Mercenary, page 33
part #2 of Heart's Desire Soul Destroyed Series
“Aye?”
“Thank you. For saving us.”
“Did you truly think I wouldn’t search for you?” he asked softly.
“You risked your life.” Shame rolled through her. “After the way I behaved, you still risked your life to find me and Mara.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” His thumb brushed almost tenderly across the back of her hand. “I don’t want gratitude, lass. ‘Tis enough to know you’re safe and well again.”
Gazing up at him searchingly, a sudden yawn caught her by surprise.
“Get some rest.” He dropped a quick kiss on her brow and stood up, collecting the tray as he did so. “I’ll return later to check on you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Go to sleep.” Amusement coloured the sternness of his tone.
She watched him leave before closing her eyes, weariness tugging her down into the depths of healing rest.
~ * ~
Not long after she awoke, two beautiful women entered the room.
“We’re here to bathe you,” one announced cheerfully.
As Reya’s eyes narrowed, the brunette added, “You probably don’t remember us. We’ve been helping you get better. I’m Tera, and this is my sister, Hanna.”
Reya studied them with deepening suspicion. Tall and elegant, they wore long flowing gowns, little more than wisps of cloth and lace. There was an aura of sensuality about them that she recognised with a spike of dread. Surely not. “Where am I?”
“Maverk hasn’t told you?” Tera asked.
“No.”
“Then it’s his job to tell you,” Hanna returned easily, placing a bowl of fragrant, soapy water on the bedside table.
She came up onto her elbows. “Am I on Argon?”
Tera smiled brightly. “You’ll have to ask him that. Now, we must be quick or the water will get cold.”
Normally Reya wasn’t embarrassed about being naked in front of other women, she’d fought alongside them too long to be bothered about it. But these two women, this place, the air of sensuality that was simply a part of them, set her teeth on edge.
Especially because she had a very strong suspicion of where she was, and it was a place she’d sworn she’d never to return.
Just the memory of what had occurred had Reya tightening her hold on the cover. “I can do myself, thank you.”
“Nonsense.” Yanking the cover away, Hanna tossed it back.
Before Reya had time to react, the nightgown was whipped off and a large blue sheet was laid over her to preserve her modesty.
“I don’t want-” she began heatedly.
“We’re apprentice healers and have seen more naked bodies than you can count on both hands and feet. There’s no need to be embarrassed. Just lift your arm so.” Hanna grabbed her wrist and lifted her arm. “Tera, did you see that lovely silk Delia bought from the market?”
Though she felt a little stronger, she knew that she wasn’t strong enough yet to put up enough of a fight to get away from the healers. Disgruntled, Reya had to submit to being bathed thoroughly. Though she had to grudgingly admit that the water was deliciously warm and the fragrance of the soap was soothing, she wasn’t used to being helpless. It irked her.
It irked her even more as her suspicions slowly changed to certainty of where she was. Maverk had seriously brought her to this planet? Of all places? When he knew what had happened?
As Tera and Hanna chattered, they unwittingly mentioned names that she recognized, and she simmered in silence, her embarrassment forgotten.
A fresh satin nightgown was slipped on her and her hair was brushed and braided.
“We’ll leave you to rest now,” Tera said. “See you in the morning.”
“Maverk will be in soon with your evening meal,” Hanna added, gathering up the bowl and sheet.
And when he arrived, Reya thought grimly, he had better have some good answers ready. She was going to sit up and wait for him if it took all night.
~*~
Entering the room not long after the Argons had left, Maverk found her fast asleep. Assured of her continuing recovery, he slept in the next room, but he woke every couple of hours to check her.
When dawn broke, he got up once more and entered her room to see the morning sun peeking over the mountains, a stray sunbeam shining across the room to alight on the red-gold braid lying across her shoulder.
Standing beside the bed, he looked down at the lass he’d so nearly lost. Sighing in her sleep, she pushed the covers down slightly, resting one arm across her flat stomach, her other arm raised up and slightly bent, resting on the pillow beside her.
Eyes following the smooth curve of her throat down to the generous swell of her breasts covered by pale blue satin, his breath caught in his throat. She was so beautiful, this proud and defiant warrior. Beneath the ice facade she showed the world simmered a passion as hot as molten lava.
His loins tightened in remembrance of their one passionate encounter, on the floor of a rented room in a tavern. He couldn’t resist reaching out to trace one finger across her cheek. It wasn’t enough. Bending down, he brushed a kiss across her brow. The faint scent of roses drifted through his senses and he claimed her lips in a soft kiss.
It was the lightest of touches, but feeling her stir he quickly withdrew, fearing he’d awakened her, but she continued to sleep. He left while he still could.
She was still asleep when it was time for breakfast, and with assurances that Reya would be fine, Sarcan persuaded him to join the others in the main dining hall. Reluctantly Maverk allowed himself to be led away while the healer went to check her.
~ * ~
As soon as the door clicked shut behind the healer, Reya opened her eyes and pushed the bed covers back. Carefully swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she sat up. The room spun before her eyes and she stayed still, breathing deeply and evenly until her vision became normal again.
She so loathed being sick and weak. She had to get her strength back, do things for herself, starting by finding the bathroom and showering herself. No more were others going to wash and dress her.
Determination spurred her on when her legs shook and threatened to collapse, and her progress across the room was weaving and unsteady, but she made it to the bathroom, beads of sweat on her brow from the effort of remaining upright. She shut and locked the door behind her in case Maverk came and found her out of bed.
At the thought, her jaw clenched. Oh yes, she knew this place, recognised the luxury of her surroundings and the sensuousness that practically oozed out of Tera and Hanna.
Worse, she had personal experience of the techniques used by the Argons to break their enemies. Kiile had seen to that, the bastard.
But what had her irritation turn to anger was the fact that Maverk knew she hated this planet, knew it held bad memories for her. That of anywhere he could have brought her in the whole infinite universe, that it was here he chose was an act of treachery that bit deep.
Anger couldn’t keep her strength up for long, however, and she hurried through the shower, washing her hair last. It was with relief that she donned a clean nightgown. Combing her hair, she left it loose to dry as she left the bathroom.
The bed beckoned to her longing gaze but the warrior in her protested vehemently at giving in to weakness. No, she had to move, stay out of bed and regain her strength. She was in the city of an enemy who had captured and humiliated her. Once her strength was back, she could leave.
Slowly she crossed over to the window seat and sat down gratefully, leaning back against the wall to stare out at the city below her room. Her legs trembled from the exertion of walking for the first time since she’d been captured by the desert hybrids, making her wonder just how long she’d been sick.
The city below was bathed in morning light, graceful white stone buildings seeming to shimmer in the sun. The streets were busy with people going about their business. A busy street in a city on Argon, and she could guess which city, a fact that made her cringe inwardly.
Damn Maverk! Why did he have to bring her here, to Argon of all places? She’d sworn never to return to this place of sensual people who so delighted in - it didn’t bear thinking about.
“What the hell are you doing up?” Maverk exclaimed from the doorway.
She watched him approach, the long muscular legs making short work of the distance between them.
Coming to a stop, concern furrowed his brow as he reached for her. “Come on, lass, let’s get you back to bed.”
She held up a hand to ward him off. “Don’t touch me.”
“What’s wrong? Is it your skin again?” His gaze swept over her. “Does it pain? I’ll get Sarcan.”
“It’s not my skin. Where are we?”
“You shouldn’t be up. You’ve been seriously ill.”
“I’m better now.” The words were tinged with frost. “Where are we?”
Maverk stilled.
“Tell me,” she insisted.
“Reya-”
“Tell me.” When he hesitated, she scowled. “Do I need to walk out of here to find out for myself?”
He sighed. “What does it really matter as long as you’re better?”
“Where have you brought me?” She wanted to hear him say it.
Sitting down on the window seat, he angled to face her. “Before I do, I want you to be calm and rational about this, agreed?”
“Where?”
“Argon,” he replied warily.
“How could you?” she hissed. “You know how I feel about this place!”
“These healers helped you.”
“You know I’d never come here even if I was dying.”
“You were dying,” he said quietly. “You were so ill.”
“Anywhere but here.” Her fists clenched. “Anywhere.”
Maverk’s gaze remained steady. “There was no choice.” A thread of steel underlined his words. “’Twas nothing I could do for you, I’d have taken you anywhere to make you well again.”
“You don’t understand.”
“So tell me, make me understand.”
“You should have left me to die rather than bri-” The large hand clamping across her mouth cut off her words.
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” A muscle jumped in his jaw.
Tugging futilely at his wrist, she glared at him, but he was too strong and she, damn it, wasn’t strong enough.
Removing his hand, he said with a touch of anger, “Sinya and I did all we could and when Kiile appeared and offered the skills of his healers, I gladly took it. Anything to make you well. You dare to fling that back into my face?” For a brief moment there was a flash of hurt in his eyes.
That emotion surprised her, but not enough to stop her demanding, “But here, Maverk? Here?” Why couldn’t he see that upset her the most?
“Can’t your pride even accept that I would have given my life in exchange if that’s what it took to save you?”
“I never asked you to!”
“Nay, wench, you didn’t.” He stuck a finger under her nose. “But I will in a heartbeat no matter how much you swear and accuse me.”
The Daamen trader was furious.
For the first time, Reya felt a trickle of shame.
“Sinya helped me, Kiile helped me. Helped us. You and me, Reya. Both Sinya and Kiile know that you hold them in low regard but they didn’t let that stop them from helping us without hesitation.” His jaw clenched. “And you dare to say to me that I should have let you die. That’s throwing every bit of decency those men showed onto the trash heap. As for me?” Brown eyes burning, he leaned closer. “You can think I’m just a useless hulk that isn’t good enough to hold you when you’re screaming in pain and in the throes of fever. You can think what you like, but I’d do it again. Because I consider you worth so much more than simply throwing aside. Even when you act like a shrew.”
The words were like a slap in the face, the hurtful truth piercing and sharp. Shame flamed through her, her cheeks going hot. “Maverk, I…”
He waited.
She didn’t quite know what to say, her emotions now in turmoil. Anger gave way to humiliation at her behaviour, her careless words spoken so thoughtlessly.
Unable to meet his narrowed-eyed gaze, she turned her head to look sightlessly out the window, her throat tight. She’d done it again, repaying his kindness with harsh words, hurting him.
But isn’t that what you want? a little voice whispered suddenly inside her head. To make him furious enough to leave you alone and return to his own kind?
That might be true, but her heart ached as much as her throat did. The flash of pain in his eyes had pained her in turn, the knowledge that it was she who had hurt him so much. What had happened to her icy composure, the ability to hide emotions? To be able to push aside her feelings and continue onward coldly?
Maverk was what had happened. He’d come along with his laughter and teasing and gentleness, his big heart and sense of humour. His stubbornness in the face of her threats and insults. His loyalty to her no matter what she did or said. The little spot in my heart that he’s wormed his way into.
He deserved more, so much more than her and her ingratitude and messed up mind. Slowly she looked at him to find his anger replaced with wariness. No wonder he was so wary, she’d been such a bitch to him all this time. Granted, she had a private reason, but he’d saved her life, walked into a hellhole to rescue her and a girl he didn’t really know, because that’s the kind of man he was - kind, sweet, unable to help being protective of those weaker than him, and loyal to those he considered his friends.
“My apologies,” she said quietly.
“What?”
“You came after me and saved our lives, then cared for me when I was ill. I repay you with cruel disregard for your feelings.”
“There’s nothing to repay.”
“As you so rightly pointed out, I threw it back in your face. If not for you, we’d have died in that hellhole. I won’t forget what you did.”
“I’m not asking for gratitude,” he said impatiently. “Just stop saying that I should have left you to die.”
Wearily she looked at her hands lying still in her lap. “I wish you hadn’t brought me here.”
There was silence for several seconds before he asked, “Why?”
“I... Nothing.” Just the memory made her cringe inwardly.
“There is something,” he probed gently but insistently. “We’ve been through so much together, Reya, can’t you tell me this reason?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to refuse, to tell him to mind his own business, but suddenly she wanted him to understand her aversion to this planet. After all that he’d done for her, he deserved an explanation.
Gaze still on her hands, she took a deep breath. “I and other mercenaries were employed by a powerful lord in the Outlaw Sector to capture or kill Kiile. It didn’t work out and I was captured. Do you know anything about the Argon methods of breaking prisoners, pretty boy?”
“Some.”
Her teeth clenched momentarily before she could relax her jaw enough to continue. “Kiile was quite fascinated to have a Reeka in his clutches and I was put on display.”
Maverk surprised her by taking her hand, but then that was the kind of man he was, ready to give comfort when needed.
He was too good for a woman broken on the inside. For her.
“Reya?”
Refocussing on the past, she regarded him bleakly. “You’ve no idea what it’s like to be a plaything. To be put on display, to be chained in the most degrading manner and humiliated, to be touched intimately to use unrelieved arousal as a form of punishment.”
Compassion filled his eyes.
That compassion just shamed her more. “Don’t pity me, pretty boy, I don’t need it.” Reya tugged on her hand. “You can release me now and go. I’m sure you’re not interested in soiled goods.” When he released her hand, regardless of her own demand, she felt as though a knife twisted in her heart. “Disgusted? I came to kill your friend, got caught and punished the Argon way before I was rescued by Connie. Now you have your answer, I hope you’re satisfied.”
Standing, she’d only taken a step before a muscular arm slid around her waist and she was pulled down onto Maverk’s lap.
“What the...” She started to struggle. “Let go!”
Easily stilling her movements, he wrapped his arms firmly around her and hauled her up against his chest, tipping her back slightly so that he could gaze down into her eyes.
The way he studied her so seriously caused a flutter low in her belly.
“Nay, I’m not satisfied,” he replied.
“What more do you want?” she demanded a trifle breathlessly. “Haven’t I given you enough?”
“Nay.” He lowered his head while drawing her up to him. “Not until I have everything you have to give.” His warm, firm lips captured hers.
The same hands that had soothed and cared for her now held her in a lover’s embrace. The lips that had spoken so gently to her in her fever-racked hours now moulded to her own.
Her blood heated, her breasts pressed to his chest, her nipples hardening, her arms twining around his neck as she lifted into his kiss. Wanting him so much, desire clouding her thoughts, time standing still as the magic of his embrace wove around her.
Maverk. Sweet, kind, protective Maverk. The man who didn’t give up on her no matter what she said or did. She should be worried about that, but right then she chose to bask in his kiss, his embrace, loving the shelter of his arms that promised so much more.
When he sought entry into her mouth, she welcomed him in, his taste flooding her, masculine and clean and fresh. She gloried in the moment, kissing him passionately, letting control go for a precious few moments.
When they finally parted, both were breathing faster.
His eyes were hot, desire smouldering deep within the brown depths. Unnerving her deliciously.
“Maverk.” She moistened her lips and tried again. “Maverk, I...”
“Aye?” His eyes glowed warmly down at her.
His large hand rested just below her breast, hot through the satin of her nightgown. She could so easily fall under his spell, spill into his arms, give him her all. But she shouldn’t. Wouldn’t.
