Flames of Arousal (11 page)

“Must have been a system malfunction on reading body heat.”

“Are you sure? Maybe the system is malfunctioning now. Reading body heat plus an emergency signal at the same time would be too much of a malfunction.” He shook his head, worried about not being able to trust their readings. That put them in a dangerous situation, all the way around. Not just with the lift.

“The lift is definitely empty. No increased weight is showing. Transport-connectors aren’t working, so if anyone was in there, they couldn’t have gotten out. It had to be a malfunction. Ghost readings from an earlier occupant maybe. Rare, but not unheard of.

The emergency signal might have been…I don’t know. Perhaps someone accidentally dropped their vid-cell down the shaft during the free fall and the device landed on the lift, activating the emergency signal temporarily until the device ran out of power.”

Torque felt a tug of uneasiness. Tara’s speculation could be correct, but if so, what a long shot.

“There it goes,” she announced, interrupting his thoughts. “Lift just hit bottom.

Oh…” She cringed. “Totally destroyed.”

“Get a crew on it to search the wreckage. I want to make certain no bodies are in there.” He had to know without a doubt. “Put another crew on the ventilation problem.

I’m going to recode from here, but I want a tech to connect a feed, bypassing the old control channels, and then switch the system back on manually. It’ll function on an independent circuit that way, and be less vulnerable to computer sabotage. Get me a report on all current malfunctions. I need a priority listing.” He had to put a stop to this havoc. Now.

“Right away,” Tara responded, turning to get the data.

* * * * *

Briggs and Brianna materialized into a totally white room. Brianna staggered a moment, before finding her balance. The brightness caused her to feel nauseous.

Almost painful in its intensity, she covered her eyes until they adjusted to the light.

Once she was able to focus better, she glanced around. No visible doors or windows.

Where the hell were they?

She turned toward the Colonel and cocked her head. She attributed all this to him.

Damn the man! Just looking at Briggs—her source of pain and aggravation—brought her rage right to the surface.

Seldom did she visibly lose her temper. Today proved the exception.

Without a word of warning, she punched him in the jaw, sending him to the floor.

“I loathe you, Briggs.” She shook out her hand and winced. The man’s bones were like stone.

“Ohh…shit,” he groaned. Rubbing his chin, he pushed himself to a sitting position.

Discomfort was etched on his face. Squinting up at her, he grumbled, “I love you too, sweetheart.”

With a quick snort, she glared at him, wanting to smack him another good one, except her hand hurt too much. “I’m an officer. Don’t call me sweetheart.”

Frustrated, she walked around the room. “Hey! Who brought us here?” she yelled.

The all-white surroundings were disorienting, and the unbalanced feeling she’d experienced earlier returned full force. She held her stomach, trying not to succumb to the room’s distorted feeling. Completely empty, with only white walls, floor, and ceiling, the room felt unnatural. Everything blended into one. “Answer me!”

“I’m sure they know we’re here,” Briggs told her, his voice calm.

She swung back toward him. “Who’s they?”

“Whoever.”

Her anger building, she took a step in his direction, but then stopped short. “What’s your role in all this?”

Slowly, he rose to his feet. “Can’t tell you.”

“Why aren’t I surprised?” Aggravated was an understatement for how she felt about this man. Unsure whether he intended to retaliate for the punch or not, she kept her distance.

“You’ve got a hell of a right hook. Caught me totally off guard. Again.” A frown crossed his face, as he rubbed his jaw.

Well, maybe he’d finally learned not to mess with her. She’d proven her skills to him now, more than once. “Just because I’m a female doesn’t mean I can’t take care of myself.”

“So it seems.”

She checked her transport-connector. Offline. She glanced at her vid-cell. No clear channels. Only interference registered. Damn, she needed to get in contact with Torque and let him know what was going on. “Let me see your transport-connector.”

“My what?”

“That thing you took out of the control panel on the lift.” If he were a Marid spy, he’d know what the device was called. But an Earth man wouldn’t.

“I think not, darlin’.”

Frustration, on multiple levels, rolled through her. She planted her hands on her hips. “Don’t you want to get out of here?”

“I was told to wait.”

“Told? Who told you?”

“My superiors. I’m sure you understand the concept of following orders.”

His words made her bristle. “I should have fucked the hell out of you when I had the chance. Then you wouldn’t have had enough energy to escape and take me from my command.” As soon as the words flowed from her mouth, she regretted them, knowing he wouldn’t let them pass without comment.

A smile tugged at his lips. “Sorry about bringing you here with me. That wasn’t the plan.” His voice lowered. “And even sorrier we had to put the fuck on hold. I’m sure you’ll get another chance to wear me out. In fact, I’m looking forward to it, Brianna.”

The deep tone of his voice turned her bones so soft she felt as if her insides were melting. And the way he said her name, sounding all passionate and needy, almost had her moaning out her desire. Her pussy moistened and began to throb.

He wanted to fuck her.

Unfortunately, she felt the same about him. That didn’t mean she intended to act on her feelings though. She forced her thoughts away from the memory of his naked body, his hot kisses, the taste of his cock in her mouth, the way his hand had tangled in her hair, holding her close.

“How long were you supposed to wait?” she asked, her voice shaking only slightly.

She doubted he would notice.

A small smile again appeared on his lips. “Unspecified.”

He had noticed. She could tell from that aggravating smirk and the look in his eyes.

“Well, what the hell are we supposed to do? Walk in circles until someone comes to get us?” Her voice sounded harsher than intended. She needed to rein in her emotions and calm down. She was beginning to lose her normal composure. Hell, she’d already lost it.

Now she knew how Tara felt when in a rage. But she remained determined not to let her feelings show. Not too much, anyhow.

A wide grin spread slowly across his face. “Well, if you really want to pass the time, I can think of more interesting activities than walking, Brianna.” He approached her, one small step at a time.

She backed up, step for step. “Yes,” she answered breathlessly, the path of his thoughts obvious, the bulge between his legs just as obvious. “I’m sure you can, Briggs.”

“Maybe that
chance
I spoke of earlier is now.” He pressed her up against a wall and leaned in close. “Wanna fuck me?” he whispered in her ear. “I certainly want to fuck you, baby.”

She hated all those endearments he always used with her. They sounded too condescending in her opinion. She was certain he was well-trained in how to speak to a female officer, especially a superior, which made his words even more irritable.

“You’ve left yourself vulnerable to attack, Colonel. Again,” she told him, knowing she could floor him right now, if she wanted to, from his non-defensive position.

“Perhaps.” He slowly reached out and opened the second button on her uniform.

“But somehow I think I’m safe.” His gaze dipped down to her breasts.

Brianna swallowed hard. The look in his eyes seemed so primitive. And she couldn’t deny her curiosity. She’d never been with an Earth man sexually. “What makes you think so?” she whispered.

His gaze rose to lock with hers. “Because I know you want this,” his voice rumbled, deep and rough in his throat. He leaned forward, and his mouth brushed hers.

She gasped, pressing herself more flatly against the wall. He could read her too well. Now was definitely not the time to give in to her baser needs though, no matter how strongly she wanted to.

His tongue teased the seam of her lips. “Open up for me, Brianna.”

With a sigh, she reached up and stroked his cheek, parting her lips just slightly.

Groaning, he closed his eyes and leaned in. “Ah, yeah.”

With her other hand, just as he pressed his mouth to hers in a searing kiss, she pushed him hard, tripping him at the same time and sending him to the floor on his butt. Her lips tingled, and she almost regretted her actions. Almost. “It’s not happening, Colonel. You got that?”

As he stared up at her, his eyes narrowed with obvious growing frustration. “Yeah.

I got it, Ms. Commander. But just so you know…”

What now? Her eyebrow rose in silent question.

His leg shot out, and before she knew what was happening, he’d turned the advantage and tripped her. She tumbled on top of him. He grabbed the back of her head and kissed her hard, then pushed her away and scrambled to his feet. “I
can
retaliate when I choose. So be careful. You may not be as safe around me as you think.”

With a harsh grunt, Kam pushed Halah into his quarters.

For the benefit of the monitoring system in the corridor, he purposely made the force of his touch look more aggressive than he actually applied. He didn’t want to appear as if he was treating her too gently and arouse the suspicions of anyone watching.

Although his touch wasn’t truly rough, she shot him a look of aggravation and disdain over her shoulder.

Sorry
. The silent apology was the best he could offer at the moment. He doubted his look translated his thoughts well enough though, since she frowned and moved ahead of him, staying out of reach.

After the door slid closed behind them, his thoughts switched more fully to the problem of communication. Now that he’d found Halah, he had no idea how to relate his thoughts to her, since he couldn’t easily speak yet.

He could use hand signals. She still understood the signs all Class 1 and Class 2

Warriors were taught, but at the same time he wanted to see how she’d react to him without knowing why he was here. That way he could find out just how mad at him she really was, so he’d know better how to get her on his side.

Besides, he couldn’t fully relate his feelings or the mission effectively with sign language. She probably didn’t even know yet that Marid and Xylon were officially at war. He wondered what her reaction to the news would be. Which side she’d align herself with, if either.

She hadn’t spoken yet. Still assessing her situation, no doubt. He noticed her looking around the room as if searching for something. He knew her concerns.

Earlier, he’d checked the quarters and disengaged all the surveillance equipment he’d found. But if he’d missed anything, Frost could still be tracking them with some sort of monitoring device. If that device included video, hand signals to relate sensitive information would not be wise. Certain high-level Agents, if present on the moon and working for Frost, would be able to interpret the gestures. Any signs he used would need to be for simple communication only, and have nothing to do with the real reason he was here.

Another concern hit him. If they were still being watched or listened to somehow and he didn’t fuck Halah, he’d look damn suspicious. He eyed her closely, wondering what his chances with her might be. He should have thought this through better. But he hadn’t anticipated her becoming his sex slave. He wouldn’t force his body on her.

From the wary looks she kept giving him, he doubted she’d be ripping off her clothes and screaming, “Take me!” any time soon. So now, he faced a dilemma. More than one, actually.

In frustration, he raked his fingers through his hair. Ugh! Still gritty with sand.

How did the prisoners and security forces aboveground manage from day to day on this hellhole? His palms grazed his cheeks. At the feel of the still-present stubble on his face, he frowned. He was definitely a mess, through and through. And not used to feeling that way.

A sharp cry drew his attention. Halah had flipped on one of the picturescapes, and a bird flew across the landscape.

Kam watched her as she stood off to the side, unsure of what to do other than watch the bird, from what he could sense. A symbol of freedom for her? They both had definitely gotten pulled into a situation they’d rather not be in. Maybe he could fix things for himself, Halah,
and
Xylon.

He took note of the time. Still too early to check in with Laszlo. The satellite had to be in the proper position before his special communication device would work.

When she thought he wasn’t looking, a vulnerable look entered Halah’s eyes.

Damn, he wanted her. The need hit him hard. He couldn’t get the vision of fucking her out of his head.

He’d have to seduce her, if possible, for the good of the mission. For the good of his own needs, so he could again think clearly. Did that make him a bastard? Maybe.

A loneliness he felt too often tugged at his heart. Ideas of family and a future filled his mind. Stupid thoughts to have here and now, he supposed. But one couldn’t always control such things.

He’d pictured himself mated with some sweet woman who would love him and raise his children. He’d protect and provide for them and have a happy life. So why were thoughts of Halah constantly plaguing him? And more so than her just being some woman he wanted to fuck.

She was a trained fighter. Nobody would ever label her as “sweet”. She certainly didn’t need him to protect her. She didn’t need him period. He didn’t even know if she was a Breeder. Although many Xylons, especially their women, were sterile, generally all Warriors were Breeders. But with Warriors who weren’t full Xylon, as they were, sometimes their combined genetics rendered them infertile. So many possible problems existed for two people such as themselves. No matter the visions he’d had of her, of them, they might never realistically be able to function as a mated couple.

But if they could overcome their problems…

A smile tugged at his lips. She was definitely tougher and savvier than most Warriors, male or female. They’d lived their lives by completely different philosophies.

Still did and probably always would. But so what? He respected her abilities, admired her dedication to those she cared for, was definitely attracted to her physical assets.

And he’d always loved a challenge.

Damn
,
I
’
m living in fantasyland here
.

With a grunt of frustration, he pointed to a chair. Halah needed clothes. The pelts hanging off her looked ready to fall apart.

Pelts… Until just now, he hadn’t made the connection. She wore the same outfit here as in the dream—in the visions—while aboard his orbiter. Not a likely coincidence.

He swallowed past the lump in his throat. His breeder-mate… Damn.

Halah needed a shower and she needed food. She had always been thin and fit, but she looked downright skinny right now.

After she sat, he signed to her, asking when she’d last eaten a proper meal.

She shrugged.

Feeling anger, which probably showed on his face—not that he cared, nor did he try to hide the volatile emotion from her—he walked over to the food section and grabbed some bread and fruit. Slave or not, she should have been fed appropriately. He set a tray in front of her and signed for her to eat. She hesitated, but only for a moment, before attacking the food.

Even as grungy as she looked, he had to appreciate the view. Long legs, flat stomach, full firm breasts that his fingers itched to fondle again. Liquid from the fruit clung to her full lips. He ached to lick it off.

She glanced up at him, and her look struck him hard. Full of emotion and secrets.

And questions. So why didn’t she ask them?
She doesn
’
t trust me
. He knew the truth, without even confirming it on his sensor. And that truth caused him to ache deep inside, for her big brown eyes made him want to take care of her.

He shook his head. Damn his emotions. That’s probably what had gotten him into trouble the last time. Most of the information she’d helped him steal on Marid had turned out to be fake. A setup. He wondered if she was aware of that, if she had planned it or been in on the deception, at least.

Should he trust her now? Or would that be his very biggest mistake? He glanced at his wrist sensor and read mixed feelings coming from her. Well, he had to trust her to a point, he supposed. He needed her weapons expertise to complete this mission. He needed…too damn much.

As confusion rolled through him, he rubbed his temples. It was the pain. He couldn’t think clearly. Where was that medicine they’d promised him? Kam sighed, feeling completely wiped out. With effort, he tried to push his discomfort aside. It had been a stressful day, and he was still weak from the surgery, making him feel…off balance. Hell, since Laszlo had contacted him, told him things he’d rather not have known, his entire existence had felt off balance.

After Halah finished eating, he grabbed some clean clothes for both of them from a box beside the bed, hoping they’d fit well enough. He approached her while she still sat in the overstuffed chair, her knees now bent to her chest, revealing a tantalizing peek of her pussy—unrealized by her, he was certain. He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her to her feet.

She didn’t resist him. Not surprising. If she were smart, she’d realize that she was far better off with him than some other Agent.

Other Agent? The thought stopped him in his tracks. Damn it, he was not an Agent.

He gave himself a mental shake. He hadn’t turned.

He pulled her into the bathing room and with his foot, slammed the non-electronic door closed. After tossing the clean clothes on the counter, he released her and reached into the shower to turn on the water, adjusting the temperature before pulling back.

Real water—a luxury on the Sand Moon. Synthetic moisture, in the form of a fog or some other specially-treated type of humidified air, was used in most places with a short supply of water. This underground facility seemed to have plenty of the real thing.

The Lair provided some water for the moon, brought in by special transports. But the Dome must be providing a large amount, also. And as often happened, those in power enjoyed most of the comforts, while the rest suffered with whatever they could scrounge up. Not that those banished to the Sand Moon were supposed to be comfortable. Still, he felt for those who suffered.

Regardless of anyone else’s access to water, which he couldn’t do anything about even if he wanted, the shower should reinvigorate them both and hopefully clear his mind. He couldn’t afford distractions or muddled thinking right now. Watching Halah closely, he reached for the fastenings of his uniform.

Halah’s pulse leapt. What was Kam doing? He’d brought clothes for the both of them into the bathing room. Certainly, he didn’t expect them to shower together.

At that thought, she almost laughed. Of course he expected them to shower together. She had to stop thinking of him as a Warrior. He was no longer bound by Warrior code. Agents had no code.

Even if they didn’t shower at the same time, he wouldn’t let this opportunity pass, she was certain. She wouldn’t be surprised if he watched her bathe, then fucked her well and good until he was sated.

A plan started to form in her mind. It wasn’t like she could stop him, if he was truly determined to fuck her. Not with the collar on. Not only had her electrical powers waned, her physical strength wasn’t at full force. So she might as well turn the inevitable to her advantage.

Freedom was her first priority. He’d gotten her out of the cage, which was what she’d wanted. Now she planned to escape as soon as the situation arose.

She needed to get this collar off, and then find Josella. On her own terms. Not his.

Not anyone’s. Unless she gained and maintained the upper hand, she’d always remain vulnerable to manipulation.

As he undressed, her eyes riveted to his broad chest. He’d peeled the top part of the uniform from his body, and he looked more muscular than she’d expected. She’d seen his bare chest before on Marid, and been impressed, but she didn’t remember his muscles being as well-defined as they looked now. He must have gone through additional training since their last encounter. He might have been on track for a Class 1

promotion.

His uniform dropped from his body. She gasped before she could stop herself.

She’d seen plenty of naked men. But Kam was perfectly formed, perfectly proportioned.

Strong, well-defined muscles everywhere, but not overly muscle-bound. Even his cock, limp at the moment against a thatch of dark blond hair, fit his body. She’d never quite thought a man’s cock appealing in looks—just useful when hard. Until now. So long, thick, slightly reddish, and smooth-looking. Incredibly appealing.

She couldn’t help but wonder how he’d look hard and ready to fuck. She’d seen him hard plenty of times in her visions, but those hadn’t been real. As the thought entered her head, his cock stirred, began to rise, grow, lengthen, and deepen in color to a dark red before her eyes.

Her gaze snapped up to his, locking with a purely-male, ultra-intense stare that reflected his growing lust. The dusting of whiskers on his face made him look so dangerous and sexy. Her pussy grew moist, and it took all her strength not to sway toward him.

A smile tugged at his lips.

Her heart began to pound and she felt a blush heat her face. Not again. “I’m not staring. You just surprised me. That’s all.” She refused to look down, though she desperately wanted to. “If you’re going to beat me, or rape me, or even kill me, get it over with. I’m not very much fun to torture and a lousy fuck, so don’t expect a good time. You won’t get it.” All right, not the perfect way to get him on her side, or lower his defenses, but the words just kind of spilled out of her.

As she continued looking into Kam’s disturbing blue eyes, trying to figure out his intent, she had a feeling he possessed a lot more depth than he let most people see.

What he decided to do next would tell her more about the man than anything else.

Her words sounded tough, but she was quite nervous, sexually and otherwise. Kam sensed that very strongly. He’d bet his ass that Halah was wrong about everything she’d just said. In fact, he’d bet she was one extra hot fuck. Maybe he should find out how hot right now, the hell with the shower.