Chapter Four

Constantine sat at the head of the conference table.  To his right was Octavian Vazanti, Chief Operating Officer and head of strategic planning. Acccompanying them were were the directors of the various program offices that fell under the dictate of Strategic planning.

Ignatius Cromwell was the Director of TTO,   The Tactical Technology Office.  He had held the position for the last four years and was highly respected for the work he and his team did.  TTO was the office that engaged in high-payoff and high-risk advanced military research.  Their emphasis was in the system and subsystem approach to developing space, aeronautic and land systems along with control systems and embedded processors.

Galenus Bromwell sat next to Cromwell.  As Director of the DSO, the Defense Sciences Office, Oaks headed up the personnel who pursued the most promising technologies in science and engineering, working to develop those technologies into new military capabilities.

Stanis Jons was the current director of the IPTO or Information Processing Techniques Office.  In Jon’s operation the focus was on inventing computing, software and network technologies vital to enduring military superiority.

Minos Zayne was the newest Director present, heading the Strategic Technology Office, the STO.  His office complemented the TTO and STO as one of the two system offices.

Last there was Robertus Antony, Director of the Microsystems Technology Office, or MTO.  MTO was another high-risk, high-payoff area of technology whose focus was on the heterogenous microchip-scale integration of photonics, electronics and microelectromechanical systems or MEMS.  Their aim was solving the problems of protection on a national level against chemical, biological and information attack, as well as providing operation dominance for mobile distributed command and control.  Added to that was combined manned and unmanned warfare coupled with adaptive and dynamic military planning and execution.

The purpose of today’s meeting was to discuss the first phase of the operation to trap and eliminate the super hacker and destroy his network.

Thus far no one had a workable theory as to how the superhacker or SH as they’d dubbed him or her had been able to intercept secure V’Kar data.  Much effort was being put into sealing the leak and stopping SH.

The plan that had been agreed upon would be set into motion this day. The first packet of false data would be transmitted.  Alerts had been sent around the globe.  If the information was intercepted and put up for auction they’d soon know.  And if lucky, the viral code stored within the data packet would lead them to SH.

Meanwhile, Leonidias and Shilah were about to board a private jet in route to Miami where they would board a private yacht that would take them to Caracas, Venezuela.  From there they’d travel by air to Portugal.  If SH had not been apprehended by then they would proceed on through France by train to the UK where they would make delivery in London.

Constantine listened as each of the office Directors gave reports pertinent to the operation then filled everyone in on his end of things.  The level of confidence was high.  They had a good solid plan.  Soon they’d have SH in hand.

*****

An alert diverted his attention from the web-streamed news report of a hooker and what appeared to be her john found dead in a cheap motel.  Police were currently looking for the prostitute’s pimp for questioning. HE turned his back on the ongoing story to focus on the alert.

Excitement coursed through him and his fingers began a lightning fast dance on the keyboard.  The window of opportunity was small.  Only a few seconds to breach security and tap into the data packet transfer.

There were maybe two other people in the world with the skill and expertise to execute such a feat and he was quite sure neither of them had the balls required to try.  HE smiled to himself as the data started streaming in.  Bingo.

Satisfied that he’d intercepted the entire packet, he twirled in his chair, congratulating himself on yet another success.  Yet even as he did so, he couldn’t ignore the hollowness inside.  It was all too easy.  There were so few challenges.

Perhaps that was the price of superiority.  HE knew himself to be superior to everyone on the planet.  Others might view his name as a manifestation of a super inflated ego.  HE laughed at the notion.  If his ego was super inflated it was only because he deserved it.  HE was no manifestation.  It was simply his name.  Or his initials, anyway.  He never used his full name.  What need did anyone have to know who he was?  He’d give them whatever identity he chose at the moment.  HE would remain as always, private and protected.

But back to business.  Verifying the data and setting up another auction.  Another fat deposit to an account that would automatically be erased as the funds were diverted to other accounts around the world, leaving no trace of the original.

Yes, he covered his bases.  Only a fool would leave himself open to being traced.  And HE was no fool.

The voice from the newscast caught his attention.  Authorities had uncovered more than two murder victims.  It appeared as if the entire motel, a frequent haunt for prostitutes was being used as a make-shift pornography studio.  Prostitutes and their customers were filmed in the sex act and the footage sold to online porn sites.

HE scowled.  It’d taken time and effort to set up that little operation.  Now he’d have to secure another location and new personnel.  Arranging for stimulation was getting more difficult by the day.  Peak performance in his many endeavors demanded perfect concentration.  Something that was not possible without sexual release.

As soon as he completed the data verification and initiated the auction he would have to set his mind to the task of setting up another operation to feed his need.  Perhaps this time he would focus on a darker theme.  Snuff films could be quite satisfying and there were more than enough deviants in the world willing to provide the stimulation he needed.  He had only to locate them.  And that was one of his specialties.

*****

Obviously, V’Kar International was sparing no expense on this mission. The Challenger 604 jet she’d just boarded was one sweet ride.  Forget the avionics, which she knew to be impressive, the interior was luxurious.

An expanded cabin boasted of seven rows of windows with four forward executive club chairs complete with foldout executive tables.  Two berthable divans aft came with a slide-out dining table under each divan.  Soft white leather and rosewood wordwork gave it an expensive and tasteful appeal.

There were separate lavatories for guests and crew, a forward galley with a TIA oven, microwave and coffee maker, along with a stocked bar.

Aside from having to keep up the pretense of being a googly-eyed newlywed, Shilah had no doubt that the flight would be enjoyable.

“Would you care for a drink before we take off?”  the attractive blond attendant asked as Shilah tossed her handbag onto a table.

“I think I can manage that myself,”  Leonidias responded.  “Right now, I think the Missus and I would like a little privacy.”

He gave her a sexy smile and added, “If you get my drift.”

She returned the smile.  “Of course.  If you need me please use the intercom located on the left arm of any chair.”

“Will do, honey.”

Shilah watched the attendant turn and head for the galley.  As soon as the woman closed the door, she looked up at Leonidias.  “Turning on that ‘down home charm’ a little thick, aren’t you, honey?”

Leonidias’s expression did not mirror the teasing sweetness of his words.  They both knew there was always a chance that, despite all precautions, their cover was blown and they were under surveillance.  Keeping in character was essential.

“You jealous, darling?”

Shilah rolled her eyes  then gritted her teeth as he continued.  “Come on over here and let’s break this ride in properly.”

Break this ride in?  If he thought for one minute she was going to do the wild and nasty with him with the attendant listening he was very mistaken.

Fortunately, she could resort to the jealous wife routine.  “You sure you haven’t already broken it in?”

That didn’t faze Leonidias.  His eyes gleamed as he responded.  “Not with you, sugar.”

Fuck me.

It was hard not to respond to the challenge in his eyes.  Shilah considered it for a few moments.  Was this simply part of the act, or was Leonidias testing her to see how far she’d go?

Maybe a better question was how far would he go?  Maybe she should turn the tables on him.

She  gave him a smile then ripped open the white silk blouse she wore, sending buttons flying.  “Then what are you waiting for, stud?”

Leonidias’s eyes widened ever so slightly before narrowing.  The smile on his face turned feral a split second before he advanced on her.  Shilah almost stepped back from him.  Almost.  Later she’d tell herself that she only stood her ground because she was keeping in character.

In other words, she’d lie to herself because the truth was, having him advance on her with that dangerous glint in his eyes made her blood run hot.

Not that she had much time to think about it because the moment he reached her, his hands closed around her wrists, pushing them behind her and bending her back.  He clamped one hand around both her wrists and used his free hand to pop the front clasp of her bra.

Shilah felt a moment of nervousness when she tried to free her wrists and realized she couldn’t.  The moment was shattered into something far more powerful when he cupped one breast and lowered his mouth to it.

Oh fuck me.

Her mind went blank.  Was the damn man good at everything?  Her body was betraying her, pressing into that delicious sensation, biting down on her lip to keep a needful moan at bay.

His hand left her breast to tear at her skirt.  In moments it was pooled around her feet along with her thong.  With her held firm in his grasp, he switched to the other breast, teasing the nipple with a soft scrape of teeth before closing on it to suckle.

Shilah nearly screamed when his hand moved between her legs, parting her to work two fingers inside her.  He raised his head to look at her and lust turned to ire.  It didn’t take a genius to figure out she wasn’t just acting.  No woman got that wet from putting on an act.

He knew she was turned on.

And that pissed her off.  She opened her mouth, intent on delivering a scathing remark when sudden realization delivered her salvation.  It was pressing quite firmly against her belly.  Leonidias had a hard on.

Thank god.

Their eyes locked.  If anyone had ever told her that looking into a man’s eyes could drive her to orgasm she would have laughed.  But she damn near came.  Hunger and something so supremely male burned in his eyes.  It was enough to have her pussy spasm around his fingers.

Which did tend to give him a lead in the battle.  He smiled and stoked faster, never breaking eye contact.

Shilah fought against the rising flood of sensation, struggled not to let the feelings take control but it was too strong.  A small cry escaped her lips at the first wave and she crashed, letting the climax carry her.

Shit.

He’d had it pretty much under control until she came.  Sure, he had a world-class hard on, but a man would have to be dead not to be turned on.  Still, he’d known he could stop.  Until she came.

Then he lost it.  That soft cry and the warmth that wet his hand wiped away his control.  Before he knew it his mouth was crushed to hers, his fingers still sunk inside that delicious wetness and his thumb circling her clit.

She almost struggled. He could feel the moment of tension when their lips met.  But it vanished and she returned the kiss, pressing into his hand with a soft sound in her throat.

Leonidias released her wrist to gather her breasts in his hands.  Her arms wound up, pulling him more firmly into the kiss.  Her hands tugged at his shirt, working it up his body.

“Now,”  she breathed against his mouth.

Shilah thought he was going to step back.  For a moment he froze, then his hands tightened on her breasts, thumbs tracking back and forth over her nipples and groin pressing more firmly to her.

To hell with what he or anyone else thought.  There was no way she was stopping now.  Later she’d insist it was all just an act, but right now she wanted him.  Badly.

“Fast and furious?” he growled in her ear as he squeezed her breasts. Hard enough to entice a thrill but not hard enough to hurt.

“Not too fast, I hope.”

While she undid the buttons of his pants a short stab or remorse lanced through her.  When this mission was over would they pretend it really was all an act or would either of them have the balls to admit that the chemistry was real?

The hard mass he crushed against her pelvis obliterated that question and any other that might have come to mind. With a low sound in her throat she slipped a hand inside his fly and fisted him. Oh god, was he hard.  And big.

Leonidias backed her up until she was pressed against one of the windows.

She knew what was coming. Even if she had been inclined to at least put up the appearance of a fight, it would have been useless.  Leonidias entwined his fingers into hers, and forced her hands out wide, pressing them into the fucilage before she had time to think fuck me.

There weren’t many men who could pen her like this and on a purely female level she loved it.

Leonidias trapped one of her earlobes between his teeth, growled something she didn’t get then released it so he could suck at her throat.

“Now,” she urged with a pelvic tilt that had him grinding his erection against her.

His lips glistened when he pulled away to look down at her and he licked his bottom lip.

“Lift your leg.”

Had it been any other man, and maybe any other situation, she’d have sent him crawling home to mommy with his balls in his hands.  But this time was different.  This man was different.  She raised  one leg, bent at the knee with her foot pressed against the wall of the plane.

“Spread your legs.”  He said as he freed one of her hands.

With eyes locked to his she parted her thighs then moaned when his fingers parted her.

“So wet,”  his voice was a low rumble.

Shilah would have replied.  Would have said something if her brain had been able to process anything aside from the riot of sensation claiming her. Leonidias’s middle finger circled her, just a little rough and hard.  Just as she felt him about to slide in she hucked against him, taking him up to the knuckle.

“Slow down,” he whispered against her lips before invading her mouth with his tongue.

She wound her free arm behind him, bunching the back of his shirt in her fist and holding on like the last person to grab a parachute on a plane going down.

Leonidias robbed her of at least a few breaths and several heartbeats when he started thrusting in and out, fast and precise. Oh god, talk about hitting the target. The guy had serious aim.

She met the thrusts and the speed intensified.  A long groan preceded a couple of strokes that made her want to scream like a banshee, beat her head back against the metal and rake his back like there was no tomorrow.

“Yes, yes.” She panted his name, which seemed to fuel him more.

“That’s it.  Let me hear it,” Leonidias growled then crushed her mouth under his.

“Ahh, Leo…that’s it. Ahhh…”  She moaned into his mouth.

Then gasped when he abruptly abandoned her pussy “What—”

What was the rest of what she going to say? She couldn’t remember.  Maybe it was because Leonidias had looped one arm behind her bent knee and hoisted her up against him, pinning her to the window.  Hard.

Lust lanced through her hot and primal.

She had just enough time to get a grip on his neck when he curled his pelvis and  took her. “Ohhh…fuck. You’re hot.”

Shilah couldn’t manage anything beyond a one syllable groan.

Once, twice  and the third time he  rammed himself in to the hilt. With his chest crushed against hers, she wasn’t going anywhere. Not that she wanted to. She wrapped her legs around his strong waist and gave herself to the ride.

Her breath came quick and shallow, pushed out of her by his muscular torso and aggressive hip-work. Thighs pumping like pistons, he took her hard and fast.  She held on, keeping her thighs locked like an octapus around his middle, one hand fisted on the back of his collar, the other curled into his hair.

It was her favorite position.  How did he know that?  No time to ponder the question.  Every nerve ending in her pussy was being set on fire. With his thick dick and the angle of entry, she was stretched to the limit. Still he pounded away, encouraged by her groans and tightening clutch on his head.

Fuck me blind. Oh god, oh god…

“Don’t…you…stop.” Her growled demand seemed to have the same effect a red cape does on a bull.

He pounded so hard the window behind her back shoot.  She screamed his name when he widened his stance and grabbed her ass in two callused hands.

“Shilah,” he snarled. “Shilah.”

Each expulsion of breath, each repetition of her became a cadence to his thrusts. He pushed. Deep. Deeper. She took. God she took and reveled in it.

And then there it was. The chasm. The place where nothing mattered, where everything and everyone could go screw themselves and it didn’t matter what happened beyond this moment because there wasn’t anything she wanted more than this moment.

Oh fuck me.  Take me there, Leonidias.

He did.

His muscled shoulders twitched and tightened and she felt the grip on her ass dig in painfully. Did she care? Not one damn bit  She welcomed it.

His groan was that that of a great beast.  Juices and sweat united them. Passion linked them.  With a pound that should must have caused the pilots to check for sudden wind shear, he grunted his climax and she took the plunge with him.

As soon as the storm passed, he slowed his tempo, lengthening the stroke to take her nice and slow while she squeezed her vaginal muscles around him, milking that smooth burning rod that held her prisoner.  The second orgasm hit suddenly, surprising her. She thought she had a few seconds left.

“Ohhh…”

Leonidias drowned out the rest of her moan, plastering his mouth against hers, his tongue performing wonders and his teeth some definite damage. Her lips throbbed and burned. Both sets.

He lowered her ever so slowly, by one small increment at a time so that she could unlink her feet and put one down. He kept one of her legs tucked under an elbow.

After several slow wet kisses, he bit her bottom lip, sucked at it then released both her mouth and her leg. Cum dribbled down her thighs when he pulled out.   He slid out of his shirt and knelt down so he could wipe her. What?  Was there a sensitive side to Big Leonidias?  She was stunned.

He planted a wet sloppy kiss on her belly and rose. “I’m thirsty.  Want some champagne, sugar?”

“Mmm.” It was all she could manage.  Her verbal abilities seemed to be impaired.

Leonidias used his shirt, wiped off then slid his pants back up. As he made his way to the bar Shilah forced her body into motion to gather up her clothes.  She went into the lavatory and closed the door.

She looked at herself in the mirror.  Her lips were swollen from his kisses, nipples red and body covered in a sheen of sweat from a world-class sex bout.

Shilah grabbed a hand towel and wet it to clean up.  Shame she didn’t have some way of cleaning up what was still coming from inside her.  She smelled like him.

That was a first.  She’d never had unprotected sex in her life.  Not that she feared contracting something from him.  V’Kar were not succeptible to sexually transmitted diseases, so it wasn’t disease she feared.

It was the way Leonidias made her feel.  She wasn’t a novice to sex and had enjoyed her fair share of men, but never had she experienced the kind of feelings she had with Leonidias.

Oh, fuck me.  Damn!

She could not be stupid enough to let herself fall for him.  No matter how good the sex, it would never work.  They were too much alike, both had too strong a  need for control.  No, she could not allow herself to even think that way.

So why was she?

Disgusted with herself, she finished cleaning up, dressed and returned to the cabin.  Leonidias was kicked back in a chair with a glass of water.  An opened bottle of champagne and two filled glasses sat on the table before him.

Shilah was almost flush with where he sat when she noticed that the galley door was ajar.  Looks like someone got a show.  What puzzled her was why?  Was the flight attendant simply indulging in a bit of voyeuristic pleasure, or was it possible they were being surveilled?

Not willing to take a chance, she reminded herself to stay in character.  She stopped beside Leonidias’s seat and leaned down to kiss him.  “We’re being watched,”  she whispered before brushing her lips against his.

He nodded and reached up to cup her face, to all appearances the loving husband.  “That bother you?”

“Well considering we just-“

“Did our job.”  His eyes turned hard.

Shilah felt the sharp bite of his words.  So that’s how he wanted to play it?  It was just part of the job?

“Yep.”  She straightened and moved to take a seat across from him.  It was just a job.