heartofthebetrayed_195-8e3.htm

by Heart Of The Betrayed (lit)

  "Your cheeks feel hot," a sleepy voice remarked above her and her head snapped up quickly.

  Wide hazel eyes met warm grey.

  "Did you sleep well, lass?"

  Closing her eyes, she groaned.

  Immediately he shifted. "Are you in pain? I’ll get you something--"

  "Don’t move!"

  "I can’t help you in bed."

  "That’s the problem."

  "‘Tis? Oh." A sudden grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Now I understand. There’s no need to be embarrassed, my sweet."

  Somehow she had to move away from him while maintaining dignity. The hard body was doing strange things to her, little sparks igniting where they touched. Which seemed to be everywhere.

  She tried to edge back, but a sharp pain rocketed up from her ankle, and what felt like a million and one aches started to throb throughout her body, causing her to stiffen.

  "Easy, lass." The arm beneath her drew her closer once more, nestling her securely against his side again. "Relax and the pain will ease."

  Relax? He had to be joking.

  "You’re as stiff as a board."

  How could she not be?

  "But not as stiff as a certain part of me is." Laughter edged the deep voice.

  "Damn it!" She tried to push back. "Ouch!"

  His arm tightened. "Sorry, lass. That was stupid of me. I won’t tease you while you’re unwell."

  "What are you doing in this bunk with me?" Clutching the cover to her breasts, she painfully propped herself up on one elbow to gaze down into his shadowed face.

  "I needed a rest and ‘tis my bunk."

  "You never said we were going to share it!"

  "A pleasant surprise for you, aye?"

  Clenching her teeth, she immediately felt the tenderness in her jaw. Before she could say anything else, a large hand cupped the back of her head and drew her firmly back down to his shoulder.

  "‘Tis the middle of the night, lass. Close your eyes and go back to sleep."

  Though too sore to struggle, the feel of his skin against her nakedness was disturbing. "Garret, I can’t stay here with you."

  "Hmm? Why?"

  "Because I’m... I’m... undressed."

  "‘Tis not a problem for me."

  "‘Tis a problem for me--"

  "Only if you let it be. Lass, you’re injured. I’m not desperate enough to jump you now. Besides, I can’t really see you."

  Now she felt stupid.

  "My concern is keeping you comfortable while you heal. You are comfortable, aren’t you?"

  "Well, yes, but--"

  "Then why spoil a good thing? Go back to sleep."

  "You don’t underst--"

  "Sleep. Unless you want me awake?"

  "No!" The answer was swift.

  There was a rumble of amusement. "Goodnight, wench."

  His heavy hand slid from her head to her shoulder and silence fell once more.

  Stiffly Dana lay against him. How could she sleep, pressed so intimately to him? Yet he held her like a child, offering comfort without caress. When his breathing deepened, she realized that he’d fallen asleep and tentatively tried to pull back.

  Even in sleep his arm tightened.

  Unless she wanted to awaken him, she’d have to give in--this time. With a sigh, she lay still. Gradually his warmth seeped into her. Half asleep, she had to admit that it was very comfortable, lying in his arms. The hard swells seemed to fit so nicely into her softer curves, and she almost fancied that her aches didn’t seem so bad.

  Closing her eyes, she drifted back to sleep.

  ~ * ~

  Diago watched the big captain stride down the ramp of the Daamen trading ship.

  Garret nodded to him. "Rominac has seen you?"

  "Yes. He says that Dana was injured fighting a mutant. Is this so?"

  "Aye."

  "Badly?"

  "She’ll recover."

  "I wish to see her. May I?"

  "‘Tis up to Dana, not I."

  "Of course. I’m not used to women having a say."

  Garret’s eyes hardened. "Slavery gives people rights over others that should never be allowed."

  "I take it you don’t agree with it."

  "Daamens and slavery don’t go hand in hand. Every person has the right to be a free being."

  "Diago doesn’t think so," a husky voice stated.

  The Northlander looked up into the cargo hold. "Dana."

  Turning around, Garret saw her limping painfully but determinedly through the hold. Hurrying up the ramp, he stopped beside her and slid one arm around her waist.

  Guessing his intent, she said lowly, "Don’t shame me before him. Give me your arm."

  "‘Tis no shame. Your ankle--"

  "I’ll face him standing or not at all. I am a Reeka warrior."

  "This is against my better judgment but..."

  Watching his daughter descending the ramp on the arm of the giant, Diago saw the sun shine down on the blonde hair and thought how like her mother she was. A beautiful woman wearing warrior’s clothes with pride.

  "So, Diago." She halted a full ten feet from him. "You have your son."

  "I thank you." His gaze swept over the grazes, bruises and dressings. "For everything."

  "There’s no need. I didn’t do it for you, remember?"

  "I understand, but thank you nevertheless."

  Her tension was clearly communicated to Garret through the arm resting on his. Looking at the impassive face of the father, he wondered that he didn’t gather his injured daughter into his arms. God knew, if ‘twas my daughter, I would. But then, he wouldn’t send his daughter into such danger, or have deserted her in the first place, regardless of the circumstances.

  "Rominac wishes to spend the day with you," Diago continued. "He would wish more time, but I doubt you will agree to stay with us."

  "And I doubt you’ll want me to."

  "You’re wrong. If you wish to stay, you may."

  "As a slave or free woman?"

  A frown creased his brow. "You would ask such a thing of me, your father?"

  "Why not? And as for being my father, you gave up that right fifteen years ago."

  The lines around his mouth went white.

  Lifting her chin, Dana asked the question that had burned in her heart without relief. "You left us, Diago. You walked away and left us to the mercy of the bounty hunters and soldiers. Why?"

  "Those were hard times."

  "Hard times? They were harder once you left. Did you know that Mother died of a broken heart? Every night she cried for you, even though you weren’t worth it. I still wake up some nights, thinking I hear her calling your name."

  His face paled but remained set. "I can’t regret what I did, Dana. If I hadn’t left, Rominac would have died as well as I. Would you rather I had stayed and seen us both die?"

  "I would rather you had loved Mother enough to trust her!"

  The slender hand on his arm was trembling. With all his heart Garret wished he could stop the conversation that was causing her such distress, but she had a right to question her father, to know the truth.

  And the truth, it seemed, was painful.

  Trying to convey his support, he covered her trembling hand with his much larger one. It was all he could do.

  Standing straight, Diago met her accusing eyes steadily. "Males were dying. The females lived. Evidence pointed to the Reekas subtly murdering the males. I did what I believed was best. I saved my son and myself."

  Father and daughter stared at each other then she asked in a low voice, "Why didn’t you take me? Why did you leave me?"

  "Because you were your mother’s daughter. You look like she did, you were everything she was."

  "I was a six-year-old child."

  The words tore at Garret’s heart. How could any man leave his child?

  "You were a Reeka warrior, child or not." Diago’s gaze sharpened. "Do you wish I had taken you?"

  Her chin lifted
proudly. "No. I fought beside those who truly cared for me. I am Reeka. I am a survivor. I am what I am." Turning to Garret, she met his concerned gaze. "If you would assist me, I’ll await Rominac inside. I’ve finished with everything here."

  The meaning of the words was clear. There was nothing for her in Northland.

  Diago’s eyes never wavered beneath the scorching glare of the giant trader who helped his daughter up the ramp and into the shadows of the cargo hold. Turning, he walked away, his head held high.

  Once on the platform, Garret swept Dana up into his arms.

  "I can stand," she said automatically.

  "You shouldn’t have any weight on that ankle." When she remained silent, he added, "Lass, I’m so sorry for what happened."

  "Isn’t that odd?" She gave a small, harsh laugh. "Always it is you who apologizes, yet you have done naught to be sorry about."

  "Do you want to talk about it?"

  "There’s nothing to talk about."

  The lift shuddered to a stop.

  "It’s about time you repaired this broken down heap."

  It was obvious she had pushed the unpleasant conversation with her father aside, to the same place as unpleasant memories. Still, ‘twas a long trip home to Daamen. There was time to talk later. "I’m insulted, wench. This ship is my pride and joy."

  "That’s about all it is. You can put me down now."

  "I will. In your cabin."

  "I want to sit in the dining cabin."

  "Your wish is my command."

  "Since when?"

  "Tsk. Always." He set her down in an armchair. "I’ll keep you company--"

  "No need, I’m here." Entering the cabin, Rominac crossed quickly to her side and knelt down on one knee beside the chair. "Should you be up? These wounds--"

  "Don’t fuss, I’m fine." Disconcerted by the show of concern, Dana shifted restlessly.

  He wasn’t the least offended. Amused, he grinned. "You have not changed, that I can remember. Always you were prickly!"

  "Then she hasn’t changed at all." Garret laughed. "I will leave you two to become reacquainted."

  Alone with her brother, all she could do was look at him, trying to picture the little boy who used to follow her around, dragging a wooden sword behind him.

  "Have I changed so much?" he asked quietly.

  "You are a bit taller."

  "You’ve filled out, too, from the skinny girl you were."

  "I was never skinny!"

  "Gawky."

  "Your bad habit of teasing has remained, I see."

  "I’d wager you’re still bad-tempered."

  "Troll!"

  "Witch!"

  The childhood nicknames fell unbidden from their lips, surprising them.

  Hesitantly, Dana reached out to touch her brother but stopped, uncertain.

  His reaction was sure, taking her hand and squeezing it tenderly. "As a child you always took care of me, sister, and once again you came to my rescue. How can I thank you?"

  "It was Diago who sent for me or I would never have known of your plight."

  "You came, that is all that matters."

  "Are you truly happy to see me?"

  "How could I not be? You’re my sister, my blood kin. I have never forgotten you."

  "Nor I, you. All these years I wondered about you, but never knew where Diago had taken you."

  Sadness filled his eyes. "I knew what happened to the Reeka males, but until three years ago, I never knew that you were even alive. When the Reekas were pardoned, the lies exposed, I was so furious to have missed all those years with you and...Mother."

  "Yet you didn’t seek me out."

  "You’re branded a man-hater, Dana. I admit I was hesitant to look for you. That and the fact that Father wouldn’t allow me to leave."

  "You respect his wishes."

  His laugh was slightly bitter. "Not always, but unless you haven’t noticed, spaceships are rare on this part of the planet. Travelers don’t come for fear of being enslaved if they land on the wrong side. Opportunity to leave is rarely available. Plus, I have also been a biddable son until recently."

  "Then come with me. Now."

  "Do you think I haven’t thought about it?"

  "Act now."

  "I can’t, as much as I’d like to. There is something here I must do first." He smiled. "But I thank you with all my heart."

  Seeing the shadows in his eyes, she said, "If there is a problem, Rominac, I can help you."

  "No, this is something only I can do. The last few weeks have taught me that life and love have risks worth taking. When I have found--finished what I must do, then I will contact you."

  For several seconds she studied him before nodding. "Very well, if that’s what you choose.

  But know this." She leaned forward, "If you need me, I’ll come."

  "I know."

  They smiled at each other, a new bond starting to form between them.

  "Now then." Rominac shifted to sit down in the chair opposite. "Tell me of your exciting life, and I will tell you of my exceedingly boring one."

  The rest of the day passed pleasantly and it was with reluctance that he announced that he had to go, and would see her in the morning.

  Dana looked at Garret. "Are you leaving before then?"

  "There’s no hurry, lass. We can spend a little more time here."

  "Excellent." Rominac smiled. "You will all join me for the evening meal?"

  She stilled. "In your home?"

  "Of course."

  "Will Diago be there?"

  "It’s his home, too."

  Garret watched Dana’s face grow darker.

  "No."

  "Sister--"

  "Not with him there."

  "I understand your feelings, but how can we come to know each other if you won’t see some of my world?"

  "I don’t like what I’ve already seen."

  "Your friends are invited, of course. You won’t be alone."

  "I never was alone. I have my sister warriors, my Daamen friends and now you."

  Garret wondered if she even knew that she’d included him in her gesture.

  "But you’ll never visit me once you leave here, will you?" Rominac’s gaze was steady.

  "What do you mean? Of course I shall."

  "How? If you won’t even come to my home to share my food, how will you bring yourself to visit me? We can’t meet forever in a spacecraft on the outskirts of the city."

  Frowning, she folded her arms. "Don’t ask me."

  Rominac looked at Garret.

  Garret felt a twinge of sympathy. "Lass--"

  "No, and that’s final!"

  Her brother sighed. "I must go and get into my own clothes. I will see you later." He gave her a brief hug.

  "I look forward to it." She returned the embrace more fiercely.

  Garret walked with him to the door.

  "Rominac?" Dana reached out with one hand.

  "Yes?" Hopefully, he turned toward her.

  "I... nothing. Have a rest, you need it."

  Garret didn’t miss the longing in her eyes.

  ~ * ~

  The platform lift rattled to a halt in the cargo hold before Rominac broke the silence. "She hates Father very much."

  "He hurt her badly."

  "I know, but how long will she refuse to see him? She has to come here to see me."

  "Your sister has a right to feel as she does."

  Rominac paused near the ramp and looked around at his home city. "I want her to know me completely, to see me in my surroundings. She’ll never truly know me until she does."

  "Why is this so important to you? Apart from the obvious, that she’s your blood kin."

  Hazel eyes, so eerily familiar, met Garret’s frankly. "I’m a Northlander, an owner--supposedly--of female slaves for my pleasure. She needs to see me as a person, in my own world and surrounded by my customs. How can she accept me completely when she has preconceived ideas about me?"

 
"Are you saying she is wrong?" Garret asked curiously.

  "I’m saying that we’re all different. Would she still love me if she knew me more? Or will I be just another Northlander, only to be loved away from my country?"

  Stroking his chin, Garret looked keenly at him. "I see where you’re coming from. I’ll talk to her."

  The younger man’s face brightened. "I’ll see you at the evening meal."

  "Wait a minute. I know Dana and I can’t make any promises."

  "Something less threatening first, then. Sightseeing! A walk--"

  "On the lass’s ankle?"

  "On horseback. Around the city. She can see--"

  "Whoa, lad. Aren’t you getting beyond yourself? I’ve said I’ll talk to the lass. That’s not to say she’ll listen."

  "She’ll listen to you above anyone else." Rominac flashed a quick grin. "I’ll see you later, say, two hours before sundown?"

  Garret laughed. "Such faith. Turn up and we’ll see what happens." He sobered. "But don’t get your hopes up. Dana is strong in her views and not easily swayed."

  "So I’m learning. Good luck, Garret."

  "I’ll need it."

  "I’ll say you will," Jase said dryly, coming up to stand beside his friend as he watched the Northlander walk away. "Convince Dana to go into the city, much less sit with her father at the same table? An impossible mission."

  "Mayhaps you should do it for me."

  "I’ll decline that particular duty, thank you. After all, that’s your domain."

  "My domain?"

  "Dana’s your wench, Garret."

  "That obvious?"

  "Of course. I think everyone but the lass herself can see that."

  "Hmm. Well, at least no other man will attempt to get friendly with her."

  Jase started laughing. "They’ve never been brave enough in the past, and trust me, they won’t be in the future, either!"

  Garret grinned. "She’s a feisty wench, all right."

  "And I can’t wait to see how feisty she becomes when you broach the subject of touring this lovely city."

  "Your loyalty and concern touch me."

  ~ * ~

  Entering the dining cabin, he saw Dana staring out of the porthole to the city beyond the window. Wondering how to start, he poured a glass of water and eyed her.

  "You’ve something to say?" she asked without turning around to face him.

  "Your brother is more happy than you can imagine, having found you again."