Destined for Two (8 page)

“Would you sit down?” Stefan drawled in amusement. “You’re driving me nuts.” Devlin glanced down at Stefan and smiled in apology. “Sorry. I can’t sit still.”

“I noticed.”

Devlin ignored Stefan’s grin and returned to his pacing around the conference table.

“How’s our progress?”

“According to Taron, the Argonian ship just passed through the Klitus Belt. That means they’re a good day ahead of us, maybe more. Depends on how quickly we can get this monstrosity through the belt.”

With a nod, Devlin silently agreed with Stefan on the size of the ship. The Vultair was huge, but despite its size, it could be run by a skeleton crew of two. Its efficiency and computer navigation were unmatched by anything Devlin had seen. The ship had been designed by Taron specifically for the rebellion and had served as the rebel armada flagship.

It was key in the destruction of the prime minister’s destroyer. Now, she served as the Marcones’ personal ship and was used to carry Tilarian dignitaries back and forth from Rhinari, the home planet for the new galactic Senate.

“Still nothing from her?” Stefan asked as he glanced up from the paperwork spread before him.

Stefan had brought the draft for the new trade treaty between Tilarus and Mesaveena to keep him busy. Devlin was supposed to be helping him with it, but he couldn’t get his mind off Rhia and the dead space in his head where her presence should be.

Devlin shook his head sadly. “No. We’re still too far away. I’m sorry, Stefan. I haven’t been much help to you today.”

“It’s understandable.” Leaning back in his chair, Stefan studied him intently. “What if Dad’s right and she’s the princess?”

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With a sigh, Devlin turned to stare out the wide row of windows that covered one wall. He could see the belt far in the distance, but the ship was so large, Taron would need time to navigate a path through it. Then once in, it would take a full day to reach the other side. “I suppose I’ll have to learn to live with it. It’s her decision, Stefan. I could never presume to interfere in something like that. Have you spoken with your wife today?” he asked, trying to change the subject.

“Yes. Earlier. She’s trying to keep Alyssa calm. Alyssa is very worried about Rhia.” Devlin nodded. “They are very close. Alyssa is like a sister to Rhia.” The door to the conference room opened and Damon stepped in, a slight frown marring his brow. His long white hair had been pulled back, making him appear older than usual.

“What?” Devlin asked, already sensing his friend’s slight unease.

“We were just sent a message from the king of Argonia, or one of the kings, Keenas. He sent it to Tilarus and they forwarded it here. He confirmed that they do have Rhia and believe her to be the princess. They can prove it medically once they arrive on Argonia. The test will have to be done with a Phelisine representative present as well. Rhia is fine and resting comfortably, but he admits she is missing her brother. We have been welcomed to Argonia and a greeting party will meet us four light years out to escort us in.”

“Interesting,” Stefan murmured.

“Then why are you worried?” Devlin asked.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. Morganic is in control of Phelisine now. I know him and he’s not very trustworthy. It’s also common knowledge he had drawn up a new treaty and wanted the kings to marry his daughter.”

Devlin scowled as ideas began to run rampant through his mind. “You think he could be a problem for Rhia?”

“It could be nothing,” Damon said, giving Devlin a firm look. “I’m just trying to cover all angles, make sure we’re not hit with surprises we didn’t anticipate. If Rhia is the princess, she’ll need help adjusting. I just want to make sure that adjustment is as smooth as possible.

The last thing we need is some disgruntled royal trying to make things go his way.” Running a hand down his face, Devlin dropped into one of the chairs with a sigh.

Worry for the young girl he’d raised knotted his stomach.

“Do you really think there could be problems?” Stefan asked.

“I’m sure whatever I’ve thought of, they have, as well. But I’ve learned over the years to be a little more overly cautious than most.” Damon scowled at Stefan. “Came from finding out my sons were behind the galactic rebellion and having to scramble more than once to keep their tracks covered.”

“You’re never going to let us live that down, are you?” Stefan asked with a sigh and dropped the file he’d been looking at on the table.

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Devlin hid his grin before raising his hand to get their attention. The Marcones were so close, it had surprised Devlin that the three boys had spent ten years in the rebellion without telling their father. But Damon found out after five and spent the next five years as their anonymous benefactor. It had been a hell of a ruse, and a huge blowup in the end when the rebellion was finally over and Damon confronted his sons.

“Hey. I have no desire to play referee, so could we return to the problem at hand.

Remember? Rhia?”

“As of right now,” Stefan began, “I think we should see it as problem-free. We’ve been granted clearance to Argonia. We meet with the kings and demand to be present when they test her as well. You’re her family; they should not deny you that right. Then we go from there.”

Devlin nodded and hoped it would all be that easy.

* * * * *

Rhianna stepped out of the shuttlecraft and drew in a deep breath of mountain air. It smelled so different than the air on Veenori -- so much cleaner and heavy with a sweet scent similar to lavender. The sky above her was clear and bright blue. White puffy clouds drifted by, resembling balls of cotton, periodically shading from the hot sunlight. Despite the sun, a chill hung in the air and made her shiver. Someone draped a jacket over her shoulders and she turned, catching Jorel’s playful grin. Keenas stood behind him, his usual stern expression plastered on his face as he barked orders to the small crew traveling with them. Fatigue deepened the lines around his eyes and thinned his lips. It didn’t look like the older king had slept any more than she had.

With a resigned sigh, she stepped forward and almost tripped on the hem of her skirt.

She’d forgotten about the dress and the fact it trailed the ground a good two feet behind her.

She felt ridiculously overdressed in the gold gown, but Jorel assured her it was what all royals wore.

The sleeves were long but thin, allowing the cool wind to blow right through the material to her skin. The waist was fitted and the skirt gathered in a million little folds. Black lace trimmed the neckline, which dipped low and showed more cleavage than her usual clothes from the bar. Jorel had even included a gold clip with black stones that sparkled with red under the lights. She’d used it to hold her hair off her neck.

Jorel had smiled, nodding his approval, but Keenas had just stared at her with a quizzical frown on his face until Jorel nudged him with his elbow, startling him out of whatever trance he seemed to be trapped in. He, too, then nodded his approval and held his elbow out for her to rest her hand in. She’d refused, choosing to walk out of the room on her own. She was still too pissed at him from earlier.

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“We thought we would disembark on the outskirts so we could take you through town,” Jorel offered. “It’s a beautiful day and we thought you would like to see more of your new home.”

Rhia scowled up at him, but said nothing. Instead, she remained silent as they guided her to a small open carriage. Attached to it were six massive white animals. Their twenty-four legs tramped the ground impatiently while their nostrils blew out green smoke. Six heads bobbed with anxiety to be moving as they waited for their passengers to climb aboard.

It was just like in the painting she’d studied onboard the ship.

She sat on the back bench, facing forward, Keenas and Jorel on either side of her, their thighs resting against hers. Their heat seeped into her flesh and she momentarily closed her eyes against the desire it sent screaming through her veins. She was doomed, that’s all there was to it. Doomed.

The carriage pulled away with a jerk and she opened her eyes to watch the scenery slowly pass by. If nothing else, she was curious of this new world that sat so far from her own.

“How far is Phelisine from here?” she asked.

“At night you will be able to see it there.” Keenas pointed toward the western sky as he spoke, his voice deep and sultry, and unusually calm. So different from the stern voice he’d used most of the morning. “Later tonight if you remind me, I’ll show it to you.” Rhia nodded. She then turned her gaze back to the scenery. Peaceful is how she would describe her surroundings. Beautiful and peaceful. Their carriage continued forward and followed the dirt path into a darkened grove of trees. Their leaves created a canopy as they trudged through. A stream flowed by beside them, filling the forest with the sound of trickling water. She smiled and began to relax enough to enjoy the ride.

“It’s beautiful here,” she said softly, then caught Keenas’s soft smile. “What are you grinning at, Keenas?”

He turned to look at her, his smile widening and completely changing the harsh contours of his face. “I’m just glad you like it.”

“Wait until you see the town,” Jorel added as he lifted his arm to rest across the back of the bench. His finger drew slow circles on her shoulder, sending ripples of juicy current to her womb.

“I’m sure it’s just as beautiful,” she murmured, unable to take her gaze off Keenas’s full lips, usually so tight, but now softened by his boyish grin.

He caught the direction of her stare and his smile faded somewhat before dipping his head slightly as though to kiss her. She backed away suddenly, bumping the back of her head into Jorel’s shoulder. Jorel leaned down and placed a soft kiss just under her ear, making her shudder. She jumped, sitting straight up and away from both of them.

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“Stop,” she gasped, keeping her gaze ahead of her and not on the two men who could so easily seduce her.

“You must get used to us, little one,” Jorel purred.

“But there are people all around us,” she hissed.

Jorel and Keenas glanced around at the men that surrounded them on horseback and the two drivers on the seat in front of the carriage. “So there are,” Keenas murmured. “We never pay them any attention, Rhianna, and they don’t us. We could have sex right here and they would act as though nothing out of the ordinary were going on.” Her mouth dropped open in shock. “You can’t be serious.” Jorel snorted. “You work in a bar, Rhianna, where this kind of thing goes on all the time. When a man lifts a woman’s skirts and fucks her in the middle of the room, do you pay any attention?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know it’s going on,” she snapped.

“All right.” Jorel sighed. He shared a devilish grin with his brother. “No public sex.”

“Thank you,” she said, and tried to relax.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun,” Keenas purred, then grabbed her arm, pulling her back into her seat.

Rhia gasped and tried to pull away from them, but they held her still easily with a hand on each arm. With a growl, she glared up at them, but it only seemed to amuse them.

“We have a one hour ride through this canopy. We should make good use of the time. I promise, Rhianna,” Jorel whispered against her lips. “We won’t embarrass you. We just want you to be more comfortable with us.”

“This isn’t the way to do it.”

He brushed his thumb across her lower lip and smiled. “Yes it is.” Before she could utter a word of protest, Jorel covered her lips with his, gently brushing his mouth across hers with a touch as soft as butterfly wings. “Keenas was right.

You have such soft lips,” Jorel whispered, then licked his tongue across them.

She drew in a short intake of air, causing her lips to part. Jorel took advantage, licking his tongue into her mouth in slow sensual flicks that made goose bumps rise along her flesh.

Keenas gently nipped at her neck, sending tingles to race down her spine. His fingers kneaded the flesh of her arm, then moved to gently brush across her left nipple.

Her mouth parted wider on a gasp and Jorel deepened his kiss, sliding his tongue inside to dance sensually within the cavern of her mouth. She tried to fight it, to ignore her body’s demand to return the kiss, but she lost the battle and answered Jorel’s demand by sucking on his tongue.

He groaned and lifted his hand to cup her cheek, holding her steady while he plundered her whimpering mouth. Jorel broke the kiss and moved his lips to her neck while

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Keenas turned her to face him so he could slant his lips across hers. His kiss, demanding, hard and possessive, made Rhia’s head spin. She returned the kiss with equal vigor, her body expressing what her words had continually denied.

“I can’t wait to feel that mouth of yours around my cock,” Jorel whispered in her ear, making juices pour from her pussy to wet the material of the dress beneath her. “To feel that tongue of yours glide along my shaft as I fuck your mouth, your throat.” Rhia moaned into Keenas’s kiss, her mind playing the images that Jorel whispered. “Keenas will fill your pussy, and you’ll moan around my cock, sending vibrations rippling along my length.” His fingers pinched at her engorged nipples through the thin material that covered them; all the while Keenas kept a firm hold on her mouth, his tongue doing wicked things to her common sense.

“Then when you’re ready, we’ll both take you.”

Jorel’s hand, along with Keenas’s, slid up the inside of her skirt. Their hands feathered along the inside of her thighs, teasing her and coming ever closer to her pussy, which now seemed to be on fire. Keenas broke the kiss, turning her toward Jorel, who took over without giving her any time to regain her thinking. She couldn’t think at all. Her mind was a jumble of mixed emotions and unbelievable pleasure.

“Such a sweet, responsive pussy,” Keenas whispered as his large hand cupped her wet mound. Jorel still toyed with the inside of her leg, his kiss swallowing her whimpers. “You felt so good and tight when I fucked you. I can’t wait to feel the hot walls of your ass wrapped around my cock.”

Her hips jerked against his hand at his softly spoken words. His palm shifted, allowing Jorel to add his hand as well. Two fingers slid deep into her channel, robbing her of breath, but she couldn’t speak because Jorel still had his tongue deep in her mouth, driving her crazy with the fucking motion. Keenas added his two fingers also into her channel, making her groan and lift her hips from the bench. The four fingers delved and stretched, rubbing against the top of her wall and hitting her G-spot.

Cream poured from her body to coat their fingers, making her slick. It took everything she had to not scream at them to fuck her right here. Release was so close; her walls clenched and unclenched around the invading digits, pulling them deeper into her dripping pussy.

“She’s so wet,” Jorel murmured against her lips then moved to gently nibble along her jawline. “God, I want to taste her.”

“Then do it,” Keenas hissed. “Make her come down your throat, Jorel.” Rhia shook her head, the heat of a blush moving quickly up her cheeks. Surely they wouldn’t. Not here. Not with all these men around them. “Shh,” Keenas crooned. “Ignore them, Rhianna. We’re alone, sweet. It’s just us.” She again shook her head and tried to push her skirt back down as Jorel moved to the floor and settled between her thighs. He gently pushed her hands away and lifted her skirt, 54

throwing it over his head as he pulled her hips to the edge of the seat. Rhia shivered from head to toe as Jorel gently separated her folds and blew his hot breath against her.

Keenas covered her mouth with his just as Jorel covered her pussy with his lips. She bucked against him, her whole body tingling from the sensation of his tongue licking its way along her slit. Her fingers clenched and unclenched within the folds of her skirt until finally she gave in completely, burying her fingers in Keenas’s hair and holding him to her.

With a growl of utter satisfaction, Keenas deepened the kiss, his tongue mimicking in perfect rhythm Jorel’s tongue in her pussy. They moved as one, as if they’d been doing this forever. She never imagined being with two men could be so wild, so intoxicating. Keenas broke the kiss and moved to push her top down, allowing one breast to pop free. His tongue licked across her sensitive nipple, making her thrust her chest outward. Her hips rocked in rhythm to Jorel’s mouth as he slowly drew torturous circles around her clit with his tongue.

Opening her eyes, she quickly noticed the men were no longer around them. Instead they’d moved ahead slightly, giving them what privacy they could. It surprised and at the same time relieved her. Jorel slid two fingers into her pussy, and her eyes closed on a groan.

She forgot about the men. She forgot about everything except the two pair of hands and lips that were about to send her soaring.

Jorel inhaled her heavenly scent into his lungs. She smelled so good. Tasted even better, he thought as he dragged his tongue through her juices. They poured from her to coat his tongue and lips. Her hips undulated wildly and he put his hand on her lower stomach to hold her still. Even through the material of her skirt, he could hear her whimpers.

God, he wanted to fuck her -- to slide his cock into the heat of her sheath. She was so wet, so ready for him. His cock ached behind his pants, pressing against the button of his fly, desperate to be released and taste what her body had to offer.

Using the tips of his fingers, he spread her labia, giving him better access to her swollen clit. It begged for his kiss and throbbed beneath his tongue as he applied gentle pressure.

Keenas’s hand slid under her skirt as well and pulled one thigh out farther. Jorel helped, pushing against the other to spread her wide.

He knew what his brother wanted. He wanted to taste her as well and he rose up, giving Keenas room to slide under her skirt and feast his fill.

“Watch her face as she comes, Jorel,” Keenas murmured just before his mouth covered her pussy, making her cry out in pleasure.

Jorel dropped onto the seat beside her, his fingers gently rolling her exposed nipples.

Her teeth sank into her lower lip and he pulled at her chin with his thumb, forcing her to release it.

“Don’t bite yourself, little one,” he purred, then licked at her lips. Her hot breath blew across his mouth as he gently nipped at her.

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“Kiss me, Rhianna. Taste yourself on my lips. See how good you taste.” Tentatively, she touched her lips to his. He waited, allowing her to go at her own pace.

Her tongue flicked out, licking at his lips, and he closed his eyes on a groan. Keenas was right. She was definitely a handful and it would be hell to control themselves around her.