Emmett was momentarily distracted by the thin blonde who scooted past him. So this was the woman who’d kept Brendon until the early hours of the morning.
“I thought you would be on duty,” Molly said quietly and turned, walking past him.
“I am not scheduled today.” Irritation flickered inside him as he turned and followed after her.
Like an animal chasing a female in heat.
“I see. Well, it must be nice to have a free day. Have you any special plans?”
He caught her arm and turned her, his nostrils flaring. “Yes. To find you and see what is going on in that little head of yours.”
Guilt flickered in her eyes before it disappeared and she once again looked calm and unruffled.
“Oh, the usual things, I suppose. The finances, keeping my lodge full, whether I have enough aliaberry wine to last—”
“That is not what I meant, and you well know it.” Emmett stepped forward until they were just a breath apart.
Molly cast a quick glance over at the receptionist, who watched them curiously.
“In my office, Emmett. Now, if you would.”
He didn’t even protest that she’d ordered him around like he was an employee, just strode after her into the room he’d fucked her in the other day.
Even now, his gaze was drawn to the sway of her round hips. The slight bounce of her ass. His cock hardened, and he bit back a groan.
The door hissed shut behind them, and she turned around, irritation clear on her face.
“I have a reputation to maintain,” she said firmly. “And I would appreciate it if you would help me keep it upstanding.”
“You leave me no choice, Molly. You have avoided me like I bring some sort of plague.” He thrust a hand through his hair and glared. “Tell me what the problem is. Do you regret what happened?”
“Yes.”
He flinched at having his fears confirmed. And then her face fell and she shook her head.
“Wait. No, I lie to you. I cannot regret what we did,” she said softly. “But I regret the situation it has left us in.”
His jaw hardened. “And that would be?”
“I’m not sure, entirely. But it is awkward.” She hesitated and then blurted, “I cannot have a relationship with you, Emmett.”
He blinked, certainly not prepared for that confession. He wasn’t entirely certain he wanted a relationship, but then he couldn’t be sure he didn’t want one, either. But if she was squeamish about the idea, he’d certainly slow things down for her.
“You do not want a relationship,” he repeated and walked slowly toward her.
She shook her head and licked her lips. “No. I haven’t the time for one.”
“Nor do I.”
Her mouth parted in surprise and she didn’t reply for a moment. Then her gaze narrowed suspiciously. “Truthfully?”
“Truthfully.”
“Then what do you want from me?”
He just wanted her. He hadn’t thought much beyond that.
“Emmett, I must return to work. There are those who would notice that I’ve brought a man into my office and for how long.” Her voice had turned wary and she made to move past him.
“Wait.” He caught her wrist, tugging her back toward him. “I cannot say what I want from you. Only that I want you.”
Amusement flashed in her gaze and then her lips curved into a wry grin. “Well, at least you are honest.”
“Have dinner with me tonight?” When she opened her mouth to protest he touched a finger to her lip. “It is dinner—” and possibly more delicious sex “—not a relationship.”
She bit her lip and watched him through narrowed eyes, then gave a sharp nod. “If I can find someone to watch the front desk, then yes. I will dine with you.”
“Find someone,” he commanded softly. “You will not regret it.”
* * * *
Nika wandered the edge of the compound, exploring more of the trail than she previously had the opportunity to see.
The weather was chilly, and she was glad she’d thought to grab a jacket from her room. She walked for almost an hour before she spotted a lake off in the distance.
Her pulse quickened at the sight and she increased her stride. Each breath of fresh air she drew in was a reminder of how far she’d come.
On Zortou as a Rosabelle, the planet had been so polluted that the citizens had not been allowed outside for more than brief periods at a time. And a Rosabelle had never been given the right to leave her owners’ home. Any time outside could damage such a commodity. And that’s exactly what she’d been to them.
On Tresden, even though she had every right to explore the planet, she had rarely left her training facility. Perhaps it had been habit. Or maybe it had been her drive to simply succeed in her training.
But now while walking outside here, on Belton, she regretted that she hadn’t made the time.
She reached the lake’s edge and removed her sandals, dipping a toe into the water. Frigid, indeed. Cool and wet, it sent shivers through her body. It was invigorating, though. Those that might be watching would call her insane to see her wading in the icy water.
A few feet away she spotted a path just beneath the surface. Almost transparent in appearance. Quite astounding, really. A path that floated beneath the water. Would it truly hold the weight of a human?
She let out a soft laugh and shook her head. She had no desire to find out right now.
Looking over the water, a pang of longing swept through her.
What would it be like in the summer to swim in the lake? Her mouth twisted. Well, if she knew how to swim. Perhaps that would be something she would learn to do when—
Her stomach clenched and she blinked. Gods, how quickly she forgot. Once this mission was completed, life would not go on as normal. She would gain the samples and send them back to Tresden. After that, depending on how well she completed her mission, her life would change. And at the rate she was going, her life would have to be stripped down and rebuilt.
Already she had left too many clues. She would need to start anew. With a fresh identity. Perhaps even a new face.
“You wish to swim?”
Nika spun around, already on the defensive, one hand raised to deliver a hit.
The man in front of her upped her anxiety, but did not appear to be a threat. At the moment.
She lowered her arm and met the red gaze of the man from the restaurant. He was not a tall man, but larger in girth. Black hair covered his head in patches, as he appeared to have lost some. His overall impression was not pleasant.
“No, I do not. Did you follow me, sir?”
“Like you, I took a walk.” He smiled and took a step toward her.
His scent was quite rancid. She resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose, but held her ground. He tried to intimidate her. But why?
“Quite a coincidence that we should both end up miles from the lodge, though, is it not?” She saw no reason to be coy.
“I hear you are visiting the city to see a cousin?” He ignored her question by asking another.
How had he heard that? Her gaze moved over his face, seeking the answers her gut already told her. Because he was a blood drinker. It was quite likely—and gods she was a fool for not realizing it earlier—that the man had extra sensitive hearing. How much of her conversation with Molly had he overheard?
“I think that is none of your business.”
“Actually, it is very much my business.” He stepped closer to her, and this time she could not help but step backward.
Her feet brushed the cool water again as unease rushed through her. Very much his business?
Do not be intimidated by this filth, Nika. You could kill him in half the time it would take him to count to ten. If he could count that high.
“What brings you to Belton?” she asked.
“I hunt.”
“You hunt?” She lifted a brow, trying to appear that his answer had not concerned her further.
“Yes,” he said softly and pleasure flickered across his face. “I enjoy the hunt. Watching the defeat in those I chase, right before I go in for the…kill.”
Did he kill humans? Drink their blood? It was what the legend of blood drinkers proclaimed. A wash of cold swept through her and only part of it was due to her feet going numb in the lake.
“Interesting. If you fancy the sport.” She stepped to the side and around him, back onto the safety of the shore. “I myself loathe hunting.”
“Pity. You should try it; you may change your mind.”
“Doubtful,” she scoffed and slid her feet into her sandals again. “If you’ll excuse me I must return to the lodge.”
“I shall walk with you.”
“Thank you, but I prefer to walk alone.”
“Ah, but it is not safe, ma’am.” He turned to follow her. “There are all kinds of evil that lurk. Just waiting to pounce on a helpless woman.”
“You needn’t worry, as I am hardly helpless.” She did not add that he was likely the evil lurking.
“Not helpless? And what training do you have?”
Another stab of unease. This man asked far too many questions.
She didn’t answer. Instead quickened her pace, hoping if she ignored him he might disappear.
“What does your cousin do in the military?” He came abreast of her.
“I cannot make it more clear,” she finally snapped, turning a hard glare on him. “I have no wish for your company or conversation. Leave me be.”
His smile came slow, but in it he exposed two long canine teeth.
I will not be intimidated.
“As you wish.” His steps slowed. “Though I’m sure we shall chat again.”
“Let’s hope not,” she muttered and turned away, her steps quite a bit quicker as she fled back to the lodge.
*
Leo watched her run away and his gaze narrowed. Excitement and lust mingled in his blood.
She was not overtly feminine. Her body was toned rather than having luscious curves. No, her curves were more slight. She was lean and with a lovely face.
Gods, it would be a thrill to fuck her. If he allowed himself the opportunity. He’d been without female companionship since leaving Multron and Bernadette behind. Though he had to admit he welcomed the break from his pet human—she’d begun to grate on his nerves lately.
He watched as the woman—Rebecca, was it?—disappeared from his vision and he began to walk again. Could it even be possible? That the man the Planetary Army of Belton put a bounty on was really a woman? A woman who stole specimens and fought and defeated trained soldiers.
Quite interesting. Interesting, indeed.
His gut told him he was onto something. That it was too much of a coincidence that she had a rib injury and one of the soldiers had mentioned inflicting a wound in the same area on the thief.
His lips curved into a smile and he flicked his tongue over one sharp incisor. He hoped it was her. Because if so he would enjoy breaking her. Enjoy her pleas that he not turn her over to the military.
Beneath his trousers his cock stirred, and he resisted the urge to reach down and stroke it. Until he could prove she was the thief and had her in his possession, he could not touch her.
But it mattered not. There were other women willing to let him sate his lust between their legs.
Being a blood drinker apparently aroused as many women as it made fearful. As was the case with Bernadette, who’d followed him back to Multron after he’d done work on another human planet.
But for now, he needed to slake his lust and touching Rebecca was off limits. Too bad that plump little lodge owner had turned him down, though. She would have been a great fuck to pass the time.
He tilted his head as he walked, already envisioning her without the dress. Yes, she’d be quite fun to bed.
Perhaps there was still time to convince her. She might be one that protested until you touched just the right spot on her body, and then she’d be begging like a pooch.
Hmm. The idea had appeal. He quickened his pace, already considering how he’d go about this.
* * * *
“I thought about you quite a bit today.”
Nika’s heart tripped as she glanced up at Brendon. “Did you, now?”
“I did.” He caught her hand as they walked to a park near the lodge. “There was little else to do. The forensic specialists scoured the lab again for evidence.”
Nika stumbled, felt the hairs on the back of her neck lift. “Oh? What happened?”
He hesitated and touched his eye. “Actually, it was how I came by this. There was an attempted break-in at the lab.”
She feigned surprise and made a cluck of sympathy. The sympathy was not so much feigned. The wound above his eye truly did look awful. And she’d been responsible for it.
“Did they catch the person?”
“Not yet. Hence the forensic search.”
Her throat grew tight.
“Enough about me. What have you done with yourself today?” he asked.
Forcing words out through the tension in her throat, she murmured, “I had breakfast with Molly. Spent an hour working on my report.”
“This report—”
“And then the strangest thing happened,” she rushed on, knowing he’d been about to ask about her work. And Gods, it was nothing but a lie. And she couldn’t bear to keep lying. “I went for a walk, and I was followed.”
Brendon stopped, turning to face her with his expression guarded. “Who followed you?”
“I cannot be certain. All I know is he comes from Multron. I believe him to be a blood drinker.”
The air hissed out from between Brendon’s teeth. “He followed you? Why? Did he harm you?”
“He did not hurt me.” She bit her lip. “But he made me quite uncomfortable and said some very off remarks.”
“Such as?”
Knowing she could hardly bring up him mentioning her nonexistent cousin, she simply shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter. I was just surprised he followed me. You seemed to realize whom I spoke of. Do you know the man?”
“No. I do not know him personally. But I have heard he is a bounty hunter visiting the planet on business.”
“A bounty hunter,” she repeated, her pulse quickening.
The military would not have put out a bounty on her head, would they?
“You look pale, love. Are you still up for a walk in the park?”
“I am.” She pressed a hand to her forehead and forced a smile. “’Tis nothing but a bit of a head cold.”
“If you are certain.”
“I am.”
And she was certain that she needed to keep herself focused. She could not afford to be distracted by fear. Or by passion. And gods, she’d certainly let the latter become a diversion.
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Brendon again. He was nothing more than a means to an end. And she would do best to remember that. If seducing him and being his lover resulted in pleasure, then so be it. But it was still nothing more than part of her job requirement.
Her internal conversation was just the spark she needed to light the fire under her. It reminded her of how much was at stake.
She squeezed her hand around Brendon’s and brightened her smile. “I am just thrilled to be spending more time with you. Though I must confess, since your admission about the break-in at the lab, I am worried for your safety. Do you work alone?”
He laughed softly and raised her hand to his mouth, brushing his lips across the back of her knuckles.
A tremor of pleasure seared through her blood.
“I used to. But they have raised security since the attempt.”
“Have they? So there are more of you working now?”
“Yes. Three soldiers per shift.”
Three. That would certainly pose more of a challenge.
“And do you usually work during the day?”
“Most of the time, yes.” He hesitated, turning them off the trail and toward an open park. “The night of the attack I had volunteered to cover the shift of a fellow soldier.”
“I see.” Her mouth tightened. “Quite unfortunate you happened to be there at the time of the attack. I hate that you were hurt.”
“Hurt, but fortunately not killed.”
She bit her lip, just before she could ask how the other soldier fared. The one she’d knocked out.
“Were you alone that night? The only person harmed?” she asked instead.
“No. There was another soldier on duty, the man I had come to relieve. The thief had him out cold.” Brendon’s voice hardened. “For a moment I thought him to be dead.”
“How terrible. But he is well now?”
“Yes. Though somewhat humiliated to have been taken down so easily.”
A swell of amused laughter bubbled in her throat, but she quickly snuffed it out.
She cleared her throat and said lightly, “You know, we never had a complete tour of the lab. If I came in to do another one we could spend more time together while you’re working.”
“I like the way you think.” He grinned and winked at her. “Perhaps tomorrow?”
“Only if you’re not too busy.”
They stopped in the middle of the open field and she breathed in the cool crisp air. There were not many people about, save for a family that helped a toddler down a sky slide.
Her gaze moved up to the slide high in the air and the lift that would take the child to the top. Her mouth curled into a soft smile as the toddler and mother exited the lift and sat down on the slide. A moment later they sailed down the clear slide—not quite invisible, for it shimmered in the fading sunlight.
“It looks fun, does it not?” Brendon asked.
“Indeed. I have to confess more so, that I’m intrigued to see children. On Zortou, there were none.”
“I had forgotten. Your generation was the last to be born on that planet. And among you, only a handful of females,” he murmured sympathetically. “Will you be able to have children of your own some day? Or did they…”
“Yes, I will be able to if I want. On Zortou they gave us injections regularly that would keep us from conceiving. Nobody wanted more men on the planet and once it was discovered that’s all that were being birthed…they put an end to it.”
The toddler squealed as he reached the end of the long slide and hurried off back toward the lift.
“You said you could have children if you want. Do you?”
Did she want children? She blinked, having not even considered the possibility. “I had not really thought about it. I’m not sure I would be the mothering type.”
“I’m not so certain about that.” Brendon touched her shoulder, turning her so that she now faced him. His pensive gaze searched hers.
Her cheeks flushed with color and she slid her gaze away from his. She would likely never be a mother, though. To do so would normally require being intimate with someone. That in itself rarely happened, with this mission being the exception. And as Rachel had informed her, she’d been given the injection to prevent pregnancy.
She watched the child and mother reach the top of the slide again. Something inside her softened, twisted a bit. Being a mother was likely a wonderful thing…
Nika started with dismay, stumbling backward at her own soft thoughts. Gods, what was wrong with her? Thinking about motherhood now? Truly?
“You look quite terrified,” Brendon teased. “Though I can understand. The idea of being a parent daunts the best of us. Myself included.”
“Yes, well. I cannot quite see it ever happening with me,” she said tightly.
“Are you on an injection schedule now?” he asked softly. “I did not use any protection.”
“I am,” she murmured and decided this topic needed to end. Like two minutes ago.
Turning fully in his arms, she slid her hands over his chest. “Though all this talk about procreating has made me quite excited about the process.”
He arched a brow and his gaze settled on her mouth. “Indeed?”
She let her tongue dart out to wet her lips. “Indeed.”
“I had thought to invite you onto the slide with me,” he murmured. “But perhaps we should indulge in a different form of entertainment?”
Nika let out a burst of laughter. “We are too large for the slide. It’s only for children, silly.”
“Nonsense.” He scoffed and then stepped back, grabbing her hand again. “I make it a habit to ride it at least once a week.”
“You jest!” She laughed, but didn’t fight him as he tugged her toward the lift.
“Never. We shall enjoy the slide and have a childhood moment. And then once back at the lodge,” he turned and growled against her ear. “We shall enjoy a more adult moment.”
Brendon squeezed into the boxed lift with her and she was suddenly forced quite close to him. His hard muscles pressed into the soft curves of her body.
Licking her lips, she confessed, “I am not sure what excites me more.”
“Why not both?” He slid his hands past her hips and squeezed her bottom lightly.
Heat spread through her body. Her nipples tightened, pressing against his solid chest.
She let out a soft gasp as the lift rose sharply into the air and she pressed her head against his shoulder. The wind brushed against her cheek the higher they rose.
He moved one hand up to rub her back and pressed a kiss against her forehead.
“Having you this close to me makes me wish we had skipped the slide,” he muttered in her ear. “For what I want to do to you right now surely is not appropriate for the eyes of children.”
She lifted her head, her eyes dancing with amusement. “The slide will take but a moment and I do so want to experience it. What we do after may take all night.”
“Is that a promise, love?”
“Or a threat. How would you feel if I bound you?”
He gave a soft laugh. “And to think, I’ve been thinking of asking you the same thing.”