Part 10 (1/2)

Enroute to Auriga, Jana tried to coax the alien into a game of forsha, but he curiously refused and sidetracked her. After watching how well he had played their form of tennis on Darkar, it struck her as being odd.

Varian mistakenly thought he took Jana's mind off the sport he didn't like and could not play well, a fact she would notice and suspect. He couldn't let the Ryker-cyborg that was concealed in a cleverly hidden compartment stand in for him as before. Nor could the other cyborg be seen until it was needed.

Two nights before they would reach their next destination, desires blazed too high and fast to be doused. As they lay in the bed with only the light of a small lamp casting a soft glow in the room, Jana rolled to her side facing him. His head was turned her way, and their gazes met, locked, and searched. She ignored the fact his eyes were green, for she only saw the look-a familiar one-in them, one that matched what she was feeling. Each took in the other's expression of need and desire. The stare seemed to last forever as it wove a spell around them, as if neither could move nor speak. Their hearts pounded. Their pa.s.sions flamed. Their endless hunger could not be hidden or denied. A silent message pa.s.sed between their spirits, causing them to reach out and embrace, to seal their mouths. They belonged to each other; they belonged together. If only cruel fate or mischievous G.o.ds would leave them in peace.

Varian rolled Jana to her back and lay half atop her. He kissed her mouth, her nose, her forehead, her cheeks, her chin, and her mouth once more. Her hands clasped the back of his head and, with fingers buried in blond depths, held it with possessiveness against hers. Their bodies rubbed against each other, kindling their desires to a higher flame.

Jana's hands roved his broad back and reveled in the feel of his flesh next to them. She trailed them up and down the hard terrain, slow and light at first, then with swiftness and pressure. A tingling glow suffused her. She was captivated by him and his actions. Her senses reeled as if she were racing with the wind across her ranch on Apache's back. Her elusive lover was taking her to paradise, and she was more than eager and willing to go.

Varian was intoxicated by Jana's urgent need for him and her unbridled responses. With gentleness, his mouth ravished hers, then ”worked its way down her neck to feast on her taut peaks. His tongue circled the rosy-brown tips. He was feverish to obtain the only thing that could cool his temperature: all of her. There was no place on her that didn't beg to be cherished by him and he complied.

Jana was oblivious to anything except Varian and the sensations he created with his skillful lips and hands. She was a shooting star blazing across love's heaven. She wanted a resolution to the bittersweet torment a.s.sailing her, but not too fast. She wanted to enjoy every instant of their union. Her kisses waxed bold and deep when his mouth returned to hers like a fiery comet that came, went, then repeated its cycle.

Varian yielded to her magnetic pull. He moaned and his hips writhed as his manroot grew in size. He felt it tremble with longing and plead for entrance to Kahala. He fought to restrain his ardor, to make this moment last forever. His adventurous fingers aroused the sensitive areas of her body and soon his lips covered the same terrain. His craving for her was tremendous. Breathing was difficult as he inhaled and exhaled erratically to slow his runaway heartbeat. He cupped one breast, rolled it beneath his hand, and teased the taut bud between his forefinger and thumb. He smelled her hair, her neck, her skin, to find that fragrance that was hers alone. He kissed her in every way imaginable, one dissolving into another and another.

Jana's fingers dipped into the shallow valley along his spine and trekked up his back tiny hump by tiny hump along it. Her breathing became swift and shallow. Surely everyone could hear the thundering of her heart. This was heaven, what he called Kahala. His compelling physique had the power to crush her body, yet it felt wonderful resting upon hers. So many impressions and images flooded her enraptured mind, and all of them heightened her desires. His hot breath in her ear made her squirm. His hand tracing over her abdomen made her tense. When it entered the cottony-soft maidenhair, she arched her back, groaned, parted her thighs, and welcomed its visit. The longer he caressed her there, the more pleasure she received, yet the stimulation also increased her tension. ”I need you now,” she murmured without notice.

Varian's darting tongue was met and joined by hers. Their bodies fused as one. It was a sensation of sheer bliss. He altered between slow and deliberate strokes and swift and urgent ones. He s.h.i.+fted his groin from side to side to caress and tantalize the straining bud. The way she pulled him closer to her and meshed her mouth to his told him she was engulfed by the same fiery furnace in which he was held captive.

Jana curled her hands around his hips and dug her fingers into his straining b.u.t.tocks. Her legs draped over his and held on to him for the erotic ride. He was swift and forceful, but he wasn't being rough. Her delights increased. She tried to match his movements. Her mouth clung to his lips, and her flesh seemingly did the same to his body.

He nibbled at her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, then the hollows of her throat. He teethed her earlobes. Then he made a terrible mistake: ”Love me, Jana of Earth, love me,” he murmured in her ear.

Pain seared through her heart more fiercely than desire did across her body. She read pa.s.sion smoldering in his ... emerald, not sapphire, eyes. She saw his . .. blond, not sable, head towering over her face. As he twisted his head to press kisses along her shoulders, she saw the scar along his jawline. d.a.m.n you, d.a.m.n you, d.a.m.n you. She cursed him for not having the visage of her truelove at this special moment. Her reply was out of her mouth before she could stop herself, ”I do, Ryker, I do. Take me now. I need you. I want you so much.”

Those words ripped out his heart and wits for a time. He thrust into her with an urgent force, needing to drive Ryker from her mind and body. Over and over he sent mighty strokes into her, movements she accepted with pleasure. He rode her like a wild man on a wild espree to vent himself of his pain, yet never hurt her in his rush and confusion.

Jana tossed aside her anguish and urged him onward and upward as a sweet and urgent signal came from deep within her womanhood. Its intensity mounted and teased, then sent charges over her entire frame from head to foot. She writhed and moaned and claimed her reward.

This woman was his heart, his soul, his world. He could not lose her to any man or force, especially to a ghost. She was unique, totally consuming. She was his, by Kahala, she was his! As she abandoned herself to taste the sweetness of release, so did he. It would be agony of mind and body to stall the inevitable any longer. His body shuddered, and he groaned as potent spasms poured his life force into her receptive portal. As pa.s.sion's flood began to subside, he caught himself before saying, I love you, Jana Greyson, I love you, aloud.

He refused to release her afterward. He switched off the light and cradled her against his dampness. As his body settled down, he suddenly realized what he had murmured earlier. Then he grasped the reason for her expression and response, her striking back at him. You know it's me, don't you, Jana, my love? May you and Kahala forgive me for what I must do soon to convince you it is not. And forgive me, my love, for being too weak to resist you and taking you while wearing his evil face.

Varian decided that before he took rash action, he should make certain she wasn't convinced of his ruse. He observed and listened as they approached their next stop. He would turn to find her watching him with a glare of anger and accusation, which she concealed quickly. The moment their eyes touched, she would paste a fake smile on her face. As he feared, she doubted him and his explanation. He had no choice but to use his last resort before reaching Maal's, one that couldn't fail him.

On Auriga, Jana was almost relieved that Avatar Rhoedea had taken ill and couldn't join them for dinner. The reason was that the ruler's daughter was an old flame of Varian's, and it was just as well she didn't have to spend the evening conversing with an alien woman who might embarra.s.s her with nosy questions or insensitive comments about her past owner.

As promised, she was allowed to have lunch with an old friend and ex-captive from the s.h.i.+p. Kathy had become the charl of Ferris Laus, the Security Control and Weapons' Chief on Varian's s.h.i.+p. Varian had even provided most of the money for Kathy's price, as a gift to them. But Kathy had a surprise for her: Heather was visiting and had come along. The other friend was charl to Spala Rilke-brother to the navigational and guidance officer on Varian's s.h.i.+p. Was, J. G., because Tesla Rilke died in that s.p.a.cer accident while saving your life after Shara's treachery. How would Varian explain away that death when she confronted him with it? If he had known Heather was here, he would never have permitted this kind gesture! Both females were smiling and bubbling, apparently happy. Jana was determined to enjoy herself before she sought proof of the truth.

”I can't believe we're all together again,” Kathy said. ”Ferris told me about you being freed and marrying a prince. That's so exciting, Jana. I wish my love could have come today; he's on leave while Commander Saar is planning his wedding with-” The female blushed and said, ”I'm sorry, Jana; that was thoughtless of me.”

With feigned innocence, Jana asked, ”Why? It's big news.”

”Because everyone, crew and captives alike, thought he would keep you for himself. The way he treated you and looked at you, I can't believe he didn't. I've heard awful tales about that woman he's going to marry. Commander Saar is too good for a hussy like that. If not for him, I don't know what would have happened to me and Ferris.”

”Commander Saar is very good and loyal to his friends,” Jana conceded. ”I suppose he thinks he and Canissia are a perfect match or he wouldn't marry her. The same is true for me and Ryker; we're a perfect match. We're both scientists and we both needed a mate. I guess I'm lucky he chose me.” That was as far as Jana was willing to go to delude the women.

”Everybody knows who your husband is,” Heather said. ”I heard you eloped without telling anyone. I guess you had a good reason. Tesla told us Commander Saar was furious and worried when you vanished. He searched for you and offered a large reward for your return. When he heard you had run away to marry Prince Triloni, he said he was happy for you, but Tesla doesn't believe him. Tesla thinks he's hopping into marriage with that woman to pretend he isn't hurt over losing you. I'd bet he still wants you, Jana.”

”I'm sure Jana doesn't want to hear about his new romance and upcoming marriage,” Kathy chided Heather in a soft tone, ”especially since it's over between her and Commander Saar and she's married to someone else.”

Jana sent Kathy a smile of grat.i.tude for her compa.s.sion. She knew Heather-not the brightest of females but a kind one- wasn't being hurtful on purpose. It was the girl's simple and honest traits that had enticed Jana to take her under her wing like a younger sister during the voyage to Maffei. ”Tell me about you and Spala.” She watched dreamy lights fill the girl's eyes.

”He's wonderful, Jana, wonderful. I was so scared on that s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p coming here. If it hadn't been for you, it would have been awful. I told Spala everything you did for me and he wants to meet you one day and thank you himself. I love him and he loves me. Isn't that the wildest thing? Kathy has Ferris. I have Spala. You have Ryker. We've all made good lives here.”

The three women laughed, chatted, and exchanged stories of their alien romances. Yet Jana left out much of hers and lightly glossed over her surprising marriage to Ryker. ”I'm so happy for you two. It's good that everything turned out so well.” She changed the disquieting subject. ”I love the way you're wearing your hair, Kathy, part of it swirled up and the rest hanging free. It suits your face and personality.”

”Ferris likes it this way. I do everything I can to please him. I'm so lucky, Jana. I'm carrying his child, a boy, the doctor said. His family treats me so well. I'm amazed by how much I love it here. I would never go home. I can't imagine my life without Ferris. He's too marvelous for words.”

”Don't either of you breathe a word to anyone about what I'm going to tell you. I think the charl laws will be abolished soon and you two can marry your men.” Jana saw both women glow with excitement and joy.

They chatted again, then Jana asked Heather, ”How is that brother-in-law of yours? I miss his grinning face and sparkling personality.”

In her childlike manner, Heather answered, ”He's doing great. We heard from him two days ago. He's off to some big a.s.signment soon. Of course he never tells us much. Spala says he can't or he'll be punished.”

That wasn't the answer Jana had expected. If Tesla was alive ... He couldn't be; the Rilkes just hadn't been informed of his death! The recent message had been faked or was an old one! He couldn't be alive!

”Have you seen Tesla in the last three weeks?”

Without realizing she was in error, the scatterbrained girl responded, ”Yes, he came home for three days two weeks ago.”

Jana was so stunned and confused that she had a hard time paying attention to her friends during the remainder of their visit.

Jana paced the hotel suite, that distressing news plaguing her. Even if Varian had known Heather would be visiting this planet and would join them for lunch, he couldn't have put those words in her mouth. And dear, sweet, simple Heather would not lie to her, not to the person she had looked upon as a big sister during their long voyage here. If Tesla had contacted his family since the accident she believed lethal, it couldn't have happened. If that didn't happen, then ...

It didn't help Jana's tormented mind that this was the planet where she had surrendered to Varian Saar for the first time. Or rather, she had coerced and blackmailed him into seducing her, all because of a stupid chess wager. So many things during this trip reminded her of her bittersweet days with him. If she hadn't been so drawn to Varian, and if she hadn't been afraid of never knowing real love and pa.s.sion if she were sold to a terrible owner, and if she hadn't been terrified of going to some alien monster as a virgin ...

Jana halted and leaned against the wall-sized transascreen and stared into the lovely garden below. Her gaze widened and her mouth dropped open. She drew in a sharp breath of air and as the spent air rushed out of her lungs and past dry lips, her respiration altered to a rapid, shallow pace. She stared at the scene taking place two stories below her suite. She saw ... Ryker Triloni and ... Varian Sar talking, or more like arguing from their expressions and movements. She pressed her palms and forehead against the window. She stared in disbelief, alarm, and confusion.

When Ryker motioned toward the hotel, Jana jumped backward to get out of sight. She remembered that the reflective windows were visually impenetrable from the outside. She took her place again and watched her world come apart as her illusions dissolved and her heart was broken. In a near daze, she observed the agonizing episode.

The two aliens talked, with only a few feet separating them. Their rigid stances and glaring expressions exposed anger and disagreement. At one point, the blond alien shook his finger- on his right hand-at Varian. The prince's feet were planted apart and the left arm at his side held a balled fist. Varian stood in a similar position, but with arms akimbo. Neither man showed fear of the other or made any attempt to turn their verbal conflict into a physical one. They appeared to settle down for a while and to speak calmly.

No, this can't be happening! It's a lie, a trick! He knows I don't believe him and his charade and he's doing this to convince me.

Jana wondered if it was a video being played against the wall for her benefit, or a perfected holographic imagery show. She had seen three-dimensional holography on Earth that must be hundreds of levels inferior to what this advanced society possessed. Combined with their laser beam capabilities, it would be a snap for them. She watched the shadowing on the wall and on their bodies, and could find no fault with it. She saw Varian withdraw a small box from his pocket and hold it out to Ryker. She watched Ryker stiffen, glare, and knock it from the ebony-haired man's grasp.

Jana thought she would faint when the box struck a garden bush, shook it, and disturbed a group of b.u.t.terflies feasting on its blossoms. Her panicked gaze watched the colorful insects take flight, traveling beyond what could be the range of a trick picture. She saw a slender cloud move overhead and witnessed how it shaded the two conversing men for a moment.

My G.o.d, what's happening to me? Have I gone insane? How could she deny the vivid truth before her eyes? Her attempted murder and rescue had been an hallucination. Everything she thought Varian had told her afterward wasn't real. Tesla hadn't been killed in a s.p.a.cer accident. She hadn't been kidnapped by Canissia and had not left Darkar since her arrival, until now. She had been so terribly ill and must have partial amnesia as the man claimed. The Androasian prince had told her the truth all along. She was married to ... and living with Ryker Triloni. She had slept with ...

Oh, Lord, what have I done? She answered herself: You've enticed and made love to your husband and tried to make him into Varian.

The two men were speaking calmly after the incident with the box, which she hadn't seen Varian recover from the bushes. No doubt they were discussing her, and perhaps the box contained a gift for her as one had at Draco's: her refusal of the object then had provoked Varian into s.n.a.t.c.hing her away from her new home and life on Karnak.

She was shocked again when the half brothers clasped wrists, spoke, and nodded. A truce, she wondered, with me as the provider? d.a.m.n you! d.a.m.n you both to h.e.l.l and back! How dare you turn me into an object to be pa.s.sed or traded about! How dare you lie to me and betray me? Commander Varian Saar- that irresistible s.p.a.ce pirate-had done so, but Prince Ryker Triloni-her husband-had not seemed to. Not yet, anyway.

Jana saw the two aliens head in separate directions. She saw Varian halt, turn, stare at his half brother's back, then gaze up at the hotel tower. He shook his head and left without, she realized, retrieving the box. She watched Ryker round the wall of the garden. He was probably headed for their suite. She raced into the bathroom, stripped, and submerged herself in a bubble bath. However would she extricate herself from this self-made trap? How could she be a wife to Ryker in more than name only as agreed?

You've already been a wife to him! Twice, you fool! And you've flaunted yourself before him like a cheap s.l.u.t and enticed him in every way possible! But I was mistaken. And I didn't choose Ryker as my sweetheart or husband or lover, not of my own free will. How can I betray Varian and our love with another man? ... Betray him? He betrayed me! But that has nothing to do with this mess. How can I make love to him again? He's almost a stranger to me.