Looking at Tori’s face, he frowned. Reid loved the closeness of his family, but sometimes he really wanted to wring all of their meddling necks. Growling, he said, “You’re just loving this, aren’t you?”
She smirked, but said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Liar,” he grumbled, though he smiled slightly to lighten the words. “I gave Quinn a hard time about the two of you when you were … doing whatever it is you two did.”
“You did?” Tori asked in surprise. “Quinn never told me that.”
“Oh, well, I’m fine with you now,” Reid said, flashing an irresistible grin.
“Gee, thanks.” Tori laughed. “How is it you are so smooth with the ladies?”
Reid’s face fell. He glanced at where Jasmine had disappeared.
“I wanted to talk to you about Jasmine’s pills,” Tori said. “They’re not what she thinks they are.”
Reid tensed. Tori slowly walked toward the railing, urging Reid to follow her to where they could look over the city. “What are they?”
“It’s hard to explain. You know nef, right,” Tori said, “and how it makes a Var man feel when you take it.”
“It calms us, or rather our sexual aggression and needs,” Reid answered, nodding. “You’re saying she’s taking nef?”
“Not exactly.” Tori took a deep breath. “This stuff is like nef times five hundred. Not only has she not been able to feel pleasure, she hasn’t felt pure joy or even happiness. It’s like her emotions were purposefully kept in a catatonic state for the last four years.”
“Why would…?” Reid shook his head. Why would anyone give her that and then lie to her and tell her she was frigid?
“I don’t know. But since she was asleep for so long, she hasn’t been taking them. My guess is her emotions are waking up and are going to be pretty frazzled until she gets a handle on them. Think of it as an imprisoned child seeing the outside world for the first time. Whatever illness she had when she was little, she doesn’t have now. It’s been fixed long ago. That bastard kept her doped up. My guess, he’s just plain sick in the head and liked having a wife he could control and guilt.”
“You’re sure?”
“I read the report from The Conqueror’s medical booth. I’m sure. She’s not sick and she’s not dying,” Tori assured him. “Her reactions right now, especially every time you are near, are going to be hard for her to process. In fact, she might think she’s sick when in fact she’s just….”
Tori made a face, blushing. Reid frowned. “What?”
“You know, aroused,” Tori said.
“Oh?” Reid said, and then it dawned on him what Tori was telling him. Jasmine was aroused by him. A wide grin spread over his face as he said, more confidently, “Ohhh.”
Tori laughed. “Glad to see you’re catching on.”
“Thanks, Tori,” Reid said, kissing her cheek. He grinned, feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time. Jasmine wanted him! “You’ve been a big help.”
“Wait, there’s more,” Tori said. Reid tensed. She was toying with her bottom lip. That was never a good sign. “Those pills are most readily found through a connection to the Medical Alliance for Planetary Health.”
“The mafia?”
“Yes. The same.”
“Like givres in the swamp, it seems like those bastards just keep popping up.” Reid cursed, shaking his head in irritation.
“Jasmine seems nervous and about ready to bolt off this planet the first chance she gets. We thought it best not to concern her about our fears, but Ulyssa and I both think it’s possible Dr. St. Claire could come here for her. A man like that is not going to take kindly to her running out on him.”
Reid balled his hand into fists. “He can’t have her.”
“Take her to your home. She’ll not be found there. Let Ulyssa contact her old missions’ director. If the Medical Mafia comes anywhere near here, they’ll see them. Besides, I think it will be good for her to get away from all the palace activity. If she can focus on you and how she feels without prying eyes, she might adjust easier to being off the medicine.”
Reid nodded. “We’ll go this evening.”
“We figured you might,” Tori smiled. “Ulyssa is having clothes, soaps, everything a woman needs readied for her as we speak. She lied and told Jasmine she was going to take a nap, but we figured you might not know what to get for a woman’s personal needs. Everything will be left outside your house for her.”
“Thank you,” Reid said. He made a move to go into the palace. “I owe you one, Tori.”
“Actually.” Tori laughed. “Our motives are purely selfish.”
Reid tensed, feeling her coming closer to him.
“We all really want to watch the mighty Reid fall,” Tori said, lightly touching his arm as she walked past him. Reid didn’t answer as he stared after the princess. Her laughter rang out as she strolled away.
Chapter Nine
Jasmine quirked a brow. Why was Reid looking at her like that? With that devilish smile on his face and the gleam in his dark, handsome eyes? If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was taking her out into the forest to do away with her.
Narrow, uneven trails wound through the thick fold of colossal trees. Many of their trunks were bigger around than most Earth homes. Jasmine felt really tiny walking beneath their wide branches. Strange yellow ferns grew over the red Qurilixen soil. The blue-green haze of the planet’s atmosphere shone through the gigantic leaves of the forest. The planet was always cast in the soft daylight due to its three suns.
They were walking to Reid’s home in the forest. Tori informed her that she didn’t have a choice. Her pills were lost somewhere. Jasmine never really got a straight answer on it and the only root that could mimic the effects of the drug was in the forest near Reid’s home. Luckily, they’d left the palace so fast that she’d only had a brief presentation to the male members of the royal Var family. The brothers were just as handsome as Reid and their faces just as stoic. They were definitely creatures she didn’t want mad at her.
“So are the Draig out here?” Jasmine asked, glancing around. She’d heard that the Draig were dragon shifters, though she’d never seen Lochlann shift. Thinking of it, she unconsciously moved closer to Reid. He glanced down at her. His arm brushed over her shoulders. Jasmine tensed and pulled away. She wasn’t sure which was more terrifying at the moment--the thought of shifting dragons or Reid touching her.
“What would you do if they were?” he asked, stopping to look at her. There was nothing around them but trees. Jasmine shivered. Why was he looking at her like that?
“I need my medicine,” she said.
Reid turned his eyes from her. “I told you. No more medicine. It’s all gone.”
“I don’t believe you--”
“Are you trying to start a fight with me?” He flashed her another mischievous look.
“Yes,” she admitted, before biting her tongue. Why did she just say that? What was happening to her brain? He grinned a sexy little grin and continued walking.
Reid’s home was deep within the forest, north of the palace. There were no royal guards with them as they walked. When she asked about it, Reid had actually laughed at her. And damn him! It was a great laugh that made her shiver from head to toe.
“We’re close,” he said, breaking the silence. His voice was low and a little husky. When she looked at him, he again smiled. It was a roguish look, one that left her even shakier than the sound of his laugh. “Just a few trees ahead.”
“Trees?” Jasmine asked in surprise. “Are you saying you live on top of a tree?”
His smile widened. “Inside a tree, actually.”
Jasmine laughed, sure he was joking. However, as he stopped by a particularly large trunk, her laughter died.
Reid’s home was built above ground, inside one of the colossal trees of the forest. Pushing away a thick overhanging of branches near a large stone bolder, he revealed a narrow sta
ircase carved into the stone side of the rock. The rock was pressed flat to the tree trunk.
Reid led the way up the steps and around the base of the thick tree, making it half way around until they came to a door carved into the trunk. A small window was fitted into the wood. A dark drape hung over it on the inside. Taking a key from his pocket, Reid unlocked the door and gave it a light nudge. It soundlessly swung open.
Jasmine’s jaw dropped in awe. She had heard stories of how old Redwoods on Earth could have buildings carved into them, but she’d never imagined the stories to be factual. If she wasn’t witnessing it for herself, she never would’ve believed it.
Inside, the tree had been hollowed out, forming polished wood floors with gorgeous natural swirling designs, and walls carved to look like rustic planks. The ceiling, also carved from the wood, spiraled high revealing the home had at least two levels. Without waiting for an invitation, she walked in and spun around in a slow circle before moving to explore.
Two stairs led up from the small opening of a front foyer to the main living area. Light filtered in from outside through little holes in the ceiling, reflecting off a small glass and mirror dome. In the center of the first floor was a comfortable living area adorned with thick red couches and matching chairs, throw rugs woven in the same designs popular in the palace.
The main level was circular, except along two flat sides where walls were left and rooms carved out behind them. An intricate door was carved into one of the flat walls, leading to a bathroom on one side. The other wall had an opening in it with a bar and barstools, revealing a large kitchen behind it.
“Impressed?” he asked from behind her.
Jasmine turned to him, nodding. “It’s … wow. I mean, it’s so much cozier than the palace. I just assumed your house would be all….”
“All what?” Reid asked. She watched him grab a bag from outside the door and bring it in.
“Well, you know … less comfortable, more decadent.” Jasmine shrugged. Was it suddenly hot in the room? She felt a little hot. And was Reid coming closer? It felt like he was coming closer. Jasmine grabbed the front of her shirt and began to fan herself.
“The bedroom is upstairs,” Reid offered, walking with the bag to the staircase tucked in the corner of the room.
Jasmine tensed. The? As in one bedroom?
“Coming?” he asked, winking at her before going up.
Let him kiss you. Jasmine instantly told her brain to shut up. It didn’t listen. Let him keep kissing you. Follow him upstairs.
Jasmine followed him up the enclosed staircase. It curved slightly before opening up in the floor of a spacious bedroom. She gasped, trying to instantly hide the reaction behind a weak cough, and waved her hand through the air as if the room was dusty.
On one side of the bedroom was a long balcony carved into the second level of the home. She could see it beyond a long, narrow window carved in the side. They were up high, near the branches of trees. The soft light shone in over the bedroom from the window. A woodstove was along the other wall on a platform. There was a huge bed--big enough to fit five Reids. She wondered what a man did in a bed that big, and who he did it with. Jasmine was instantly jealous.
The bed was covered with a red coverlet. The wood theme of the room was accented with red and browns, very natural and earthy in design. A huge whirlpool tub was by a wall. She saw an open door leading to another bathroom and a stall shower. Fur rugs lined the floor near the wood stove. Reid threw the bag on the floor next to the bed. The only thing that didn’t fit was the giant viewing screen.
“Like it?” Reid asked when he saw her looking at it. “I just had it installed.”
“What for?” Jasmine asked, eyeing it. “Communicating with the palace?”
“No,” Reid said. “For action.”
Jasmine looked at him, confused. “Action?”
“Yes. Earth films,” Reid said. Then grinning wickedly, he added, “And learning documentaries.”
“Documentaries?” Jasmine repeated. “You mean you watch Earth movies on this thing?”
He nodded. She watched his face as he pointed out his speakers. The man was positively excited about it. “Sam introduced us to them. She even had the movies programmed in for us. Though, Viktor had to do the documentaries. I didn’t have a chance to play with it too much before we had to leave for Nozando.”
“You mean the Galaxy Playmate mansion,” Jasmine said, pressing her lips tightly together.
Why did she say that aloud? What was wrong with her mouth? She couldn’t get it to shut up.
“Jealous?” he asked, stepping closer.
Jasmine really wished he didn’t look at her like that--all dreamy eyed and hot. Shivering, she took an involuntary step back. He looked primitive in that moment, stalking, wild. Her heartbeat picked up but for once she was too lost in his gaze to notice or care. So what if she died in this moment? What better way to go?
Say something clever, Jasmine.
“No, why would I be jealous?”
Not so clever, Jasmine. She felt like smacking herself upside the head.
“Then, you’re not jealous?” he asked. Why was he still coming closer? Jasmine looked at his mouth, all too aware that they were alone in the room. She shivered. Would he kiss her now?
“Yes. No. I think I need some of that herb stuff. I’m feeling a little lightheaded.”
Reid laughed. “I have a confession to make.”
Jasmine didn’t move. How could she? Reid came closer, reaching to cup her face in his hands. His touch was warm, gentle, caressing. She automatically leaned forward for his kiss, pursing her lips to him. “Yes?”
“I’m not going to give you any herbal stuff,” Reid whispered. She blinked, barely processing his words. He smelled great, the way a man should smell. He looked good too--very sexy. His lips curled into the most provocative smile she’d ever seen. “In fact, there’s nothing wrong with your heart. You’re not sick. Those pills only dulled your reactions, your emotions. They did nothing for your heart. Everything you feel is normal and right.”
Jasmine couldn’t breathe. Looking into his eyes as they steadily held her gaze, she knew he was telling the truth. Perhaps, she’d always known it. It was easy to believe she was sick, easier to take the numbness that came with her medicine. It had been easier than feeling, easier than knowing her husband hadn’t wanted her, not really.
“Now that you know, ask me to kiss you,” Reid insisted. His lips were close. It would be nothing to close the distance. “Tell me you want me.”
Jasmine nodded weakly. Her voice was trapped in her throat. She did want him, wanted him so much that she’d lied to herself about it. Even so, she was scared of what she felt, of how it would be, frightened that she’d lose control or make an ass of herself.
She couldn’t stop herself as she lifted up. Her eyes on his, she tentatively kissed him. He gasped, holding completely still as she rubbed her mouth along his. Drawn to taste him, she dipped her tongue along the seam of his lips. He tasted good. Really good.
Moaning, she gripped the sides of his face and pulled him closer. He finally moved, working his mouth passionately against hers. A low sound answered her needy call. He ran his hands down the sides of her body, skimming her breasts as he lifted her off the ground. Her body pressing tightly to his hard one, he cupped her butt, holding her firmly against his erection.
A jolt of electricity went through her system. Her body was on fire. Jasmine began tearing at her clothing, trying to part Reid from his at the same time. He gasped at her aggressiveness and dropped her back to the ground. Suddenly, his hands were helping her, practically ripping the shirt over his head as he broke the kiss long enough to strip. Jasmine pulled off her baggy gown, tossing it aside. She stood before him in her bra and panties.
Was it supposed to feel like this? Be like this? All hot and urgent? So frantic that she couldn’t think, just react.
Reid saw her breasts and groaned. A wave of excitement cras
hed over her at the primal sound. His pants slid from his hips, leaving him naked. Her eyes instantly went down to his lower stomach. There, in a bed of dark hair, rose his desire for her. It strained, almost as if it had a life of its own.
“Sacred Cats!” he swore softly. “Don’t stare at me like that, woman. My control is hard won as it is.”
Jasmine made a weak noise by way of answer, on the verge of covering herself up when he swept her off her feet. In several long steps they were to the bed. Reid laid her on her back. His eyes were shifted, the pupils stretched, reminding her of just how wild he could become.
“Fire!” he called. The stove lit up, casting a soft orange light over the bed.
Hard, primitive noises came from his throat as he kissed her neck, grazing her delicate flesh with his teeth. His hands massaged her breasts, rubbing them through her lacy bra, pushing them up as his mouth moved lower to devour the hardened nipples. He sucked a breast deep into his hot mouth, kissing it passionately. Jasmine wiggled beneath him, her legs working between his naked thighs. His arousal pressed into her lace panties, searing her stomach with its fire. She was wet for him. Her whole being focused on his--the sounds he made, his smell, his warmth.
The urgency was too much. Jasmine pushed his shoulder, wanting to touch him, needing to feel him inside. His body had her pinned and she couldn’t move freely against him. At her shove, he made a sound of frustration and pulled away.
“No, please, Jasmine. Don’t make me stop. Not again,” he said as he stopped his hard kisses to her chest. He took several deep breaths and she could feel him trying to pull away from her. His body was stiff and he stopped moving. “All right, just give me … a … a minute.”
“Take your minute.” Jasmine wasn’t sure what had gotten into her, but she was moving on pure instinct. Pushing Reid onto his back, she took him by surprise. “Let me know when you can catch up.”
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