Chapter Eight
A week went by.
After work, Amy stripped off her clothes and took a hot shower. She’d spent the day outside at a nature preserve, with a handful of tourists. They’d gone during the midafternoon. In the winter months, they only had a few hours of daylight, so she’d taken advantage of it.
Amy relaxed as she tipped her head back and let the water sluice down her body. It was warm, almost hot and it felt so good. Amy washed her hair and conditioned it, and then soaped her body.
She glanced down at the dark hair on her legs ruefully. It had been a while since she’d shaved. Amy didn’t have a boyfriend, and it wasn’t exactly bikini season, so she’d let her grooming go. She grabbed the shaving cream and razor from the shower caddy, and lathered up.
So why am I bothering now? Faro.
She hadn’t stopped thinking about him since they’d shared the mind-blowing kiss by the fire. It haunted her dreams. Even now, Amy ran two fingertips over her mouth, imagining his lips on hers.
And yet, afterward, he’d avoided her. She hadn’t seen him once in the past few days. Maybe he’d placed the proverbial ball in her court, and Faro waited for her to make a move.
Was she brave enough to go for it?
Amy was conflicted, and her morals warred with her own desires. Faro had probably been with hundreds of women, and while he cared for her, he would be going home soon.
Maybe this was a way to ease her way back into living again. It didn’t have to be this whole big romance.
I can have sex without commitment just this once, right?
When she finished shaving her legs and underarms, Amy pulled back the curtain to find Faro leaning against the wall, watching her. She hadn’t heard him come in.
Amy clutched the plastic to her body, but it didn’t offer much protection. She should be ordering him out of this room, but she didn’t want to.
“What are you doing in here?”
“Observing you, of course.” His gaze slid over her, missing nothing. “I promised myself, I’d stay away, but it didn’t last long. You make me weak, Amy.”
His skin was flushed, and he had dark circles under his eyes, which appeared feverishly bright. Faro seemed distracted and agitated, and Amy felt the same way.
Steam hung in the air, but she was rapidly cooling off.
He stood next to the towel rack, which was three feet away from her. She couldn’t reach for a towel, without exposing herself.
“Hand me that.” She pointed to the blue terrycloth.
Faro shook his head. “At the risk of being unchivalrous, I respectfully refuse. If you’d like the cloth, come and claim it.”
“I can’t believe you.” She rattled the curtain out of sheer frustration.
“Yes, you can, and what’s more, you’re enjoying this game as much as I am. Admit it.”
She’d rather not. Arrogant men weren’t her style, and yet this one had somehow captivated her. Ugh. She needed her head examined.
“Give it to me.”
“Come and get it.”
It was a standoff, one she wouldn’t win.
Amy shivered. Even though the house was heated, being naked and wet would make her sick. She could either catch a cold, or give in to his demands.
Holding her head high, Amy stepped out of the tub and onto the mat. She grasped the edge of the towel and yanked it, but Faro caught the end.
“At least let me look, if you won’t allow me the privilege of touching you. Yet.”
Startled, she released the towel, and he pulled it away.
Faro gasped, and she watched the play of emotion on his face—lust, longing, and something she couldn’t quite identify.
Her thighs clenched.
And what’s more, she wanted to give herself to him. His yearning was overwhelming, a force of nature, and Amy was rapidly losing the will to refuse.
“Your breasts are beautiful. I can’t wait to have my hands on them.” His fingers curled, as though imagining it.
They felt heavier under his blatant scrutiny, as though the mounds swelled for him.
“Come here.” He crooked a finger.
“Nope.” Amy wasn’t quite that brave.
“I would see all of you. I’m only going to look, not touch. You have my word.”
The longing in his tone got to her. Despite her better judgment, Amy took a hesitant step forward, and he paced a slow, deliberate circle around her body, admiring every square inch of skin. She’d never felt particularly pretty, but this man found her attractive. Amy could see it in his eyes.
“You have a luscious arse. Has anyone ever taken it?”
Um, taken it? Ohhh. He means anal sex.
“Yes, in college.”
Amy dated a guy Ivy nicknamed “The Ass Man”. She’d confided in Ivy after their first try at kinkier sex and Ivy teased Amy mercilessly afterward.
“Then you’ll be ready for me.”
She bit the inside of her cheek.
Amy imagined Faro would be dominant in the bedroom, although they’d be equals everywhere else. If Faro thought he could boss her around all the time, he was in for a rude awakening.
“Spread your legs for me; I would see all of you.”
“No.”
“It wasn’t a request.”
“Too bad.” Displaying herself was a bridge too far, yet she had a hunch he’d push her limits to the breaking point.
“I need to see your sweet little quim. In my culture, men have sexual dominion over their wives. Their bodies are showered with affection, cherished.”
Her eyes slid shut, and she shivered.
“Come, place your leg on this.” He tapped the edge of the tub. “I need to see the place my cocks will call home.”
Cocks? Hmm, maybe he’d misspoken.
“I don’t know…”
“Please, Amy.”
The “please” got to her.
Moaning, Amy lifted her leg, and placed it on the porcelain edge. I can’t believe I’m doing this.
“You’re wet, glistening for me.” His voice had a rough, raw edge. “I can’t wait to be inside you. I need to claim you.” He cupped himself. “Do you see how hard you make me? Do you know how much I want you?” The bulge in his trousers was enormous, the largest she’d ever seen. Amy couldn’t look away, and Faro didn’t seem to mind.
Amy cleared her throat. “Yes.”
“It won’t be long. You’ll be in my bed before this week is over, mark my words.” He placed a fingertip beneath her chin. “I’ve tried my hardest not to get involved, not to feel anything. But I can’t fight this anymore, can’t fight my need for you, and I don’t plan to hold back any longer. You’ll be mine, Amy, and I can’t concern myself with the fallout.”
The fallout from what exactly?
“For now, I must leave you, my control is slipping.” Faro left before she could ask what he meant.
***
“Beg for mercy!”
Sword raised, Blaze charged Faro, and he deftly stepped aside.
“I’m not the begging type.”
They’d both gotten up early to practice, before heading to the mine. He loved being outdoors, with fresh air in his lungs.
The drake within wanted to fly, glide through the clouds, and let the wind blow all his cares away. This humanoid form was cramped, but Mydon had curtailed most of their flights, limiting them to short, nighttime jaunts to stretch their wings.
“Your cunning won’t save you.” Blaze clashed blades with him.
Blaze was a superior swordsman, even though Faro was loath to admit it, and he’d eventually lose this contest. If they engaged in hand-to-hand combat, the tide would turn in his favor. Faro often got into bare-knuckle brawls with his brothers, but never with Blaze. Blaze had the power of touch, and his could be lethal.
Amy and her friends watched them from the windows, and Faro showed off, leaping about, and flexing his muscles as he crossed swords.
“The little innkeeper only has eyes for you, brother.”
Faro grinned. “I know.”
“You’re quite taken with her.”
“She’s beautiful.”
Frankly, he was sick of denying himself. After he’d left Amy in the bathroom yesterday, Faro had pumped himself, spilling his seed again and again, until he was sated, but he’d only taken the edge off his desire. Faro wouldn’t be content until he got inside her.
He was slowly losing his mind.
Amy made him feel controlling, and conversely, he felt out of control around her, like she had some kind of hold on him, and he couldn’t fight it. His emotional state when it came to Amy was so intense, unlike anything he’d ever felt before.
Link’s theory still troubled him, even if he couldn’t stay away from her.
“Do you think it’s possible for us to be mated with an earthly human female?” Faro asked as he parried.
“Doubtful. The alchemists said we have a unique gene variant. The likelihood of us mating as a Drake does is slim.” Blaze bounded onto a rock.
Faro had thought so, too. He figured they’d be destined to spend the rest of their days alone, shunned by Iradian women.
“Why do you ask?”
“No reason, just idle curiosity.”
Blaze lowered his sword. “Balderdash. You’re smitten with the innkeeper, and you’re worried she’s your mate.”
After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded.
None of the Drakeborne had taken a wife. Mostly because no woman on Iradia would have them.
“Hmm, let me guess.” Blaze raised a brow. “You’ve not had her yet, have you?”
Faro didn’t want to discuss the particulars, so he merely shook his head and didn’t elaborate.
Blaze laughed triumphantly. “Fear not, Faro, this is merely unquenched lust. Once you swive her, she’ll be out of your system.”
He’d considered the possibility before, but doubted it. He’d lusted for women who didn’t return his affections. After briefly trying to win their favor, he always found a new woman to tempt him, but this wasn’t the case with Amy. She’d rejected him at every turn, but it hadn’t curtailed his fascination with her.
“You’re quite comely. Why don’t we break our fast together and then—”
“No, thank you.”
Faro pried himself from his thoughts to see Molly inspecting Blaze like an alchemist studying a new specimen.
Blaze stared at her in slack-jawed wonder. Faro had never seen a woman turn his brother down, and he smothered a laugh.
Molly stood on her tiptoes, and popped a silver stick into Blaze’s mouth. He opened it to protest, but she raised a warning finger.
“Be quiet and shut your mouth. I need to take your temperature.”
Blaze muttered an oath, but didn’t spit the instrument out.
“Fascinating.” She placed a hand on his chest and then on his arm. “You’re burning up, radiating heat.”
Blaze winked.
Her brow knitted. “How is this possible?” A few moments later, she removed the instrument to check the reading. “This can’t be right. According to the thermometer, your temperature is 140 degrees. You should be dead.” After shaking it, Molly tried to reinsert the stick, but Blaze stepped back.
“Get that infernal thing away from me, woman.”
“Why are you still alive?” She squinted at the object. “Or maybe it’s malfunctioning. But if so, why are you so warm? I don’t get it.”
Blaze smirked. “I’ll let you examine me later on this evening if you like, dove.”
Molly didn’t reply, as though considering his proposal, and then her eyes narrowed.
“Why? Do you have ulterior motives?”
“Of course not, I’m merely interested in furthering your education.”
Faro rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” She took a step back.
Blaze turned to Faro. “Did you see that, brother? The woman must be mad. She brushed aside my offer like it was nothing.”
Faro snorted. “Perhaps she has some taste.”
“And after I let you violate my mouth.” He looked down at her.
“Don’t be such a baby. You’re lucky I didn't take your temp in the other place.” Molly turned on her heel and headed indoors.
“What does she mean by the other place?” Blaze asked.
“I’ve no idea, brother, but I suspect you should consider yourself fortunate. Come, we should eat and then head to the mine.” Even though he was loath to go to work.
Grumbling, Blaze followed him into the kitchen. They paused by the door to hide their swords once more, before walking inside.
Faro found Amy by the sink, watching him over the rim of her coffee cup.
“What happened to your blades?” She looked him up and down.
With a jaunty wave, Blaze grabbed a piece of fruit and headed upstairs.
“I’ve always got one on me, somewhere.” The Drakeborne Knights never went anywhere without a weapon.
“Where?” She stared at him in consternation.
Every time he was with her, Faro was tempted to blurt out the truth, without thought for the consequences. He wanted no secrets, no lies between them.
So he changed the topic. “Will I see you this evening?”
“I’d love to, but I have another tourist outing planned.”
“Such a pity. What about tomorrow night?” He’d love to get her alone again, perhaps finish what they’d started.
And that’s when Faro felt a wave of lust, of longing, and it wasn’t coming from him or Amy. One look around the room confirmed his suspicions.
In the corner, Jude sat by himself, arms crossed, brow furrowed. Yet, he couldn’t take his eyes off of Amy’s friend, Ivy.
Ivy was beautiful, to be sure. She was also fierce and independent, a woman of worth. While she wasn’t Faro’s type, he understood the appeal. However, his brother was well and truly taken with her. He caught Jude’s gaze and raised an eyebrow askance.
Faro wasn’t the only one struggling with his desires.
Glowering, Jude took off.
***
“I’m bored. Let’s go to the tavern.” Later on in the evening, Blaze stood at his open door.
Faro scowled. He was in no mood for Blaze’s foolishness. Amy still hadn’t returned to the inn, and he was growing restless. Faro ached when she wasn’t around, like the dull throb of an old sword wound.
“Find something to occupy your time here. The earthly humans are overly fond of playing something called Scrabble. I’m told they engage in nightly tournaments, perhaps you should join them.”
“Games don’t appeal to me. I want a woman.” Blaze sat on the end of his bed. “And the inquisitive one with spectacles already refused me entrance to her room. Again.”
“Her name is Molly, and the women on this planet have enough troubles, without you adding to them.”
“Don’t be daft. Women adore me. I’m fair of face, broad of shoulder, brave and true.” He squared his shoulders and puffed out his chest.
“And modest, too.”
“Come with me. Let’s drink an ale, and find some wenches to while away the hours.”
“I’ve had a long day; sleep would serve me better.” Although, he wouldn’t be getting any rest tonight. He was much too keyed up. Faro wanted, no he needed to be with Amy.
He scowled. “You lie.”
“Leave me, Blaze.” Faro kicked him in the shin, but his brother didn’t budge.
“This time, you won’t put me off. Something else is amiss here. You didn’t bed the innkeeper like I told you to.” He snapped his fingers. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
“It’s none of your affair. I tire of your presence.”
“I’m ashamed of you. The mighty Faro, pining over one woman when they’re interchangeable. You used to know that.”
Once, he’d believed the same thing. Now, only one “wench” interested him, and she was with a group of prattling elders.
“Why are you still here?”
“On our home world, women clamored to share your bed.”
And they’d wanted nothing else to do with him. Yet, Amy asked him questions, wanted to learn about him.
“Come with me. I shan’t take no for an answer.”
Faro sighed. “Yes, you will.”
“Would you care to place a wager? I can stay here all night.” His brother was a cox-comb and wouldn’t be denied when he’d set his heart on something, or any other body part, for that matter.
“I’ll join you, brothers.” Crispin walked up behind Blaze, and looped an arm around his neck.
“You never go carousing.” Blaze gaped at Crispin in astonishment.
“Tonight is different.”
Faro snorted. “You can’t join us, because we aren’t going anywhere. At least, I’m not. Why don’t you two go ahead?”
And leave me well enough alone.
Crispin was something of a monk, preferring his own company. He had blue eyes, light-brown hair, and a penchant for being guarded in his interactions. Faro had never seen him with a woman. Most nights, he preferred to stay in, with only his books and journals for company. Needless to say, Faro found him quite dull.
“All three of us must be there.” Crispin stepped into the hall. “Come, we’ll be late, and time is of the essence.”
“You had a vision?” Blaze asked.
“More of an inkling.” Crispin had the power of second sight, and his visions had saved them countless times.
Blaze grinned. “It appears to be two against one. You’ve been overruled, Faro.”
With a muttered curse, Faro followed his brothers out the door. He couldn’t argue with Crispin’s instincts.
There was only one tavern in town, The Flaming Kettle.
It was 9 o’clock at night, and the streets were deserted. Apparently, the villagers retired early, like Faro should have.
Blaze, Crispin, and Faro walked to The Flaming Kettle. It was several kilometers away, but the Knights were used to long journeys on foot, so it wasn’t a challenge. Inside, they found a band playing. He’d never heard such music before, but he enjoyed it. Faro recognized a woman strumming an instrument of some kind—Lucy, one of Amy’s friends.
Lucy was lovely, with blonde hair streaked with blue and purple. She wore a black leather jacket, and formfitting trousers. Faro admired her attractiveness in an abstract way, as though admiring a priceless work of art.
Faro wasn’t the only person who’d noticed her. And he didn’t mean Crispin, who perused the menu, or Blaze, who chatted up their buxom waitress after she’d brought them mugs of the worst-tasting ale he’d ever had the displeasure of swallowing.
There were two Venalians on the far side of the room, and they watched Lucy intently. The Venalians were a handsome race, to be sure, which made them all the more insidious. All Venalians were male, tall, blond, and violet-eyed. They were a horrid species, who made money off the misery of other people.
The drake within him woke, spoiling for a fight.
They had a thriving business providing concubines throughout the galaxy, preying upon backwater planets and offering women “employment” on other faraway worlds, but in actuality, they made slaves of them. And sometimes, they outright abducted women, especially on Tertiary worlds like Earth.
So far, the Parliament hadn’t discovered their illegal activities, or was paid a handsome sum to overlook it. Either way, Faro found them repugnant, and his brothers agreed with him. The women they took led lives of misery, bound in sexual service to any male, of any species, who had the coin to procure her.
He kicked Blaze under the table, causing the other man to grunt. Ale sloshed from his mug onto the floor.
“Have a care.”
“I don’t give a bloody damn about your drink. For once, think about more than satisfying your lusts.” Faro nodded to the interlopers.
His jaw clenched. “I don’t like them any more than you do, but this place is doomed, brother. If they take her, at least the woman will live.”
“Will she?” If given a choice himself, he’d rather perish, than be a slave.
The female members of their species had died centuries ago, and the Venalians had survived by cloning themselves. Perhaps that was why they had no objection to harming women. They had no mothers, or daughters, or sisters to protest their misdeeds. Or possibly the cloning process had diluted their gene pool.
Clearly, they’d come to earth on one pretense or another, and intended to collect attractive “merchandise” for their business. Faro wouldn’t permit them to capture Lucy, since she was Amy’s friend.
“We’re here to save her,” Crispin said quietly.
Faro suddenly understood. “This is why you came tonight.”
He nodded. “I won’t allow her to become their slave.”
Lucy finished playing, and her band took their bows, as the crowd applauded wildly. The musicians left, sliding out the side door of the establishment. The Venalians followed, after a short interval. Evidently, they intended to grab her this very evening. If they didn’t do something fast, it would be too late.
Faro stood. “Are you coming, brothers?”
Blaze folded his arms over his chest. “Mydon told us not to interfere. We’re supposed to be discreet.”
“I see, and you fear Mydon?”
His nostrils flared. “You can’t goad me into this fight.”
“I never knew you were such a coward.” It was the lowest of all insults. The Drakeborne Knights were known for their bravery, above all else.
Blaze stood. “Never.”
“You will assist us, Blaze.” Crispin touched his temple, as though it ached. “We must hurry, the future is fluid.”
“And why does her fate concern you?” Faro still didn’t know what his brother’s prophecy entailed.
“Foreknowledge is dangerous, and I’m afraid you’ll have to trust me on this one.”
Blaze groaned. “Enough of this. Should I call for assistance?” They all had a communication and translation implant embedded in their bodies.
“That won’t be necessary. It’s three against two, and I like our odds.”
When they got outside, Lucy's friends were gone, and she was tucking her instrument into the back end of her vehicle. As she worked, the Venalians carried on a pleasant conversation with her. They could be charming, while on the hunt for new flesh.
“Lucy!” Faro called. “We saw your performance, and it was exemplary. Huzzah!” He clapped for effect.
“Oh, hi, Faro. Thank you.” She shut the compartment and turned to face him.
“Have you met…?” She glanced at the Venalians. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your names.”
They stepped away from Lucy, and the taller one spoke. “Actually, we have an appointment, so we can’t stay.”
“What a shame.” Faro grabbed the Venalian’s hand and shook it, squeezing his fingers with all of his Drakeborne strength, as he leaned in close and the man grimaced. “She’s under my protection. Never come near her, or any female in this town. Understand?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” The Venalian’s smile was oily.
“Yes, you do.” Blaze clasped the other one’s shoulder, in a jocular manner, but the grip looked tight.
“I have a pile of ungraded papers waiting for me at the inn.” Lucy nodded to the Venalians. “Pleasure meeting you, have a good evening. And I’m sure I’ll see the rest of you later.”
“I’d like to accompany you home, if you don’t mind?” Crispin asked.
“Sure, we’re headed to the same place.” She hopped into her car, and Crispin joined her. He’d make sure she got home safely.
The Venalians took advantage of the interruption, and made a hasty retreat.
Blaze shook his head. “When Mydon finds out, he’ll be furious.”
“Then you shouldn’t mention it, brother.” Faro was sick of living under the captain’s thumb.
The Venalians had gone, but Faro doubted they’d heard the last of them.