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  When Darvk lifted his mouth from hers, she opened her eyes dreamily, looking up into his to see the naked passion echoing hers.

  “Tenia.” His deep voice was rough with need.

  She expected him to turn her, touch her, kiss her again, so she was caught by surprise when he instead kissed her brow before straightening fully to pull back several steps.

  Turning to face him, she searched his expression, trying to gauge what to do next.

  Her body yearned for him.

  Her lips yearned for him.

  But her skin felt just a little cold where he’d broken the contact, and the way he’d done it, the reason, was beyond her.

  Unless he hadn’t intended it to happen.

  No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than he reached out and took her hand, but instead of drawing her to him, he simply continued to look at her.

  Hungrily, yes, but that was all he did.

  Uncertain, not liking that she had no idea what was going on, what he was thinking, she pulled her hand free and stepped back, feeling suddenly awkward. “I think I better go.”

  “What?” Darvk’s expression went from surprised to confused.

  That made two of them, then. Looking away, Tenia cleared her throat. “I don’t understand what you want from me.”

  “Want from you? Lass, I don’t want anything.”

  Ouch. Her cheeks flamed. “Right.” With that, she started towards the door.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m not a toy.” Angry that he could even think to ask such a stupid question, she shook her head and continued striding across the floor.

  That lasted all of three seconds before her momentum was stopped by Darvk moving swiftly to block her way.

  Taking one look at her face, he sighed. “Ah, that didn’t go as planned.”

  “Planned? Planned?” Defensively, she folded her arms. “What, exactly, did you plan, Darvk?”

  “Let’s try this again. I-”

  “Again? No. Now if you don’t mind?” She inclined her head towards the door.

  Darvk ploughed a hand through his hair. “I’ve mucked this up.”

  “Look, we planned to go to Urion. Let’s just stick to that, or you can drop us off and we’ll find our own way. In fact,” Tenia added, “that might be the better choice.”

  That produced a dark frown. “Not happening.”

  The man was confusing. Exasperated, still embarrassed, Tenia glared at him.

  Ruefully, Darvk scratched his thick thatch of hair, making the dishevelled strands even more dishevelled. “I’m not good at this, lass. Just give me a few minutes.”

  “Fine.” She fought to bring her anger and humiliation under control. It was just a kiss. A stupid kiss. A hot kiss, but just a kiss. She just wished it didn’t hurt.

  He studied her expression.

  Her eyes narrowed. “So far, you’re not doing or saying anything that is making me interested in staying here.”

  “Fair enough.” A small smile appeared. “I did mean to kiss you.”

  “You got it. What else?”

  “You’re really mad at me, aye?”

  “What gave you the hint?”

  “Lass, I’m sorry.” The smile disappeared. “I’ve handled this all wrong. Aye, I’ll bluntly admit I wanted to kiss you, but I first meant to ask you something.”

  Her heart warmed a little, but she still wasn’t quite ready to forgive him. She arched an eyebrow.

  Darvk hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his rough pants. “What do you intend to do once you’re pardoned?”

  Tenia blinked. “What?”

  “What do you intend to do once you’re pardoned? The Reekas. All of you.”

  “Well…I don’t…I hadn’t really thought about it.”

  “What are your dreams? You must have some.”

  “A peaceful life, I guess,” she said slowly. “Being able to walk around instead of hiding or continuously peering over my shoulder.”

  “Do you intend to return to the Reeka settlement?”

  “I suppose so. There’s nowhere else for me to go.”

  “There is. You could stay with me.”

  Of anything he could have said, that was the least unexpected. Her eyes widened. “What?”

  Amused, his eyes crinkled engagingly at the corners. “You think you’re surprised, imagine how I feel. I’ve not asked this of any wench before.” Stepping closer, he gazed intently down into her eyes. “Am I wrong in stating that there’s an undeniable attraction between us?”

  Her cheeks flushed but she wasn’t about to lie. “I think it’s pretty obvious. You know, just now.” She met his gaze squarely. “And when you gave me the flower.”

  He took another step closer, close enough that she had to tilt her head back to keep their gazes locked. She waited for him to say something, but instead he reached out to gently tuck a stray strand of golden hair behind her ear.

  The simple gesture produced a feeling of being protected, cared for, but she didn’t get sidetracked.

  Darvk lowered his hand. “Does our attraction make you nervous?”

  “It’s not something that happens to me every day.”

  “I hope not.” Humour lurked in his eyes.

  “I certainly didn’t expect it with you.”

  “Blunt, lass. Very blunt.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m being truthful, just as I’m sure you didn’t expect to be attracted to me.”

  His eyes softened. “You caught my attention from the moment I first saw you.”

  “On the slave block.”

  “Aye. The attraction was there only I didn’t recognise it.” The warmth in his expression was undeniable. “And it’s only gotten stronger with every passing day.”

  His words were sweet, but she still wasn’t sure where he was going with this. “So you want me to stay with you.”

  “Aye.”

  “You don’t know me.”

  “I know enough.”

  “Yes, but is it sufficient?”

  “You mean as in you don’t know me?”

  “Darvk,” she said, “I know you’re sweet and caring. But we don’t know each other. Not like that.”

  A devilish spark lit his eyes. “I can fix that.”

  “Dolt.” Without thinking, she smacked his arm. “I didn’t mean like that.”

  “”But that has a lot to do with it.”

  “A relationship is more than sex.” There. She’d said it, even though she blushed.

  “Are you blushing? You’re blushing.” He grinned. “You’re so cute.”

  Exasperated, she shook her head. “Daamen traders are notorious wenchers. I’ve no doubt you’ve been attracted to many women.”

  “I won’t deny we wench and fight, but this is different.” He sobered. “Those of us lucky enough to have found and wed their soul mate, they still fight, aye, but wench? Never.”

  “I find that a little unbelievable.”

  “You haven’t seen a Daamen couple in love, it’s for life. No other man or wench gets a second look.”

  He was deadly serious, the sincerity in his voice undeniable. Tenia nodded slowly. “I see.”

  “Do you?”

  At the intensity of his gaze, her heartbeat doubled. “Why are you telling me this?”

  He took her hand in a gentle yet firm grasp. “I can’t honestly say I love you. I think I do. I don’t know. I’ve never been in love before. All I know is that the feelings I have for you are so much more than plain lust.” He sighed. “I think I’m making a mess of this.”

  His honesty made her ire fade, touched her in a way nothing else could have done. Warmth swept through her as she looked up at him, knowing he hid nothing from her. “Oh no, Darvk, you’re explaining it just right.”

  “I am?”

  “Yes.”

  Taking her hand, he entwined their fingers together. “So, lass? Do we give this attraction between us a chance?”

  O
h yes, she wanted to. Wanted to give them a chance, see where it led, but…

  Seeing the flicker of indecision in her eyes, Darvk bent down to eye-level. “What’s the matter?” When she hesitated, he said softly, “Just tell me, Tenia. It can’t be that bad.”

  “Depends on your definition, I guess.” She pursed her lips.

  “You’re attracted to me, aye?”

  “Yes.” He had the power to make her heart go double-time and her skin hot, not to mention her belly drop clean away.

  “You’re in agreement to get to know me? Me to know you?”

  “Yes.”

  “So what’s the problem, lass?”

  “You’re not going to like this.”

  “Try me.”

  Now or never. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders. “I’m willing to see what happens between us, get to know each other, spend time together, but Darvk…”

  He nodded encouragingly.

  “Am I your slave?”

  He looked blankly at her.

  “Your slave.” She pointed to her thigh. “Your brand. If I’m pardoned, I won’t be your slave. Am I your slave now?”

  He scowled. “I’ve never thought of you as my slave.”

  “Ah. Really? Not even in the beginning?”

  He blew out a puff of air, opened his mouth, thought about it, then a faint tinge of colour swept along his rugged cheekbones.

  She arched an eyebrow knowingly at him.

  “Aye, but not in the way you’re thinking.” He stopped scowling, but continued to look her right in the eyes. “I bought you to save you, protect you, but I never really thought of you as my slave. Daamens don’t keep slaves. I’d have freed you.”

  “Where? Where could you possibly free me?”

  “On Daamen.”

  “On Daamen.”

  “The fact, lass, is that according to the law, you’re wanted dead or alive. Having my mark and being with me protects you. But in my eyes, in the eyes of my friends and family, you are not my slave. You’d be safe on Daamen, free to move around as you wish.” He inhaled deeply. “Tenia, you are a free wench as much as it can be allowed.” A muscle jumped in his jaw. “I’m sorry.”

  Reaching up, she placed her hand on his cheek. “I understand.”

  Relief swept over him, followed quickly by puzzlement. “Then why did you ask me such a thing?”

  She smiled. “I just had to hear you say it.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I will never understand wenches.”

  “You don’t have to.” Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  “So I’m just to accept that?” he asked suspiciously.

  “Yes.” She dimpled. “Is that a problem?”

  One big hand slid around her nape, tugged her forward. Her breath caught as his lips hovered above hers.

  “Lass,” he whispered, “you’re my problem.”

  Then he kissed her - hot, deep, passionately.

  Fire flared through her, her nipples pebbling against her vest as he ravaged her mouth.

  Kissed her, made her blood boil.

  When he broke contact, they were both breathing heavier.

  Resting his forehead against hers, Darvk said huskily, “I hope you’re going to be my problem for a long, long time, Tenia.”

  “That’s sweet. I think.”

  “Darvk.” Simon’s voice came over the intercom.

  “Aye?” he replied, still focussed on her.

  “The Daamen Trade Base is on the viscomm. They need to discuss our change of course.”

  “Ah.” He straightened.

  Concern spiked through Tenia. “Are you in trouble?”

  “Trouble? Nay.” He was already striding for the doorway. “I’m captain of my own ship, I go where I choose, but the Trade Base has our original trade route and will want an explanation as to why we changed course.”

  Tenia frowned slightly.

  “It’s a safe guard against space pirates.” He tossed her a wink over one broad shoulder. “We can resume where we left off later.”

  Listening to his footsteps fade down the corridor, Tenia leaned back against the glass, turning her head to watch the star-speckled darkness outside as she willed her body to cool down.

  Life was full of surprises. The last thing she’d ever expected was to find a man who just might have the power to capture her heart.

  Though it was too early to even be thinking that kind of thing.

  But she was smiling as she watched the glitter of the stars.

  ~ * ~

  Urion was a planet in the Outlaw Sector, populated by murderers, rapists, pirates, drug-dealers, and outlaws of every description and size. The law stayed on the outskirts of the Outlaw Sector, never venturing deep; those that had were never seen again.

  Tenia found out that the Reeka warriors had proven themselves by spilling the blood of all challengers. The fact that they were amongst the most wanted by the Inka Empire was enough to ensure that not many of the Outlaw Sector inhabitants troubled them.

  Being notorious had its advantages.

  Planets on the edge of the Outlaw Sector sometimes received unwanted attention by the law, and many outlaws seeking shelter there were captured. Only idiots sheltered on the outskirts.

  The Reekas weren’t idiots.

  As they neared Urion, Sinya’s voice over the intercom gave the coordinates of the settlement they were to head for.

  “At least there will be no soldiers waiting,” Reya said. “We’re safe enough here from the law.”

  “As long as we don’t get our throats cut by the outlaws,” Maverk added dryly.

  “Only the most foolhardy would attack anyone your size. You don’t have much to fear here as long as you don’t flash valuables about.”

  “Maybe you should stay aboard.” Tenia looked at Darvk.

  “And miss the chance of a good fight? I think not, lass!”

  Reya slanted her a look that plainly conveyed her opinion of men.

  The ship landed outside a bustling settlement beside Sinya’s sleek black ship, and Darvk, Maverk, and the Reekas disembarked with four of the crew. Six were left to guard the ship and stay on alert for trouble.

  Sinya and five of his crew awaited them. Tenia studied the space pirates who were dressed in the same fashion as their captain. Some were scruffy while others were neat, but all had the hard eyes and the threat of danger about them. Lasers and daggers were fastened at their waists, and across their shoulders and chests. Several carried machetes in their belts.

  Darvk’s hand fell on her shoulder. “Stay close to me at all times.”

  “I can take care of myself,” she replied automatically.

  “If anything happens to me, the crew will care for you and return you home to my mother. Understand? The same goes for Reya.”

  She nodded but had no intention of obeying. Her decisions were still her own, regardless of his protectiveness.

  Waving cheerfully, Sinya approached. “Made it, I see. I sent out express orders for safe passage for your ship, traders.”

  “Where’s the survivor?” Reya asked curtly.

  He waved toward the settlement. “In there, of course, where else?”

  “Take us to him.”

  “A please would be nice.” When Reya just stared at him, he sighed. “Come on.”

  Tenia looked around curiously as they followed him into the settlement. A mixture of old world and modern tech, it more resembled the shanty settlements of poorer areas. The streets were filled with men and women, outlaws all. The whores leered at the handsome traders. The outlaws were hard-eyed, and all carried weapons of some kind. Many bore scars and several wore eye patches. Some were missing limbs, and Tenia noticed one loping along on crudely made false legs.

  But even the hardest fell back before the formidable group that strode down the middle of the dusty street.

  They came to a stop near the end where a small hut stood.

  “The survivor’s nam
e is Bacal.” Sinya studied the hut.

  Tenia stepped forward. “You come with us, Sinya.”

  “And go in first,” Reya added.

  He flung up his hands. “You two are so suspicious!”

  “That’s why we’ve survived so long.”

  Sinya just gave a lop-sided grin and walked ahead. Tenia and Reya fell in behind him, Darvk and Maverk following them into the hut, while their friends waited outside with the pirates. The hut was dim and smelled sour.

  Palming lasers, Tenia and Reya automatically slid to either side of the doorway.

  “Eh, Reekas, no need for that here,” a voice croaked.

  “Light the candles, Bacal, and show them that the room is empty,” Sinya ordered.

  A match flared and flame was held to several candles that clustered in a tin on the table. The light revealed a single-roomed hut, empty save for a sagging cot in the corner covered with filthy blankets, a small table and two benches, a hearth in the opposite wall, and a bench above it holding a single plate, cup, and pot.

  All eyes fastened on the man seated on the stool at the head of the table. The man had an eye patch and one arm only, he was dressed in a coarse shirt, pants, and rope sandals. At first glance he appeared old, but the flickering candlelight revealed him to be in his forties. Old before his time.

  “Sit down.” He coughed violently, hand over his mouth.

  The traders sat on the two small benches, but the warriors stood at the opposite end of the table, while Sinya leaned against the wall, his black eyes sharp.

  “You’re a survivor of the massacre?” Tenia asked.

  Bacal gave a half grin. “You don’t waste time.”

  She didn’t have time. “Who did the massacre?”

  He coughed again before replying. “They came in the middle of the night and were upon us before we knew it. Slaughtered everyone there except for three of us - myself, Zed, and Naza. We got away into the hills. We buried Naza after he died from his injuries.”

  “Who attacked you?” Placing her palms on the table, Tenia leaned forward, the candlelight making her eyes glow with hidden fires.

  Reya said nothing, standing back in the shadows as she watched the man intently, her features expressionless.

  Bacal wiped his mouth with a soiled rag. “Soldiers. They could only have been soldiers, their attack and sweeping of the area was expert.”