wasn’t aware of it that made Cullen think that Joq’s true feeli
ngs for her were far different.
“If she thinks we should come, then we’ll be there.”
“Good.” Joq reached for his cloak. “I’ll slip out through the back door again. Human, I want you to watch from the window downstairs to see if any of the shadows out there have more substance than they should have.”
Lusahn followed the two men to the basement door. “Who would be following you, Joq? I know how invisible you are when you want to be.”
He stared out into the darkness. “I’ve lived by the sword, Lusahn, and I’ve never had your talent for getting along with everyone. I’ve made enemies along the way.”
“But the Guild protects its own.” It was a promise made to every Sworn Guardian and every member of the Blades.
Joq looked back over his shoulder at her. “I’m not Guild anymore, remember? That means I am a target for anyone with a grudge over how I handled my job.”
When he started to step through the door, she caught his arm. “You were the best, Joq. We all look up to you. I hold with my vow to protect.”
He covered her hand with his. “That means a lot coming from you, Lusahn. If the rest of the Guild members were like you, I’d still belong.” Then he threw his shoulders back and forced a smile. “Now, unless you want me snoring on your floor, I’d better get going. I need my sleep.”
Cullen read the very real regret in the man’s eyes when he looked back at Lusahn one last time, and a shiver of premonition ran up Cullen’s spine. Something in the man’s demeanor made Cullen think there was an undercurrent of farewell in Joq’s words.
But maybe that was just petty jealousy that the Other had spent years in Lusahn’s company, while Cullen had at best a double handful of days left with her. He watched her continue to study the shadows outside.
“He’s gone.”
She wrapped her arms across her chest and shivered. “I know, but I worry about him.” She closed the door and threw the bolt to lock it. “I know he deliberately provoked you, Cullen, but he’s been a good friend to me.”
“I can see that.” He reached out to tuck a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “He obviously cares very much for you and doesn’t like me being here.”
“He has good reasons not to like Paladins. We all do.” A smile softened her comment.
“Do you think that for a few hours you can forget that I’m a Paladin and see me as a worthy male?” He ached with the need to carry her to his bed, to lose himself in her arms and her body.
Her eyes strayed past him to look in that direction, clearly understanding the real question he was asking. He wouldn’t push, and he wouldn’t crowd her, but damn, he burned to taste her passion.
“I have to see to the children.”
He turned away to keep his disappointment to himself. He couldn’t really blame her. A few days—or nights—wasn’t much to offer a woman, especially one like Lusahn. She had enough on her plate without him adding to her problems.
Then her arms slipped around his waist as she laid her cheek against his back. “I’m sorry, but I promised to read to Shiri. It’s important that I don’t disappoint her unless I have to.”
“I understand.”
“But once she and Bavi are both asleep, I will return to see how worthy you are.”
By the time he realized what she’d just said, she was already halfway up the stairs, giggling. He fought the urge to drag her right back down, since that would only delay her returning to him for the night.
He looked around for something to do, something quiet that wouldn’t disturb the children. A shower, maybe. Yeah, he decided, stripping off his clothes. Nothing like a nice long shower to while away the minutes until his soon-to-be lover returned.
Shiri frowned and pulled her thumb out of her mouth long enough to complain. “You missed a word.”
“Sorry, little one. I’ll try to do better.” It wasn’t as if she hadn’t read the book dozens of times before, but it was her first time with an impatient male waiting downstairs.
One more book, and then she’d see if she really had the courage to walk back down those stairs. She concentrated on the words, careful to repeat the familiar words in the usual way. Already Shiri’s eyes were drifting shut.
She could hear the sound of the shower running down below. Cullen, wet and naked, only a few steps away. The image had her stirring restlessly on the edge of the bed, which caused Shiri to wake up again.
Lusahn started reading the book from the beginning again, forcing her attention to follow the words on the page, ignoring the fact that a handsome man was waiting for her, wanting her.
Finally, she eased off the side of the bed and tugged the covers up over the sleeping Shiri’s shoulders. How the gods had blessed her when they’d led her and her Blade down the road to Bavi and his sister. How had she lived without them to fill up her hours and her heart?
She stopped by Bavi’s room to peek in, even though he was too old to tuck in like she did Shiri. That didn’t keep her from brushing his hair back off his face or picking up the book he’d dropped on the floor. He needed to be fussed over every bit as much as his sister did, even if he’d deny it.
Back out in the hall, she leaned against the door frame and prayed for guidance at this crossroad in her life. There had been so many changes in the past few months: the disappearance of her brother, the addition of the children to her household, the discovery that Barak still lived, and now the biggest change of all: Cullen Finley.
She’d come to terms with her brother’s death; somehow she would deal with his new life. The children were a constant challenge and a constant joy, enriching her soul. But Cullen Finley was a puzzle, one she had no idea how to solve.
Many of the Sworn Guardians and the Blademates indulged in the pleasures of the body, changing partners as often as the mood struck. While far from innocent, she’d never wanted to indulge herself with her Blademates, although all three of them had made it clear they were willing. That sort of intimacy felt wrong when she was responsible for their honor and their lives. When she’d been part of Joq’s Blade, he had followed the same unspoken rule.
She drew a shuddering breath, recognizing that all this thinking was just a delaying tactic. Her body was demanding that she rush down those stairs into Cullen’s waiting arms, while an increasingly faint voice in the back of her mind screamed out warnings of danger ahead.
She closed her eyes and reached out to listen. The shower was still running. Just think: Cullen Finley with that fine warrior’s body, all soap-slick and waiting just for her. What was she doing lurking in the hallway when she could be joining him?
She flew down the steps, not sure if her feet even touched down as she peeled off her shirt and tossed it to the side. At the bottom, she hopped on each foot in turn to pull off her boots and socks. It took her longer than she liked to unbutton the front of her pants, and she almost tripped in her haste to shed them.
When she touched the curtain that sheltered the bathing area from the rest of the room, she hesitated. This wasn’t like her at all, but it felt right. Their time was limited; playing coy games would only waste precious moments they would never be able to reclaim.
She straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath, and stepped around the curtain.
Cullen was waiting for her, the spray of the shower doing nothing to disguise how his body reacted to her arrival. He was well built from head to toe, and her reaction caused his mouth to quirk up in a half smile.
“I wondered if you were ever going to come in.” He held out his hand, inviting her to come closer.
She walked right into his arms and pulled his head down for a kiss, her blood rushing through her veins, her heart racing with the need to taste him.
His tongue plunged into her mouth, then retreated until hers darted out to join in the dance. His powerful arms cradled her against his body, his erection hard against her belly. She eased a hand between them to caress its length as he murmured encouraging sounds.
Suddenly the sensations were too much, too soon, yet not nearly enough. She was already poised at the precipice, once again ready to shatter and let the pieces tumble to the tile below their feet.
Cullen obviously felt the same way, because he pulled back, his breathing shallow, his hands unsteady. “Let’s slow down and savor this.” He picked up the washcloth and soap and worked up a thick lather. Starting at her shoulders, he traced each curve of her body, using long, slow strokes that had every nerve in her body begging for more.
She caught his hand and stole the washcloth, thinking a little retribution was in order. “My turn.”
Her plan backfired. Running her hands over all that sleek muscle and strength only heightened her own awareness. Finally, she tossed the washcloth aside and turned off the water. Cullen immediately reached for a towel, the promise that gleamed in his dark eyes keeping her warm.
Who knew that a towel could be used as a tool of seduction? He brushed the soft cloth across her back before planting a soft kiss on the top of her shoulder.
“I love the feel of your skin, Lusahn.”
Leaning against him, she arched back to offer him better access to her neck. When he lapped up a few drops of water at the base of her throat, she moaned her encouragement and reached back to wrap her arm around his neck, holding him close.
The sharp spice of Cullen’s scent filled her senses, rendering her aware of nothing except where their bodies touched with almost painful intensity. She captured one of his wandering hands and urged it up to capture her breast. It was impossible to tell which one of them enjoyed it more.
“Take me to your bed, Cullen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He surprised her with a quick move, sweeping her up in his arms. She was not a small woman, but his careful embrace made her feel feminine and ever so safe in his arms.
The curtain surrounding the bathing area caught on her damp skin, making it difficult for them to get free of it. Their brief battle with the fabric had her giggling as Cullen cursed and managed to break them free. Had she ever been with a lover who made her laugh before? Not that she could remember.
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