heartofthebetrayed_195-8e3.htm

by Heart Of The Betrayed (lit)

  "What the hell--"

  Two Daamens walked into his cabin and with a groan he recognized them.

  "Come on, ‘tis time to get to work." Darvk dropped down into the chair. "We’re here to fix the engines. Aamun is down there now with Red and Heddam."

  Sitting up in the bunk, Garret squinted across the cabin at his dark-haired friend. "What the hell are you doing here?"

  "Red sent a call to Daamen for assistance after you’d been forced to shut the engines down, so here we are."

  "How did you get here so fast?"

  "We were on our way back from a visit to the Reeka settlement on Comll, six hours away. We arrived, attached the tunnel to the docking bay, boarded and saved you." Maverk grinned, his brown eyes twinkling.

  "From what?"

  "The lasses."

  "Reya and Tenia are here?" If they sided with their cousin, he’d have a hell of a time getting Dana alone for a talk. Damn it!

  "Were. They continued home on my ship," Darvk grinned.

  A sense of foreboding filled him. "They’re gone?"

  "With Dana."

  "Shit!" Flinging back the covers, Garret reached for his pants. "How long ago? Call them back!"

  Flicking a strand of long, blond hair back over his broad shoulder, Maverk grinned wider. "No use, friend. Those lasses stick together. Besides, Tenia finds that travel doesn’t agree with her at the moment, and is anxious to return home."

  Proudly, Darvk puffed out his massive chest. "She carries our second babe."

  Now why didn’t that surprise him? "Order them back."

  Maverk laughed outright. "Order those two? Are you out of your mind? The last time I tried to order Reya to do anything, I had to sleep on the sofa. Near on killed me!"

  "Besides," Darvk eyed his friend closely. "What is the problem with her going to Daamen without you?"

  "We have unfinished business."

  "Oh?"

  "Private business."

  "Oh."

  "Personal business."

  "I see."

  "Damn it all to hell, she’s bloody stubborn!"

  "Know exactly how you feel, don’t we, Maverk?"

  "Oh, aye. We’re wed to Reeka warriors. We know what she’s putting you through!"

  "Went through the same before we wedded and bedded them." Darvk nodded in fond remembrance.

  "I can’t see that Dana will be tamed like that." Garret shook his head.

  "Who said Reya and Tenia were tamed?" Maverk guffawed. "You can’t tame a Reeka!"

  "Then how the hell do you live with them?"

  "With the greatest of pleasure."

  Garret threw his hands into the air.

  "Nay, seriously, takes much patience and give and take."

  "Aye." Darvk nodded. "They think we’re overbearing and we think they’re too stubborn. But love has a way of making us work at our marriages. ‘Tis much give and take on both sides, and we talk out our problems."

  "The best part is making up after a battle of wills." Maverk smirked.

  "Oh, aye," Darvk agreed dreamily.

  "I should have known better than to ask you two for advice." Annoyed, Garret stamped on his boots.

  His friends sobered immediately.

  "Exactly what advice are you seeking?" Darvk queried.

  "Aye, we’ll help if we can." Folding his arms across his chest, Maverk raised his brows questioningly.

  Garret shrugged into his vest then took a deep breath. "I love Dana, but she refuses to let me get close enough to show her."

  "Oh." Darvk scratched his head thoughtfully. "That ‘tis a bit of a problem."

  "That’s really helpful, friend. Thank you."

  "Don’t get uptight. Now, what have you done to show her your love?"

  "I’ve been there for her whether she wanted it or not, for her own good."

  "I bet that went down well."

  "I’ve tended her injuries."

  "Good start."

  "Anything else?" Maverk asked interestedly. "How about physically?"

  His cheeks flushed slightly. "Both times were a struggle to start and a bad ending." He rubbed his jaw reflectively.

  "Ah. Well, what about the in between?"

  "Magic. Thought the lass was going to set me afire with her passion. Damn, she’s a hot little... er, never mind. Is all this probing leading somewhere?"

  "Anything else?"

  "What more could there be? Oh, aye, I’ve tried tiptoeing around her, being all helpful and polite, and when that didn’t work, I decided that a more aggressive approach--"

  Maverk’s eyes widened. "Aggressive? With that hellcat? What were you thinking?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "Didn’t you do more?"

  "What else could I do?"

  "Did you tell her you love her?"

  "She knows I want her--"

  "But did you tell her?"

  "Nay." He slumped back onto the bunk. "I guess I should have."

  "It would have been a flying start," Darvk said. "I suggest that when we get back to Daamen, you find her and tell her how you feel."

  "She’ll laugh in my face, or kill me, I’m not sure which."

  "It might help if you stopped going to such extremes."

  "What extremes?"

  "Passive one minute, aggressive the next. Garret, you have to get Dana alone, tell her you love her, and be prepared to work things out between you."

  Glumly, he looked at his friends. "What if she doesn’t love me?"

  Darvk glanced at Maverk then replied, "You’ll know whether you’re wasting your time or not but..."

  "But what?"

  "I think she does have feelings for you."

  "Aye," Maverk agreed. "She responded to your kisses, didn’t she? If she truly didn’t like you, there’s no way you could have awakened any passion inside her. And she would have hurt you a hell of a lot worse than she obviously did."

  "How do you know that?"

  "You’re still alive." He grinned.

  "So, that’s our advice," Darvk said. "What do you say?"

  For several seconds Garret stared down at the floor between his boots, then he stood up decisively. "Let’s get this engine fixed."

  Both friends raised their brows.

  "I have a message to deliver to my lass."

  "You learn fast." Darvk nodded approvingly.

  ~ * ~

  "You are going to have to stop running."

  "Reya, I didn’t run." Dana frowned.

  Untangling her long golden plait from her son’s chubby fist, Tenia said dryly, "You were out of Garret’s ship before we were, and you never thanked him for tending your injuries."

  "I never asked him to in the first place."

  "Don’t be so ungrateful."

  "I am not ungrateful!"

  "Don’t snipe at me, cousin. Here, hold Vulya. That might sweeten your tartness."

  Reya leaned back in the chair. "It’s about time you sorted out this problem with Garret."

  "I don’t have a problem." Dana scowled.

  "You’re downright nasty to him at times. It’s uncalled for."

  "How can you say that after the way you treated Maverk before you were wed?"

  "Different circumstances."

  "Huh!"

  "We cleared up our problems. It’s well past time you did the same."

  "If I’d wanted a lecture--"

  "Sit down."

  "Damn it, Reya--"

  "As leader of the Reeka warriors, Dana, I am telling you to sit down and listen."

  Disgruntled, she did as bidden, and glared at the warrior with the coldly composed, beautiful face framed with wild red-gold curls. "It’s not fair that you pull rank."

  "I do it when necessary. Now tell me what upsets you so much about him."

  Mutinously she folded her arms, only to start squirming beneath the glacier green gaze. "Oh, very well! He annoys me!"

  "Why?"

  "You make me feel like a child!"

&n
bsp; "Then stop acting like one."

  Her mouth fell open and a choked laugh came from Tenia.

  Calmly, Reya continued. "He’s interested in you and I suspect that frightens you. Why?"

  "He doesn’t--"

  "Answer me."

  Damn it all to hell and back. "I don’t trust him."

  "What has he done to deserve this?"

  "He’s a male--"

  "That excuse can no longer apply to us. These males proved our greatest and most loyal allies."

  "I think the problem runs deeper," Tenia spoke up decidedly.

  Dana met her violet gaze unwillingly. "That’s not so. What problem would that be?"

  "Your fear of involvement with men. A legacy from fifteen years ago."

  She paled. "What if it is?"

  "It will destroy any chance you have of happiness, cousin. You must face up to it."

  "I have faced up to it. It happened, it’s over."

  "Be truthful. If it had never happened, would you refuse Garret’s offers of friendship?"

  "It’s not friendship he offers!"

  "Oh?" Interest sparked in Tenia’s eyes and Dana groaned. "Exactly what is he offering?"

  "Nothing."

  "Do you return these feelings?"

  "How could I? Don’t be ridiculous."

  "Has he kissed you?"

  "Look at those red cheeks, Tenia. Of course he has." A speculative look entered Reya’s eyes. Did you return the kiss?"

  She’d almost been on fire, burning with need...

  "Oh, yes, you are crimson." Reya leaned forward to fix her cousin with a stern gaze. "I refuse to allow you to destroy your life and his. When we arrive on Daamen, you and Garret are going to talk."

  "Somewhere private." Her sister’s eyes brightened. "The river cottage. It’s half a day’s journey from the settlement."

  "Why there?" Dana asked tightly.

  "If you two end up yelling at each other, no one will hear."

  "Don’t make me do this, Reya."

  One fine, dark brow arched. "You’ll go and work this out once and for all. For your sake and his."

  Muttering beneath her breath, Dana gave up arguing.

  ~ * ~

  When Garret landed on Daamen, he went straight to Darvk and Tenia’s home and was informed of Dana’s whereabouts. He wasted no time in borrowing a travel disc and heading out there immediately.

  Anxiety gnawed at him. This was it, the final confrontation. No seducing, no aggression, no tiptoeing around the issue. Would he lose her once and for all?

  When the river cottage came into sight, he saw that it was aptly named, for the small three-roomed, stone dwelling was built not far from the river, set against a beautiful backdrop of emerald green grass, wildflowers and tall, shady trees. Day flyers chirped in the treetops and butterflies fluttered amongst the blossoms. His eyes caught movement further back, and his heart picked up pace as he observed Dana walking out of the forest. He hadn’t seen her for a week. It felt like a year.

  She hadn’t seen him, so he stepped down off the travel disc, leaned it against the cottage wall and started walking towards her. He knew the minute she saw him, for her step faltered before resuming it’s normal lithe rhythm.

  He was drawing closer, gaze trained on her, and she swallowed nervously. The time had come to face him. To give him reasons. For the first time in her life she felt like taking the cowards way out--even though it didn’t sit well with her.

  According to Reya, she’d done that long enough and it was time to stop. Damn it.

  They met in the middle of the clearing.

  "Hello, Dana."

  "I’m under orders to talk to you."

  "I’m here of my own free will. If you’re not, then mayhaps this is not such a good idea."

  "No, wait. I’m sorry. We need to talk."

  Turning back to face her, he said softly, "Nay, ‘tis I who must apologize. I should never have forced my attentions on you."

  Was he going to tell her he was giving up? Her heart dropped when it should have been leaping with joy. "You’re going?"

  "Hear me out, for this is something I should have said a long time ago. Dana, I love you."

  She stared up at him. He loved her? After all she’d said to him, the harsh words and sarcastic comments, he had still fallen in love with her? It wasn’t just lust? "Why? Why me?"

  "Because you are... you. Dare I hope you return my feelings even a little?"

  Of everything she’d expected from this meeting, it wasn’t this. Where was the anger at her leaving him? She could have dealt with that, clipped her reasons out for ending any chance of friendship, and walked off quite satisfied. Liar. She’d have cried once alone.

  As she cried now in front of him.

  Tears filled her eyes and it was difficult to talk past the lump in her throat. "Oh, Garret, no." Clapping one hand over her mouth, she turned her back to him to stare through blurred vision at the line of trees.

  Of all the reactions he’d expected, this wasn’t one of them. Anger--possibly. Laughter--possibly. A favorable response--hopefully. But tears?

  Laying hands on her slender shoulders, he drew her back against him. "My love, what is wrong?"

  The warmth at her back seeped into her body. It was his warmth she’d missed this last week. The warmth of his eyes, the warmth of his hands, and the warmth of his laughter. The deep voice, and yes, even his protectiveness. And teasing.

  "Oh, God," she moaned softly, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Of anything you could have said, why that?"

  "Come on, sweetheart." He cradled her in the circle of his arms. "Is it so distressing that I love you?"

  "No," she sobbed. "It’s that I love you--"

  Wildly, his heart leaped in his chest at the words he’d dreamed of hearing.

  "--but it can’t be!"

  "There’s naught to be scared of. I’m with you."

  "That’s the problem. For how long?"

  "Forever."

  "That’s what my father promised my mother," she choked out sadly. "And he left us when we needed him the most!"

  That one sentence brought everything into sharp focus. Her avoidance of friendship with men, the nasty words to keep them at a distance. Her rudeness. It all made sense now.

  "Ah, lass." Laying his cheek against hers, he felt the dampness of her tears. "I would never do that. Trust me."

  "You don’t understand." Pulling out of the safe haven of his arms, she took several steps away, trying to regain control of her emotions.

  He stayed where he was, watching her.

  Wiping her cheeks with her palms, she took several shuddering breaths. "I idolized my father. He made us laugh, took me gathering flowers and attending the farm animals. He played with us and at night... at night, after the evening meal, he would spend time with us all, talking, gazing at my mother with such love. He was her life, Garret, her whole life. When he left, he took her heart. He betrayed us. He betrayed us all. I can’t go through that again!"

  "You won’t have to, for upon my soul, Dana, I swear to you, I will never betray you. Never break your heart."

  "You say that now. It’s so easy." Turning around, she whispered, "What if I was still an outlaw?"

  "I would still love you."

  "What if I did something wrong and was branded an outlaw again?"

  "I’d live with you in the Outlaw Sector."

  He was serious. He really believes what he says, she thought sadly. "I can’t give my trust to you."

  "Because you’re scared. I understand." He stepped forward to stand directly before her, making her look up at him. "I have a solution to this. Instead of rushing headlong into hasty decisions, why don’t we spend some time together?"

  "Together?" She started to shake her head. "It won’t work, it--"

  "Wait." Taking her hand in a gentle hold, Garret was gratified when she didn’t pull away. ‘Twas a good sign. "We need to get to know each other, lass. Likes and dislikes. Beliefs. We’ve
never had the time to do so. To be friends."

  "Garret..."

  "One week, lass, mayhaps two. Just to do simple things. Walking, fishing, talking, whatever. Is that so much to ask?"

  She sighed.

  "Two weeks out of a lifetime. ‘Tis not so much. And if you decide, after that, that there is no future for us, well..."

  "Well?" she repeated softly.

  "I will accept your decision."

  "You will?"

  "Aye." The promise pained him but he gave it willingly for the chance to prove himself. "We will be just friends and nothing more."

  She was undecided. Her head told her no, do not take his offer. It’ll only make things harder at the end of the time. Her heart said yes, take his offer. Just do it.

  "Please."

  It was that simple word that tilted the balance of her decision.

  "I’ll even promise to be on my best behavior." A tiny smile curled the corners of his lips.

  It tugged at her heartstrings, so newly exposed, and the balance tipped. "Very well."

  The tiny smile grew.

  "On one condition."

  "Name it."

  "Be yourself. Totally."

  The smile disappeared.

  "If I’m to truly know you, then I need to know all of you. No best behavior, no false pretenses."

  "My humor angers you, lass. What chance have I if you’re constantly annoyed with me?"

  "My sister warriors have humors that annoy me at times. It doesn’t change how I feel about them. Be yourself, Garret." Straightening her shoulders, she lifted her chin and added, "Or don’t you trust me to have some common sense?"

  "I fear the outcome, I confess."

  "Then we both have fears. I can’t trust what I suspect is false."

  He studied her intently then nodded. "As you wish. ‘Tis a deal." He squeezed her hand. "As long as the same goes for you."

  "You’ll be disappointed, trader. I’m naturally sarcastic."

  "I’ll sweeten you up."

  His automatic reply hung in the air between them. He couldn’t help it, he held his breath.

  Releasing his hand, she stepped past him and started for the cottage. "You can sleep on the sofa, it’s wide and large enough."

  Realizing that she was more comfortable talking about everyday things, he matched his stride to hers. "I’m famished right now. I trust there is ample food here? I didn’t think to bring any."

  "There’s fruit."

  He pulled a face. "No meat? Bread?"