Remember Me

ENTWINED FATES:

REMEMBER ME

Trista Ann Michaels

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Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Entwined Fates: Remember Me Trista Ann Michaels This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © June 2008 by Trista Ann Michaels All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-736-8 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Georgia A. Woods Cover Artist: Anne Cain

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Chapter One

“Devlin!” Squinting, Devlin tried to block out the sound of her voice, the anguish he could hear. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why was it worse here? Why the hell couldn’t he forget? With a sigh, Devlin turned his attention back to the window overlooking the hills of Argonia. Rhia, the young woman he’d raised, was now married and getting ready for the induction dinner. As her brother and only family, today he was given the title of baron. Baron Armonde of Argonia. He rolled his eyes toward the tiled ceiling. Who would have thought it? Devlin Armonde, owner of at least twenty slaves and one of the most successful bars on the small planet of Veenori, a former thief and murderer, now a baron. Over the years, he’d worked hard to support himself and Rhia. He’d developed a deadly reputation. Even Rhia didn’t know everything he’d done. He had little use for titles. He wasn’t a royal, he was an empath from Thallion who’d lost his parents at the age of twelve and took on raising a small four-year-old he didn’t even know. He’d agreed to the ceremony for Rhia. She was taking her role as new queen seriously and he couldn’t bear to see her disappointment over his initial refusal anymore, so had

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finally relented, agreeing to what he considered silly and unnecessary. He’d never been able to refuse Rhia anything. Why would today be any different? He lifted a glass to his lips, inhaling the warm scent of the rum. He’d been drinking a lot since he’d arrived here. Hell, it was the only way he could sleep. It was the only way he could dim the voices in his mind. As his gaze wandered over the darkening hillside, the setting sun casting shades of red and gold across the horizon, a feeling of utter despair came over him. Someone else’s despair. His fingers gripped the glass hard, tightening around it with enough force to break it. He was only twelve when his parents had died, and not yet in full control of his empathic abilities. As an adult, he’d grown into his powers and they had become stronger, but they were strongest with the people he was closest to. He knew when they were upset or in trouble. He could even tell whose emotions he was picking up. But this was wrong. Skylar was dead, had died five years ago right in front of him, so why was he picking up on her emotions now? It made no sense. A searing pain went through his temples and he lifted his hand to rub at his forehead. He couldn’t dislodge the feeling of hopelessness, confusion, and hurt. Shaking his head, he tried to ignore it. This wasn’t the first time he’d felt these emotions since he’d been here, but this time was the strongest. Whatever it was came from close by, maybe even within the castle walls. The door opened behind him and he raised his gaze, watching his sister approach through the reflection of the glass. Gas candles flickered to life along the wall, bringing light to the darkening room and casting a soft shimmer against the gold fabric of Rhia’s gown. She looked beautiful. The gown accentuated her tiny waist and tall statuesque frame. The gold of the fabric even highlighted the red of her hair. Atop her mass of curls sat a diamond-studded crown she constantly tugged at, saying it felt as though it would fall off her head any second. “Are you ready?” she asked, slipping her arms around his elbow.

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He smiled and covered one of her hands with his. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he said with a sigh. “After all, it’s not every day a man becomes a baron.” “I know you don’t really want to do this.” “Whatever gave you that idea?” he teased, and her lips lifted in a slight grin. “I also know there’s something else bothering you,” Rhia began. Lifting his glass, he studied the golden amber liquid inside. “I’ve shared my problems with you for as long as I can remember. Don’t you think it’s time you shared your problems with me? I’m an adult, you know. A queen. I think if I can handle a kingdom and two husbands, I can handle whatever’s bothering you.” Devlin couldn’t stop the grin that tugged at his lips, but it quickly faded, replaced with a tight frown across his brow. “I feel her, Rhia,” he whispered. She straightened and stared at him with wide eyes. “Feel who?” “Skylar.” “What?” she breathed. “How can that be?” “I don’t know, but today isn’t the first time. I felt it first the day I arrived here. It was weak, but I could sense her close by. But today…it’s as if she’s in the same room with me.” “Could it be someone else?” “No,” he said with a shake of his head. “She’s dead. I know this. Whatever this is, it has to be a fluke, a ghost sensation of some sort.” “But why now? It’s been five years.” “I wish I knew.” A soft knock sounded at the door and they both turned to watch one of Rhia’s husbands, Jorel, enter the room. He wore the dress uniform of the regency here on Argonia, black leather pants and red shirt opened halfway down his chest. His long black hair was

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pulled back off his face and the diamond earring in his left ear sparkled beneath the light of the candles. With a grin, he pressed his palms against the doorframe and leaned forward slightly. “It’s time.” Rhia nodded and drew in a deep breath. “Nervous?” Devlin asked with a sideways grin. “Terribly,” Rhia murmured. “You’ll be fine.” He lifted her fingers to his lips and lightly kissed the back of them. “Your subjects await, poppet.”

***** In another part of the castle, a young woman stared at her reflection in the glass. Dark circles rimmed her eyes and she patted at them with the cream Baron Karn had given her.

Certainly couldn’t have his slave looking abused and deprived, she thought with a sneer. “Moriana,” Karn snapped. “Hurry up, slave. It’s almost time for the party.” She hated that name and inwardly flinched every time he used it. When he’d found her, she hadn’t been able to remember her name, so he’d given her that one. At first she’d liked it, until she realized his true nature and what he had planned for her. Glancing into the mirror, she saw him standing in the doorway to her small room. He wore the leather pants like always with a blue shirt, the silver insignia on the pocket indicating his relation to the kings. He was their cousin and until the kings had a child, next in line to the throne of Argonia. He stepped forward, his black hair long and hanging loose from his ponytail, his dark eyes glowing with evil intent. Moriana hated the look that always came into his eyes when he had something planned for her.

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His hands lifted her hair and she inwardly recoiled at his touch. “Make yourself look nice for me, Moriana. Maybe tonight someone will pay a hefty sum to fuck that pretty little body.” Moriana felt sick. For five years now, he’d abused her, raped her, then sold her for a night to whoever would pay his price. She was always checked afterward to make sure the man had come. Karn thought it a personal insult if she wasn’t successful getting a man to find satisfaction. The first time it had happened she’d tried to explain it wasn’t her fault, the man just had a problem. But he wouldn’t listen and punished her so badly she’d been bedridden for three days. Twice she’d tried to escape, only to be caught and punished again. She had no idea who she was. She couldn’t remember anything past five years ago. Until she’d seen the new queen. The young woman had looked so familiar. Moriana was certain she knew her, but couldn’t place from where. Then the dreams started. Wild, hot dreams of a man with the most beautiful sapphire eyes. His touch had been so tender and full of love it broke her heart to awake and find her bed and her arms empty. Who was the man who haunted her dreams and flashed through her mind in quick sparks of memory she couldn’t quite grasp? Why couldn’t she see his face clearly or remember his name? Just those eyes. Those beautiful, mesmerizing eyes. “Hurry up, Moriana,” Karn snapped angrily. “I would hate to have to bruise that flesh. It will lower your price and put me in the bad graces of the kings.” “Wouldn’t want that,” Moriana replied without thinking and flinched when he yanked on a handful of her hair. “My cousins don’t share the same fetish as me, that’s all. Now get ready!”

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He let her hair go with a hard shove and she put her hands against the mirror to stop herself from falling. She waited until he left the room then let herself wallow in a moment of self-pity. Tears gathered in her eyes as she dreaded the night ahead. What cruel jerk would he sell her to tonight? She wasn’t sure how much more of this life she could take. More than once she’d thought of running just so he would kill her. Unfortunately, Karn wouldn’t be that good to her. He’d make her suffer. Oh, God, would he make her suffer and enjoy every second of it.

***** Devlin walked behind Rhia and her husbands, Jorel and Keenas, as they entered the grand hall. It was crowded. Apparently everyone in the kingdom had come out for the event. Devlin rolled his eyes toward the ceiling at the whole thing, a habit he had when bored. He understood it was tradition and he also understood how important following tradition was to Rhia. She was still learning, still discovering things about herself and the family she never knew. He wouldn’t take this night away from her for all the money in the world, even if he did end up with a royal title he didn’t want. For the event, he’d dressed as Jorel and Keenas with black leather pants and a red shirt with a gold insignia on the pocket indicating he represented the queen’s side of the family. The pants chafed his thighs and squeezed his balls, and the shirt scratched his flesh, but he’d mentioned none of this to Rhia. He would endure it one more day, then he needed to head back to Veenori and his bar. God, he would miss her and he didn’t have the foggiest idea what he would do without her there to pester him. She’d made life interesting over the last twenty-four years. As they made their way to the throne platform, that same feeling of despair came over him. His gaze circled the room, looking for anyone or anything that might explain these feelings. Argonians and Phelisinians mingled together in a sea of blue and red. The Argonian

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women dressed in blue gowns similar to what Rhia wore. The women from Phelisine wore red. Royal finery at its best, he thought dryly. He had nothing against royalty, not really. Hell, his best friend was the son of a Tilarian Count. Unfortunately, formal mingling was never his thing. Give him the bar and a few rowdy games, and he was in his element. They reached the table and still he wasn’t able to pinpoint the source of his empathic ghost. Dismissing it, he climbed the platform behind Rhia and took the seat to her right at the table facing the crowd. Keenas stood and tapped his knife against the crystal, getting everyone’s attention. Devlin was amazed they could hear it over the loud chatter of the massive group. Silence followed immediately and with a nod, Keenas indicated everyone should take their seats so that dinner could be served. A man Devlin recognized as the king’s cousin, Baron Karn, climbed the platform and sat to the left of Keenas. Pain sliced between his temples and he closed his eyes against the sharp sensation. There it was again, that damn ghost. When he opened them again, he found himself staring straight into Rhia’s concerned eyes. “Please, stay calm,” she mouthed, her face pale from shock. “What?” he asked, immediately tense. His gaze moved over her shoulder as she shifted slightly, allowing him to see what, or rather who, was behind her. His heart jerked in his chest and his stomach knotted. Cold fingers latched onto his, squeezing, but he ignored them. He couldn’t take his gaze off the young woman seated just five chairs away from him.

Skylar?

*****

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Moriana saw him through her lashes. His surprised stare, his suddenly murderous demeanor. But all of it paled in relation to his eyes. They were the same sapphire color as the ones she’d seen in her dreams. She swallowed hard and tried to hide the trembling that had suddenly started in her fingers. She knew him. Unfortunately, that’s all she knew. It was just a feeling deep in her gut that he was someone from her past. A past she still couldn’t recall. According to his dress, he was from the queen’s family. Her brother perhaps? He didn’t look anything like the queen. He looked more like Keenas and Jorel with his wavy black hair. He had a square jaw, masculine and rugged, full lips that screamed excellent kisser, and a body as big and hard as both kings. But it was the eyes that held her captive, made her unable to turn away. Suddenly Karn’s hand latched onto her wrist and squeezed. She cringed, immediately dropping her gaze back to the table. She knew better than to look up, to meet the gaze of a royal. What was she thinking? “You aren’t supposed to raise your eyes, Moriana,” Karn snarled in her ear. “You’ll be punished later.” She licked at her suddenly dry lips and nodded ever so slightly. Down the table a chair scraped the floor as it jerked backward. The queen stood as well, along with the older king, Keenas. Each grabbed the sapphire-eyed man by the arm and led him quickly from the room. “What the hell is his problem, Jorel?” Karn asked as he leaned closer to Jorel who sat a few chairs away. “I don’t know, but I’m sure I’ll hear about it later, whatever it is.”

***** Keenas shoved Devlin into the room and shut the door behind them with a slam. Devlin dragged his fingers through his hair and turned to glare at Rhia. “Did you know before tonight?”

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She shook her head, her face registering the same surprise he felt. The woman was a dead ringer for Skylar. “Who is she?” he demanded. Keenas spread his arms wide, and shrugged his shoulders. “Her name is Moriana. She’s Karn’s slave.” “Where did he get her?” “Devlin,” Rhia began. “I know she looks a lot like Skylar. A lot like Skylar, but --” “Where did he get her?” Devlin demanded again, ignoring Rhia. “He found her five years ago in the North Mountains. She was injured, lying next to an older man who had died. He brought her back with him and told us her name was Moriana.” Keenas replied. “Oh, my God,” Rhia whispered. Devlin stalked toward the door and Rhia ran after him. “Devlin, stop! You can’t go out there like this,” she pleaded. Rounding on Keenas, she glared at him. “Do something.” Keenas jumped between Devlin and the door, blocking his exit. “Listen to your sister, Devlin. Stop and explain this to me.” “I need to know if that woman is Skylar.” “Who’s Skylar?” Keenas demanded. Rhia sighed, ringing her hands nervously. “She was Devlin’s fiancée. We thought she was dead. This woman looks just like her and was found about the same time his fiancée died.” Keenas shook his head, his eyes narrowing to tiny slits. “There’s something you’re not telling me.” Devlin let out an aggravated sigh and began to pace the room. His patience was wearing thin. They were wasting time.

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“Devlin is an empath,” Rhia said quietly. “That I know,” Keenas said. “Go on.” Rhia glanced at Devlin and he nodded before continuing his anxious path around the room. “He told me earlier today that he felt her presence, sensed her anxiety.” “Whose?” Keenas demanded. Devlin stopped pacing and placed his palms on the thick wooden table in the center of the room. “Skylar’s. I didn’t believe it was her. I dismissed it as a ghost sensation…or wishful thinking. When Baron Karn sat down, the sensations intensified. I was feeling her despair and hopelessness. It’s the same sensation I get whenever Rhia is upset or hurt. Whenever she needs me, it comes across as pain in my head. The more she’s hurt, the worse the pain. For a second, I closed my eyes. The next thing I know, I’m staring at Skylar’s mirror image.” Devlin raised his gaze and met Keenas uncertain gaze head on. “I know it’s her, Keenas.” “Let me handle this,” Keenas said as he raised his hand, trying to keep Devlin calm. “Let me go out with the scanner. We’ll do a DNA test. She’ll be in our system, then we can cross reference with Rhinari’s main system. If she’s in there, we’ll know who she is.” “How are you going to do that without Karn knowing?” Rhia asked. “There is a small attachment that goes on the finger. All I have to do is touch her hair or shoulder. It will send the information straight to the handheld, which you and Devlin will have in here. Can I trust you to stay here until I get Jorel and the device?” Devlin nodded, although reluctantly, and dropped his head to stare down at the red wood tabletop. Rhia walked over and placed her hand on his arm. She didn’t have to speak; he could feel her anxiety, her concern, without her having to say a word. Without looking at her, he placed his hand over hers. “Her father must have transported just as the shot was fired. How could this have happened, Rhia? How did I miss it?”

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“You were badly injured, Devlin. You’d lost a lot of blood. It’s understandable that you would mistake transporting for disintegrating.” “No,” he denied, shaking his head. “I should have known.” “If it’s her, we’ll get her back. I promise.” Leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek and Devlin closed his eyes, trying hard to keep his murderous rage in check. He wanted to kill the man, strangle him with his bare hands. She’d looked so thin, so lost and sad sitting there. God knows what he’d done to her over the last five years as his sex slave. He felt ill just thinking about it. He’d used her memory loss to trick her, make her believe she belonged to him. One way or another, if she was Skylar, he’d get her out of here and back where she belonged.

***** Moriana mostly picked at her food. Three men had come by offering Karn huge sums of money for her services for the night. So far, Karn hadn’t agreed to any of them, telling them he’d let them know later. He always waited to see how high the offers would go before choosing the highest. She’d half hoped the man with the sapphire eyes would bid for her, then maybe she could get a better look at him. She couldn’t get those eyes out of her mind. Flashbacks had plagued her ever since she’d seen him. Memories she couldn’t quite grasp, flashes of images she didn’t understand. But in all of them were those eyes and a feeling of love so strong it brought tears to her eyes. Who was he? Did he recognize her? Was that what the hasty retreat had been about? She didn’t dare hope anything. For all she knew, he had sold her to Karn. Tears burned the back of her eyes as she thought of the night to come. She was treated like a whore and in most cases, expected to act like one. “Eat, Moriana,” Karn snarled in her ear. “It’s an insult to leave food on your plate given to you by the kings. Besides, you’ll need your strength for later, I’m sure.”

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Moriana nodded like an obedient slave and brought the fork to her mouth, but she was unable to enjoy the spicy taste of the meat. Her life was a living hell she desperately wanted to find a way out of, but couldn’t. “Your Grace,” Karn said as Keenas approached from the side. Moriana perked up, hoping for any information about the man from earlier. “What happened with Baron Armonde? He left quite suddenly.” Her heart skipped a beat at the name. Armonde? Where had she heard that name before? “An emergency with his business, Karn. Nothing to concern yourself over,” Keenas replied. The king’s hand rested lightly against her hair and she almost flinched at the touch. What was he doing? Royalty never touched her so casually. She was a slave and considered beneath them, unless it concerned sex. “Will he be returning? I still haven’t had an opportunity to speak with him yet.” The king removed his hand after only a second and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him straighten and wave his hand toward his brother, Jorel. “Yes. He’ll be back shortly. Jorel, our wife would like a word with you please. About the dessert.” “All right,” Jorel said, confusion in his voice evident, but he rose and followed his brother from the great hall.

***** Rhia stood staring at the small device she held in her hand that Keenas had brought her. Devlin watched her for any sign that something had come through. She visibly swallowed and raised her eyes to look into his. “What?” he demanded, his nerves frayed from waiting.

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Keenas and Jorel stepped into the room just as she was about to speak and she hugged the device to her chest before turning to face her husbands. “Jorel was briefed on the way here. Did the information come through?” Keenas asked. Rhia nodded and handed the device to Keenas. Devlin growled with impatience and narrowed his gaze toward his sister. “Son of a bitch,” Keenas growled, then handed to device back to Rhia. “Damn it, Rhia,” Devlin snapped. “Is she or isn’t she?” Rhia licked her lips and again held the device to her chest. “You have to promise me you won’t go off half-cocked.” With that he knew exactly what the answer was and made a move for the door, determined to get her out of here. “Devlin,” she yelled, and stepped between him and the doorway, her hands flying to his chest to stop him, the scanner falling to the floor with a clatter. “Please. Karn is their cousin and a member of the realm. Think this through, please. For me.” He stopped, staring down at the pleading eyes of the young woman he’d raised. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his racing heart and moved to lean against the table. Crossing his arms over his chest, he glared at Keenas. “Any ideas, your Grace?” he snarled. Keenas’s lips thinned. “Give me a second.” “What if I buy her?” Devlin asked. “You can buy her for the night, but he’s refused in the past to sell her outright. She makes him too much money,” Jorel said. Devlin’s jaw twitched in fury. He shoved away from the table to turn and slam his fist into the wood, anger at the sudden turn of events and the past five years of hell for her racing through his body like a rocket. “Damn it, Devlin,” Rhia cried as she rushed forward to tend his injured hand.

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He glanced down at his fingers with a frown, realizing he’d busted his knuckles. Blood oozed from the cuts, but he felt no pain, just anger. “Probably not the smartest thing to have said, Jorel,” Keenas said with a sigh. “Sorry,” Jorel mumbled. “I’m coming into this late.” “What if we tell her who she is? Surely he would understand. She was born and raised on Rhenari. She has protection from the Senate,” Rhia argued. “Not here, little one,” Jorel said. “We’re not members of the Senate. I’m afraid their laws don’t apply here and I can assure you, Karn wouldn’t care.” “You could steal her,” Keenas said softly after a moment of silence. “Ah, hell,” Jorel said, then quietly whistled. “Are you trying to get him killed, Keenas? You know good and well theft of a royal slave is punishable by death.” “Only if he’s caught.” Devlin glanced down at Rhia’s fearful gaze. She shook her head angrily. “There has to be another way. We have to try and talk to him.” “It doesn’t matter now. He’s had her for more than two years. According to Argonian law, she’s his.” Devlin nodded and turned away from Rhia’s trembling lips. He could never stand to see her cry. “What does Karn normally charge for a night with her?” Keenas shrugged. “He gives her to the highest bidder. I would offer no less than fortyfive gold pieces. Do you have it?” “I can get it.” Keenas nodded and moved to take Rhia’s hand. “Rhianna, I want you to go back to the hall with Jorel. Keep your cool, act normally. I’ll join you shortly.” She nodded and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “He’ll be fine, sweet. I promise.”

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Again she nodded and reached out to touch Devlin’s hand. He squeezed her fingers, before pushing her toward Jorel with a wink. Once they’d left the room, he turned back to Keenas. “I assume there’s something you don’t want them to hear.” Devlin raised his eyebrow waiting for Keenas to say whatever it was he wanted to say. “It’s best they don’t know anything more.” “I agree.” “In your suite, there will be a computer. My pass code is four. It is how old I was when your sister was promised to me. After you put that code in, you can pull up the blueprints for the castle. It will tell you where all the secret passageways are. You’ll want the one in your suite.” Devlin nodded and bent to pick up the scanner Rhia had dropped. On the screen was a picture of Skylar from about seven years ago. She looked so much different now. She’d aged and lost weight, her eyes dull and lifeless. What if she didn’t remember him? Would she trust him enough to get her out of here? “Once you do this, Devlin, you’re on your own.” “I understand,” Devlin said with a nod, determined to do whatever it took to get her home.

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Chapter Two

The gentle hands gliding over her flesh made her shiver and she leaned her back against his hard chest. Strong arms snaked around her ribs, pulling her close. Heat seeped into her cold body, warming her from the outside in. It was dark; only the flicker of a lone candle across the room cast its light against the walls. There was no noise, only his deep, soothing voice as he spoke softly in her ear. “Sleeping?” “That depends,” she replied, a small smile of contentment tugging at her lips. “On what?” he whispered, then nipped at her earlobe, sending goose bumps across her flesh. “On what you had in mind.” “Well, let’s see,” he purred as one hand gently cupped her breast. Her nipple beaded beneath his palm. “Maybe I need to sleep.” She snorted and felt his lips spread into a grin against her neck. “Or maybe I want to sink my aching cock into that sweet, delectable body of yours.” “That sounds more like you,” she whispered, sighing as his hand feathered lower to brush across the edge of her labia.

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Using his palm, he lifted her leg, laying it over his. Her breathing hitched as he moved his hand back to her pussy, stroking her through the juices coating her. “Feels like sleeping is the last thing on your mind as well,” he whispered, shifting his hips slightly and sliding his cock between her legs to stroke her throbbing mound. Her body tingled from head to toe, the flush of arousal flooding her cheeks and chest. He drove her crazy and he knew it, knew every button to push, every inch of flesh to stroke. He played her body like a musical instrument, making it purr and sing at a whim. His lips continued to torment her neck, switching between nibbling kisses and soft bites as his teeth sank into her skin. His cock sank into the wet recesses of her pussy, stretching her, taking the very breath from her lungs as his thick girth stretched her wide, filling her deep. Reaching around, she gripped his hip, her nails digging into the tight flesh of his ass. He groaned and thrust deeper, his deep voice sending arousal coursing through her veins like hot lava. She moved her hips with him, arching her back to take him deeper, encourage him to thrust harder. Every inch of him stroked the inside of her pussy. The head of his cock pounded against her cervix, making her vagina throb with the oncoming stirrings of her climax. She sank her teeth into her bottom lip, drawing blood as she fought off her release. She didn’t want it over yet. She didn’t want him to stop. It felt too good. Too right. “Let it go, baby,” he murmured, his fingers gently pinching at her clit. She gasped, panting as her release slammed through her. She couldn’t stop it and she screamed as the sensations crested in her womb. He pounded into her harder and faster. She welcomed every pounding thrust until he stiffened behind her, his cock throbbing within her channel. With a sigh, he softly kissed just below her ear. “I love you, baby.”

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Moriana blinked and dropped her fork against her plate with a clang. A single tear slid down her cheek at the sudden feeling of loss that always overwhelmed her after one of her flashbacks. With a start of surprise, she stared around the grand hall, hoping no one saw her or could tell what she’d been remembering. As inconspicuously as possible, she wiped at her cheek. The voice wasn’t just a memory. She’d heard it in her mind as though he spoke to her right then. But who? Who was this man that made her feel so loved and cherished? “Moriana,” Karn hissed. “What is your problem tonight?” His fingers wrapped around her wrist with crushing force and she winced, quickly bowing her head to the table. “Karn,” a cold, hard voice spoke from behind her and a tingle of recognition ran down her spine. Immediately, Karn let go of her wrist and she breathed a momentary sigh of relief. “Baron Armonde. I’m glad to see you made it back. You left so suddenly; I hope there wasn’t a problem.” Moriana curled her lip at how very sincere Karn sounded. His voice practically dripped with honey, but she knew it could spew venom just as easily and with deadly accuracy. “There was no problem,” Armonde said as he took the seat between Karn and Rhianna. From the corner of her eyes, Morianna watched the new queen. She fidgeted nonstop with her napkin. Beside her both of her husbands continued to whisper words of what she only imagined were encouragement. She met Morianna’s eyes across the table and Morianna quickly lowered her stare. She should never look a royal directly in the eye, especially in public. Thank God, Karn hadn’t noticed. He still continued to talk with the man named Armonde. From under her lashes, Morianna tried to get a better look at him. He had a hard face, strong chin, but there was something in his eyes…something… With a gasp, she realized he was staring right at her and she quickly averted her gaze.

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Stupid, stupid, she whispered to herself. “I wish to buy your slave for the night, Lord Karn. How much?” Armonde asked and Morianna’s fingers trembled as she reached for her glass of wine. For the night? No one had ever bought her for the night. “I don’t sell her for the whole night, my lord,” Karn replied softly. “Two hours at the most.” “Two hours is hardly enough time to satisfy a woman, and call me Armonde or Devlin. Not my lord.” Karn bowed his head slightly. “Of course…Devlin. But to be honest, I could care less if she’s satisfied. Her only job is to satisfy you.” Morianna didn’t miss the way Armonde’s fingers tightened around the stem of his glass. He was furious. To her it was obvious, but she didn’t know why exactly. She just instinctively knew anger seethed inside him. “I want her for the night and I will accept no less. I’ll pay four times the amount you require for two hours.” Morianna almost choked and had to quickly swallow a sip of wine to cover her shock. He was insane. Four times the amount? Who was this man and why did he want her so badly? “Four times the amount?” Karn murmured. “That’s a lot of money, Armonde. Are you sure you have it?” “I assure you, I have it.” “Well…I must ask though. Why are you so determined to have her?” Morianna tensed as she waited for what Armonde to answer. A waiter placed a glass in front of him and he nodded absently, never taking his gaze off Karn.

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“She pleases me,” he said with a nonchalant shrug. “I’ve been here for several days and quite frankly I’m restless. I could use a good fuck and from what I’ve heard, she is who I should use.” “But for a full night…” Karn began with skepticism. “What can I say, Karn. I’m a man of insatiable appetites.” Devlin lifted his glass and sipped the light blue drink. Over the edge, his gaze met hers as she watched him through her lashes. A sharp tingle of heat traveled down her spine and she quickly turned her gaze back to the table. His stare unsettled her. The sapphire color of his eyes mesmerized her. They were so beautiful, but at the same time, so cold. She glanced toward him again and noticed something behind the coldness. Something that made her heart skip in a frantic rhythm. What would it be like to have him gaze at her in passion? Would his eyes darken or would they glow with a heat that threatened to singe her very flesh? “Well, what’s it going to be, Lord Karn?” Devlin asked as he set his glass back on the table, moving it to the side so the waiter could place a plate of food in front of him. “Do I get her for the night or do you lose out on a small fortune?” Karn snorted. “Normally, I don’t let the buyer know until the end of the evening.” Devlin pursed his lips, then nodded. “Fine, but I may have withdrawn my offer by then.” He grinned coldly and a tremor of fear snaked down her spine. “I’m a very impatient man.” “I see that,” Karn said, then glanced at Morianna. She quickly ducked her head, hoping he hadn’t seen her watching Armonde, hoping he couldn’t see the near desperation in her eyes to be with him. Deep down, he seemed so familiar to her, just like the queen. “Fine,” Karn said with a slight nod of acknowledgement. “I’ll expect my money delivered to me within the hour.”

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Devlin nodded. “And when can I expect Morianna to be brought to my room?” “After the dance.” Morianna’s stomach flip-flopped with excitement. Sending up a silent prayer, she hoped the change she felt coming wouldn’t be a bad one.

***** Her hands trembling, Morianna stood outside Devlin’s door. Karn stood next to her, holding her elbow in a firm grip. He’d made her change into a sheer robe and she ignored the desire to cover her exposed breasts with her arms. She no longer felt humiliation from her attire. She’d learned to block it out, to turn a blind eye to the men who ogled her almost naked form. Karn wouldn’t allow anyone to touch her unless they paid. They could look all they wanted, but they could not touch. Raising his hand, Karn knocked loudly on the thick wooden door. It opened quickly and she gasped at the form standing before her. He was breathtaking the way his shirtless, massive form filled the doorway. Dark hair hung in soft waves around his shoulders and piercing sapphire eyes narrowed toward Karn. His lips were soft and full, but at the moment were set in a firm, impatient line. His wide shoulders topped a hard chest and washboard abs sprinkled with coarse hair formed an upside down arrow, disappearing beneath the band of his pants. Black silk hung low on lean hips, the bulge teasing at what lay beneath the soft material. He had to be the most handsome man Karn had sold her to and for the first time in four years, the stirring of desire tightened her belly. Bending one knee, he put his palm against the doorframe, the other resting at his hip. His gaze wandered almost lazily down her body, heating her skin from the inside out. “Does she meet with your approval, Armonde?” Karn asked, watching Devlin closely.

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Devlin didn’t show any outward sign of emotion. His face remained a cold mask of indifference as he turned his gaze back to Karn. “I wouldn’t have paid for her if she did not.” Karn nodded, then handed her off to him. “Your currency cleared, so I’ll return in the morning at six to retrieve her.” Devlin only nodded before pulling her into the room and shutting the door with a resounding slam. Morianna almost laughed at the shocked expression she was certain contorted Karn’s face. He wasn’t used to being dismissed in such a way. Devlin would no doubt get an earful tomorrow. The silence in the room made her nervous, and with trembling fingers, she tugged at the ties holding her robe together. Spreading it open, she turned to face him. Anxiety made her stiff as she met his assessing gaze. He looked her over, his eyes coming to a stop at the scar covering her shoulder. He stepped forward and gently brushed the edge of her robe aside, studying the puckered flesh. “I was shot. Or at least I think I was shot. I-I don’t really remember,” she murmured, caught off guard by the anguish darkening his eyes. “How long have you been here?” he asked. “Five years.” “You don’t remember anything prior to that?” he asked. His gaze was so understanding, so…beautiful. God, he had such beautiful eyes. Mentally shaking herself, she replied, “I…uh… No, I don’t remember anything prior to that.” She didn’t understand why he was asking so many questions. Why wasn’t he removing her clothes like she wanted him to do? She watched in growing confusion as he stepped over to his dresser and turned on some music. Soft, slow music filled the room and she imagined

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this would be it. Until, that is, he stopped at the foot of the bed and picked up the small computer device lying there. He held the device out, then nodded for her to take it. With a frown, she reached for it, then glanced at the screen in shock. It was her. Certainly younger looking, but no doubt her. “That’s you,” he stated softly. “How?” she stammered, her voice cracking. “Where did you get this?” “Keenas touched you earlier. Do you remember?” She nodded, remembering when he’d surprised her by gently touching her hair. “I recognized you when you sat down at the banquet. We ran a scan, then linked your DNA that’s registered here with Rhinari’s system. “I’m from Rhinari,” she whispered to herself. “I have a name. So I know you?” she asked, raising her eyes to study him. “Yes.” “How?” she asked. “What are we? Relatives? Friends?” “That is something we’ll get into later, I promise. Right now, we need to get you out of here.” “Out of here?” She gaped in surprise He turned to walk away and she reached out to grab his elbow. His skin felt warm beneath her touch and the muscles twitched enticingly under her fingers. “Wait.” A sharp tingle ran up her arm, startling her, and she quickly jerked her hand away. He looked down at her, his eyebrow raised in question. “You don’t want to leave?” “Are you kidding? Of course I want to leave. But we can’t just walk out of here. He’ll kill you if he catches you.” “If he catches me,” Devlin said with a nod. “You have no idea how much power that man has. I don’t want to see you killed.”

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Devlin turned and faced her, his hands coming up to gently cup her cheeks. “Trust me,” he whispered. “I assure you, he’s well matched as far as power goes.” Moriana smiled slightly at the image running through her mind. Physically, they were no match. Devlin was definitely bigger. But power wise, she knew nothing about Devlin. Nothing at all. As much as she wanted to get away, the idea that he might be killed because of her made her stomach knot. It was one thing to endanger herself, quite another to endanger someone else. “Devlin,” she began. He stopped her by placing two fingers over her lips. “Your name is Skylar and you don’t belong here.” “Where do I belong, then?” she asked. “Right now, with me.” With a wink, he grabbed some clothes from the dresser then handed them to her. “These should do for now. When we get where we’re going, I’ll get you some other clothes.” She stared at the black pants and turtleneck with a frown. Why she would think of this now didn’t make sense, but she had to ask. “So you never wanted to have sex with me?” The expression on his face approached comical and she bit at her lower lip to keep from grinning. “That was a stupid question. I’m sorry. It’s just…I’m so used to just getting mauled the second I walk through the door that when you didn’t…I guess…” She stopped, unsure now what to say. Was she disappointed he hadn’t mauled her? Disappointed he hadn’t thrown her on the bed and fucked her senseless? It had been so long since anyone had shown her consideration or kindness. She felt almost needy. “Sky.” He engulfed her in his arms. His body felt warm against hers, hard and safe. In his arms she felt protected. How was that since she didn’t know him? Or at least she didn’t remember knowing him.

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“I promise you,” he whispered. “When this is over, if you still want me to fuck you senseless, then I’ll be more than happy to oblige.” She gasped, pulling away to stare at him in shock. She hadn’t said that out loud. “How did I know that’s what you were thinking?” he asked and she nodded slowly. “I’m an empath.” “But aren’t empaths only able to read emotions, not actual thoughts?” He glanced down at the floor and rubbed the back of his neck as he walked away. “It depends on the bond.” “On the bond?” she asked. “Meaning the closer you are to someone, the more of their thoughts you can read?” He nodded and looked her right in the eyes. “Yes.” “So you and I are close then?” she asked, her heart hammering in her chest. He sighed before answering. “Yes.” “How close?” she asked, hands on hips. “Lovers.” Her mouth dropped open, feeling as if it fell to the floor. Lovers? They were lovers? How the hell had she gotten someone that looked like him? “You seduced me,” he said with a grin. “Would you stop that?” she snapped. “Can’t you turn that off? It’s unnerving.” He stepped toward her, his lips spread into a sensual grin that made her stomach flip. With the pad of his finger, he tipped up her chin and brushed his thumb across her lips softly, making her shudder. “Now there’s the spunky Skylar I remember,” he whispered. “I wish I could remember,” she whispered back. “You will. I promise. I lost you once. I won’t lose you again.”

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His lips descended and her heart fluttered, waiting for that first touch she instinctively knew would be heaven. They were soft and warm against hers, gently coaxing hers to part. When they did, his tongue licked inside, igniting something deep within her she thought long dead. Tentatively, she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his waist and flattening her breasts against his hard chest. She felt as well as heard his soft groan, just before he deepened the kiss, taking it from gentle to hot, weakening her knees. He tasted of mint, and the combined scents of musky male and spice filled her nose as she inhaled. Much too soon, he broke the kiss and she moaned, leaning forward slightly to seek his touch again. “Wow,” she whispered. “Have you always kissed like that?” He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Always. Now get dressed,” he added, smacking her ass playfully. “Hey,” she grumbled, narrowing her eyes at him. He grinned, sending tingles down her spine. An image of him smiling just like that flashed through her mind, but she couldn’t quite grasp it, couldn’t keep hold of it long enough to see any more. With a sigh, she took the clothes he’d given her and slipped them on. The pants were a little big, but other than that, they fit okay. “You’re a little smaller than I remember,” he said from behind her as he tugged at the waistband of her pants. “I’ve lost weight,” she said, tugging at the clothes and studying how they fit against her. “I look at myself in the mirror and hate the ribs I see, the hip bones that poke through my skin, but I’m just never hungry.” “That will change,” he said as he kissed the top of her head. Warmth flooded her chest as she wondered if their life together had been like this. “Yes,” he said, amusement filling his voice.

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“Stop,” she groaned. Picking up a shoe off the bed, she eyed him with speculation. “So did your mind reading bother me before?” Devlin laughed and turned to shove his arms through the jacket that had been thrown across the seat. “I can’t tell you everything, Sky. Some of it you have to remember on your own.” “And does that include whether or not I loved you?” she asked from out of the blue and felt the heat of a blush move up her cheeks. “Most definitely that one.” “Well that’s not fair,” she exclaimed as she dropped to the bed to slip on the shoes. “What if I never remember?” He bent down and gently kissed the side of her neck, making her heart skip a beat. “Then we’ll start from scratch,” he whispered in her ear and the heat of a sultry promise hung between them like something tangible -- something she could reach out and touch, just like she could touch his full, gentle lips. In her mind it was hard to imagine someone as big as him, as harsh looking as him, being gentle. But so far, he’d treated her with nothing but gentleness. “Where are we going?” she asked, trying to keep herself from getting lost in his deep sapphire eyes. “I’ll tell you once we’re on our way. I don’t want to say here. We’re running short on time and I don’t want us to be overheard by anyone. Keenas has a lot of servants skulking around here.” He held a hand out to her and with a nod, she reached out to take it. They walked across the room toward a large painting that stood a good seven feet tall. There, Devlin handed her a jacket, then opened a hidden panel off to the side. The painting slid open, revealing a tunnel and stairs leading down what looked like several flights. “There’s a secret hangar bay with shuttles at the bottom. That’s how we’ll get off the planet. Stay close to me. There shouldn’t be anyone following us, but just in case.”

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She nodded. Reaching back, he entwined her cold fingers with his larger, warmer ones and she instantly felt safer. Despite that, her heart pounded wildly in her chest as they descended the stone steps into the bowels of the castle. She knew the castle was full of secret passageways. Even Karn had some in his suite of rooms, but there were some hidden passageways in the castle only the kings were aware of and this must have been one of them. The cold of the stone walls crept into her flesh and she shivered against it. She had no fat on her body to keep her warm, so she got cold easily, and when she did, it was extremely difficult for her to get warm again. She hated seeing winter arrive anymore. After what seemed like forever, they stepped down into a small hangar bay. The smell of fumes filled her nose and she grimaced, then coughed, anxious to be out of the smelly hangar. Devlin tugged her toward a small craft on the far right. The color was black and she had no doubt it would blend in well against the black of space. Long wings tipped upward, giving it the appearance of a bird in flight. A predatory bird, she thought as she took a good look at its long lean lines and menacing looking front-end. Devlin grabbed her around the waistand lifted her to the wing, then opened the door so she could climb inside. Two black leather seats faced the front, and in the back was a long row of cushions that could be used as a bed if necessary. In the back was also a replicator for food or drinks. Her stomach rumbled at the idea of food and she glanced guiltily at Devlin to see if he’d heard. His grin indicated he had and she rolled her eyes. “I didn’t eat much dinner.” With a chuckle, he climbed in and shut the door. “Once we get out of the atmosphere, we’ll both get something. To be honest, I didn’t eat much either.” In silence, she watched as he competently performed preflight procedures and readied the ship for take off. “Do the kings know what you’re doing?” she asked.

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He stopped and glanced at her before turning back to the dash to flip two more switches. “Yes, they know.” “And the queen? Is she really your sister?” A slight grin lifted the corners of his lips as he studied the screen that had come to life before him. He started programming their flight path. “Jealous already?” “I’m not jealous,” she snapped. “She just doesn’t look anything like you.” Devlin chuckled. “That’s because she’s not really my sister. I’ve raised her since she was four.” He turned to her and smiled softly. “And the two of you were very close. She said to tell you when you finally remember her that she sends her love.” “Oh,” Skylar said, her brow drawing into a frown. “When I first saw her…it was from a distance, but she seemed familiar somehow. That night I had my first flashback.” “You had a flashback?” he asked. “What about?” She stared at his eyes. Those same eyes she’d seen in her flashbacks. “Apparently you. Or at least your eyes,” she added with a shrug. “Your eyes are all I ever saw of you.” “Hmmm.” He turned over the engines. “Just the eyes, huh?” “Well, the eyes and…sensations, feelings.” “Like?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. How did she tell him this? How did she tell a man she didn’t know that when she dreamed of him, she felt a love surrounding her stronger than anything she’d ever felt before? It was so strong and so real that when she awoke, she would cry at the emptiness greeting her. “I don’t remember,” she murmured, then closed her eyes on a tired sigh when she realized he could read her mind and already knew. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He didn’t laugh or grin. He didn’t roll his eyes at her stupidity. Instead, he lifted his hand and gently cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb just below her eyes. She pulled away, staring at his hand in surprise when she

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realized he’d wiped away a single tear. Reaching up, she checked for more and turned to look out the side window, embarrassment heating her cheeks. “We’ll be on our way soon,” he said softly and she nodded, unable to answer past the sudden lump in her throat. “There’s a blanket in the back. Space travel always made you cold.” Jerking her head around she stared, wide-eyed, then turned quickly to grab the blanket from the floor behind her seat. It was so odd having a stranger know her so well. She ran her hand over the gray fur and almost sighed at its softness. Argonian Forax had to be the softest fur in the galaxy. And the warmest, she thought as she wrapped it around her, snuggling deep within its warmth. “It will take us a few hours to get to our destination, so you should probably take a nap.” “I’m not really sleepy yet,” she lied, her sudden yawn belying just how tired she was. It had been a long time since she’d felt so safe. “I see that,” he replied with a grin. “Tell me something about myself,” she said. “How did I get here?” “To be honest, I’m not sure. I think your father may have hit the transport button and opened the wormhole, sending you and him here.” “Did it have something to do with my getting shot?” she asked. The ship lifted off the pad and sped out of the hangar bay toward the night sky above them. “He was trying to get you to safety.” “Why did you leave me here?” she asked, suddenly wondering why it had taken him five years to find her. “I thought you were dead,” he whispered, then turned to look at her after they passed through the ring of debris surrounding Argonia. “I had been injured. Shot three times in the

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chest and I must have mistaken what I saw. I thought you had been disintegrated with a phazor. I would have never left you here, Skylar.” She nodded, for some reason believing him. “What did my father do? I’m assuming he was the man Karn found me with.” “Your father was a scientist. He was working on a wormhole device that could transport you from planet to planet, or from one time to another.” “A time machine?” she asked in surprise. “Of sorts,” Devlin said, adjusting the trajectory. “But he was never able to travel back in time more than a few minutes.” “What happened to it?” “It’s still where he left it. On Veenori.” “How did we meet?” “I was one of the financial backers for your father’s project.” “So he introduced us? Did he like you?” Devlin’s lips twitched slightly. “He loved me.” Skylar laughed at the devilish smile, somehow knowing deep inside he’d just fibbed. “It’s not nice to lie.” “All right. He eventually loved me.” He turned to her with a grin, making her stomach flip. Her stomach seemed to be doing that a lot tonight. God help her if he decided to really turn on the charm. “You told me when we left the castle you would tell me where we were going,” she stated, waiting impatiently for him to answer. “Tilarus.” “Tilarus?” she murmured. “I think I’ve heard Karn talking about it. Isn’t it on the other side of the Klitus Belt?”

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“Yes. This ship is so small we’ll maneuver through the belt easily. Once through, we can open the gate. We should be there in about seven hours.” “What’s on Tilarus? Is that where you’re from?” “No. Tilarus is just the first stop. I have friends there and we’ll need to ditch the Argonian ship. It’ll be too recognizable.” She nodded, her eyes growing heavier. “Try to get some sleep, Skylar. I’ll wake you up when we get close.”

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Chapter Three

Lips, soft and gentle nibbled along her shoulder as she snuggled deeper into a strong embrace. He was so warm, so incredibly hard. A strong palm skimmed up the outside of her thigh and goose bumps prickled along her flesh. She shifted, a low moan rumbling in her throat. His thick cock pressed into her hip and she wiggled, making him groan into her neck. “You’re insatiable,” she murmured with a grin. “So are you,” he countered, his voice low and sensual. Sky smiled lazily, reaching behind her to run her fingers through his long, soft hair. She loved his hair -- always had. The way it hung around his shoulders gave him such an air of danger and made him look so roguish and wild. “Turn and face me, Skylar.” With a wicked smile, she rolled to face him, then shoved at his chest, pushing him to his back. His face was in shadow, but a stream of moonlight cast a ray of bluish light across his chest, highlighting his washboard abs and dusky nipples. Leaning over him, she licked her tongue across one of those nipples and smiled at the sharp intake of breath expanding his chest.

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Strong fingers gripped her hair, trying to tug her upward, but she fought him, moving downward along his strong stomach. He eventually let go, allowing her to do as she wished. He smelled musky and warm, the hairs along his skin tickling her nose and lips. Her fingers gripped his thick shaft, squeezing softly as she worked her hand upward along his length. With the flat of her thumb, she spread the drop of precum around the tip, making him moan quietly in pleasure. “You’re a witch, you know that?” he murmured. “Yes,” she said, then brushed her lips across the head of his shaft, her tongue flicking out to lick at the salty cum. “And you love it.” Opening her lips, she scraped her teeth along the tip of his cock. He growled, his hips lifting off the mattress. “Damn it, Skylar. Get up here.” “Now?” she teased. “Now, woman,” he growled. She meant to do it slowly, torment him as he’d done her so many times, but he would have none of that. He quickly grabbed her waist, hauling her over him and settling her weeping pussy over his throbbing cock. Lifting his hips as he pulled her down over him, he pushed inside her with an almost punishing thrust. She gasped, closing her eyes against the stretching sensation as he filled her deep. Her nails dug into his chest, scratching his skin as she rode him, taking even more of him. She couldn’t get enough. She loved the way he made her feel, the way he drove her over the edge with his hands, his mouth, and his cock. With his palms on her ass he lifted her, then slammed her back down, his hips rising to meet her only to hoist her up and do it all over again. Each thrust going deeper, harder, faster. All she could do was hold on, take what he gave her. Every inch of her body began to tingle and her womb tightened, signaling the first stirrings of her release. She tensed, fighting it off, but it was no use. She needed it. Needed

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him. With a scream loud enough to wake the small planet they were on, she shouted as her climax rippled through her, milking his cock. With a shout, he thrust upward, nearly knocking her off him as his own release took hold. With a sigh she fell forward onto his chest, enjoying the sound of his slowing heartbeat. His even breathing soothed her as his arms came around her back to hold her close, smashing her breasts against him. “Sky,” he whispered and she shook her head, mumbling incoherently. “Sky, baby. Wake up.” Skylar opened her eyes and stared around the ship in confusion, the remnants of the dream fading from her mind as they always did. She could never grasp what she saw in her sleep, only the emotions that remained. Even now, her body tingled with feathery fingers of satisfaction and she wondered if she’d dreamed of him, her rescuer. With a sigh, she looked to her left at Devlin and what they’d done came back in a flash. Fear gripped her chest, tightening her stomach in knots. Were they looking for them yet? Had Karn realized what they’d done? “What time is it?” she asked. “Depends on what planet you’re on,” Devlin said with a grin. “Have a nice nap?” “I’m serious. What time is it on Argonia?” He frowned, then spoke softly. “Computer, what is the time on Argonia?” “Argonian time is five thirty A.M.,” the computer responded. Skylar’s hands began to tremble as she sat up straighter in the seat. Images of what Karn would do to her ran through her mind, cruel harsh things that made her ill just thinking about them. Karn had a sick mind when it came to sex and pleasure. The more she screamed in pain, the more pleasure he found. A chill ran down her spine and she hugged herself, trying not to think about what might happen to her…or to Devlin. If he died… “Skylar, don’t worry.”

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She swallowed, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks. “I can’t help but worry. In thirty minutes, he’s going to come to your room and realize we’ve gone.” “He’ll search the castle first.” Skylar gaped at his unconcerned attitude. Didn’t he care? “And what do you think is going to happen when he doesn’t find us?” Devlin shrugged. “He’ll start looking for us.” Skylar’s anger began to rise. What had she been thinking? She’d wanted out so badly she’d trusted the first kind stranger who offered her freedom, only to get him killed when they were caught. That was not something she wanted on her conscience. It was not something she wanted to happen to him. “We shouldn’t have done this.” “Would you have rather stayed with him?” Devlin asked softly. She rounded on him angrily. “You have no idea what that man is capable of!” Devlin snorted. “Whatever that is, Skylar, I can assure you, I’m capable of just as bad, if not worse. The man’s lucky I haven’t killed him already.” Skylar shook her head, pushing the blanket off her shoulders and ignoring the coiled rage that made his body tense. Real fear for Devlin snaked down her spine. She didn’t care about herself. She would rather Karn kill her than take her back there, but she would never forgive herself if anything were to happen to someone else. Especially if it was because they were trying to rescue her. “Skylar, listen to me.” Devlin lifted her head to look at him. He turned in the seat slightly so he could better face her, forcing her to meet his fathomless gaze. Just looking into it made her feel better…safer. “We’re going to see Count Damon Marcone. He has a lot of connections on Rhenari. He’ll know how to help you and get you protection from Karn. Until that protection is in place, you’ll have to trust me. I know it’s asking a lot when you don’t remember anything about me, but…”

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She swallowed and reached out to place her hand over his on the arm of the chair. “I don’t know why, but I do trust you. I’m just scared for you.” “We’ll be fine.” With a sigh, she removed her hand and turned to stare at the large planet coming into view. Huge freighters and star cruisers circled the planet in a low orbit, and Devlin flew the small ship through an opening between two federation cruisers. “Do I know him? This Damon Marcone?” she asked. “Yes. You’ve met him and his wife, Kaylar.” She shook her head, aggravated with herself and her lack of memories. “I don’t remember.”. “Don’t force it, Skylar. Let it come naturally.” She watched in silence as the ship flew low over the mountains then set down in a small clearing. A few feet away was a massive house, three stories tall and, nestled with the trees, the snowcapped mountains behind it. Devlin led her up the stone steps to a wide, glass back door. Before he could open it, the door opened from the inside. An older man with gentle gray eyes and long platinum blond hair stood in the doorway, his eyes widening as they landed on her. “My God,” he murmured, then waved his hand, indicating they should come inside. “Get in here. Rhia called and said you might show up. We were expecting you.” The man she assumed was Damon was as tall as Devlin with shoulders almost as wide. In his youth, she was sure he would have probably been bigger than Devlin, but age had diminished him somewhat. But despite that, he appeared strong, arrogant, and intelligent and seemed to be genuinely concerned about Devlin. She caught him staring at her and she lowered her head. His finger lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “You’re no longer a slave, Skylar. You do not bow to me.”

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“But you’re a royal,” she whispered. He dipped his chin. “To some people, but never family.” His lips twitched into a welcoming smile, putting her at ease. “Devlin.” Skylar turned at the sound of Devlin’s name spoken from the other side of the entryway. An older woman with long grayish blonde hair and a concerned gaze came rushing forward to grasp Devlin in a hug. She was short and her feet came off the floor a good foot when Devlin wrapped his arms around her and picked her up. “We were starting to get worried about you,” she whispered. “Rhia is just beside herself.” “Tell her I’m fine,” Devlin said with a grin as he placed the older woman back on her feet. The woman turned to look at her and her eyes widened in the same shock she’d seen in Damon. “My God, child,” she said as she came forward and cupped her cheeks. “We thought you were dead.” “She doesn’t remember anything, Kaylar,” Devlin said. “Not even you?” Kaylar turned to look at Devlin in surprise. “Not even me,” he confirmed. “She needs some clothes. Would you mind taking her shopping for a few things while Damon and I talk?” “Of course not.” She grasped Skylar’s hand warmly. “We’ll get you all fixed up.” Skylar wasn’t sure what to say to the kindly, older woman. She still felt so overwhelmed, so lost and confused. She looked to Devlin for some kind of sign and he smiled. “It’s fine, Skylar. You’re in good hands.”

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She nodded and turned to smile at Kaylar. Devlin reached into his pocket and tried to hand Kaylar his currency chip, but she shrugged him off. “Don’t be ridiculous. Put that away.” “Kaylar,” he began, but she waved her hand, pulling Skylar behind her toward the main entrance. “We’ll be back shortly,” she said and Skylar couldn’t stop the grin at Devlin’s exasperated expression.

Devlin watched them go, then looked to Damon, who stood next to him chuckling. “You should know by now, Devlin. You can’t stop that woman when she’s on a mission.” With a nod, Devlin stuck his chip back in his pocket. “Do you have a plan?” Damon asked. Devlin sighed and followed the older man into the den. A fire burned in the fireplace, warming the large room, and Devlin took the seat closest to the crackling wood. “Somewhat. I need to get her to Rhenari. Who would be the best person at the Senate to handle this?” Damon shook his head as he took the seat across from him. “You don’t need to be going there. I’ll take care of it.” Devlin shook his head. “Damon…” “I’ll take care of it. You need to keep her hidden from the Senate. It’s possible the officials could say that until this is settled, she should be returned to Karn. Argonia is not a member of the Senate, so this isn’t as black-and-white as we would like.” Devlin reluctantly agreed. “I have another ship ready for you in the hangar. Leave the Argonian ship here and I’ll have someone fly it around, send anyone who’s looking for it on a wild goose chase.”

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“I was going to sell it and buy another.” “No.” Damon shook his head. “This way is better.” Damon was doing way too much. Much more than Devlin intended. “Damon…” Holding up his hand, Damon stopped him. “Devlin, don’t even think about trying to talk me out of this. You’re a member of this family. You’ve been there for my sons, protected them, watched their backs, even saved their lives a time or two. Let me do this for you,” he said, using the same firm voice Devlin had heard him use with his sons. Devlin brushed his hair from his face and reluctantly relented. Whenever Damon did things like this, acted as a father to him and Rhia, it made him miss his own father. In a way, Damon was a lot like his dad. Maybe that was why he’d taken such a liking to the stubborn, hard old coot. Devlin took a good look at Damon and didn’t miss the glint of excitement and purpose in his gaze. There was more to this helping bit than just repaying him. “You’re actually looking forward to this, aren’t you?” Devlin asked with amusement. Leaning forward, Damon grinned. “Hell yeah, I am.” Laughter rumbled through Devlin’s chest and he dropped his gaze to the floor. “Where are you taking her?” Damon asked. “I’m not sure yet,” Devlin said. “Veenori’s out, that’s for sure.” “What about Tansia?” Devlin frowned, thinking. “I don’t think I’ve ever been there.” “It’s tropical, secluded. It would be a good place to hide and blend in.” “Isn’t it a resort planet? I’ll need reservations.” “Let me handle that. Use the name Gaylen. It’s Kaylar’s maiden name.” “Gaylen,” Devlin said with a nod. “How are you handling all this, Devlin?”

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Raising his head, Devlin met Damon’s concerned gaze. The man could read him like a book, like a father. Standing, Devlin paced to the window, letting his gaze wander across the grounds. Gray clouds rolled across the sky, bringing with them the threat of rain. The stormy weather matched his mood. “I want to hit something.” “Then hit something.” Devlin snorted. “Somehow I don’t think Kaylar would appreciate my ransacking the house, Damon.” “I have the gym.” Devlin turned to stare at Damon. “It’s not Karn, but it should suffice to take the edge off.” “I’m trying so hard to keep this from Skylar. I don’t want her to think I’m angry with her.” He shook his head, sadness tearing a hole in his chest. “None of it is her fault. She didn’t deserve any of this. Damn it!” He slapped his hand angrily against the glass. “Why didn’t I see the truth? Why did I just accept it? Why in God’s name did I accept the love of my life was dead?” Damon came to stand next to him and placed a supporting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself. Skylar wouldn’t want you to.” Devlin shook his head, denial tightening his chest. It was his fault. “You were half-dead yourself. I’m amazed you survived at all with the wounds you had. Now get off this self-loathing kick and help Skylar get her memory back.” The rough, fatherly sound in Damon’s voice made Devlin’s lips twitch. He was lucky to have the Marcones. Damn lucky. “Can I still hit something?” With a laugh, Damon shoved him toward the hall and the staircase that would take them into the basement. “You’re free to beat the hell out of anything down there.”

*****

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Skylar followed behind Kaylar, unsure and totally out of her element. She’d never been shopping, at least that she could remember. She wore what Karn gave her to wear and that was that. Standing back, she watched Kaylar sort through outfits she thought would work for her. The woman moved like a whirlwind, holding clothes against Skylar’s slender frame and either giving a nod or a grimace. At one point Skylar giggled at her scrunched up face, making Kaylar look at her in surprise. “Am I being too overbearing?” she asked, her lips twitching in amusement. “I have a feeling even if you were, it wouldn’t matter.” Kaylar laughed and hung the outfit back on the rack. “Kaylar,” Skylar began and licked at her lips nervously. “Yes, dear,” Kaylar said, her face softening in concern. “Who is Devlin to me?” she asked. Kaylar smiled softly and placed a hat on Skylar’s head at a slight tilt. “What does your gut tell you?” “My gut doesn’t know. I can’t remember. I feel safe with him.” Skylar shrugged and let out a ragged sigh. “Which is strange because I don’t even know him.” “Yes, you do.” Kaylar adjusted Skylar’s hair around the edges of the hat. “We should have something done with your hair. Like you used to wear it, I think.” “Kaylar, please,” Skylar whispered. With a sigh, Kaylar removed the hat and motioned for Skylar to follow her to one of the many shaded benches outside. They sat down and for a moment, Skylar took another look around the town. Glass buildings surrounded them, hovercrafts and speeders floated above them. It was so different from Argonia, but still just as beautiful in its own way. “Devlin was your life,” Kaylar began and Skylar turned on the bench to look at her. “He almost died himself when he thought you’d been killed.”

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“He said he’d been shot.” Kaylar nodded. “Yes. Three times in the chest.” “He told me we were lovers, but it feels like there should be more than that.” “There was,” Kaylar said with a nod, her lips lifting in a small smile of remembrance. “Devlin had been through so much in his life. Losing his parents. Taking on a four-year-old child to protect her from slave traders. He’d done a lot of things for his adopted father that he was ashamed of. But Rhia was held over his head to get him to comply. As long as he did what he was told, she would remain with him.” “What all did he do?” “He stole, conned…murdered.” Skylar gasped in shock. “He murdered people?” “Yes,” Kaylar said with a nod. “As he grew older, people became more afraid of him. He’d built up a formidable reputation. Then you came along.” “Me?” Skylar asked. “I changed him?” “No, not really. You saw past his façade. On the outside he was the cold, hard, harsh Armonde, but inside he was still that soft hearted twelve-year-old boy who refused to allow a four-year-old to be slaved out.” Skylar frowned, trying to remember something, anything. “You told me once, a long time ago, that you saw him with Rhia. You’d heard the rumors and seen his formidable side, but the second you saw his hard gaze soften when he looked at her, you knew there was more to him than what the rumors claimed. You said no man who could comfort Rhia like he did could be all bad.” Skylar grinned, then shook her head. “I just wish I could remember. I have dreams sometimes. I hear a man’s voice. I feel his touch. But the most I ever saw of him were his eyes.” Her smile faded. “Eyes just like Devlin’s. We were more than just lovers then? Did he love me?”

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“Oh, honey. He loved you with everything he had in him. But don’t tell him I told you this. He’ll have my head.” A soft chuckle escaped Skylar’s chest. “Somehow I doubt that. How did you and Damon become so close to him?” “Damon was like you. He saw the softer man inside.” Skylar smiled. She’d caught glimpses of that softer man, but she’d also seen the hard cold side, the side she was sure many people feared. “I wish I could remember something,” she said. “Devlin tells me not to force it.” “He’s right. You should probably remember all this on your own.” Skylar slapped at her thigh in aggravation. “But I want to remember it now. I’ve tried so hard over the last four years to snatch something from my memories, but I get nowhere. When I first saw Rhianna on Argonia, I started having quick flashbacks, images I can’t hold onto and it drives me crazy.” Kaylar put her hand over her knee and smiled in a way that made Skylar think of loving mothers. “You went through a massive trauma, child. You’d been shot. Your father had been killed and you probably thought you’d lost Devlin.” “Did I see him get shot?” she asked. “Yes. Add that to your transport through your father’s wormhole and it’s no surprise you would block everything out.” Skylar sighed tiredly. The more she heard, the more confused she felt. “Then why haven’t they come back, now that Devlin has rescued me?” “You’ve suppressed them too long would be my guess,” Kaylar offered. “Let them come on their own. In the meantime I’m more than happy to answer any questions.” Skylar raised an eyebrow. “Even if Devlin disapproves?” Kaylar snorted and waved a hand. “What Devlin doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” “Or us,” Skylar said. She giggled and Kaylar joined her in the laugh.

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“Or us,” Kaylar agreed, then tugged Skylar to her feet. “Now let’s get you some clothes.”

***** Karn stormed down the hall toward the kings’ offices. The damn son of a bitch had run off with his slave. Ignoring the guards posted outside, Karn threw the double doors open and stomped into the room. Keenas, the older of the twin kings, looked up from behind his desk and scowled angrily. Jorel, the younger, stood behind him, his hand on the back of his brother’s chair, his brow creased in an identical frown. “What the hell do you want, Karn?” Keenas snarled. “Where’s Armonde?” “How the hell would I know?” “He’s Rhianna’s brother. You mean to tell me you don’t know where the thief is?” “What do you mean, thief?” Jorel spoke up angrily, his deep voice booming around the room. “He took Morianna.” “Good for him,” Keenas murmured. “I’m sure he’ll be a better owner than you were.” “Damn you, Keenas,” Karn snarled. “Where is he?” Keenas tossed the small computer to the side of the desk and sat back in his chair, unconcerned. “He’s probably around the castle somewhere, Karn. Go look for him.” “I’ve been looking for him all morning. He’s not here and neither is Morianna.” Keenas shrugged. “Don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know where he is.” “Bullshit,” Karn snapped. “Careful, Karn,” Jorel snarled. “I would hate to have to detain you.” “For what?”

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“Aggressive behavior toward your king.” “He’s my cousin,” Karn growled. “I’ll not be pushed aside on this. He stole my slave. I want him found." “I have more important things to attend to, Karn. I don’t have time to track down your slave. You can handle it on your own.” Karn turned to storm from the room in anger, but stopped short at Keenas’s softly spoken warning. “And I would recommend you stay away from Rhianna. If I find out you’ve questioned her I’ll throw you in a cell, cousin or not.” “Fine,” he replied over his shoulder. “I can find them without your help.” Slamming the door behind him, Karn stomped down the hall, his mind thinking back on the last four years. Morianna had been the best slave he’d ever had. She was stronger than most, tolerated more than the others had and her beauty had earned him more money than he’d seen in years. Until that damn Armonde had stepped in, taking what he had no right to take. Morianna was his and by God he’d get her back…then watch her die slowly for her traitorous attitude.

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Chapter Four

“We picked up some extra clothes for you as well, Devlin.” With a grin, Kaylar handed the small bag to Devlin, who tossed it into the back of the small sporty runner that Damon had given him. “You didn’t have to do that, Mom,” he drawled, his lips twitching in a cheeky grin. “Ah, I see. You intended to wear the same clothes for days. How silly of me.” Devlin chuckled, then leaned down to kiss the older woman’s cheek. “Thank you, Kaylar.” She cupped his cheek tenderly. “You’re welcome. Now you take care.” Grasping her hand, he kissed the inside of her palm. “I will.” Turning, he took Skylar’s hand in his and helped her to climb into the ship. He sensed the small tremor running up her arm as easily as he felt his own. Her gaze met his, her eyes full of confusion and desire. He winked, trying to put her at ease as she settled herself into the small two-person cruiser. Skylar had commented it looked like an evil bird, the way the wings tipped up on the ends and the front narrowed to a sharp point. Kaylar turned to her with a smile. “Skylar, try to relax, dear, and enjoy yourself.”

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Skylar waved, a small smile of thanks pulling at her lips. “The cruiser is equipped with a booster, so if you need us for anything, you can reach us using Stefan’s code. It will bring up a secure Senate line and will be untraceable,” Damon said, standing next to Kaylar. Devlin nodded, then jumped into the driver’s side of the ship. With a wave, he took off toward space and the Molanis station, where they would stop for the night. Skylar appeared a little skittish. Her palms ran up and down her thighs, her teeth kept biting down on her lip. He could sense her anxiety, her coiled tension. She was worried about Karn and he needed to think of a way to keep her mind off him. Kaylar had done a wonderful job helping her pick out clothes. She looked gorgeous in the pants and top she had on. The deep blue of the material darkened the blue of her eyes and highlighted her blonde hair. His hand fisted around the steering mechanism as he leaned forward to program the transport gate that would allow them to jump over fifty thousand light-years to the station. Their halfway point. They probably could have made it in a few hours, but the second half of the trip would be the longest, since use of the gate was not allowed in that sector. Glancing

back

at

Skylar,

he

zoned

in

on

her

emotions.

She

was

scared…confused…agitated. He’d tried ever since he saw her to not think about what she’d been through over the last four years, to not think about the other men who’d touched her. Every time he did, he was sent into a murderous rage and right now, Skylar was more important. Regaining her memory was more important. The rest they would deal with later. The boxing session in Damon’s basement had helped with getting out some of his anger, but what would help more than anything would be to get his hands on Karn. They first had to secure Skylar’s freedom. If the Senate refused to help, then it would be up to him to “convince” Karn to give up the chase.

God, I hope the son of a bitch puts up a fight.

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He glanced back toward the black void of the gate. Ten more minutes and they would be out and just a few short light years from the station. “Talk to me, Skylar.” She turned and stared at him in surprise. “What?” “Talk to me,” he repeated. “About what?” she asked. “Whatever you want.” “Dinner was wonderful,” she blurted. “I don’t think I’ve ever had…what was it again?” Devlin grinned slightly in amusement. “Duck.” “Duck,” she murmured, her gaze returning to the window. A flash of blue light appeared, indicating they’d exited the gate. Stars whizzed by them like white streaks, they moved so quickly. The Litariun cruiser Devlin had loaned him was one fast little ship. It also had cloaking capabilities, which helped to keep their departure from Tilarus a secret. “Tell me about my father.” “He was older, around sixty I think. He had you late in life. He spoiled you.” She spun around and met his gaze. “I was spoiled?” “Terribly,” he drawled, playfully. “You had to have your way. Even when it came to me, you refused to take no for an answer.” She narrowed her eyes, studying him. “You’re teasing me.” With a chuckle, he put the ship on autopilot. “Maybe.” His grin widened. “Maybe I’m not.” She snorted and turned back toward the window. “You said before we left the castle I seduced you.” “Yes.”

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“How?” she asked. “I was drunk.” With a sigh, she turned her head to glare at him. “I had to get you drunk before you would sleep with me?” Devlin laughed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m afraid so.” “Was I that horrid?” “Of course not, but what you looked like or acted like had nothing to do with it.” “Then what was it?” He watched her for a moment, trying to decide just how much he should reveal. Maybe telling her would help her to remember. “I thought you were too good for me. That you deserved better.”

Skylar stared at him in shock. He thought she was too good for him? How could he think something like that? Did it have to do with her being spoiled? She scowled, angry with herself. She hated spoiled women. They were all over the castle, especially Karn’s. They ordered her around and more than once had paid Karn a hefty sum to have a few hours to torture her, make her do things she never wanted to do again. She shivered, turning her gaze back out the window. She never wanted to think of herself like them. “Thinking that you were spoiled bothers you, doesn’t it?” he asked softly. She turned back and was held captive by the compassion in his gaze. She had a feeling he knew what was really bothering her, but she kept the subject on her forgotten past rather than the nightmare that had been the last four years. “Was I really spoiled?” He shook his head, his lips lifting into a soft smile. “You were stubborn, determined. But you weren’t spoiled. You’d learned to work for what you wanted. And you definitely worked for me.”

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The heat of a blush moved over her face. “I, uh…” She glanced away, unsure she could look him in the eye now. What exactly had she done to seduce him? Had she chased after him like a love-struck schoolgirl? “Was I obvious?” Again, Devlin chuckled and she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “You were adorable. At first you were sly, but after I lost control and kissed you during an argument, you became bolder. You knew you had me.” She raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “You kissed me during an argument? That was our first kiss? And were you drunk then, too?” “No,” Devlin replied with a chuckle. “I was only drunk the first time we made love. But not drunk enough, apparently, because you got to me. But as for the kiss…” Devlin shrugged, his shoulder lifting slightly. “What can I say? You pissed me off.” “How did I piss you off?” she asked, definitely curious now. “I had been put in charge of you while your father was away --” “Put in charge of me?” she asked indignantly. Devlin frowned. “Are you going to let me tell this or not?” “Fine,” she grumbled, waving her hand. “As I was saying, I had been put in charge of you.” Skylar pressed her lips together to hide the grin. She knew he was teasing with his haughty attitude. How, though, she wasn’t quite sure. Sometimes her insight toward him unsettled her. “You left my bar and went into town alone. Veenori is a dangerous place and someone tried to kidnap you. I had to --” “Carry me back to the bar over your shoulder,” Skylar finished for him, then gaped in amazement. “I remember it. Not everything, but I remember you carrying me over your shoulder. I was so unbelievably mad at you.”

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“I know.” He reached up and rubbed at his cheek, indicating she’d smacked him. “I did not hit you,” she cried. He snickered. “Yes you did.” “Is that why you kissed me?” “That was actually after I kissed you.” She frowned, her brow drawn tight in thought. “I apparently wanted you to kiss me, yet I hit you when you did?” “You tend to do that when you’re angry.” She swatted his shoulder with the back of her hand. “I do not.” He glanced pointedly at his arm, his brow raised in amusement. “You’re being funny, aren’t you? Teasing me again?” He laughed and put his hand on her knee, squeezing it. Heat traveled up her leg, lodging deep in her womb. The intense reaction to his touch surprised her and she blinked, staring at his hand as it rested against her leg. She’d been through so much since she’d been with Karn; it amazed her she felt so safe with Devlin. “You’re not abusive,” he said with the most adorable half grin. “I deserved the slap you gave me. The kiss was…well, let’s just say I wasn’t at my best that afternoon.” Skylar snorted, then bit down on her lip to hide a grin. “You were pretty mad at me,” she whispered, as images of his furious face flashed through her mind. “I can’t believe I’m remembering this. Why of all things would I remember this?” “Maybe it was because that day was when you found out I wanted you as much as you wanted me. Your suspicions were confirmed and if we hadn’t been interrupted I would have fucked you on my desk.” “Even after I hit you?”

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Devlin chuckled, then glanced at the dash to check the autopilot. “After you hit me, I kissed you again, but that time you kissed me back. Things got a little carried away after that.” “I see,” she teased. “So apparently I have to be mean to get you interested.” He turned to her, his eyes glowing with desire and love. Her heart skipped, her breath lodged in her throat. “Are you trying to get me interested?” A high-pitched beep sounded throughout the cockpit, making her jump and breaking the spell. “What is that?” she asked, glancing around to find whatever the problem was. Devlin turned his attention back to the window and reached forward to resume control of the ship. “Destination warning. We’re close enough to the station to contact them, let them know we’re coming so they can prepare a space for us in the docking bay.” “That was fast,” she gasped, shocked. “We went through the transport gate. I guess you were so deep in thought, you didn’t notice. We had just come out when you asked me about your father.” Her lips formed a silent oh before she turned back to the massive floating station in the distance. “What all is on the station?” she asked, unsure if she was glad for the diversion or not, but felt she needed to talk about something to break up the sudden tension filling her. Her feelings were so jumbled, so screwed up. She was excited she’d actually remembered something, and at the same time still felt so lost. The attraction she felt for him was strong. Glancing at his profile, she took a deep breath to calm her fluttering heart. Definitely strong. But she wanted to know more, needed to know more about the two of them. Kaylar had said he loved her and she loved him in return. She could see that. She could definitely see herself in love with him.

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In silence, she watched Devlin maneuver the small runner into the massive space station. It was U-shaped, like a half-eaten donut, and the runner entered a landing bay through the back, halfway around the semicircle. A uniformed man stepped forward and pointed toward a small spot to the left. Swerving to miss another ship, Devlin parked the runner, then powered down the engines. Skylar couldn’t stop looking around. There were so many ships, so many different species of people. She looked for Karn in every humanoid face she saw. She couldn’t help it. She expected him to jump out at any second and whisk her back home, where she would see an even more brutal side to him. If he caught her this time, she had no doubt he’d be angry enough to kill her. Then he’d kill Devlin. Turning in her seat, she watched him pull their bags from the back. His muscles flexed as he moved, his hair falling over his shoulder to hide his face from view as he bent forward to reach the ones in the back. “Stop worrying about Karn,” he murmured without looking up at her. “I can’t just stop, Devlin. I’m afraid for you.” She took a deep breath, then added, “I’m afraid for both of us. I think I see him in every face out there.” Devlin jumped from his side of the ship. She watched as he strolled confidently around to her side. He reached up and opened her door, but blocked it as he stared up at her, his gaze full of so much understanding her heart melted. “He’s not here, Sky. It’s just us.” She nodded, then allowed him to help her down.

***** Karn paced his office, his mind thinking things through. Devlin was friends with the Marcones. He could have gone to them for help. When they were all here for Rhianna’s wedding their closeness was obvious. More than once he’d wondered how someone like Devlin Armonde had made such a tight connection to one of the most powerful families in the galaxy.

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With a sigh, he stared toward the ceiling. It didn’t matter. Not anymore. “Nate,” he yelled, calling for his assistant. Nate stuck his head around the open doorway, his nervousness obvious as he kept most his body behind the door. “Yes, sir?” With a frown, Karn waved him into the room. “All of Keenas’s ships have a tracking beacon on them, correct?” Coming to a stop before Karn’s desk, Nate clasped his hands in front of him, keeping his gaze toward the back wall. “I believe so, yes, sir.” “Can we trace the beacons without Keenas and Jorel knowing?” Nate nodded. “Yes, with the correct frequency.” “And do we know that frequency?” Nate swallowed, his gaze falling to the floor. “I believe I can make a good guess.” “It better be a real good guess, Nate. I want to know where that ship went.” “Yes, sir.” With a short nod, he turned and left the room. Karn turned to stare out the window. The late afternoon sunshine slid below the tree line, casting long shadows across the lawn. Rhianna had been suspiciously absent most of the day, and when she had come out, either Keenas or Jorel had been with her. Protective sons of bitches, he growled to himself. He’d bet his fortune Keenas knew where Devlin had gone. It didn’t matter. Help from them or not, he’d find the thief and make him pay. Nobody stole from him. Nobody.

***** Damon strolled through his son’s house on Daego, following the sounds of his grandsons’ laughter. It was a beautiful day and his youngest son, Sidious, was right where he knew he’d be, playing in the backyard with his boys.

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Stepping outside, he smiled at how much his grandsons looked like Sidious; with their platinum blond hair and gray eyes, they were his spitting image. He almost hated to interrupt, but after taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat to get their attention. Two young boys, ages five and three, looked up at him with adoring smiles that made his heart burst. “Grandpa,” they yelled, jumping to their feet to run up the verandah steps and into his open arms. “How’s my boys?” Damon asked, engulfing both of them into his arms. “Good,” they said, smiling widely. “Are you staying for a while?” Hayden, the oldest of the two asked. “For a little while, but I need to speak with your father for a few minutes first.” “Ohhh.” They pouted, and Damon ruffled their hair. “Just for a few minutes, I promise.” “What did you want to talk to me about?” Sidious asked as he walked over and stared up at him from the lawn. Sidious was a younger version of himself. Tall, muscular, arrogant, and just as stubborn. He was the most hardheaded of his three sons, and the one he’d butted heads with more often than not. But he was also the one who would be most suited to help Devlin. “I need to speak with you privately,” Damon said as he stood. With a grimace, Sidious joined Damon on the verandah. “Whenever you say that, it never bodes well for me.” Damon nodded. “And this time will probably be no different.” Sidious grinned and brushed his long platinum hair from his face. “So who’s in trouble? Stefan or Taron?” “Neither. Devlin.” “Devlin?” Sidious asked in surprise.

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“What about Devlin?” Mikayla asked from the open doorway leading to the verandah. Both men turned to smile at Sidious’s wife Mikayla. Her dark hair was piled on her head with a clip, curly tendrils blowing in the breeze around her ears. Green eyes the color of emeralds watched them, making Damon feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Mikayla reminded him the most of Kaylar when she was younger. Strong, opinionated, and for someone so tiny, fearless when it came to standing up to her husband. “Hello, my Kayla,” Damon purred and moved to envelop her into his arms. “How’s the best thing to happen to the name Marcone?” She laughed and hugged him back, her tiny body dwarfed next to his aging one. Despite her size, the little woman could give his son one hell of a run for his money. And had. “I bet you tell all your daughters-in-law that,” she said, smiling up at him. “Of course; I’m not stupid,” he replied, making Mikayla giggle. “Now, what’s this about Devlin?” she asked, narrowing her gaze. Damon sighed and glanced over at his son. Sidious stood off to the side, his arms crossed over his chest, his shoulders shaking in silent laughter. “I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy,” Damon said with a grin, and Mikayla slapped his shoulder playfully. “Let’s have a seat and I’ll tell you all about it.” The three moved to the outsidetable overlooking the small grassy area where the children played. Damon toyed with a leaf that had fallen from the tree growing up through the center of the verandah. “I have some good news and some bad,” he started. “Well, what’s the bad news?” Mikayla asked. “Devlin has stolen an Argonian slave.” Sidious raised an eyebrow in surprise while Mikayla sat back, her mouth dropped open in shock. “Devlin did what?” she asked.

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“I can see Devlin doing that,” Sidious murmured as he scratched at his chin. “But what’s the good news in all this?” Damon grinned. “The slave is Skylar.” “Skylar?” both Sidious and Mikayla cried in unison. “Are you serious?” Mikayla asked. “Devlin has to be beside himself.” “Angry is more like it. She’s been through a rough time. Abused, prostituted.” “Oh, my God,” Mikayla gasped. Sidious sat back in the chair, his chin resting on his thumb, his finger drawn across his lips. He narrowed his gaze at Damon. “What is it you want me to do?” “Stefan and I are going to Rhinari to approach the Senate.” Damon held up his hand, stopping what his son was about to say. “I know Argonia is not part of the Senate, but there are more than a few Senators that owe Stefan their life. I’ll start with them. While we’re doing that, I want you and Mikayla to do a little role-playing.” Sidious glanced toward Mikayla, then back to his dad, his eyes twinkling. “You want me and Mikayla to play Devlin and Skylar?” “Yes. You’ll both have to change your hair and you’ll need contacts, but you and Devlin match in size, you both have long hair. It should work.” “And if we’re caught?” Sidious asked, raising his eyebrow. Damon grinned. “Do what you do best.” “You just made his day,” Mikayla said with a giggle as she watched the grin slowly spread across Sidious’s face. Damon turned to gaze at his daughter-in-law. She appeared to be just as excited about this as his son. “You good with this, gorgeous?” he asked, even though he knew she was. “Are you kidding? It’s been a long time since Sidious and I have gotten to do anything like this. What about the boys?”

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“Their grandmother and Aunt Krista said they would take care of them.” “When do we leave?” she asked. “As soon as you’re ready. Devlin and Skylar have already left in the cruiser. They left cloaked, so that should keep their departure off any radars or exit logs. I have someone else taking the Argonian ship and you will take the Triton, and both ships will leave at relatively the same time. I’m hoping Karn will realize Devlin wouldn’t be dumb enough to continue to use the recognizable Argonian ship and follow you in the decoy.” Mikayla sat forward, her brow tightening into a frown of concern. “What if the Senate refuses to help?” “Then it gets personal, and considering Karn is one of Rhia’s in-laws and a member of the Argonian royalty, it will also get a little messy.” “Do Keenas and Jorel know what he’s done?” Damon nodded. “Keenas helped him, but once Devlin left the planet, it was out of his hands.” Sidious leaned across the table and grinned wickedly at his wife. “Well, Sky. What do you say we fly a rowdy and wicked path through the systems?” Mikayla laughed. “You’re on, Dev.”

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Chapter Five

Devlin took another swallow of his drink and watched Skylar warily. His long black hair hung around his shoulders in soft waves; his sexy eyes narrowed dangerously as her fingers slowly and deliberately popped the top button of her coat free. Her stare lowered to the massive bulge protruding from within his pants and he gripped the glass in his hand so hard his knuckles turned white. She knew deep in her heart he wanted her, if she could just get him to give in. His gaze moved lower, following her fingers as they released a second button. Sapphire eyes glowed with hunger, making her skin tingle. “Skylar,” he growled. “Shut up, Devlin.” He raised an eyebrow, his gaze darkening slightly. Lifting the crystal decanter, he poured more liquor into his glass. Devlin drank, but never allowed himself to get drunk. He would lose too much of his blessed control if he were drunk. So what was he doing? Trying to make himself so intoxicated he wouldn’t be able to have sex? Damn, the man was stubborn. “You should go, Skylar,” he warned as he lifted the glass to his lips.

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She shook her head, dropping her long coat to the floor, leaving herself naked and exposed. The look in his eyes warmed her, gave her the courage to continue. “You and I both know you want this,” she purred. He took another long swallow and shook his head with a grimace. “You have no idea what I want. If you did, you’d run screaming.” “Please,” she drawled. “I might scream, but not from fear.” Her hands flattened against his chest and he sucked in a huge gulp of air. His muscles were hard, his skin smooth and hot enough to singe her flesh. “Skylar,” he warned again. “I’m serious. You don’t want this.” “Oh, I definitely want this,” she murmured and cupped his hard cock through his pants. Even through the material she could tell his cock more than filled her hands and she imaged how good he would feel buried to the hilt inside her. She’d wanted him for so long and she wouldn’t let him run away this time, wouldn’t let him push her aside. “I know you’re not what they say you are,” she whispered against his lips, inhaling his spicy scent. “Yes I am,” he murmured against her mouth. His control was slipping fast. She could see it in his eyes, feel it in the tension of his body. “I’m everything they say and more.” “I’m not afraid of you,” she whispered before flicking out her tongue to lick at the seam of his lips. “You should be,” he snarled, then lifted his hands to rest at her hips. “Such small hips,” he murmured. “Too small. I’ll terrify you, Skylar. I’ll hurt you.” “You would never hurt me.” Her fingers undid the buttons of his fly and slipped her tiny hand inside. “Damn it, Skylar,” he growled and lifted her to sit on the edge of his desk.

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Her legs wrapped around his waist as he settled his cock against the heat of her pussy; her fingers gripped his shoulders, bunching in the material of his shirt. She wanted to rip it off him so she could feel the heat of his flesh against hers. “You have such beautiful eyes,” she whispered, then moaned as he pressed her mound against the hard ridge of his shaft, showing her exactly what she did to him. “You shouldn’t be here. We shouldn’t be doing this.” Her hands slowly lowered his shirt from his shoulders, feeling his strength in the muscles that bunched beneath her touch. Fingers skimmed across his skin, exploring every inch of his massive chest. “I’m too old for you.” He gasped as her thumbs flicked across his nipples. Her full lips spread into an adorable smile. “You’re only two years older than me,” she admonished. “You’re grasping at straws, Devlin. Just trying to think of anything that might push me away. And you know it.” Leaning forward, she touched her lips softly to his. “Do what you want. Take me however you want.” His eyes closed on a groan. He shook his head, fighting his desire to give in and give her what she wanted. What she knew he wanted. “You know you want me,” she whispered and took his hand, guiding it to her pussy. He let her and cupped her wet mound. Oh, God she was wet, so turned on. She needed him so badly. “I want you, Devlin.” His fingers slipped through the wetness coating her pussy and separated her labia. She moaned, bucking her hips against his hand. “I’ve always wanted you.” As if in a daze, he lifted his hand and slipped his wet fingers between his lips, closing his eyes in sensual pleasure. Her hands cupped his face, forcing him to meet her pleading stare. “Please, Devlin. Don’t push me away again.”

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Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his. The kiss was deep and hard, almost punishing, but at the same time so good. With a moan, she returned his kiss, answering his hunger with her own, the same desperate need. He crushed her to him, flattening her breasts against his chest. His cock rocked against her mound, setting a hard, steady rhythm that drove her insane. Breaking the kiss, she arched her back and met his thrusts. “Yes,” she sighed. “Just like that.” Devlin growled and shoved his pants to the floor before kicking them to the side. With one hand, he pressed Skylar to her back on the desk, then let it trail slowly down her chest and stomach, sending tingles down her spine. The other he used to spread her thighs wide. The thumb of his first hand brushed across her swollen clit, making her cry out in pleasure. Her fingers gripped his hair, trying to pull him toward her. He removed her hands, placing them at her sides. “Leave them there,” he commanded in a deep rough voice that sent her senses soaring as if he’d touched her. She stared up at him with heavy-lidded eyes, her breathing shallow and erratic. Reaching up, he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip and a shudder ran through her. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss between her breasts, and her eyes closed on a sigh. He moved to the nipple on his right and licked it with his tongue. Skylar gasped and thrust out her chest. Devlin backed away and moved to lick the other nipple. She was so wild, so on fire she could hardly catch her breath. “Devlin, please,” she pleaded, her fingers clenching and unclenching at her sides. With a devilish grin, he ducked between her legs and licked the length of her wet slit. She cried out in pleasure as he separated her labia with his fingers so he could better taste her, fuck her with his tongue.

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He was careful to not touch her clit, despite how desperately she wanted him to. He took his time, slowly stroking her with his tongue, then gently sucking at her labia. She moaned and whimpered, her head rolling from side to side as she begged him to continue, to not stop. Rising above her, he positioned the head of his cock at her weeping entrance. She trembled, desperate to feel his thick length slamming into her, putting her out of her misery. “Yes,” she hissed and bucked her hips, lodging the head of his shaft just inside her. With a growl, he pressed into her, stretching her painfully. She gasped, her eyes going wide as her body stilled beneath him. He pulled out, then slowly pushed back in, the tight walls of her channel gripping him. “God, Skylar. You’re so tight. So damn tight.” “Devlin,” she whimpered. His concerned gaze met hers. He started to pull out, but she lifted her legs, locking them behind his hips to hold him inside her. “Don’t stop.” “Skylar…” he warned, but she shook her head. “I want all of you, Devlin. Don’t stop.” She stared pleadingly into his face. God, if he stopped now, she’d die. Her nipples were hard little pebbles, her skin flushed, her pussy leaking cream onto his balls and desk. “Please,” she whispered and it was his undoing. He pressed forward, slowly, much too slowly. She lifted her hips, taking more of him inside her and he clenched his jaw, his restraint obvious in the contorted scowl his face. He pulled back, then pressed forward one more time, surprisingly burying himself balls deep. She gasped at the pleasure racing through her, arching her back and grinding her hips against him. Again, he pulled back, then thrust forward hard. Her lips opened on a silent cry as he repeated the movement, giving her all he had. “Skylar,” he groaned. “Talk to me.”

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He held himself still, waiting for her to say something. She shocked him when she slapped at the desk with her palm and yelled, “Damn it, Devlin. Don’t stop. Fuck me!” With a growl, he did just that, pounding into her over and over, his balls slapping against her ass. She screamed and met every one of his thrusts with one of her own, her body and mouth begging for more. Begging for him to fuck her harder. It felt so good, so unbelievably good. “Skylar,” she heard him say as though from a distance and she blinked. “Skylar.” His fingers snapped in front of her face, pulling her from the very erotic flashback. It was the first one she’d ever remembered in its entirety. Swallowing, she met his gaze and felt the heat of a blush move over her face. Could he tell what she’d just seen? How hot her body was at the moment? She couldn’t tell and fought hard to block him from seeing into her mind. At least she hoped she had. “You okay?” he asked. “You look a little frazzled.” She nodded and glanced around at the other tables filling the small restaurant. A waiter came forward and placed a glass of amber liquid in front of her. She grabbed the glass and quickly downed half the contents, hoping to cool her overheated body. “Wait,” Devlin gasped and moved to take the drink from her before she could finish off the glass. Warmth spread through her and she coughed at the strong alcoholic taste and burning that filled her chest. “What’s in that?” she asked, wiping at her mouth with the cloth napkin. The couple at the table next to them glanced over, but Skylar ignored them, concentrating instead on regaining her breath. “A little bit of everything. It’s pretty strong, so I was surprised you ordered it. You didn’t know it was alcoholic, did you?” he asked, his eyes crinkling in amusement. She shook her head. “I thought it was just tea.”

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Looking around the restaurant, she tried to block out the images of Devlin fucking her on his desk. His hard chest, his smoldering eyes, his silky hair between her fingers, all of them made her want to leap across the table and beg him to do it again. God, was he really that big? Her eyes lowered, but the table blocked her view of his lap. The alcohol had begun to work its way through her body and she blinked, trying to clear her blurring vision. Oh, yeah. She’d definitely drunk that too fast. Electric candles flickered around them, reflecting in the red glass tables. Exotic smells filled her nose, but all she could think about was Devlin and how he’d looked bending over her, filling her. Devlin cleared his throat and she glanced up at him almost hesitantly. “I just had the wildest flashback,” she murmured. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He just watched her, as though waiting for her to continue. Although she didn’t know why. The jerk knew what she’d been feeling…thinking. She could see it in the knowing glint that shimmered in his gaze. “I’m hungry,” she mumbled and glanced around the room looking for their waiter. “Where’s the food?” “I’m thinking we should get the food to go.” “To go?” she gasped, snapping her head back around to face him. “Where would we take it?” She could hear herself slurring her words but couldn’t seem to stop herself. “To our room, remember? You were standing next to me when I checked in.” She leaned forward, her eyes wide. She really didn’t remember. Well, she remembered stopping at a desk but at the time her mind had been on studying the faces around her rather than what Devlin had been doing. “We’re sharing the same room? The same bed?” Despite her nervousness, her body tingled with the idea of sharing a bed with him, of feeling his warm naked body close to hers.

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Devlin’s lips twitched. “I think it’s safe to say you definitely can’t hold your liquor.” “I’m not drunk,” she replied, sitting up and glaring at him in indignation. She’d only drunk half the glass. “You can’t get drunk off half a glass.” “You can when the glass is ninety-five percent alcohol.” “Oh…It was that much?” Devlin clamped his lips closed, fighting a chuckle, his sapphire eyes dancing with merriment. “Yeah, baby. It was that much.” “Then why did you let me order it?” she snapped, tossing her napkin at his chest. “I thought you knew what it was. You used to.” “I used to?” She pursed her lips and waved her hand in agitation. “I used to remember you. According to the flashback I just had, I used to fuck you, too. And boy could you fuck.” She hiccupped, then placed her hand against her chest to try and calm her racing heart. Raising his hand, he signaled the waiter and told him they’d like their meal to go. The waiter nodded and moved off to get their food. She leaned across the table, whispering softly. “Are you really that big?” Devlin coughed, then leaned over as well. “What exactly did you see in that flashback, Sky?” “You,” she drawled, then waved her hand toward his hips. “You and that…that thing you call a cock.” Dropping his forehead in his hand, Devlin laughed. “Ish no….ish…ish not funny,” she whined, her words beginning to slur . “You’re huge.” Her hands lifted and spread wide. “Huge.” Devlin’s laughter increased as he reached out to lower her hands. “I don’t think I’m quite that big, sweetheart.”

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Skylar squirmed in her seat, trying to ignore the flare of heat igniting in her pussy when his hands touched hers. She really needed to lay down, preferably under him. The waiter brought their food over in two silver boxes, which Devlin accepted with a nod of thanks. Standing, he held his hand out to her. “Come on, my drunken minx. Let’s get you to a bed.” With a nod, she took his hand and stood on shaky legs. She wobbled alongside of him and scowled up at his shaking shoulders. The damn gorgeous hunk was still laughing at her. Choosing to ignore him, she looked around at the shops and people milling about. There were numerous species of all different shapes, sizes…and colors. Turning to walk backward, she gawked at a woman whose skin was dark purple. She lost her footing and with a gasp, fell backward into Devlin’s arm with a squeal. He caught her easily and she stared up at him dreamily. Her hero. God, he was handsome. “Normally, people walk forward, sweetheart, not backward,” he teased and she scrunched up her nose. “Did you see that woman? She was purple,” Skylar whispered as he helped her stand upright. He let go and she wobbled again, latching onto his arm for support. Her fingers flexed against the hard muscle of his bicep and she sighed, squeezing his arm even harder. “Wow,” she sighed, then giggled. “You’re so strong.” Devlin chuckled. “And you’re so drunk.” “I’m not used to drinking that much. Karn wouldn’t let me. He wanted me sober so I could perform better. Damn son of a bitch,” she grumbled as they walked toward the glass elevator that would take them to the private rooms on the top floor of the station. Devlin scowled and the muscles beneath her fingers bunched at her mention of Karn. “How did you used to kill people?” His whole body tensed beside her, his frown locked on something in front of them. “Did you do it slowly? Or were you quick?”

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“How do you know I killed people?” “Kaylar.” She sighed. “I wasn’t supposed to say anything.” Devlin pulled her into the glass elevator and remained silent. The doors closed with a soft whoosh and she lifted her bleary eyes to study him. Squinting, she tried to focus on his face. The worry lines deepened around his eyes and mouth. Was it because of what she’d said? She wanted to touch him, smooth out those lines and make him smile again, make the teasing man return. “I’m sorry.” She swallowed, frowning at how slurred her words sounded even to her. “I shouldn’t have brought it up.” “It’s okay. You won’t remember it tomorrow.” His lips lifted, but the smile never reached his eyes. “Did I know about that before?” she asked. He nodded. “Unfortunately.” “But it didn’t change how I felt about you, right?” His gaze softened as he stared down at her, warming her flesh. “No.” “I knew you were a good man then and…” She ran her tongue across her suddenly dry lips, watching his heated stare follow every movement. “I know it now,” she added in a soft whisper. “I don’t know why, but I know.” The elevator door opened and she stumbled out the door before Devlin could catch her and hold her to his side as they made their way down a long corridor. A wall of windows on one side gave of view of space and the numerous ships waiting for permission to dock. The other side of the corridor was rooms, massive suites only the wealthiest could afford. Smaller rooms lined the lower decks of the promenade. Devlin stopped at one of the doors, opening it with a key card. It slid silently into the wall and Skylar walked through, admiring the clear furniture filling the small sitting room

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and another wall of windows at the far end. The bedroom and bath were off to the right and she wobbled toward the huge bed. She was so sleepy, so…drunk. Lifting shaking fingers, she removed her blouse and dropped it to the floor. She staggered toward the inviting silk covers atop the bed and used the side of the mattress to support her dizzy body. Next came her pants and she shivered as she cool air of the room hit her flesh. “Skylar, baby…what are you doing?” She turned in surprise to stare at an amused and aroused Devlin. She gasped, then leapt for the bed, almost falling in the process. She’d completely forgotten about him in her fogged state of mind. “Going to bed,” she murmured as she quickly climbed under the covers, hiding her body from his heated gaze. He held up the boxes of food. “Don’t you want something to eat?” She shook her head, the thought of food not settling well on her stomach at the moment. “No.” Now that she was lying down, the room began to spin precariously, making her stomach all the more unsettled. She closed her eyes, willing herself to pass out quickly.

Devlin set the boxes on the table, then strolled quietly into the bedroom. He still couldn’t believe how quickly she’d become drunk. He grinned slightly, remembering her slurred words and silly expressions. Damn, she was smashed. Reaching out, he brushed her hair from her brow, his fingers smoothing out the slight frown creasing her forehead. She’d always been tiny, but now…She needed to eat more. She rolled over and the covers slipped, showing her back. Anger burned through Devlin as he stared at the pink welts covering her flesh, some not even completely healed. They were scars from beatings she’d been forced to endure.

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His hands fisted and an overwhelming desire to smash something gripped him. He’d kill the son of a bitch when he got a hold of him. Slowly. Painfully. He’d take everything the man had ever done to Skylar and do it to him ten times worse. By the time Devlin was done with him, Karn would beg for death.

***** “Any luck, Nate?” Karn asked as he strolled into his office. He was anxious to get moving and find them. The money he lost by losing Morianna no longer mattered. He could easily find another slave to replace her. Now he just looked forward to killing her. And that damn thief. Nate looked up from his desk and nodded nervously. “Yes, sir. It appears the ship went to Tilarus.” “Just as I thought it would. Is it still there?” “No, sir. The ship is in route, traveling toward Delta sector.” Karn paced, shaking his head in thought. “I doubt he would use the same ship. Were there any other ships that left Tilarus around the same time?” “That will take some checking, sir.” “Then check,” Karn snarled and Nate nodded, quickly returning to his computer.

***** “You stupid, bitch,” Karn snarled, cracking the whip against her lower back. Skylar gasped, sucking in a huge gulp of air. Pain sliced through her, but she refused to scream, refused to give him that satisfaction. Another stinging curl of the whip lashed across her skin and she pulled at the bindings holding her tied to the pole. Tears burned the back of her eyes as she cursed fate and her miserable existence.

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Warm blood trickled over her hips and down the back of her legs. The metallic smell filled her nose, making her want to gag. “Do I need to show you how it’s done, slave? Do I need to show you how to get your master off?” Karn lashed the whip across her back again and she bit down on her lip, drawing blood. “Enough!” Skylar raised her eyes, staring with hope toward Devlin. Karn cracked the whip through the air toward her rescuer and her heart stopped. “No, Devlin. No. Please go. He’ll kill you.” “Shut up, bitch,” Karn snapped, then backhanded her across the face. Pain raced through her jaw and lightning flashed behind her eyes. She blinked, trying to clear her focus and find Devlin. He still stood at the doorway, his face contorted into an angry scowl. Fury dripped from every pore as he stalked toward Karn. Skylar’s pulse raced as she watched. Karn backed away, raising a gun to point straight at Devlin’s chest. Fear pounded through her veins and all thought for herself fled as she tried to break free of her bindings. “Karn. No. Please,” she screamed. “Please don’t kill him. It’s not his fault. It’s mine. I begged him to take me. Please.” Devlin kept coming, kept walking toward Karn with murder in his eyes. “You don’t steal from me, you son of a bitch. You don’t take what’s mine,” Karn snarled. “She was never yours,” Devlin growled, lunging toward Karn. Karn pulled the trigger, shooting Devlin. Skylar screamed, her voice drowning out the sound of the gunfire as Devlin fell forward, blood oozing from the wound in his forehead. “No!” she cried, tears streaming down her face. “No!”

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“It’s all right, baby,” Karn replied, his hand gently cupping the side of her face, but it wasn’t his voice. It was Devlin’s. “No!” she yelled again, shaking her head to dislodge his touch.

Devlin frowned and cupped both of her cheeks to hold her head still. Skylar was in the middle of a bad nightmare. Sweat covered her body and she fought hard against his touch. “Skylar, wake up, baby.” He shook her slightly. “Wake up.” Her eyes opened wide and full of fear. With a cry, she launched herself into his arms, her shoulders wracking with heavy sobs. “He shot you,” she whimpered, her voice shaking. His arms came up to circle her back, holding her trembling body close. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the way her firm breasts molded to his bare chest. “Who shot me?” “Karn,” she sobbed. “He shot you because of me.” “No, Sky,” he cooed, softly running his hand down the back of her head, enjoying the feel of her silky hair beneath his fingers. Damn, he was such an ass, wanting to fuck her while she sobbed in his arms. But God help him, he wanted her. “I’m fine. No bullets, no blood.” She pulled away and brushed his hair from his face, examining his forehead. He raised an eyebrow, silently watching her. Fear still clouded her gaze, her cheeks wet from tears. “See? I’m fine,” he whispered. She nodded, but kept cupping his face. Her fingers were cold against his cheeks so he removed them, enfolding them within his to warm them. “I don’t want anything to happen to you,” she murmured. “I’m too ornery to kill, Sky.” He gave her a small smile, but she shook her head. “You can be killed just like anyone else, Devlin.” She glanced around the room. “I’m not sure I remember coming back here. What time is it?”

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“About three in the morning.” Glancing down, she noticed her undress and quickly grabbed a sheet, her face blushing slightly. “Did you undress me?” she asked, adjusting the sheet over her breasts. Breasts Devlin knew would fill his hands perfectly. “No,” he whispered, trying not to think about kissing her, calming her racing heart and making it pound frantically for another reason entirely. “You did that all yourself.” “I did?” she asked, her brow creasing in confusion. “Did um…” Her stare moved to his chest and glowed with growing desire. He could feel it, the desire, the need brewing inside her. She wanted him. But he refused to make the first move. She didn’t remember him, didn’t remember what they’d shared. It would have to be her choice. “Did something happen? Between you and me, I mean.” He shook his head slightly. “No.” He could feel her desire growing, her need. But he could also feel her hesitancy. “I’m going back in the other room. Try to get some more sleep.” He stood to leave, but her hand on his arm stopped him. Glancing down at her, he became lost in her pleading gaze. “Don’t go. I…I don’t want to be alone.”

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Chapter Six

Drawing in a deep breath, he shook his head. “It’s probably not a good idea for me to climb in that bed with you right now, Sky.” Her gaze dropped to his growing cock now tenting his pants and she licked her lips nervously. For the first time she could remember, she wanted to feel a hard male body against hers. But not just any body. She wanted his. “I need you,” she whispered. “Are you really going to make me chase you again?” “Do you know what you’re asking?” he whispered. “If I climb in there, I can’t just hold you. I’ll want to make love with you.” Rising onto her knees, she scooted to the edge of the bed. She met his gaze as her hands feathered the hills and valleys of his muscular chest. “For all I know, Karn will find us tomorrow. I want to experience something good, at least once before he does. I want to forget all that’s happened over the last four years, all the…people who’ve touched me, if just for a little while.” Rage and regret shimmered in his eyes as he watched her. She could see the guilt, the pain. “I don’t blame you,” she whispered.

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“I blame myself.” She cupped his face, forcing him to meet her pleading gaze. “Just make me forget. Make me remember how it was with us.” Devlin lifted his hands to rest at her lower back, just where the curve of her hips flared, and pulled her closer. His cock pressed into her stomach and her eyes glowed, turning them the most beautiful shade of blue. He saw no fear in her gaze; he felt no hesitation from her mind. She wanted this as much as he did. “I promise you, Skylar. I won’t let him hurt you,” he whispered, as he leaned forward and softly kissed her brow. “Ever again.” Her eyes drifted shut as her arms rose to weave around his neck. Every part of him burned to take her, to dominate her. But he held himself back, allowing her to lead. His lips moved to her temple. He felt as well as heard her soft sigh as her warm breath brushed across his cheek. Her fingers buried in his hair, grasping a handful and tugging slightly. Closing his eyes, he tried to keep himself in check. She didn’t tug from fear, but from passion and the very realization almost drove him over the edge. He dipped his head, brushing his lips across the sensitive spot behind her ear. He inhaled, dragging her sweet scent mixed with the musky smell of her arousal into his lungs like a man starved. She smelled so good. Like heaven. He could drown in it, die in it. He’d lived the last four years off the memory of that very smell, the feel of her body encased in his embrace. A tremor skimmed beneath her flesh as her head tilted to the side, allowing him better access. His teeth scraped across her skin and she trembled in his arms.

Skylar could hardly breathe. The last four years had been nothing but pain. But here in his arms, she felt safe, secure, loved. For the first time she could remember, her body craved sex. She wanted to feel him moving inside her, dominating her, loving her.

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“Devlin,” she whispered, and in response he softly sucked the side of her neck. Goose bumps prickled her skin and made her shiver. Her head turned, seeking the feel of his lips against hers. His mouth brushed across her open lips gently, almost tentatively, and she groaned. She didn’t want gentle, she wanted wild. She wanted uncontrolled. Just like he’d been in her flashback. She wanted to feel that same passion, that same hunger she’d felt coming from him when he fucked her on his desk. Was he afraid to let that side of him out? Was he afraid he’d scare her? Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she cupped his face, holding him steady while her tongue delved between his lips. A deep groan rumbled through his chest and his arms tightened around her waist. His thick cock pressed into her stomach and she pressed back, shifting slightly from side to side. “Don’t be slow with me,” she pleaded as her fingers sank below the elastic of his pants. “Not now. I need you.” “Damn it,” he growled against her lips, before again devouring her mouth with a kiss that made her see stars. His tongue stroked hers, teasing, coaxing, then he did the wildest thing and sucked on it, making her whole body shiver in delight. Karn could find them tomorrow and she might not get another chance. She wanted to feel again, to enjoy the things he could do to her body. Her fingers wrapped around his thick cock and she almost gasped at his size. He was huge. His shaft jerked within her hands and she slid her fingers lower to cup his tight balls. Devlin moaned, his teeth scraping along the side of her neck. Thick fingers dug into her hip, biting at her flesh and sending shards of pleasure to her core. “Are you sure about this, Sky?” he panted, grinding his cock into the flesh of her stomach. “Because I’m about at the point I can’t stop.” She nodded, unable to speak past the massive lump of desire choking her. “Lie back,” he whispered.

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Never taking her eyes off his hungry gaze, she laid back against the pillows. He moved to the foot, then removed his pants. His cock jutted outward, thick and engorged, the purple head almost angry looking as he climbed onto the bed. He remained at her feet, using his hands to slowly spread her legs wide. She panted, watching him as he leaned down to bite at the inside of her ankle. She gasped, for just that small touch set her on fire. His lips moved higher, placing nibbling kisses along the inside of her legs, then up past her knees to the inside of her thighs. Her fingers gripped the pillows behind her as his hot breath blew across her aching pussy. Her clit throbbed and juices poured from her vagina. She was so desperate for his touch there, so desperate to feel him filling her with that glorious cock of his. He drew his tongue along her slit with one long, slow swipe and her hips bucked wildly off the bed. With a hand on her Abdomen , he held her down, but not with so much force she couldn’t get away if she needed to. But she didn’t. She could lay here forever and let him feast off her cream. “So sweet,” he murmured as he licked his fill, teasing her clit with the tip of his tongue. She groaned, aching for a firmer touch. Needing it more with every breath she took. “We’re doing this my way,” he murmured against her. His mouth moved from her pussy and she groaned in frustration. With deliberate slowness, he kissed a path back up to her mouth, settling his cock at her dripping entrance. “Patience was never your strong suit, was it, Sky?” he teased. Just as his cock pressed deep, his lips covered hers, swallowing her gasp of pleasure. He held still, only halfway in. She wiggled beneath him wanting more despite the initial discomfort to his size. Pulling back slightly, he began to work his way further in. Inch by inch he drove his cock deeper into her, stretching and filling her. Breaking the kiss, she wrapped her arms around his back and her legs around his thighs, forcing him even deeper. “Oh, God,” she sighed, lifting her hips against his thrusts.

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With a growl of pure animal hunger, Devlin pulled back, then thrust in hard, seating himself balls deep. Skylar screamed as pleasure raced through her. “Fuck,” Devlin groaned, the strain of holding back evident in his voice. She shook her head, undulating her hips beneath him. “Don’t hold back. Please.” “Be still,” he growled, his hand gripping her hip. “You’re so fucking tight.” “You’re huge,” she exclaimed in exasperation. “What the hell do you expect?” Devlin snorted, his lips spreading into a soft smile as he stared down at her. “God, I’ve missed you.” His mouth covered hers, his lips toying sensually with hers. He still wasn’t moving. He kept himself still inside her aching pussy, letting her become accustomed to his invasion. Even more of her heart melted toward him. No one over the last four years had treated her with the gentleness he did. No wonder she had been in love with him. Slowly, he pulled almost out, then pressed back in only to remain still again. She moaned her protest into his kiss, but he still wouldn’t give her what she wanted. “Shhh,” he whispered against her mouth before swiping his tongue across her lower lip. Again, he pulled out, then pushed back in, this time a little harder. Her lips parted with a silent gasp, her whole body trembling in pleasure. “Like that?” he teased, his lips softly brushing across hers. She nodded, unable to speak. Devlin did it again, thrusting a little harder than before. Pressure built from deep inside her; her womb spasmed and quaked. She was so close. Something was just out of her grasp. Her nails dug into his back and her legs lifted higher. Devlin moaned his approval and gripped her hip with one hand, holding her leg in place. His thrusts were coming faster now, harder as he pulled almost out, then thrust back in, filling her to the womb. It felt so good she didn’t want it to end. She didn’t want him to stop.

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He pressed deep, grinding against her clit and she exploded, her screams bouncing off the walls around her and echoing back as her pussy clenched and unclenched around the invading shaft fucking her senseless. Rising up on his palms, he pressed even deeper, grinding harder against her sensitive nub. She moaned, grinding back, her pussy sucking hard at his cock, pulsing in a never-ending string of ecstasy. “Fuck,” Devlin groaned as he dropped his forehead to hers. “You kill me, Skylar.” She glanced up at him, her brow drawn in a tight frown. “But you didn’t…” He grinned devilishly. “Surely you didn’t think we were done.” The heat of a blush moved over her cheeks. “I’ve never done that before.” His lips twitched slightly. “Yes, you have.” Leaning down he kissed her lips, brushing them back and forth against hers. “But only with me.” She smiled shyly, some of her bravado coming back as she drowned in his stare. “Can you do it again?” He chuckled. “As many times as you want.” She wiggled her hips and felt a deep satisfaction at the flare of heat darkening his eyes. “At least once more.” Keeping one hand under her ass and one around her back, he moved to his knees. She moaned as his cock pressed even deeper and wrapped her arms around his neck to hold on. “What are you doing?” she gasped as he moved forward and pressed her back to the wall. “Giving you what you want,” he murmured, then began to move, grinding his pelvis against hers, forcing his cock impossibly deep. She groaned, moving with him as best as she could, hungry for more of that amazing pleasure, more of the demanding kisses that stole her very breath. One of his hands moved between them and pinched at her nipples. She gasped as intense sensation raced through her, tightening the walls of her pussy again.

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She could feel it building, feel it consuming every inch of her as his thrusts became more powerful, more demanding. “Oh, God. Yes,” she screamed, her hips undulating wildly as she lost control and again exploded into a mass of amazing release. This time Devlin tensed, his thrusts coming faster, harder as his own loud growl of satisfaction drowned out her sighs. With two hard jerks, he spilled his seed deep inside her, his cock throbbing as it shot her full of hot cum. Opening her eyes, she found him watching her, his fingers lightly brushing along her cheek. The love and regret shining in his gaze tore at her heart. She brushed his hair from his face, then traced an eyebrow with her fingertip. “I hope you’re not tired,” she whispered, and he raised an eyebrow, his gaze sparkling with amusement. “Why?” he asked, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Because I’m not.” Grasping a handful of his hair, she tugged him to her for a kiss. He let her lead, let her dominate as her tongue slid past his lips to toy with his. He moaned softly and she could feel the stirring of desire again deep in her stomach. She couldn’t remember their life, couldn’t remember sex or the sensations she’d felt tonight. The men she’d been with under Karn hadn’t cared about her pleasure. Only theirs. Devlin cared. Devlin made her feel things she never dreamed she could. She thought she was dead inside, but he’d shown her she wasn’t. He’d shown her she could feel, after all.

***** Mikayla tightened the belt around her robe and strolled back into the main compartment of her husband’s small shuttle. He sat at the controls, his scowl fastened on the stars outside the massive front window, his arms crossed over his broad chest, his posture

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slightly slouched. She frowned, both at his concerned expression and the darker color of his hair and eyes. She just couldn’t seem to get used to him with dark hair. “Hey, baby. Couldn’t sleep?” he asked, his gaze meeting hers in the reflection of the glass. “I can never sleep when you’re not in the bed with me,” she replied, her shoulder lifting in a slight shrug. “Do you really think this plan of yours will work?” “Probably.” He swiveled the leather chair around to face her. “Karn is stupid enough to follow and not think twice about it, and he’s arrogant enough to believe we wouldn’t be ready for him.” “You don’t think the Senate will intervene?” He shook his head. “No. Argonia is not a member. The Senate will want to remain neutral.” Mikayla scowled. “Even though Skylar is a citizen of Rhinari?” “The Senate will not risk many --” “To save one, I know,” she replied, rolling her eyes. Glancing away from him, she toyed with the back of a leather chair, one of four that surrounded a small glass table. She truthfully hadn’t been able to sleep for worry for her friends. Devlin was a good man and he deserved to be happy. It would be terrible to lose Skylar twice. “Hey, gorgeous,” he said softly. She glanced up at him, her eyebrow raised in question. His lips lifted in a sexy little grin that made her stomach flip. He could always do that to her. Even when she was his prisoner and she believed he was her enemy, he could make her heart flutter with lust. It hadn’t changed. And she doubted it ever would.

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He uncrossed his arms. Resting his elbow on the armrest, he crooked his finger. Her lips twitched slightly. She would go to him. She always did, but she loved to fight him a little first. “What?” she asked, staring down her nose at him. “You think just because I’m up and you’re up that we should have sex?” His lips quirked and his eyes sparkled with humor. “What makes you think I want sex?” She narrowed her eyes. “You always want sex.” He laughed, a deep sexy laugh that sent tingles down her spine. “And you don’t? I can smell that wet pussy of yours from here.” Her mouth dropped open and his lips thinned, fighting a smile. “Yeah, well, smelling it is all you’re going to do tonight, big boy.” “Boy, huh?” he drawled, the unusual sapphire contacts darkening with desire as the gray of his eyes darkened beneath them. “I called you big,” she replied, her own mouth fighting a grin. Raising her chin, she looked at him through her lashes. “That not good enough? You have to hear what a man you are?” “Yep,” he teased, a half grin gracing his chiseled face. Long lashes lowered as his gaze raked her body from head to toe, heating her flesh. “You should know by now how hot it makes me when you praise my manliness.” Mikayla chuckled. She couldn’t help it. Walking toward him, she took the hand he held out to her. “You’re so full of crap I’m amazed your eyes aren’t brown.” He laughed, his eyes twinkling as he pulled her onto his lap. “I’ll never tire of your unorthodox comebacks. You know,” he began as one arm encircled her shoulder, the other resting lightly across her thighs. “I think that’s what attracted me to you in the first place. That and those drink glasses you threw at my head.”

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She snuggled against his chest, inhaling his purely masculine scent. “I was so angry at you, be thankful it wasn’t the chairs.” With a chuckle, he kissed the top of her head. “Yeah, but that anger turned into one hell of a lovemaking session.” “Oh, so now it’s lovemaking and not fucking?” she teased. “Don’t kid yourself. It’s still fucking.” She giggled and slid her hand inside the opening of his shirt, admiring the feel of his smooth, hard chest beneath her fingers. “Personally, I don’t care what you call it.” “No?” he teased , his fingers massaging her leg through the silk robe. “I thought most women wanted the flowery words.” She snorted. “I’m not most women.” She glanced up at him, smiling. “I like it when you get so wild, all those naughty four letter words are all you can think to say.” A deep chuckle rumbled through his chest, shaking her slightly. He nudged her ear with his nose, his breath hot and sexy against the side of her neck as he spoke. “You can definitely get me wild.” His hand slid inside the slit in her robe and moved upward along the outside of her thigh, making her skin prickle. “We have another three hours or so before we reach the space station. How about we see just how wild I can get you ?” he purred just before his teeth scraped across the sensitive skin below her ear. She shivered, tilting her head to the side. Butterflies still fluttered in her stomach, even after all this time. All he had to do was whisper in her ear, give her a certain look, or even just brush his hand along her arm, and she melted like warm butter. “Straddle my lap,” he whispered and she could do nothing but follow. Lifting up, she started to put her knees on either side of his thighs, but he stopped her, helping her instead to lift her legs over the armrests of his chair. It spread her incredibly

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wide and she gasped as the cool air inside the ship fluttered across her aching mound. Her hands gripped the back of his chair while his fingers untied the belt of her robe. It fell open, revealing her breasts to his hot stare. His hands cupped them and squeezed. She threw her head back with a deep groan of satisfaction as his fingers pinched at her nipples playfully. He cupped the underside of one, lifting it to his lips so his tongue could tease and torture her engorged nipples. His mouth was warm, his tongue soft. But when he slid the softer underside of his tongue across the tip of her breast, she shuddered in delight. Slipping her hands inside the opening of his shirt, she explored his smooth, muscular chest. He was huge, built like a damn brick wall, and he could make her feel so tiny sometimes, but at the same time so protected. The muscles twitched beneath her touch and she moved to tweak his nipples like he’d done hers. He moaned his approval and she smiled, sighing as he moved to the other breast, engulfing the tip in his warm mouth. Her pussy ached and she shifted slightly, rubbing it along his hard length beneath the coarse material of his pants. “Impatient minx,” he murmured as he lifted his head to capture her lips with his. He kissed so good, she couldn’t stop the groan that left her chest as he plundered her mouth, making her wild with need. One hand moved between them to cup her sex and she gasped into his mouth, grinding her pussy against his palm. Two fingers thrust into her dripping sex and she pressed down, trying to take more of them. Her pussy pulsed around the invading digits, sucking them. Sidious toyed with her, teased her with shallow thrusts of his hand, making her desperate for more. “You’re wet, baby,” he whispered against her lips. He removed his hand and put his fingers into his mouth, licking away her juices. “And you taste good.” His lips spread into a sexy grin that made her heart flutter.

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Backing away from him slightly, she reached down to undo his pants. His cock sprang free, long and thick, and her pussy clenched in anticipation of his initial thrust into her willing body. She needed him. She needed him now. With impatient hands, she gripped the back of the chair and lifted her hips to settle them over his bulging cock. Sid gripped her waist, holding her still. “I didn’t say you could have it yet,” he said, his brow raised in a devilish little quirk. Mikayla narrowed her gaze. “Sid…” The fingers of one hand feathered lower and brushed across her wet labia. She shuddered from head to toe, moving her hips toward his hand. “I like watching you,” he whispered as his fingers circled her clit. “I like how you bite your lower lip.” She released it, unaware that she’d even done it, and he chuckled. Leaning forward, she softly bit his chin. He rewarded her by spreading her labia and swiping his fingers through the opening of her aching pussy. She moaned and sucked his lower lip into her mouth, letting it go with a pop. “Please,” she whispered, shifting her hips slightly. “Please, is it?” He grabbed her hips and lifted her, settling her pussy at the tip of his cock. He pulled her down just as his hips lifted upward and impaled her with one long, delicious thrust that took her breath. “Oh, my God,” she hissed, throwing her head back as Sidious captured a pert nipple with his teeth. His hands moved her hips in a steady rhythm, rocking her against him as he suckled one breast then the other. Her whole body was on fire, prickling with desire that nearly burned her live. He felt so good, so thick, and she moaned as he pressed deeper, stretching her channel even more.

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“God, you’re so damn beautiful,” he whispered in her ear as his teeth nipped playfully at her earlobe. She felt beautiful…and loved. Sometimes she found it hard to believe the man she once thought of as her captor -- her enemy -- would turn out to be her knight. “Sid,” she whimpered as his hands moved her hips faster. Her clit rubbed against his pelvis, sending sparks of pleasure to her core. Her fingers buried in his long hair. Grabbing handfuls, she tugged as his teeth scraped across the sensitive flesh of her neck. Faster her hips ground and he thrust upward, sending her falling into an abyss of pleasure so strong, she screamed. Her nails dug into his shoulders as her release took hold, blinding her to everything except the feel of his shaft moving in and out. With an animalistic cry of his own, he came with her, spilling his hot seed deep inside her channel.

***** “Did you find anything?” Karn asked as his assistant entered hesitantly into the room. “Yes, sir. I, uh…I think so.” “Well, what is it?” “Two ships left the Marcone estate, one the shuttle from here and a different, slightly bigger one.” “He wouldn’t have taken the shuttle from here.” Karn sat back. Deep in thought, he tried to imagine what Devlin would do. “My guess is the shuttle from here is a decoy. Where is the other shuttle heading?” “We’re tracking it now. Looks like it’s headed toward the Leema sector.” “Are you sure those were the only two ships that left? Did you scan for cloaked ships?” “Cloaked ships? No, sir. That will take some time.”

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“Then I suggest you get started, then get my ship ready. And keep tracking Devlin’s ship. Let me know where it lands.” His assistant nodded, then ducked quickly out of the room. Karn frowned, staring out toward the Arginian hills. Something wasn’t quite right with this, but he wasn’t sure what.

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Chapter Seven

Skylar stepped off the shuttle and stared in awe at their surroundings. Tansia had to be the most beautiful place she’d ever seen, or at least ever seen over the last four years. Light green skies shone down on a tropical landscape so perfect it had to be magical. Their hut was much bigger than she’d expected. It had two bedrooms, two baths, and a central meeting room in the middle. The thatched roof kept out the sun’s rays, but the glass sides let in the light. They slid open, allowing the warm tropical breezes to blow through and keep the heat at bay, plus Devlin had told her they could darken, keeping prying eyes from seeing inside. Behind the hut was the sea, with its pink sands and teal waters. “This is amazing,” she whispered, walking down the pebbled path to the front door of the hut. “But why did we need two bedrooms? Aren’t you sleeping with me?” Devlin turned to stare at her, his eyebrow arched adorably, his hand frozen just above the doorknob. “If I’m in the same bed with you, sweetheart, I guarantee we won’t be sleeping.” The heat of a blush moved over her cheeks at his words, but once they sunk in, she frowned. “So you’re not sleeping with me.” He chuckled. “Hell yeah, I am. The other room is for Sidious and Mikayla.”

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“Who?” With a frown, she strolled through the door and gasped at the beautiful interior and view of the ocean. “Damon’s youngest son, Sidious. He and his wife are running around the galaxy, pretending to be us.” She turned to stare at him in confusion. “And then they’re coming here?” Devlin nodded. “We’re hoping Karn will follow them.” “So we can lay a trap for him?” “Yes.” She shuddered at the idea of seeing Karn again. After making love with Devlin last night, she couldn’t imagine going back to him and his abusive friends. She’d kill herself first. She’d survived those four years with him by sheer will alone, and she didn’t think she had it in her to survive it again. She watched Devlin, her gaze wandering down his back as he dropped their bags on the bed in the bedroom to her right. She couldn’t help but admire the strength in his shoulders and the firmness of his ass. She could remember well the feel of those hard butt cheeks in her hands. Her body began to heat as she realized just how much she wanted him again. She’d spent the entire morning, catching bits and pieces of flashbacks. The more time she spent with him, the more she could remember, but it was still so little. The flashbacks were still so quick she couldn’t quite grab hold of them. Except for one of her dancing on a tabletop, her body undulating seductively to the music while Devlin sat in a chair and watched, his eyes glued hungrily to her moving hips. “Did I ever dance for you?” He turned to look at her, his brow drawn into a frown. “Dance for me?” “Yes.”

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She walked over to the door and leaned against the jam. Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited with little patience. “Umm,” he began thoughtfully. “Yeah, you did. Why?” “How did I do it? I mean” -- she waved her hand -- “where were we?” “At my bar. You danced on the table.” She blinked, delight coursing through her that what she’d seen had indeed been real. “Was I naked?” One corner of his lips lifted. “For the most part.” “Huh,” she said, then pursed her lips. Looking up, she caught Devlin watching her expectantly. “I, uh…I had a flashback of me dancing on a table. I just wanted to know if what I’d seen was real.” “Have you had other flashbacks?” “Several. But most of them come so fast they don’t make sense. I had one when we were having dinner yesterday on the station, also. It was a long one.” “The one where we were having sex,” he said with a nod. Her eyes widened. “How did you know that?” He snickered. “You told me and you also told me I couldn’t possibly be that big.” She swallowed. That had to have been after she drank that tea. “Remind me never to drink around you again.” Turning, she moved back into the living room and out onto the huge deck at the back. She could hear Devlin chuckling as he followed her out, the sound making her all warm inside. His hands came to rest on her shoulders, massaging away the tension that had suddenly formed. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to try that? To trap Karn?” she asked. “Don’t you think he’ll eventually give up?”

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“No. I doubt he’ll ever give up. It would be better for us to trap him than for him to catch us by surprise.” “How do you know he’ll follow them?” “We don’t for certain. We left in a cloaked ship. The Argonian ship and Sidious’s ship left at the same time. We’re hoping he’ll know we sent the Argonian ship as a decoy and follow Sidious.” “Then what?” she asked, trying not to think about how hot she was getting as his fingers worked her shoulders sensually. “We’ll set up a perimeter so we’ll know when he’s here. I’m going to try and goad him into shooting me.” She gasped angrily and turned to stare at him in shock. “You’re going to what? Are you insane?” He cupped her face in his warm hands. “It will be self-defense then.” “Not if you’re dead!” He chuckled. “It won’t get that far, I promise. I’ll shoot him before he has a chance to

actually shoot me.” “So you just want him to try to shoot you.” He nodded. “Feel better?” “No,” she snarled. Devlin chuckled and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I like that you’re protective,” he whispered against her lips, making goose bumps rise along her skin. “You always were.” “You’re not going to distract me from this.” “No?” He nipped at her lower lip, making her whole body shudder. She shook her head, but she knew it was a lie. He could definitely distract her. “Maybe I should try a little harder.”

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His lips moved across hers so lightly it could hardly be called a touch. But her lips parted, silently inviting him to deepen the kiss. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her knees felt weak and began to tremble. She could smell him and inhaled deeply of his musky scent. Desire screamed through her, shocking her with its intensity. She gazed up at him. His eyes were dark and stormy as they stared into hers with matching hunger. Bending, he lifted her into his arms. She gasped, wrapping hers around his neck to hold on. With a giggle, she buried her face in his neck and nibbled just behind his ear. She felt his deep growl as it vibrated against her side and she smiled, enjoying the control she had over him -- the freedom she felt when with him. She could forget her fear, her trepidation -- all of it, when he held her in his arms. Warm air brushed across her exposed skin and she pointed the toes of one foot, stretching it out toward the bright sunshine as he carried her across the beach toward the water.

Across the beach? She jerked her head upright, staring in surprise at the waves. “What are we doing?” she gasped as Devlin strolled further into the water. “Helping you relax.” The waves lapped at her hips and she squealed, lifting slightly higher to avoid what she thought would be cold water. But it wasn’t. It was warm and she relaxed back, letting it wash over her. “But we’re dressed,” she said past her laughter. “So?” he teased, his lips spreading in a wide grin. “Never been swimming with your clothes on?” “I think I would prefer to swim with them off.” “Well, so would I, but if I saw you naked right now I’d just want to fuck you.” She giggled. “Is that such a bad thing?”

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He glanced at her sideways and grinned. “I believe I’ve created a monster.” She laughed as he walked farther out, bringing the water to her breasts. She felt so free with him, so unafraid, and that was something she never wanted to lose. She yearned to remember their life together, remember her love for him. But was it possible she didn’t need to? Would she fall in love with him again anyway, regardless of whether or not she remembered the past? He let go of her, and with a scream, she fell into the waves. The warm water surrounded her and she opened her eyes, squinting as the salt burned them. With her feet on the sand, she pushed upward, breaking through the surf. “Ohhhh,” she growled. “You’re going to pay for that.” Her hands rose to brush her hair back and wipe the salt water from her eyes. When she opened them, she caught his tense, hungry stare. He looked right at her breasts. She glanced down and grinned as her rosy nipples poked through her wet, very see-through top. Licking her lips, she watched him through her lashes. Should she make a move? God, she wanted to. She wanted to feel him moving inside her again. She hungered for that amazing pleasure only he gave her. “Do you want to fuck yet?” The words that came out of her mouth surprised her. His expression when he jerked his gaze away from her breasts made her grin. Apparently, she’d surprised him too. “Oh, hell yeah.” Her fingers moved to her shirt, undoing the row of buttons down the front of her top. His gaze followed every one of them as they popped free, exposing her firm breasts. “Then what are you waiting for?” “I’m waiting for you to get the rest of those damn clothes off.”

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She giggled and skirted around him, heading back to the hut. Just as she reached the beach, Devlin caught her from behind, lifting her feet off the ground. She laughed, holding tight to the arm around her waist. Somehow, he turned her and his lips slanted across hers in a kiss that made the laughter die in her throat. He consumed her with the kiss, making her body combust into intense flames of desire. His hard cock pressed into her stomach and she wiggled against it, making him groan. He set her on her feet and tugged her top from her shoulders. It fell to the sand, forgotten as his hands removed her slacks, throwing them to the sand as well. She stood before him in nothing but a thong and his gaze wandered down her body, heating her skin more than the sun. She glanced down self-consciously. “I’m too skinny.” He shook his head. “You’re gorgeous.” Meeting his gaze, she smiled slightly. “You make me feel gorgeous. You make me feel loved.” “You are loved,” he said as his fingers brushed across her cheek. He cupped the back of her neck and pull her toward him for another soul-shattering kiss. She moaned, returning the sensual twirling of his tongue with equal hunger. Sliding her hands down his strong chest, she pushed her fingers past the waistband of his pants. She cupped his thick cock and it jerked, throbbing to life in her hand. He felt warm and velvety, but hard as steel. She had no idea where this forward side of her had come from. Had she been like this before? Did he like it when she did this? “I like it when you do that,” he whispered against her lips and she smiled. “Did you just read my mind?” she asked.

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His mouth moved to place soft wet kisses on the side of her neck. “I sensed you were unsure about what you did. But I assure you, Skylar. I have no problem with you doing anything you want.” Her fingers moved to undo his pants, freeing his engorged shaft. “Anything?” “Absolutely.” She dropped to her knees, desperate to taste him, to feel his thick shaft between her lips. A drop of precum leaked from the tip and she drew her tongue across it, enjoying his salty taste. He moaned and buried his hand in her hair, neither pulling her away nor toward him. He let her do what she wanted and a little more of her heart melted toward him. Her fingers stroked down his length, then back up, following the thick vein all the way to the tip. Pressing the head to his abdomen, she ran her tongue along the vein from balls to tip. He hissed and his cock jerked, becoming harder and thicker, if that were even possible. She moved her hand to the base of his shaft and pulled him to her lips, engulfing the head into her mouth. Her teeth scraped across the tip and he shuddered, letting out a ragged sigh. Glancing at him through her lashes, she watched his face as she slid more of him between her lips. His cheek jerked and his eyes closed tightly as though he were in pain. She knew that feeling, that pleasure so intense it felt like pain. He’d done that to her last night. His fingers tightened on her scalp and she drew more of his cock into her mouth, sucking softly. Devlin growled and thrust his hips, pushing his cock closer to the back of her throat. She swallowed, relaxing the muscles so she could take him deeper. Her cheeks burned and ached as they stretched around his girth, but she refused to let him go. She wanted to give him the same pleasure he gave her. In swirling motions, her tongue teased his length as her fingers massaged his balls. He gasped and pulled his cock free. She looked up at him in question and saw the raw hunger blazing in his eyes. Her pussy spasmed in response and juices poured from her channel to coat her already wet thong.

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“On your knees,” he commanded roughly and she turned, moving to her knees. Devlin moved to his knees as well, gripped her underwear, and ripped them free of her body. She gasped, shocked that such a move would make her hot. But it did. She wanted him even more now. With one hand at the small of her back, he gently pushed her forward until her hands were on the sand and pressed two fingers deep into her pussy, making her shiver from head to toe. “Such a wet pussy you have, baby,” he purred, placing soft bites along her spine. She moaned, rocking back into him and forcing his fingers deeper. He fucked her with those fingers, making her crazy for more. “Devlin,” she whispered, desperation making her hips wiggle. He removed his fingers and replaced them with the head of his cock. He pressed forward slowly, his thick girth stretching her wide. She groaned, pressing her hips back. He caught her around the waist, holding her steady as he pressed deeper, filling her. “Damn,” he growled as he pulled free, then pushed back in, this time a little harder. “God, your pussy feels good, Sky.” Pulling back, this time he pressed in balls deep, tugging her hips against him as he did. She screamed, not caring who heard or saw. Devlin kept his thrust slow, steady, pulling almost out before thrusting back in again, stealing the very breath from her lungs. She met every forward thrust, taking as much of him as she could, as much as he would give her. But she wanted more. She wanted it wild, rough. She moaned, moving her hips against him faster. He slapped at her ass and she jerked, her eyes widening as the sting of the slap sent pleasure screaming through her. Devlin stopped and she glanced at him over her shoulder. His concerned gaze met hers and she realized he was afraid he’d upset her with the slap. “Don’t stop,” she whispered. He ran his hand over her hip. “Did you like that, baby?”

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She swallowed and nodded, shocked that she would feel pleasure when he did it, and not pain. He slapped her hip again and she closed her eyes, sighing as the sting raced through her, heating her blood. Another hard slap hit her hip, making her gasp, and she pressed back against him. With a growl, he shoved forward hard. She whimpered as intense pleasure raced through her, making her pussy grip his cock. “Fuck, that felt good,” he groaned as he did it again. The sand bit into her knees, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was the release skimming through her, building more and more. “Oh, God, Devlin. Fuck me harder.” He gave her what she wanted, fucking her harder with every thrust of his massive cock into her throbbing pussy. She screamed for more, begged him to make her come. She wanted more of what he’d given her last night. She was addicted to it. Needed it. Her muscles tightened as the pleasure built, making her soar over the edge in a blinding light of ecstasy. Over and over her pussy pulsed, sucking at his cock until he too thrust one final time, his cry of pleasure scaring the birds that had landed on the beach to watch.

***** “Tell me more about me,” Skylar said as her gaze turned from the puffy white clouds above them to Devlin. They were still on the beach, the pink sand warm from the sun. They laid nude just on the edge of the surf. The warm, teal water brushed gently over their bodies as it came ashore. Devlin rested on his side, his head propped up on his palm, his other hand drawing sensual circles on her stomach. “What do you want to know?” “Everything.”

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“Well, you were born on Rhinari. Went to college on Earth and received a degree in physical science.” “Physical science? Really?” He nodded, his lips lifting in a slight smile. “You’re a very intelligent woman, Sky.” “How old was I when we met?” “Twenty-nine.” “So I’m…how old now?” “Thirty-four.” She gaped at him. “Thirty-four!” He smiled devilishly. “And you look damn good for a thirty-four-year-old, too.” “I’m really thirty-four?” “How old did you think you were?” “I…I didn’t know how old I was. I just assumed late twenties, maybe.” “Face it,” he teased as his lips nibbled at her ear. “You’re an old hag.” “Old hag?” she snapped, pulling away from him. He chuckled adorably, making blood pound through her veins, heating her flesh. “God, how do you do this to me?” Her question must have surprise him, for he frowned slightly, then stared at her in amusement. “Do what?” “Like you don’t know. You can sense my emotions, can’t you? You can tell when I’m aroused or angry or…nervous.” “When you’re not blocking me.” “I can block you?” she asked in surprise, her arousal temporarily forgotten. “Yes, Rhia taught you how.” She swallowed. “Rhia? The queen?”

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He nodded, his lips spreading wider, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “For someone so smart, you sure are repeating me a lot.” “Kiss my ass,” she growled. Devilment light up his eyes just before he turned her over, exposing her backside. She squealed. “Devlin! What the hell are you doing?” “Kissing your ass,” he replied, his voice full of merriment as he leaned down and bit at her hip, making her squeal. She laughed despite herself and turned to smile at him over her shoulder. “Were you always like this?” He looked at her, his eyebrow raised in question. “Fun.” He chuckled. “Yes and no.” He removed his hand from the small of her back, allowing her to turn back to her side facing him. “Sometimes I see you in my flashbacks with this hard, stern look on your face, your eyes all cold.” She brushed the back of her fingers along his cheek. “I don’t know why, but I know that’s not the real you.” He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. “It was for a long time. Sometimes it still is.” “You had that same look at the castle when you were talking to Karn.” His lips quirked. “I was in intimidation mode.” She grinned, but it quickly faded. “Kaylar told me that your adopted father held Rhia over your head and made you do a lot of terrible things.” He nodded, his lashes dropping to cover his eyes as he studied her fingers that he still held clasped in his hand. “When we first met, you didn’t like me. You thought I was arrogant

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and cold. Basically a jerk and I didn’t do a helluva a lot to make you believe otherwise. I said and did all kinds of rotten things to keep you thinking the worst.” “Why?” she whispered. He snorted. “Because I knew from the very second I saw you that you would turn my life into a living hell.” He met her stare and this time it was her turn to raise her eyebrow in question. “From the very second you opened that sassy mouth of yours, I wanted you. But I had convinced myself I couldn’t have you, that I didn’t deserve you. I had too much blood on my hands. Too many lies told. You were the good girl, the one girl I would never allow myself.” She smiled slightly. “I guess I proved you wrong, huh?” He gripped her chin. “Most definitely. You’re one stubborn woman.” “And don’t you forget it,” she purred as he pulled her face toward his. Just as their lips were about to touch, her stomach growled, blatantly professing it had been a long time since they’d eaten. She closed her eyes, the heat of a blush darting over her face. Devlin chuckled, making her face glow even hotter. “Oh, God,” she groaned and Devlin laughed even harder.

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Chapter Eight

Mikayla took her husband’s hand as she climbed from the shuttle and onto the landing bay of Morandine Space Station. This one had been made up to look like Saturn. The outer rings were the docking bay, while the station itself was a massive ball in the center with six tubes running from the bay to the center level of the station. She’d been here with Sidious once before, several years ago. Didn’t look like the station had changed much since then. “How will you know when he arrives?” she asked as Sidious pulled her through the docking bay. Fuel fumes filled her nose, making her nauseous. She hated that smell. “With this.” Sidious held up a small device. “Keenas sent Karn’s DNA. It’s programmed in here and it will detect him when he’s close.” “How close does he have to be?” “Within a quarter of a mile.” “That doesn’t give us a whole lot of time to prepare, does it? I mean the docking bay itself is over a mile away from the station. And how long do you think it will take him to get here?” “At least a day. They’ll have to figure out where we’ve gone before he leaves Argonia.”

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“He won’t just leave and let them tell him while he’s in route?” “Possibly, but I doubt it. The galaxy is huge. He could end up going in the wrong direction, which would cost him time.” He shrugged, then winked. “Trust me.” She rolled her eyes. “‘Trust me,’ he says,” she grumbled playfully. He came to a stop and turned to stand over her, a mock glare plastered across his face. It brought back memories of the first time she’d seen him looking at her like that. She’d been trying to get away from the soldier who’d kidnapped her, one of his own men, and turned a corner, only to barrel into the brick wall that was Sidious. It had been the day that changed her life forever. “Careful, woman, or I’ll have to put you over my knee,” he growled. “Oooh, please?” she teased, fighting a grin. He snorted, then his lips spread into a smile. “You’ll be screaming please later. After I’ve beat that ass red, that is.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice slightly. “You’re all talk.” His eyes closed slightly, his head shaking in a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Mikayla. I swear to God, woman, you’re going to be the death of me.” “You know you keep saying that, but you haven’t died yet.” He snickered and kissed the tip of her nose. “Behave yourself. At least until we get something to eat and make it back to our room.” “What, no public sex this trip?” His eyes narrowed and she pressed her lips together, fighting the smile. She enjoyed teasing him. He was so easy. “You want public sex?” He stalked forward, backing her toward a small shuttle. She glanced behind her, biting her lip, wondering if maybe she’d gone just a little too far. “I can fuck you right here. And you know it.”

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Oh, boy did she know it. He’d done it before, although it hadn’t been quite this open. It had been in a corner and he’d done it to prove to her that he would. Her back hit the shuttle and his palms came up on either side of her head, pinning her in place. Her gaze met his and her blood ran molten hot. That look never failed to send her senses reeling, that “I’ll devour you in one big gulp” look. “There’re too many people here,” she whispered. He turned his head to look, glaring at a man who’d stopped to watch, a leer contorting his face. The man paled and immediately moved to the other side of the ship. Mikayla giggled softly, amazed at just how intimidating her husband could be. He turned back to her, his stare hot, mesmerizing. “Dinner. Room. Then one hell of a spanking.” She remained silent, but as she followed behind him, she smiled, anticipating the night to come. And the spanking.

***** “The ship stopped at the Morandine Space Station,” Nate said. Karn glanced up from his preflight procedure and nodded. “Good. We should be there in less than twenty-four hours.” His assistant paled. “We, sir?” “Yes, you idiot. I may need some help. And while we’re on the way, keep an eye on that ship. I don’t want it leaving the station without me knowing it.” He glared at Nate. “Well? Get in.”

***** Devlin watched Skylar bite into the soft, sweet piece of fruit with a sigh. The sparkle had returned to her eyes today. She’d smiled more, looked to be more at ease. “This is so good,” she said, speaking around the bite.

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Devlin smiled, unable to take his eyes off her as she sampled the different variety of fruits before her. It was important that she eat well. He wanted her back to the way she used to be, in body and mind. His gaze worked its way over her face, just lightly sunburned from being outside. She’d pulled her hair up, securing it at the top of her head with a gold clip. Her long graceful neck was unmarred except for the love bite just under her right ear. He frowned, trying to remember when he’d done that. Sticking her finger in her mouth, she sucked at the juice and his cock hardened instantly. Damn. All he could seem to think about was sex. The sex with her had always been amazing and it hadn’t changed. It still knocked his world off its axis. She made him crazy, without even trying. He glanced back down at his plate, trying to ignore his growing desire. She was probably sore as hell after last night and again today. The surprised look on her face last night when she’d come gave him mixed emotions. He didn’t like to think about the other men Karn had sold her to. It only sent him into a gut-wrenching rage. It was obvious they hadn’t cared about her pleasure at all, only their own if she’d never had an orgasm. But at the same time, he was relieved. “You’re awfully quiet,” she said softly. He glanced up, mesmerized by her sparkling gaze and soft smile. She wore his white shirt and it was too big for her, hanging off her body like a tent, but she’d never looked more beautiful. “I was just thinking.” She tilted her head. “About what?” “You.” A tiny frown wrinkled her forehead. “Does it bother you…you know, about the other…” She swallowed with a cringe. “The other men?”

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He shook his head, a vise squeezing his heart. He lied to her, then thought better of it. Looking down at his plate, he sighed. “Yes.” Stabbing his fork into a piece of meat, he brought it to his lips. “I’m sorry.” She said it so softly he wasn’t sure he’d heard her. Jerking his gaze up, he shook his head and swallowed. “You have nothing to be sorry for. It wasn’t your fault.” “I know, but --” He pointed his fork at her. “No buts. Yes, Sky, it bothers me, but not for the reasons you think. I’m angry at Karn. At myself. But never you.” One corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smile. “You, on the other hand, should be furious with me.” “Why? You thought I was dead.” “I should have known better,” he grumbled. “Are you trying to make me mad at you?” “I don’t know,” he replied with a slight shrug as he sat back in the chair. “Maybe if you got mad at me, I’d feel better about it all somehow.” “Fine,” she said and reached for her glass half full of lemon water. With a scowl, she flicked her arm, splashing that water all over his face. He gasped at the cold, then stared at her, wide-eyed. “You damn jerk!” she snapped. Her lips spread into the saucy grin he’d always dreaded. It meant she was up to no good. “Feel better?” “Much,” he drawled, his chest shaking in silent laughter. In silence he watched as she stood from her chair and moved to his. She sat on his lap, her hands resting on his shoulders before she lifted one slender finger to trace his eyebrow. “I do not blame you,” she said. “I promise. I’m just glad you found me.”

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Leaning down, she softly brushed her mouth across his. “Mmmm.” She pulled back and licked her lips. “You taste like lemon.” “Yeah, about that,” he said, the corner of his lip twitching. “Some sassy little minx threw her drink at me.” “Maybe you should learn to behave yourself.” “That, I will never do.” Skylar’s tinkling laughter filled the room, making him feel whole again. He placed his palm on her thigh, rubbing gently, her tanned skin smooth beneath his touch. “I can see why I fell in love with you,” she murmured as her fingers sifted through his hair, her gaze studying him intently with a hint of amazement. “You seem a little surprised by that.” “No. Not surprised, just…” She smiled slightly. “I wonder if you were the type of man I envisioned myself with or if you swept me off my feet.” Devlin chuckled. “If I swept you off your feet, it was only to get you back where you belonged when you were off doing something you shouldn’t be.” “Like when you carried me over your shoulder, then kissed me because you were angry?” “Yeah, well. Believe me when I say that wasn’t the only time that tactic had to be employed.” “Really?” she asked indignantly, her brow rising. “And just what were the other times?” “Well.” He cringed. “I’m ashamed to tell you about this one, but there was one time I did it out of jealousy.” She giggled. “What? Oh, this I have to hear.” “I should have kept my mouth shut,” he grumbled, eliciting another giggle from Skylar. “Oh, no.” She wagged her finger. “You’re not getting off that easily. Out with it.”

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He shook his head. “No way.” “You brought it up,” she argued. “Yeah.” His lips quirked and he nodded his head. “And now I’m ending it.” She studied him, her lips pursed, her eyes narrowed. “Chicken.” “Bawk,” he replied softly and she broke out in laughter -- full, deep laughter that shook her whole body. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held on tight, burying her face in his neck. “I’m so glad you found me.” He lifted his arms around her back, holding her against him and inhaling her flowery scent mixed with the salty ocean. “So am I, Sky.”

***** “Dance with me.” Sidious glanced up at his wife as she held her hand out to him. Keenas had sent him a message saying Karn had left several hours ago so it would probably be morning before he arrived. He had time for a dance with his wife. Standing, he took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor. She molded perfectly against his body as they swayed to the slow music. He held her hand close to his chest and leaned down slightly to rest his chin against her temple. She sang softly to the tune and he smiled. He loved her voice. Sometimes when she would sing lullabies to the boys, he would stand just inside the door listening. “You know, I could have been a pop diva by now if your men hadn’t kidnapped me,” she grumbled playfully and Sidious chuckled. “A diva?” he asked. “More of your Earth slang? And besides, aren’t you a little old for that?” He pulled away and grinned down at her upturned face.

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She scowled. “Old? Let’s talk old. How old were you on your last birthday? Oh, yes. Forty. At” -- she waved her hand, rolling her eyes in dismissal -- “ thirty-something, I’m younger than you.” Sidious laughed. “Can’t even say your own age? What’s the matter, baby? Afraid of getting old?” “No.” She pouted. “Well, maybe a little.” He smiled and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. “You’ll still be beautiful no matter how old you are. And as for this whole diva thing, forget that. Besides, wouldn’t you rather be with me?” She smiled seductively, her shoulder lifting in a slight shrug. “I suppose so.” He enjoyed her teasing personality, her smart mouth. God, she’d been a hellion when he’d first met her. She’d hated him, despised him, and did and said everything possible to piss him off. But he’d eventually won her over, even though he had to use seduction to do it. “You’re just itching for that spanking, aren’t you?” he teased. Her emerald eyes sparkled and his cock sprang to life. He could never seem to get enough of her. And he probably never would. Dipping his head, he whispered in her ear. “It’s been a while since I’ve spanked that pretty ass of yours with a butt plug settled deep between those firm cheeks.” Her body trembled in his arms and he continued. “Do you know what I’m going to do then?” She shook her head. “Come with me and I’ll show you.”

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Chapter Nine

Mikayla followed behind Sidious, her whole body humming with excitement. He opened the door and before he’d even touched her, juices poured from her pussy. All she had to do was think about it, imagine him doing all those wildly wicked things to her body he did so well and she tumbled into immediate arousal. As soon as the door shut, he tugged her against his chest. An arm around the small of her back held her in place as his mouth dominated hers. She groaned, opening her lips to invite the invasion of his tongue. His other hand slid under her skirt, toying with her bare ass. The thick length of his hard cock pressed into her stomach and she knew he was as bad off as she. It had been all that talk about spanking. “Get this dress off,” he growled against her lips and she quickly complied, anxious for the feel of his hands on her naked flesh. As he removed his clothes, she stood back, admiring his smooth, hard chest, washboard abs, and long, thick cock. He was gorgeous. He crooked a finger and she slowly moved toward him. “On your knees. On the bed,” he ordered.

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Strolling to the bed, she let her hips sway enticingly, knowing exactly what it did to him. She climbed onto the mattress on all fours, sticking her ass in the air, then glanced at him over her shoulder. He stood by their bags, a long, thick butt plug in his hands. She shivered as she watched him cover it in lubricating cream, then reach into the bag for his paddle and her eyebrow rose in surprise. Damn, he’d come prepared for a serious spanking. All this time, she thought he’d just use his hand. “You brought that with you?” she asked. “Yes,” he purred as he strolled toward her, his cock jutting out angrily from the patch of white hair at the base. “Because I know you.” “You know me, huh?” He placed one knee on the bed, then gently stroked her butt cheek with his palm and a soft sigh escaped her lips. “You’ve been a bad girl lately,” he said, his mouth lifting in a cheeky grin. “And I know when Mikayla is a bad girl, she wants to be spanked.” “I see,” she murmured, then squealed when his palm landed across the cheek of her ass with a stinging slap. Every part of her shivered in pleasure and she bit down on her lip to keep the moan at bay. She didn’t want to appear to give in too soon. “Isn’t that right?” he whispered as he pushed two fingers into her already aching pussy. She moaned, thrusting her hips back against his hand but he pulled away, his form of teasing. He’d have her begging before he was through. He always did. Positioning himself behind her, he gently slid the butt plug into her anal passage. She gasped as the toy spread her, filled her as he lodged it deep inside. The initial invasion burned, but as he slowly pulled it out, then thrust it back in, her body became more used to it, craved it.

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“God, that’s so damn hot,” he hissed as he pressed it deep again, sending shards of pleasure to her core. With a wicked chuckle, he placed a soft kiss on her hip before straightening back up, and she braced herself for the first slap of the paddle. It wasn’t hard, but stung, making her anal muscles contract around the plug. Her fingers dug into the comforter on the bed, tension filling her body. Again the paddle slapped at her ass, a little harder this time, making her cry out in pleasure. Sidious moaned, sliding two fingers into her pussy again. She thrust back against him and he slapped the back of her thigh with the paddle for punishment. “Be still, wife.” She sighed, enjoying the dual invasion, anxious for him to really get going. “So sweet,” he murmured. Bending, he removed his fingers and drew his tongue through her opening. She shuddered, her voice coming out on a strangled cry. “Sid, God,” she groaned, desperate to move her body, to feel him thrusting into her with his massive cock. He stood straight and whacked her ass with the paddle. The sting sent pleasure-pain racing through her veins. Her anal muscles constricted around the plug, while juices poured from her pussy to run down the inside of her thighs. He whacked her again, this time harder, and she cried out, her voice loud. “Fuck,” Sidious growled and hit her again, this time on the other hip. “Your ass is so pretty and red,” he purred as he ran his hand across her burning flesh. “I think you’ve had enough spanking for now.” He gave her one more whack for good measure, and she almost sobbed, she needed him so bad. “Fuck me,” she begged. He dropped the paddle to the floor. “On your back,” he commanded roughly.

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She rolled to her back, scooting toward the headboard, her eyes glued to his muscular form. He followed her on his knees, his eyes glowing with wicked intent. She loved that look. It never failed to make her wild. He grabbed her thighs and lifted them. She reached over her head, grasping the spindles of the headboard, preparing herself for the hard thrust she knew he would give her. He settled her over his shoulders and positioned the tip of his cock at her dripping entrance. She tensed, bracing herself, anxious to feel him inside her. With a deep, menacing growl, he drove deep, sliding his cock inside her weeping pussy. She gasped at the double penetration of his thick cock plus the butt plug, filling her full. Taking a deep breath, she tried to breathe past the pain as it morphed into intense pleasure. Sid would never share her. This would the closest she would ever come to taking two at once and she was fine with that. He was all she needed, all she could want. Relaxing her muscles, she took him even deeper and moaned as he stretched her farther, grinding her hips against him, begging for more. Her fingers gripped the spindles harder, the tips of her nails digging into her palms. He felt so good inside her she could hardly breathe. “Oh, fuck.” He sighed as he slowly pulled out, then just as slowly pushed back in, tormenting her with his slow movements. “Damn it, Sid,” she growled, wanting it harder. He gave her what she wanted and began a steady, hard rhythm that quickly sent her over the edge. Her ass squeezed at the plug as her release built from deep in her womb, strangling her with pleasure so strong she thought she might pass out. She let go of the headboard and sank her fingers into the corded muscles of his forearms. Her nails dug into his flesh as he thrust harder, deeper, giving her everything he had and then some. Sidious hissed, his eyes closing tightly.

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“Fuck,” he growled as he pressed deep and ground against her clit, sending her spiraling out of control. She exploded, erupting into a massive ball of rapture. Every part of her pulsed and shook as both her channels quaked around the invading rods. “Sid!” she screamed as the pleasure just kept coming, one orgasm running into another. With one final hard thrust, Sidious found his release as well, groaning her name as his seed emptied deep inside her. “Oh God,” she panted as her body began to slowly relax. Sidious pulled out, shifting slightly to allow her legs to fall around his waist, then ever so slowly pressed back in, making her moan as he brushed against her over-sensitized clit. “God, you feel good,” he growled as he slowly did it again. She sighed, moving her hips with his slow thrusts, feeling her desire building all over again along with his. She never imagined it would be possible to feel like this, to love like this. His fingers slid between the cheeks of her ass, gently removing the plug. She sighed as her ass once again relaxed, but her pussy…that was another matter. Especially with the slow, tantalizing thrusts of his shaft. He dropped the plug to the floor and lifted one of her legs higher around his back. His cock grew thicker as he gently moved inside her, driving her insane again. “Mikayla,” he whispered against her lips. “I can’t fucking get enough of you.” His lips captured hers, his tongue invading her mouth as he rocked against her. With a moan, she lifted her hips beneath him, matching his slow rhythm.

***** Skylar sat on the beach, the wooden back of the lounge chair supporting both her and Devlin. His legs were spread wide, her hips nestled against his pelvis, her back against his

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chest. It felt completely right sitting like this with him. Not talking, just relaxing and watching the stars above them. With a sigh, she snuggled closer. Devlin moved her hair and kissed her temple before resting his chin atop her head. “What’s it like where you come from? It’s Veenori, right?” “Yes. It’s a desert. Hot, dry, dirty.” “Why do you live there?” “It’s where the orphan freighter crashed. Now my main business is the bar, but I have numerous other businesses and investments.” “So you really don’t need to stay there?” He shrugged. She felt the movement against her shoulder. “No. But to be honest, with you gone, I saw no reason to leave.” “Were we going to leave?” “Yes. I have some land on Tilarus, close to my best friend. We were going to build a house there.” “Tilarus is beautiful. At least what I saw of it the other day.” “You loved it there.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. His head was thrown back, his stare locked on the pink moon orbiting the planet above them. “Would you have been happy? Leaving Veenori, I mean?” He dropped his head and stared at her, the oddest expression on his face. He appeared startled, like it had to be the dumbest question she could ask. “Sky…” He grinned. “I would be happy with you in a cardboard box.” She turned to lean her back against him, her gaze watching the sea but not really seeing it. “What if I never remember?” she asked quietly.

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“Then we’ll build new memories…if you want.” She turned her head slightly, resting her cheek against his beating heart. He felt so warm, so right. She wanted new memories with him more than anything. But she also wanted the old ones. She sat up and spun around to study his strong face and beautiful sapphire eyes. “What if I said no?” He put his hand over his heart and threw his head back with a groan. Skylar bit her lip to keep from grinning at his overly dramatic reaction. He brought his gaze back to hers, his expression thoughtful. “I’d never force you into anything. But I would certainly do my damnedest to get you to change your mind.” “Really?” she teased. “What would you do?” He smiled. “You’re just full of questions.” She shrugged and glanced back toward the ocean, the heat of a blush moving up her neck. “Keeps me from thinking about other things.” He put his finger under her chin and forced her to meet his concerned expression. “What other things?” She licked her lips and the heat that flared in his eyes made her heart race. “Having sex with you.” His lips spread into a slow, sensual smile that made her flesh burn. “A woman after my own heart.” She grinned. “I thought I already had your heart.” Devlin chuckled and pulled her back against him, his arms encircling her shoulders, enveloping her in his warmth. “That you do, Sky. You fought hard enough for it. It’s all yours.”

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She shook her head, her lips spreading into a smile of contentment. “I must have been a real piece of work.” “Yep,” he teased and she slapped at his thigh. “Getting feisty are ya?” he drawled as he nuzzled the side of her neck, making her giggle. “Excuse me,” she chided. “We’re supposed to be relaxing…watching the stars…talking.” “May I remind you, minx, that you’re the one who brought up sex.” His voice was close to her ear with a deep and sexy purr that made tremors of desire work their way up her spine. “It was just a moment of weakness,” she whispered. “It won’t happen again.” His chuckles shook against her back. “Yes, it will,” he whispered, making her shiver in delight. He was right. It would happen again…and soon if he didn’t stop whispering in her ear like that. God, it was sexy. He was sexy. The back of his fingers made a slow, sensual trail of heat down her arm to her wrist and back up again to her shoulder. She watched it from the corner of her eye, her breath coming faster with every inch he stroked. She drew up her knees and squeezed her thighs together, trying to minimize that ache beginning to build in her mound. It was no use and she knew it. She wanted him again. And again. And again. Devlin lowered the collar of his shirt, exposing her neck. His lips moved across the sensitive spot below her ear with the barest of touches. She gasped softly as his teeth scraped across her skin. The lounge chair was large enough Devlin was able to lower it and turn them on their sides, her back to his chest. He kept her shirt on, his hand sliding under the hem to tease her hip and ribs. She raised her arm, grabbed a handful of his hair, and moaned as his hand

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cupped her firm breasts. His fingers were warm and insistent as they fondled her, making her nipples pucker painfully. His fingers slid lower, coming to rest just above her clit. She sighed, waiting for him to touch her as his lips continued to tease the side of her neck with hot little nibbling kisses. “Put you leg over mine,” he whispered and she lifted her leg to rest over his thigh. He moved his hand between her thighs, cupping her mound. “Mmm, you’re so hot, Sky,” he whispered and she shivered from head to toe. He used the tip of his fingers to separate her labia. “And so wet.” Her hips bucked, moving with his slow ministrations, desperate for more. “Devlin,” she whimpered. He changed the position of his hand, this time coming at her pussy from behind. He slid two fingers inside, making her gasp in pleasure. He worked them slowly in and out, and her hips pressed back against his hand, trying to force him deeper. Instead, he moved them to the small, puckered hole of her anus. She tensed and he stilled before moving back to her pussy. Slowly, he slid two fingers back into her pussy, then pulled them out, going back to again circled the tiny hole between her butt cheeks. This time she moaned, shocked at the desire that built inside her there. Had they done this before? Did she instinctively know with him it would be pleasurable? He pressed one finger forward slightly, pushing past the ring of resistance and she held her breath, unconsciously pressing back. As his finger sank deeper, he groaned. “It’s been a long time since I’ve taken you in the ass, Sky,” he murmured and she moaned in answer, her hips moving with his hand as he slowly fucked that tight hole. He added a second finger and she gasped at the burn, then the pleasure that snaked up her spine. Biting down on her lower lip, she dug her nails into his scalp, grasping tightly at

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his long hair. So much emotion ran through her, choked her as she fought for some kind of control. She’d couldn’t remember any time in the last four years that she’d felt like this. His teeth sank into her shoulder, making her gasp as the biting pain intensified the heat running through her veins. He removed his fingers and she wiggled against him, needing him back inside her. “Patience, Sky,” he whispered seductively as he opened his pants behind her, freeing his hard cock. With a hand under her thigh, he lifted it higher and let his cock slide enticingly along her slit, making her crazy with lust. Juices poured from her pussy, coating his cock as he slowly stroked her, teasing her clit with the head of his shaft. Mewling sounds were carried away on the night wind as she squirmed beside him, her pussy aching to feel him inside her. “Feels good, doesn’t it, Sky?” he murmured as his fingers separated her labia so his cock could fully stroke against her clit. She shuddered as a strangled cry tore from her chest. With more patience than she ever dreamed he could possess, he placed the head of his cock at her opening. She panted, pressing back to take him inside her, but he pulled back slightly. “Don’t tease,” she panted and moved her hand between her legs to try and guide his cock inside her. His hand caught hers, holding it still over her clit. Warm juices coated her hand as he pressed forward, filling her deep. She moaned, arching her back. He growled into her neck, mumbling something in a language she didn’t understand, but it still sounded so damn sexy. “Feel me, Sky. Feel how well we fit,” he whispered and guided her hand to his cock. He pulled out slightly, allowing her fingers to feel the slick velvet covering his rock hard shaft. He pressed in and she moaned, her fingers moving down to cup his tight balls. “That feels good,” he whispered, as he began to move inside her.

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Much too soon, he pulled out, then repositioned his cock at the entrance to her anal passage. Her heart raced wildly as she realized what he intended. Not from fear, but from lust -- pure, wild, uninhibited lust. “Yes,” she panted, bracing herself for that initial thrust. That first bite of pain. Devlin pressed forward, past the tight ring of resistance, only to pull back and press forward again, this time going a little deeper. She held her breath, her body on fire to feel him deep inside her…there. “Damn,” Devlin hissed. “You’re so tight and hot, baby.” “Don’t stop,” she demanded, surprising both of them. “Give me all of it.” With a deep, hungry growl, he pressed forward, this time burying himself balls deep. She gasped, taking deep breaths to work through the pain, the fullness that sent her senses screaming. With his forearm, he lifted her leg higher and thrust two fingers into her pussy, making her scream in pure delight. His cock buried so deep in her ass made her pussy tight. So tight it felt as though his fingers were huge. Juices poured from her pussy, coating the inside of her thigh as he began to thrust his fingers and cock in counterpart to one another. She groaned, undulating as best she could, desperate for the pinnacle she could sense was so close. Every muscle in her body tensed, shook as Devlin increased his tempo, fucking her harder. “God, you’re ass feels good, Sky. And this pussy. Mmmm, such a tight little pussy.” His words sent her over the edge and she erupted into a flaming ball of pleasure. Her stomach tightened and her ass convulsed around his cock, making him groan into her neck and thrust even deeper. She cried as he removed his fingers and pinched at her clit, making her come again, even harder than the first time. She didn’t know how much more she could take as one orgasm sped into the second. Every part of her felt weak, trembly, and still Devlin wrung more out of her. She whimpered

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just as Devlin gave a shout, spilling his seed deep into her ass, his fingers massaging her sensitive clit. With a sigh, he kissed her cheek. She couldn’t move. Not even if her life depended on it. “I think we’re going to have to sleep out here.” She snickered tiredly. “Why’s that?” he asked, his voice full of amusement. “I can’t move.” He chuckled and lowered her leg, his now flaccid cock still buried inside her. But she didn’t mind. Hell, he could stay there forever if he wanted.

***** “Wake up, gorgeous.” A hard slap landed across Mikayla’s ass and she growled at Sidious over the edge of the covers. “You enjoy that way too much.” He looked at her with a lopsided grin. “Why do we need to get up so early?” she asked, pulling the covers back over her head. Hell, didn’t they just get to sleep a little over two hours ago? “Karn is here.” Mikayla bolted upright with a gasp. “Where?” Sidious tossed a pair of pants and a top onto the bed. “In the hangar.” “That’s over a mile away. How did your device pick him up?” “It didn’t. Keenas called. He followed him here.” Mikayla stopped pulling up her pants, her eyes narrowed toward Sidious, who stood a few feet away, buttoning his shirt. “I didn’t think Keenas was getting involved.”

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Sidious looked at her through his lashes and grinned. “Rhia,” they both replied at the same time. She finished pulling up her pants and snapped them, then reached for her top. Rhia must have insisted Keenas at least keep an eye on Karn. “So what exactly are we doing?” she asked through the material as she pulled it over her head. “We’re going to let him see us…at least me, anyway. I’m hoping he’ll mistake me for Devlin and follow. I don’t want you anywhere near him. I want you to go get on the ship. You’ll take the A tube back to the docking bay and wait for me there.” He placed a small phazor in her hand and closed her fingers around it. “Take this.” “Do you think I’ll need it?” “No, but I’d feel better if you had it.” She frowned down at the gun. Sidious had taught her a long time ago how to use weapons like this one and many others just like it, but the idea of actually shooting someone didn’t sit well on her stomach. “Won’t it set off the station alarms if it’s fired?” “It should.” Sidious lifted her chin with the crook of his finger. “He won’t try anything here for that very reason; plus, it’s too crowded. He’ll wait until we’re somewhere more private.” “You seem awfully sure about all this,” she grumbled. Sidious nodded his head toward the side in acknowledgement. “Keenas knows his cousin well.” “Let’s hope so.”

*****

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Sidious stood in the long narrow hallway leading to the promenade. So far, he hadn’t seen him, but the device in his palm indicated Karn was close. Picking up his communicator, he called Keenas, who was stationed at the other end. “Any sign of him, Keenas?” he asked, his gaze surveying what he could see of the level above him. “Not yet. I can’t get out there too far. I can’t risk him seeing me.” “Are you sure he doesn’t know you’re following him?” “As sure as I can be. I’m using a different ship and I’ve kept my distance.” “I’m heading out. Let me know if you see anything I should be aware of.” Flipping the communicator closed, Sidious headed into the thick crowd. All he could think about is what he would do if this had happened to Mikayla. He’d have to kill him. There would be no other option. He’d kill anyone who laid their hands on her. But at the same time, he understood Devlin’s plan. If he’d killed Karn there, it would have been a huge mess and Devlin would have been in a lot of trouble Keenas might not have been able to get him out of. He had to think of Rhia as well. Argonia was her home now and she their queen. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He needed to make sure Mikayla was okay. Pulling his communicator from his belt, he called the ship. Mikayla picked up quickly. “You were supposed to contact me the second you climbed into the ship,” he growled. “I just climbed in, Sid. I haven’t even shut the damn door yet.” “Shut it, lock it, and engage the tint on the windows.” “Yes, my lord. Anything else?” “Don’t be smart, Mikayla,” he ordered. “I’m worried about you. Right now I’m beginning to rethink the wisdom of bringing you along.”

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“Sid. I’m fine. I think you should know by now I can take care of myself.” “I know, baby,” he said, his lips twitching in amusement. His little spitfire could definitely take care of herself. She’d stood up to him after all, and in front of his men to boot. “I love you,” he said softly. “I love you, too. Stay safe, my arrogant captain.” He grinned, flipping his communicator closed and replacing it on its clip. He caught sight of Karn on the second level, his gaze roaming the crowd below him. Looking ahead, he noticed the open turbo chute. “Skylar! Let’s go!” he yelled, loud enough for Karn to hear. Keeping his head mostly downward, he sneaked a quick peek to see if Karn had heard him. Apparently, he had. He leaned over the railing, his gaze narrowing as he followed him to the chute. Sidious jumped to the side, allowing the door to close.

Now let’s see if you take the bait, Karn.

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Chapter Ten

Karn watched Devlin squeeze his way into the chute, but he hadn’t seen Moriana. Had she jumped in prior to him? “Was that him?” Nate asked. “I believe so. He looked to be the right size, but I didn’t see Moriana. What’s the status on the ship?” Nate looked at the small hand held computer. “It’s still in the docking bay.” Karn nodded. “Where does that chute go?” “The exit tubes.” Karn pursed his lips. Were they leaving? Good. The sooner they got away from the station, the better. It was too crowded here, too public. Besides, the second he fired a weapon onboard the station, all hell would break loose. He would never get out of here without having to answer a million questions and none of the answers he would have to give would warrant killing Devlin. At least by the station’s laws. He didn’t need that kind of trouble right now. “Let’s get going,” he said to Nate, not even looking back to see if he followed him.

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The two boarded another turbo chute, then exited into the docking bay just in time to see the ship they had been watching take off. Karn quickly ran to the young man he’d spoken to earlier. “Did you get the tracking device on?” The young man swallowed. “No, sir. That was Lord Marcone. I’m not about to put a tracking device on his ship. No way.” “What the hell do you mean Lord Marcone?” Karn demanded. “Lord Sidious Marcone,” the young man said, his eyes wide. “I served in the Militia. He may have dark hair now, but I know Captain Marcone when I see him. He’s not someone I want to mess with.” Reaching into his pocket, he handed Karn the money as well as the tracking device he’d given him earlier before walking away. “Son of a bitch,” Karn snarled. “They’re fucking setting us up.” “Devlin must have been in the cloaked ship,” Nate murmured, making Karn angrier . “Find where that damn ship went!” he yelled. “And get me some more men!”

***** Skylar stretched against the soft silk sheets, smiling as the warm rays of the morning sun slashed across the bed, heating her exposed skin. Opening her eyes, she spotted Devlin’s empty pillow. She placed her hand within the dent where his head had been. It was still warm. She pulled the pillow to her nose, inhaling his spicy scent clinging to the fabric. “Morning.” Opening her eyes, she peeked around the pillow and grinned at Devlin. He looked good. His pajama pants hung low on his hips, his muscular chest tan and mouthwatering. Long black hair hung around his shoulders, and sapphire eyes full of love watched her. “Morning,” she murmured.

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He leaned against the doorjamb, his arms crossing his chest. “Breakfast is almost ready if you’re hungry.” “I’m starving.” “Good. I heard from Sidious this morning.” She sat up, her smile fading somewhat as worry gripped her chest. “Is everything okay?” “So far.” Devlin walked to the foot of the bed and handed her the robe slung across the comforter. She stood and turned so he could hold it out for her. “So what happens now?” she asked as she slipped her arms inside, enjoying the feel of the silk as it glided over her flesh. With gentle fingers, Devlin pulled her hair from under the collar. “Now” -- he placed a quick kiss on the back of her head before tugging her with him to the small kitchen-dining area -- “we wait for Sidious to get here.” Skylar shuddered at the idea of seeing Karn again. She’d suffered so much abuse at his hands, so much pain. It made her ill to think she would have to face him when she’d hoped never to have to see him again. While Devlin got their breakfast together, she walked to the window and absently watched the waves pound against the sand. An image teased the back of her mind. Devlin. He stood by a lake, his hands spread wide as he spoke, a smile pulling at his lips.

“This is it,” he said. “What?” Skylar turned a complete circle, admiring the beautiful field and mountains in the distance. “This is what?” “Where we’ll put the house.” She stopped and turned to stare at him in shock. Her heart pounded in her chest. Had he really done it? Had he really bought the land she loved so much? “You bought it?”

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He nodded. “It’s all ours and you can design whatever house you want.” With a squeal, she jumped into his arms. “I love you.” She giggled. “Wow. If I had known I’d get this kind of reaction, I would have bought it much sooner.” She pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes. “Are you sure about this. Veenori is your home. It’s been your home --” “Skylar, trust me. Veenori is not my home. It’s where I work, nothing more. Besides,” he said with a shrug as he set her back on her feet. “I’m looking forward to retiring, becoming a father one day and raising a child the right way.” “I think you did wonderful with Rhia. She’s intelligent, strong --” “Opinionated, arrogant.” She smiled. “Just like you.” One corner of his lips lifted. “Yeah, but she’s seen and done things she should never have.” “Yes, but what was the alternative?” He scowled. “I don’t even like to think about the alternatives.” “Then don’t. She’s coming here with us; you know she will. We’ll design her own special wing and she’ll find a wonderful man to settle down with. Just like I did.” He grinned devilishly, sending tingles of desire down her spine. She loved the sparkle that lit up his eyes when he was being mischievous. “If I’m so wonderful, what the hell took you so long to win me?” “Good question,” she replied, her own teasing grin tugging at her mouth. “I’m sure it didn’t have anything to do with how stubborn you are.” His eyebrow raised a fraction as he placed a hand against his heart. “Me? Stubborn?”

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“Please. You’re more stubborn than Sidious, and that’s pretty damn stubborn,” a deep, male voice drawled from behind her. Skylar turned to stare at Taron who sat on his quiet hovercycle a few feet away. His deep voice had startled her since she hadn’t even heard him approach. “How long have you been there?” she asked. Taron shut off the cycle and stood to his full height. Broad shoulders stretched his white shirt, outlining hard, bulging muscles beneath the fabric. The bright afternoon sunlight reflected off his sexy, clean-shaven bald head, and smiling deep brown eyes watched her with amusement. “More importantly,” Devlin drawled, “is what the hell is he doing here?” Taron snorted. “You’re building a house right across the lake from where I plan to build mine. Just wanted to make sure you don’t block my view.” Skylar crossed her arms with a huff. “Maybe you should move your house.” With a thoroughly sexy walk, Taron moved to stand directly in front of her, so close she could smell his woodsy scent and feel the heat coming off his chest. “Come on, Sky,” he teased, his voice dropping to a sensual baritone. “You and I both know you want the houses close enough that you can see me in all my naked glory from your balcony. Dream about that time Devlin and I gave you a little taste of heaven.” “Hey,” Devlin snapped. Taron snickered, making Skylar giggle. She glanced at Devlin over her shoulder and just couldn’t resist. “Jealous?” “Of him? Not on your life.” Skylar gasped and turned from the window to stare angrily at Devlin. Taron’s comment in her flashback brought on another memory. One of her sandwiched between Devlin and Taron as both their cocks filled her deep. Karn had made her do that and she’d hated it. It was painful, degrading, humiliating…and Devlin had made her do it.

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“You shared me!” she snapped. Devlin looked up at her, confusion pulling at his brow. “What?” “You shared me with Taron! How could you do that?” She turned to leave the room, but Devlin caught her by the elbow, turning her to face him. But she couldn’t look at him. Had she been wrong about him? How could he have made her do that terrible thing? How could he have shared her with his friend? “Skylar, what are you talking about?” “I saw it. I saw myself between you and Taron.” She closed her eyes, trying to block out the memory of it and the reality of what Karn had made her endure. “Karn made me do that and it was…” She shuddered and tried to block the tears that threatened to fall. “God,” Devlin murmured and tried to pull her into his arms, but she shoved him away. She took a few steps back, trying to put some distance between them. Crossing her arms over her quickly breaking heart, she glanced up to see Devlin staring at her with painfilled eyes. “Why?” she asked. “You saw one of the women in my bar participating in a ménage.” He shrugged. “You were curious.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I would never be curious about that.” “Maybe not now, Sky, but…you were then.” “So you’re saying it was my idea?” “Yes and no. I offered to give you one night to experience it and you took me up on it.” “So I agreed to sleep with Taron?” “No,” he said, shaking his head. He raised his hand and brushed his hair back from his face. “Taron and I had sex with you together. He was my best friend and the only man I trusted enough to share you with. We only did it once.”

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Skylar licked at her lips, her chest tightening in indecision. She tried to remember more of what had happened, but couldn’t get past that one image. But if she were honest, her emotions within the flashback weren’t of fear, but of pleasure. How could she enjoy something like that? Karn had made it so dirty, so painful. She glanced back toward Devlin. But Devlin wasn’t Karn. He’d shown her nothing but kindness, tenderness, and understanding. Surely she was wrong. “Wasn’t it awkward after…between Taron and me?” she asked, still confused. Devlin shook his head. “No. It was like an inside joke between the two of you. Taron liked to make comments to try and get a jealous response from me, and you would always play along.” “But you were never jealous?” He smiled slightly. “No. I know Taron would never try to take you away from me.” He shrugged. “He knew I’d kill him.” She frowned. “You’re joking, right?” Part of her anger melted. Deep down she knew he would never do anything to hurt her. She had to trust that. Maybe one day she’d remember all of it and would understand better. His smile spread, melting her heart. “Of course I am. Are we okay now?” Pressing her lips together, she nodded with just a little reluctance. He walked over and cupped her face tenderly, forcing her to look at him. “You know, Sky, I would never make you do something you didn’t want to, right? I don’t want you to ever fear me. You can yell at me, throw things at me, call me every name in the book -- which you’ve done, I might add -and I’ll never harm you.” She raised an eyebrow in interest. “I’ve thrown things at you?” “Oh, hell yeah,” he replied with a chuckle. Taking her hand, he pulled her to the table and helped her to sit. “Like what?” she asked.

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“A glassful of ale. A book.” His brow creased in thought. “My own shirt.” She giggled softly. “We must have had a heck of a relationship.” “We had a great relationship. One that kept me on my toes, kept me guessing. You pissed me off more times than I can count, you made me laugh.” He squatted next to her and brushed his thumb along her cheek, warming her flesh. “But most of all you made me believe that I could be truly happy. That just maybe I could forget all those things I’d done in the past and start over. With you.” A single tear slipped from her eye and slid down her cheek. He leaned forward and kissed it away. “I love you,” he whispered, then stood to move back to the kitchen and get their breakfast. Skylar watched him go, the words “I love you, too” on the tip of her tongue, but she remained silent, still torn, still so confused.

***** Sidious flipped the communication switch to receive his father’s incoming call. “Any luck?” he asked as his father’s face came over the screen. Damon rolled his eyes. “I’m almost afraid to answer that. I’ll hear ‘I told you so’ for months.” Sidious chuckled, then turned to wink at his smiling wife in the chair beside him. “I’ll cut you some slack this time.” “I appreciate that,” Damon grumbled. “Did our friend take the bait?” “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen him, nor have I heard from Keenas.” “That’s not a good sign,” Damon grumbled. “How much longer till you get to Tansia?” “A few hours. Hopefully, by the time you and Stefan get there, we’ll have taken care of all this.” “Do you really think Devlin will have to kill Karn?”

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Sidious sighed in resignation. “Keenas believes he will. Karn made it clear before he left Argonia that if he caught up with Devlin, he’d kill him. Jorel tried to convince him to let it go, that his slave was a citizen of Rhinari and the last thing Argonia needed was the Senate breathing down their necks. Karn refused to listen to reason. He’d had possession of her for more than two years; therefore she was his, regardless of her citizenship.” Damon nodded. “We’ll get there as soon as we can. Keep us informed.” “I will.” Leaning forward he closed the channel, then turned to stare at his wife, who scowled toward the sky outside the ship. He smiled slightly. “I remember the last time you stared out into space like that.” She spun her head, confusion pulling at her lips. “What?” He pointed toward the stars. “You were scowling into space. I had caught you after you tried to run away, remember?” Her lips lifted at the corners. “How could I forget? You looked so sexy in your uniform and I never hated myself more for noticing.” He chuckled. “You haven’t changed a bit.” She snorted. “Neither have you, Mr. Take-Charge-Do-As-I-Say.” He leaned back, swiveling his chair around to face her. “Like you ever do as I say.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I do as you say.” “Only when it benefits you.” “There you go,” she said with a nod. “Make sure it always benefits me and we’re good.” Sidious laughed. “You know what I think we should do after all this is over with?” “What?” “See if we can make a little girl.” He leaned forward and tapped her nose playfully. “And I want her just like you.” Her smile faded slightly and anxiety filled her gaze. He scowled. “What?” he growled.

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“About that,” she began, her tiny pink tongue darting out to lick at her lips. “I didn’t have a chance to say anything before we left, but…” He sat back, narrowing his eyes. “I’m already pregnant.” His eyes widened and anger overrode any excitement he might have felt at her announcement. “And you let me bring you along?” he thundered and she cringed. “Son of a bitch!” He stood and paced to the glass table behind them, his head barely missing the low ceiling of the ship. “I thought you would be happy. You just said you wanted a little girl.” “And last night?” he snapped, ignoring her comment. She snorted. “We’ve had two kids already, Sid. You should know by now a little rough sex doesn’t hurt anything.” “That’s not the point,” he growled. “What is the point?” Sidious turned to look at her and instantly stopped. Hurt filled her eyes and made him feel like the biggest ass in the galaxy. What the hell was he so mad about anyway? His wife had just told him she was pregnant and he was yelling at her like an idiot. With a sigh, he glanced toward the ceiling. “I’m sorry,” he said, then leveled his gaze on her. “But you deliberately kept that from me so you could go along.” She shrugged. “You needed someone to play Skylar.” She stood and walked toward him. Her hands flattened against his chest and the rest of his anger melted away. He could never stay angry with her for any length of time. He took her hands in his and lifted them to his lips, placing a kiss in the center of each palm. “You still want a girl?” she asked softly.

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He smiled. “Definitely. Although, if she’s anything like you, I may not survive it.” Mikayla giggled. “You just said you wanted her like me. Lord you’re wishy-washy.” Sidious rolled his eyes, then grinned down at her. “How far along are you?” “About two months.” With a sigh, he pulled her against his chest, holding her tight. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling the flowery scent that never failed to make him feel at peace. She was his life. His soul mate. His everything. “I wouldn’t have brought you if I had known,” he whispered. “I know.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “But I still love you anyway.” He chuckled, squeezing her tighter. She yelped and he immediately loosened his hold. Pulling back, he flattened his hand on her lower stomach. She was still flat, no sign that their baby grew in her womb. He frowned as he remembered just how rough he’d gotten with her last night. He knew he wouldn’t hurt the baby, but still he worried. “It could be another boy,” he said thoughtfully. “No. I know it’s a girl. I had Stefan check when he did the pregnancy scan.” He narrowed his gaze. “My brother knew before me?” With a huff, she slapped at his shoulder with the back of her fingers. “He knew about Hayden before you. He’s the one who told me I was pregnant the first time.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him, making him smile inside. God, he loved it when she got angry. She was so beautiful when she glared at him in fury. “I wanted to surprise you. Are you going to get all mad again?” He threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, boy, are you going to have some making up to do, wife,” he growled playfully, and her lips spread into an adorably enticing grin, making her eyes sparkle like emeralds. “I look forward to it, husband.”

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***** Keenas stood back in the shadows, watching Karn with a concerned stare. Something had tipped him off. He’d hired more men, and instead of following Sidious like they’d wanted him to do, he still remained on the station talking with the men he’d hired. He was working out a plan. Unfortunately, he wasn’t close enough to hear any of it. Grabbing his communicator, he flipped it open and interfaced with the booster on his ship to call Sidious. His friend answered quickly. “What’s going on, Keenas?” “He’s still on the station.” “Still? Why?” “I think he knows something’s up. He’s hired more men. Be on your guard, Sidious. I’ll keep you informed.” Keenas flipped the communicator closed, keeping his gaze on his wayward cousin.

***** Skylar sat on the couch, anxiously tapping a pen against the pad of paper she kept on her lap. She thought it would be a good idea to start writing down what she could remember of her flashbacks. Maybe it would help more to surface, as well as keep her mind off Karn. Unfortunately, it wasn’t working. Sidious and Mikayla strolled into the small two bedroom cabin and closed the door behind them. Skylar looked up and stared in surprise at the gorgeous couple who stood before her. Sidious was a younger Damon, except with black hair, which Devlin had told her was to make Sidious look more like him. He was taller than Devlin, with eyes she would bet didn’t miss a thing and wide shoulders that dwarfed the young woman standing next to him. Mikayla smiled and Skylar smiled hesitantly back. She’d seen a picture of Mikayla and Sidious in Devlin’s small palm computer. He’d shown her pictures of all the Marcone family.

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Skylar frowned slightly. Mikayla must have changed her hair as well. She was blonde now instead of brunette and she had a figure Skylar would kill to have -- tiny, curvy, very sexy. She’d been eating like a horse the last few days she’d been with Devlin, so maybe she would eventually get her old self back. Devlin came in from the bedroom. “Glad to see you finally made it.” “You might not. I need to talk to you. Privately.” Devlin nodded and the two of them headed into the other room. Skylar tensed and bit down on her lower lip, her heart racing wildly. Looked like this was it and her nerves were going haywire. Mikayla sat down next to her and nodded toward the notes on her lap. “Shopping list?” With a slight grin, she set the notes on the coffee table. “No, just notes about flashbacks that I’ve gotten over the last few days. As I remember things I write them down. Or try to.” “That’s a good idea. As you do, it may trigger more.” Even though she couldn’t remember her, Skylar felt at ease with the Earth woman beside her. “How are you holding up?” Mikayla asked softly. “Well, honestly. I was doing great until you two arrived.” “Devlin won’t let him harm you.” One corner of her lips lifted in a slight smile. “I know.” Mikayla returned her smile, making her feel even more at ease. She was beautiful, with the greenest eyes she’d ever seen…at least that she could remember. She had an approachable demeanor and came across as very friendly, but at the same time Skylar could see her strength in the firm set of her shoulders and the confident way she walked toward the couch seconds ago. Devlin and Sidious returned from the other room, but whatever they would have said was interrupted when the small communicator on Sidious’s belt beeped, making Skylar jump.

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Sidious flipped it open. “Yeah,” he barked, then moved to the other bedroom as he listened to the call. “Do you suppose that’s Keenas?” Skylar whispered, her voice shaking slightly. “Probably.” Mikayla covered Skylar’s hand with hers. “We’re going to be fine.” Skylar nodded, but inside she had a terrible feeling of dread.

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Chapter Eleven

Skylar and Mikayla were quickly ushered into the second bedroom as the sun began to set, turning the teal ocean almost tangerine. Skylar huffed and glared angrily at Devlin. “I mean it, Skylar. Stay here,” he ordered, and she crossed her arms across her chest, deepening her scowl. He sighed and shot Mikayla a pleading look. “Talk to her.” “She’s just as pissed, Dev,” Sidious replied, his voice dripping with humor. Sidious walked over and kissed his wife on her forehead. “Remember our little girl,” he whispered, then raised his eyebrows. “Please.” Some of the anger creasing Mikayla’s forehead softened and she nodded. Skylar glanced at her flat stomach, wondering if Sidious meant a little girl they already had or one she carried. Hadn’t Devlin told her they had boys? Glancing back toward Devlin, she wondered what it would be like to have his child. Could she already be pregnant with his child? Karn had always taken care of her birth control shots, and now that she thought about it, she was past due one. She rested her hand over her stomach protectively. “Hey.” Devlin forced her chin up with his finger and stared at her in concern. “What’s wrong?”

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“Nothing,” she lied with a quick shake of her head, but she could tell by the way his eyes narrowed he didn’t believe her. She let her mind go blank, not allowing herself to think about the possibility of pregnancy or the fear of having to go back to Karn carrying Devlin’s child. He would never allow it to be born, and the thought of losing a piece of Devlin tore a path of pain through her chest like a jagged knife. “Skylar…” “Just be careful…please,” she whispered. With a nod, Devlin kissed her softly, then turned to leave the room with Sidious. Mikayla moved to the bed, quickly rummaging through her bag as though trying to find something. “What are you doing?” Skylar asked. “Looking for this. Sidious forgot to take it back when we left the station. I thought it might come in handy.” Mikayla held up a small gun and Skylar gasped. There was something about it, something familiar. “What’s wrong?” Mikayla asked. Skylar couldn’t take her eyes off the gun. She walked forward and drew her finger along the thin barrel. “I’ve seen one of these before.” Mikayla frowned. “They’re popular. They shoot small but very damaging rounds.” Images began to run through Skylar’s mind. Three men holding guns just like that one. Fear for Devlin’s safety cutting through her chest just like now. Backing away, she dropped into a chair, her mind drowning in quick flashes of images and impressions. Everything. She was remembering everything.

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Her hands began to shake and pain sliced through her head. With a gasp, she leaned over, putting her head in her hands. She could see Devlin, his chest and abdomen covered in blood, his face pale. She felt the burning pain in her shoulder from her own wound. “Are you all right?” Mikayla asked as she dropped to her knees before her. She put her hand on Skylar’s leg. “Skylar, honey?” “Oh, my God,” Skylar whispered. “I saw him shot. I thought they were going to kill him. I thought they had killed him.” “It’s okay,” Mikayla said as she gently stroked her hair. “I remember everything. I remember how we met. I remember my…my father. I remember…” She straightened up and stared in shock at Mikayla. She remembered how much she loved him. Glancing toward the door separating her and Devlin, she let all the anger she felt take over. She couldn’t lose him again. She wanted what they had back. She wanted him to retire, to move to Tilarus, to be the father of her children. She refused to let Karn take that away from her again. With determination, she took the gun from Mikayla’s hands and stood. “Skylar, what are you doing?” she asked. “What I should have done five years ago.” Skylar turned to face Mikayla. “I can’t lose him again.” Mikayla didn’t say anything, just nodded in understanding as Skylar turned to head for the door.

***** “How many?” Devlin asked quietly so the women wouldn’t hear. “Keenas believes it’s at least six, maybe more.” “Damn,” Devlin growled, checking his gun. “Six against two are lousy ass odds.” “Eight if you count Karn and his lackey, Nate.”

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Devlin scowled. “You’re not helping.” “Since when do you get nervous?” A slight grin played at the corner of Sidious’s mouth, making Devlin uncharacteristically angry. “Since Skylar is only a few feet away in the other room,” he snarled. Sidious set his small computer on the table and studied the perimeter they’d set up only moments before. It would alert them to any intruders. “If you start second guessing yourself, Devlin, you’ll make mistakes. You know that.” “How far away did Keenas say they were?” Devlin asked, brushing his hair back from his face. He wanted this over with so he and Skylar could go home. Start their life again. “He said Karn and the men he hired left the station about three hours ago, heading straight here. He also said he finally got close enough to hear part of the conversation. Karn knows it was me on the station and not you.” Devlin sighed. “So he knows he’s walking into a trap.” “Probably.” That could change everything. The computer screen blinked, for a split second brightening the room with a soft blue glow. Sidious frowned, walking over to study the outside surroundings through the window. “What?” Devlin asked. A low rumble began to shake the room, rattling the windows and the glasses on the table from earlier. Devlin tensed, knowing instantly they were in trouble. “Take cover!” Sidious yelled as he backed away from the window. A loud blast almost knocked them from their feet as rounds of laser fire broke through the glass, shattering it across the room. Devlin ducked behind an overturned table just as pieces of metal framing flew past his head, missing him by scant inches. “Son of a bitch,” he snarled. “The women.”

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“I’ve got them,” Sidious called back as he ran to the next room, hunching over slightly to dodge the rounds of fire. A second blast shook the room, shattering the windows on the other side. Glass covered the floor and smoke filled the area, choking him with the acrid smell. Devlin coughed, trying to see through the gray haze. “Skylar’s not here,” Sidious called through the doorway and Devlin’s heart stopped in his chest. Where the hell had she gone? Glancing desperately around the room, he noticed her small form trapped under a chair. What was she doing out here? He’d told her to stay in the other room. “Skylar?” he shouted, rushing toward her. His heart lodged in his throat as he made his way closer, dodging more shrapnel as it flew past. He could barely make out the ship as it hovered outside, firing into the darkened interior of the cabin. He dropped to his knees by Skylar’s still form and moved the wooden chair off her thighs. Small cuts dotted her flesh from the glass. Her skin was pale, her eyes closed. He checked her quickly for anything severe and then turned her slightly so he could see her face. “Skylar,” he whispered brushing her hair from her cheeks. “Come on, baby. Answer me.” She moaned, her face morphing into a grimace and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Talk to me, Sky.” “What happened?” she asked as she tried to sit up. “Stay down,” he ordered as another round of fire tore through the room. Skylar squealed, ducking her head as Devlin covered her with his own body. “What’s he doing?” she screamed.

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“At the moment, outgunning us,” he replied. Lifting up slightly, he grabbed her hand and hauled her to her feet. “Come on. Run!” They took off across the room, dodging shrapnel and laser blasts that ripped the building apart around them. They had to do something. They couldn’t stay here like sitting ducks. Running into the same room Sidious and Mikayla were in, Devlin shoved Skylar behind the dresser, pinning her between it and the wall. Sidious pushed Mikayla in as well, with strict orders to stay put. Squatting, Devlin peeked around the corner, trying to see through the smoke in the other room to the hovering ship outside. “This is ridiculous. I can’t even see the fucking ship.” “It’s still there. I can hear it,” Sidious grumbled. “We need to keep our eyes open. They’ll come in on foot next.” A deep boom shook the room just before the back wall blew away, covering them with another round of glass and metal as the ship began firing on the bedrooms. “There’s not going to be anything left of this place,” Devlin snarled, as he shoved a thick strip of metal off his back, ignoring the bite of pain in his back where the metal had sliced open his skin. “Devlin you’re bleeding,” Skylar said as she peeked around the dresser, her eyes wide. “I’m fine. Stay there,” he ordered. For the time being they were safe on the opposite side of the cabin. So far the fire was concentrated on the backside. Devlin coughed, gagging on the scent of ship fumes and weapons discharge. Smoke burned his eyes, but with the wall gone, the wind had begun to take care of some of the haze, making it easier for him to see. A dark figure moved along the perimeter and Devlin

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raised his gun, squinting as he took aim. With one shot, he knocked him backward, the intruder remaining motionless on the ground. “Come on,” Sidious ordered as he brushed past him, heading to the outside. “If we can’t see very well through this haze, they can’t either.” Devlin nodded and followed him out, keeping his body low and his eyes open.

Skylar shifted slightly, trying to see past the corner to where Devlin went. “You’re not going out there,” Mikayla said. Turning slightly, Skylar stared at her. A small cut ran across her cheek and another on her neck. Blood oozed from both to mix with the gray soot that covered the two of them. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” she argued. “They can’t see out there, Skylar. What if they accidentally shoot you by mistake or you shoot one of them?” Skylar’s eyes widened. She hadn’t thought of that. “So what are we supposed to do?” “I’m not sure yet,” Mikayla said with a sigh. “We need to wait for this stuff to clear.” “What is it?” she asked coughing. “It’s some kind of powder they mix in with the weapons to create a smoke screen. Sidious told me before you and Devlin came in here.” Mikayla nodded toward the living room and the missing wall separating them from the beach. “The ship is still there, hovering. I can barely make out the outline. If we’re careful, maybe we can make it to the other bedroom and try to get a shot at it from the other side through the windows they haven’t shattered yet.” “With this?” Skylar asked holding up the gun she still held gripped in her hand. “No.” Mikayla reached for something at her feet. “With this.”

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Skylar stared at the gun. It was black, about sixteen inches long, and had a wide barrel. “What the hell is that?” “It shoots small bombs, but they pack a wallop big enough to take out that ship.” “They’ll have our heads for this.” “They’ll get over it,” Mikayla replied, her lips spreading into a grin. Shots rang from outside and Skylar swallowed, memories from the last time she and Devlin were caught in this kind of mess tightening her chest. She could remember it now like it was yesterday. They’d been after her to get to her father. And here they were again, her the target, Devlin trying to keep her safe. She couldn’t let it end like the last time. Reaching behind her, she gripped Mikayla’s hand. Her answering squeeze gave her increased courage. The two of them could do this. She knew they could. Together they took off toward the opposite bedroom, keeping low as they made their way through the thinning haze. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the small ship, hovering, keeping watch like an evil sentinel. She could see it well enough to tell it was a Moritt ship. Its small design only allowed for one pilot. Its short wings gave it the power to corner and maneuver with amazing speed. It was a ship built for battle. They made it to the other room and gave a quick sigh of relief as they dropped to the floor close to the window. From here, they had an excellent, unobstructed view of the ship and the pilot inside. He kept his eye on the living room area, not once glancing in their direction. Maybe this would work after all. Skylar nodded and Mikayla raised the gun, taking aim at the ship. Skylar swallowed, silently praying the bomb would hit its mark, that the window wouldn’t alter it’s trajectory and alert him to their presence. “Here goes nothing,” Mikayla whispered and pressed the trigger.

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The gun hissed, sending out a small silver ball. It shattered the glass, leaving a trail of orange smoke as it made its way toward the ship. In the quick flash of light, the ship exploded, igniting fuel and vapors from the engine. Flames expanded toward them in a rush of heat and wind. They both squealed, diving across the room in opposite directions to get away from the oncoming flames.

Karn ducked, raising his hand to block the bright light and heat as the ship exploded. Sidious and Devlin were outside, taking his men out one by one. It had to be the women. Now was his chance. Glancing around to make sure he was clear, he took off at a run toward the cabin and his intended target.

Devlin rechecked his weapon, making sure he had enough charge left. They’d taken out six of the eight they thought were there, plus one of the women had just taken out the ship, so that left only one. It had to be Karn. “Which one do you suppose it was?” Devlin asked with a grin. “My money’s on Mikayla.” He shrugged one shoulder, then winced from the cut that oozed blood onto his shirt. He’d taken a hit earlier. “I’ve been teaching her to shoot various things. That gun is one of them.” “She’s got good aim,” Devlin murmured, lifting his shirt to check the wide, deep wound in his own side. It would need attention and soon. He was losing too much blood and felt slightly light-headed as a result. Sidious glanced down at the wound as well. “We need to find Karn, then get that taken care of.” “I know,” Devlin said with a nod, then patted Sidious on the back of his shoulder once. “You lead. If I have to fire, I’m not sure I can focus enough to aim.”

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Sidious nodded and led the way through the quickly disappearing haze and back to the house. Devlin followed close behind, his fingers shaking slightly around the handle of his gun. The wound was apparently worse than he thought. Not to mention it hurt like a son of a bitch. “Mikayla?” Sidious called as he stepped through where the glass wall had been, his shoes crunching on the broken shards of glass. Mikayla stepped from the opposite bedroom, her face a pasty white. She held her palm up, a single tear slipping from the corner of her eyes to streak through the gray smudge covering her cheeks. Devlin’s heart stopped at the look of fear in her eyes. He knew something was wrong and gripped what remained of the metal support beam to hold himself upright. If he lost Skylar now, he’d die right along with her. He couldn’t lose her again. Not now. Oh, God, not now. “He snuck up on us,” she whispered, then they all turned to stare in anguish as Karn stepped forward, Skylar in front of him as a shield. “You son of a bitch,” Devlin groaned, shifting to lean against the pole and cover his bleeding side with his hand. “Let her go. It’s me you want.” “No,” Skylar argued, then squealed as Karn jerked her hair, pulling her head back. “Shut up!” Devlin growled, lifting his gun to take aim. “Do it and she’s dead,” Karn snarled. “Drop it.” Sidious immediately dropped his gun and held his hand out for Mikayla to join him. Never taking his gaze off Karn, he shoved her behind him, shielding her with his wide shoulders. Devlin kept his gun aimed on Karn, his gaze narrowed with deadly intent. “If I drop this, she’s dead. I’m not stupid, Karn.” “Nobody steals from me, Armonde. I mean it,” he added, cocking his weapon. “Drop it.”

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It whined as the charge built and Skylar flinched. Meeting Devlin’s stare, she shook her head. “Don’t do it,” she whispered. “Don’t let him win.” Devlin knew she would rather die than to go back with him, but he couldn’t let her die. He couldn’t lose her. His jaw clenched, he prayed he could make the shot and hit Karn without hurting her. As they stared at one another a shot came from outside, splattering Karn’s head, sending blood and brain matter all over the floor and Skylar. She screamed, squinting her eyes closed as Karn fell to the floor in a lifeless heap, his gun clattering to the ground unfired.

What the hell just happened? Skylar stepped away from Karn, her shaking hands covering her mouth. Devlin rushed forward, enfolding her in his arms, relief washing over him in waves. Over her head, he watched in stunned surprise as Keenas stepped forward, scowling down at Karn’s headless body. “I’d had about enough of that man’s shit,” he snarled, kicking at the bloody torso with the toe of his boot. “Keenas?” Skylar whispered. “Where the hell have you been?” Sidious snapped as Damon and Stefan also joined them, both just as surprised as the others by what had transpired. “Apparently missing all the fun,” Stefan replied, his usual sense of humor coming forth. Sidious snarled, but Devlin couldn’t help but smile. They’d killed Karn and saved Skylar. To him that was all that mattered. How it happened, didn’t. “Devlin, my God,” Skylar whispered as she stepped back, examining his bleeding side. Suddenly, everything hit him at once; the fatigue, the loss of blood. His body was weak and growing weaker by the second. His vision blurred, sending him falling backward, but Sidious caught him before he hit the floor, hauling him back up to a standing position. “Find somewhere we can lay him down. He’s hurt,” Sidious barked.

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Devlin leaned heavily on Sidious as he led him to the bed in the least damaged bedroom. Instead of lifting his shirt, Sidious ripped it down the middle, exposing his wound. Skylar gasped, tears filling her eyes at the sight of the massive hole. With a slight smile, Devlin grasped her hand, trying to reassure her. “It looks bad, but it’s really not,” he argued. Skylar shook her head. “I can see your ribs, Devlin. Two of them are shattered.” “So that’s why I can’t breathe,” he replied, closing his eyes against the pain as Sidious poked and probed the wound. “Damn, I had forgotten how much getting shot hurts.” “I can fix it, but you’ll be laid up for a while. At least until these ribs heal.” With a nod, Devlin waved his hand. “Just fix it, Sidious.” Sidious’s lips lifted in a half smile as he injected painkillers into Devlin’s neck. “He’ll be fine, Skylar. I promise.” “He better be fine or my wife will have my head,” Keenas said from behind Sidious, watching over his shoulder. Devlin grinned, already feeling the numbing affects of the medicine. “Hurry the hell up and fix him before Rhia gets here.” “Not afraid of your wife, are you, Keenas?” Devlin drawled drowsily, making Sidious snicker. “Afraid? No.” He shrugged. “I just prefer to not be locked out of my own bedroom again.” Devlin chuckled, then grabbed his ribs with a groan. “Serves you right, you ass,” Keenas grumbled, but even drugged, Devlin didn’t miss the spark of amusement in his brother-in-law’s gaze. “Life with you and your sister will never be dull, will it, Armonde?”

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“Not if I can help it,” Devlin replied with a grin, his fingers entwining with Skylar’s as Sidious continued to repair his wound.

***** Skylar placed a single rose on the ledge of the marble stone. She ran her hand over the smooth surface and smiled sadly. Devlin had had this monument put here. Her father wasn’t really buried in the shady spot beneath the beautiful Tilarian tree, but it had made her feel better to have a place to tell him good-bye. “I wish you could see it, Dad. The house is coming along great and your first grandchild will be born in a few months. Just in time for the house.” She put her hand over her stomach and smiled down at the small child growing there -- her and Devlin’s child. “It’s a girl,” she whispered toward the stone, then giggled. “Devlin is thrilled and being ridiculously overprotective. But then that’s just Devlin being Devlin. I haven’t had any more nightmares. Devlin has kept me so busy shopping for the house and the baby, I haven’t had much time to think about what happened on Argonia. Rhia is ecstatic about being an aunt and of course her husbands have already begun hounding her about having their own children.” Skylar smiled. “Rhia will make a good mother. I hope I do.” Her lower lip began to tremble and she wiped away a stray tear as it slipped down her cheek. “I miss you,” she murmured and rubbed her palm along the stone. Taking a deep breath, she stood and turned to see Devlin standing just a few feet away, silently watching her. The wind blew his long hair around his shoulders and ruffled his blue, button-down shirt, which accentuated his sapphire eyes. God, he took her breath away every time she saw him. “Why didn’t you say something?” she asked. “I didn’t want to disturb you. You okay?” She nodded with a smile. “Yes.” “Damon wants us over for dinner. Everyone is going to be there. Even Rhia and her…husbands.”

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Skylar raised an eyebrow, but unfortunately couldn’t hold down the giggle. “You love giving them a hard time don’t you?” “Who? The twins?” Devlin laughed. “I must admit, they’ve turned out to be good husbands for Rhia, but I have to continue giving them hell. What kind of brother-in-law would I be if I didn’t?” With a huge smile, she wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist and let him lead her to the convertible hovercraft that would take them to the Marcone’s. He helped her climb over the side and get settled into the passenger seat. His gaze met hers and he smiled as he gently rubbed his hand over her stomach. “I love you, Sky. Both of you.” Reaching up, she brushed his windblown hair from his brow. “We love you, too. Now get me to some food.” She put her hand on her growing stomach. “Your daughter and I are starving.” With a laugh, Devlin jumped into his side of the ship and they took off toward the Marcone Estate.

***** Damon stood back and watched his family with a sense of immense pride. This is what life was about -- dinner with family and friends, everyone getting along, everyone happy. His gaze moved to Skylar, who smiled at Devlin adoringly. Everyone safe and where they should be. With a smile, he looked at his daughter-in-law, Mikayla. She held their newborn baby girl in her arms, who his son, Sidious, worshiped. Stefan’s wife Krista grew more confident with her role as countess every day and amazingly juggled her responsibilities with those of wife and mother to a set of adorable twins. Skylar was growing bigger every day with her and Devlin’s first child, and just this morning Taron’s wife Alyssa had announced she was having a baby. He couldn’t be happier with how his family had turned out.

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Kaylar came to stand by his side. With a contented sigh, she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. He put his arm around her shoulders and held her close. Leaning down, he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and inhaled the sweet smell of her hair. Her scent always reminded him of Ricktoric, her home planet. It’s where they’d met and fallen in love. Every morning when he saw her smiling face, he thanked the gods for crashing his ship in her backyard. “We have a heck of an extended family, don’t we, Kay?” “Isn’t it wonderful?” He chuckled and tightened his hold. “Yes, it is.”

Trista Ann Michaels Trista lives in the land of dreams, where alpha men are tender and heroines are strong and sassy. When not there, she visits the mountains of Tennessee. Not a bad place to spend a little spare time when she needs a break from all those voices in her head. Unfortunately they never fail to find her.