Time stopped while he fondled her with rapt adoration. Nothing existed outside the circle of his arms.
“You are so beautiful.” He gazed into her eyes, amazement on his face. His touch grew more reverent. “I can't believe you're real. You … you are … an angel.”
NarrAy's throat tightened. A tumult of emotion engulfed her. She cupped her hands over his and squeezed them before leaning forward to take his mouth with hers. Beneath one thigh, she felt his lengthening erection.
“Oh, Tiger!” Her hand went to cover his cock at once. “Tiger, I am going to make love to you all night long.” She pressed against his smiling mouth.
The limo driver's voice interrupted. “We're here, ma'am.”
A moan of frustrated desire left her throat. “No, that's good.” She scooted back enough to fasten the vest. “Once we're in our room, nothing will come between us.”
They left the driver to bring the bagbots.
NarrAy and Senth hurried into the marble-floored lobby, sparing barely a glance at the high ceilings, palm trees, and indoor waterfall.
Before they reached the front desk, however, a man called Senth by his first name.
She turned as he did to see a strikingly handsome blond striding toward them.
“Who the hell is he?” she whispered to Senth. And how soon can we get rid of him?
Senth grinned. “Khyff! What are you doing here?” The two performed a complicated slap and slide of fingers and hands before gripping each other by the wrist.
A head taller than Senth, and with a muscled body that molded his dark suit to a perfect fit, Khyff seemed genuinely pleased to be there.
“NarrAy,” Senth took her hand. “This is Khyff Antonello, my big brother.”
The one he'd told Encie about in the limo. A half-brother. And one hot man. Almost as gorgeous as his baby brother. She did not offer her hand, nor did Khyff extend his. Instead, he bowed in a sweet show of respect. He gave Senth's outfit a once over, but said nothing.
“What are you doing here?” Senth asked him.
“Saint-Cyr sent me. He gave me something for you.” Khyff's smile showed pearly white teeth as perfect as the rest of him. “Senth, you won't believe it. I'm free!”
Senth slapped him on the back, and Khyff flinched and then glared at him.
“Oh, man, bro, sorry!” Senth clenched his hands. “I forgot. Are you all right? I didn't mean to hurt you.”
“I'm fine. A little tender.” He rolled one shoulder, sparing a glance at NarrAy. “I'll tell you about it later. Right now, I just need to give you something from your master. He made me promise to hand it to you the minute I saw you.”
NarrAy folded her arms. This could take all night.
Khyff handed Senth a small box.
He opened it and stared in horror.
NarrAy took Senth's arm. “What is it, Tiger?”
He snapped the box shut and handed it to Khyff. “Take it back. How could you do this to me?”
His brother held the box in front of him. “I don't have a choice, Senth, and neither do you. I owe him my freedom.”
“I won't take that again.” Senth took a step away. “Not now. Not ever.”
Khyff's head lowered. “I'm sorry, Senth. Saint-Cyr's orders.”
“What's in that box, Khyff?” NarrAy drew Senth toward her, already knowing the answer but unwilling to admit it.
Khyff did not lift his eyes. “I'm sorry, ma'am. It's Shackle.”
Chapter Twelve
The Palms Hotel
Suite 1221
NarrAy inserted the tab of a credit bracelet into the delivery android's breastplate and keyed in the amount of his tip. When the door closed behind him, she shook her head.
“Everybody's got a union now. Is there anyone you don't have to tip?” She nudged Senth's bagbot with the toe of her heeled boot. “Maybe that's what's wrong with this guy. We didn't tip.”
Senth and his brother did not hear her. They entered the room ahead of her and faced off near the windows, two vigilant pagan deities—a blond god of war and a dark god of love—each pressing the other for supreme rights without a word spoken between them.
NarrAy sat down on the couch and unfastened her boots. “All right, guys, we're going to settle this my way, but first, I'm going to change clothes.” She arched her feet and pointed her toes skyward. “Oh, that's heavenly. Whoever made those boots should be shot.”
She aimed the remote at her bot. “You two men stay right here. I'll be half a minute.”
Inside her room, she let them argue while she threw off the skimpy outfit and pulled on a long-sleeved sweater and pants. The brothers were loud enough to hear just fine. They might not look alike, but their voices were so identical she could only tell who spoke because of context.
“I'm not spending the night in your room.” That was Senth. “How did he know I'd be here anyway? I didn't know myself until a few hours ago.”
Yes, how did the Harbinger know?
“What makes you think I had the right to question him? I don't know how he knew it. But he was right, wasn't he?”
Guess I wouldn't ask either. NarrAy shivered. She brushed her hair and began putting it up.
“I'm not leaving.”
“You don't have a choice. He said I'm supposed to keep you with me when you're not working.”
NarrAy fastened a comb in her hair.
“I'm not a child! The whole time I've been on this job everyone's treated me like an adult. They've respected my abilities, Khyff. No one's questioned my decisions or told me what to do or thought I couldn't take care of myself. I've been needed! And I've done what I'm supposed to do. This job isn't over, they need me, and I'm not leaving until it's complete.”
“I'm not telling you to leave. You just have to stay with me when you're not working.”
“Like hell I will!”
You tell him, Tiger. NarrAy slipped on flat shoes.
“You're too young to be here with her.”
She could picture Senth's outrage even before she heard the voice that went with it.
“Khyff, I do not need protecting, least of all by you!”
Silence. That must have hurt.
“I'd say protection is probably exactly what you need,” Khyff answered levelly. “How much older is she than you? Ten years? Fifteen?”
Ouch! More like seven, killjoy.
“What difference does her age make?”
That's right, my tiger.
“Her age isn't the point. The fact is she's old enough to know better than to seduce a slave. It's against the law.”
Senth's hearty chuckle made her smile.
“You're telling me, a professional thief, that I should worry about breaking the law?” Senth laughed again. “Maybe I want to be seduced, Khyff. Did you think of that?”
“Senth, don't do this. I know you want to stay with her, but she's a Better.”
“So?”
“You're not yourself, Sen. Did you already have sex with her? What has she done to you?”
“I'm on Shackle, remember? What the ffffftt do you think she did to me?”
Not as much as I'd have liked. NarrAy chuckled. But that's about to change.
“You're coming with me, Senth.”
“No. I am not leaving with you and that is final.”
“And I am not going back and tell that man I failed him!”
Poor Khyff. She wouldn't want to do that either.
Neither brother had so much as said the Harbinger's name, but his authority hung over the entire conversation.
“You didn't fail anyone.” The sympathy in Senth's tone sounded soothing. “Khyff, I haven't finished the job. He can't expect me to come back yet, and I don't care if you tell him that. I'll be facing him soon enough. I've always taken responsibility for my work. I don't need you to run interference between me and my own master. Stay out of it.”
Sounds like they've about got this settled. NarrAy went into the adjacent bathroom and set co
ntrols on the tub to fill it with water. She keyed in the temperature she preferred. Mmh, this tub was made for lovers. Look at the size of this thing.
She opened a vial of scented bubble bath and brought it to her nose. Ooh, this smells like Senth, all woodsy and masculine and warm. After checking the label to ensure it was pheromone-friendly and wouldn't interfere with vaginal lubrication, she poured in the entire contents.
In the bedroom, she picked up a note reader from her bagbot, grabbed a pair of earrings and opened the door. Inserting a pearl earring in one ear lobe, she strode into the room.
Khyff's reaction to her altered at once. Dressed like this, she became a woman instead of a sexy little creature chasing his baby brother.
“Sit down, gentlemen.” She fastened the other earring. “We're going to decide this like adults.”
“There is no decision to make,” Khyff said, seating himself on the couch. “I have authority to take Senth with me.”
“Any authority you might have is superseded by this.” She tossed Khyff the reader.
He caught it in one hand. “What's this?”
“His master's contract with me. It says Senth is my responsibility until the job is complete and I'm satisfied with his performance. And I am far from satisfied.” NarrAy set a hand on one hip. “Yet.”
Khyff lifted his chin and threw his shoulders back.
The look on your face is priceless, O Blond One. So was the expression on Senth's, but he had the good sense not to let Khyff see it.
The elder Antonello brother thumbed through a few screens before standing. “Very well, Ms. Jorlan. Senth, I'll expect to see you when you finish this job.”
“Sure, Khyff.”
“I don't want this to come between us, Senth.”
“No way it can, bro.”
Khyff picked up one of Senth's necklaces and smiled at him. It changed Khyff's entire demeanor, and she instantly warmed to him. “What's with all this, Sen? You trying to work my side of the street?”
Ah. NarrAy re-examined the god of war. God of lust and anger, more like. Trying to protect little brother from your own past? She gave his body a long, appraising look. I'll bet your master made a damn fortune with you
“I'll explain the outfit later.” Senth walked Khyff to the door.
NarrAy found the bar and poured them each a drink, handing one to Senth as he returned.
“You like whiskey?”
“Master never let me have alcohol.” He held the shot glass up to the light. “Not much in here.”
“It doesn't take much if it's good. Swallow it all at once.” She tossed hers down.
Senth's eyes watered as he drank his own. “Wow.” His voice came out a squeak.
Laughing, she took his glass and set it aside. She slid a finger across his lower lip, hooked her other arm around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.
“You taste yummy.”
He toyed with a necklace. “Thank you, mistress.”
“You were wonderful, my tiger. I'm proud of the way you stood up to him.” She placed her hands in his. “Now, it's time you and I had that talk about commitment.”
* * * *
The Palms Hotel
Front Desk
“Your bill has already been settled, Mr. Antonello.” The clerk slid a note reader toward Khyff. “If you'll sign here, please. We've enjoyed having you with us, sir. Your groundcar is waiting as ordered.”
“Thank you. Will you please see that the gentleman in Suite 1221 receives this envelope first thing in the morning?”
“Certainly, sir.” The clerk accepted it with a polite nod of the head.
As Khyff exited the hotel, the chauffeur bowed and held the car door for him.
Saint-Cyr's pampering is going to ruin me for real work, but I sure like it.
“Starport, Mr. Antonello?”
“Yes, please.” He lifted a hand as the driver began to close the door. Might as well get it over with and let the Harbinger know. “Is there a holophone on board?”
“Yes, sir, in the center console.”
When Khyff nodded, the door shut. He leaned back on the leather seat, enjoying the smell of the new vehicle. Stalkos had hired a car like this to send him to certain clients. He hadn't appreciated it then, too caught up in dreading what waited for him on arrival.
He forced his shoulders to relax and spread his hands on his thighs. Never have to go through that again.
When the car pulled onto the street, Khyff turned on the holophone and spoke the number Saint-Cyr had made him memorize. A few minutes later, the Harbinger appeared on the seat across from him in holographic form. They might as well have been in the same room.
“So, Senthys refused the Shackle, did he?”
“As you predicted, sir. But I argued with him, the way you instructed.”
“Good lad.” Saint-Cyr's teeth showed in what Khyff was learning was a grin. “And he wouldn't agree to stay with you.”
“No, sir, and Ms. Jorlan cited contract terms and said she wasn't yet satisfied.”
“Did she now? I'm impressed. What did your brother have to say for himself?”
“Senth said I could tell you whatever I liked, because when he returned he knew he'd face you anyway, and he was determined to accept responsibility for his actions.”
“Excellent. The boy's become a man.”
“Sir, I realize it's not my place to ask questions, so please tell me if it's inappropriate to worry about my brother over this.”
“I can see why you were so popular at Stalkos' place, Khyffen. You know when to shut up and you don't talk back.” The Harbinger made a wave of dismissal. “Fact is, my young Senthys is ready to take wing. He's been scratching at the nest for months, especially since you came into his life. The way he took on the task of seeing to your freedom…” He shook his head. “I told him if he pulled off this job successfully, as his payment I'd buy out your contract and free you when he returned.”
Khyff had thought he could no longer be shocked. He was wrong.
“And then Stalkos made a handy idiot of himself and your freedom came with little help from me. Not that I wasn't prepared to do whatever I had to in order to get you out of there, Khyffen. I've been impressed with you since the day we met.”
He found his voice. “Thank you, sir.”
“So, as I said, I owe your brother, and he deserves a bit of trust on my part.”
“Sir, he's alone with Ms. Jorlan. What if…”
“Ah, 'what if' indeed, Khyffen. I have no doubt about the likelihood of that 'what if' happening tonight.” He smiled. “Don't worry about your brother. He's in good hands. You just come home, Son.”
The familial term tugged a smile onto Khyff's mouth. He liked the way it felt there. “Yes, sir.” He reached for the disconnect. “On my way.”
* * * *
The Palms Hotel
Suite 1221
In the bedroom, NarrAy sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Senth down alongside her. “Can you believe it, Tiger? Alone at last.”
“Thank you for pulling rank on Khyff like that.”
“Couldn't let you get away from me that easily, now, could I?” When he smiled, she curled the fingers of one hand between his and caressed the back of it with her other one. Her fingertips walked up his wrist, across a wide leather bracer with three buckles. “We really dressed you up for this part, didn't we?” She slid a finger along one necklace.
“It was fun.” He cupped the beringed fingers of his free hand around hers. The chains and bangles at his wrist glinted. “You wouldn't believe the jealous stares I got from men at the starport.”
“You liked that?”
He drew her hand to his lips and pressed her palm against them. “I liked the fact that they knew I was yours.”
“Oh, Senth! That is the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me.” She studied his hands, reining in her emotions, refusing to let them trigger her pheromones. Have to cool down. Have to talk to him. Control yours
elf, NarrAy. Breathe. She inhaled deeply, keeping her attention on his hands. “You have beautiful hands, Senth. You could model.”
He touched her chin, bringing her gaze to his. The cat-like irises had widened. “Everything about you is beautiful, NarrAy.”
She felt herself losing control—wanted to lose it—wanted to let her body make decisions for her. So much easier to let her pheromones do the thinking.
No. She stiffened her back and let go of his hand. This is too important. He is too important.
“What is it?” He leaned a hand on the bed.
“Senth, so far, I've been the one in charge in this relationship. However I've wanted it is how you've had to give it.”
“We agreed on that when you hired me, NarrAy. You were in charge.”
“Professionally, yes.” She dipped her head in admission. “And I also had other things in mind from the moment I saw you. Which you've discovered.”
“Yes.” Senth made a purring growl that sent a shiver of excitement over her. “I have no problem with that, either.” He leaned over to set his nose against her cheek, and nudged her like a kitten wanting to be petted. “I like it.”
Her heart raced. Another touch and she'd crest. Oh, god.
“Senth.” She positioned herself facing him, one leg folded beneath her. “Up to now, that's been all right. I enjoyed playing with you. But now…”
“Oh.” He drew back. “I see. I thought you wanted me.” He started to rise.
“No! I mean, yes. Yes, I do. I want you.” She dared a touch on his arm, where his skin was covered. Less risk of bonding, of throwing her over the edge of control.
His wounded look faded. “You're not through with me then?”
“No, Senth, I never want to be through with you. You asked me if I wanted to wait two years for you.” NarrAy set a hand over her heart to keep herself from touching him. “I want you to know that I will.”
His expression went from confused to pleased to worried. “We don't have to wait that long for … this.” He gestured between them. “Un—unless you want to.”
She swallowed, forced herself to take a breath. “Not unless you do, Senth. I want you to be ready.”
At the Mercy of Her Pleasure Page 11