by Susan Hayes
“And where exactly are we going?”
“It’s time you met the rest of our merry band. We’re taking you to the Nova Club.”
Tianna’s world was like nothing Royan had ever experienced. He’d teased her about being royalty, but it turned out to be closer to the truth than he’d imagined. That first day a security guard had met them at the door, his harsh demeanor melting away the second he learned who Tianna was. After that, everyone they met had fallen into two camps: flustered underlings eager to please, or predatory executives with slick smiles and assessing eyes. There wasn’t a warm smile or a friendly face to be seen.
After staying with her for the last three days, and seeing how her father spoke to her, Royan was starting to understand why trust didn’t come easy for her. She wasn’t used to having anyone she could rely on. Everyone she knew was an adversary, not an ally.
He changed into one of his favorite shirts and re-styled his hair. Tianna had insisted on buying them both new clothes to help them fit in around Astek. Collared shirts, tailored slacks. Each item cost more than a month’s wages, and all of it was fraxxing uncomfortable to wear. He grabbed a pair of his old, broken in pants and tugged them on while replaying the conversation he’d overheard between father and daughter. It bothered him to hear her spoken to so disparagingly. He’d been tempted to interrupt, or interfere somehow, but he knew she wouldn’t have thanked him for it. Her father was one demon he couldn’t fight for her.
Demons seemed to be everywhere these days. Owen was battling his own right now. He felt guilty that his family was part of the attempt on Tianna’s life, which made him almost obsessive about her security. He’d drawn up a round-the-clock schedule that ensured one of them was near her at all times. He even had it set up so that one of them stood watch inside her suite every night, which meant that while they both saw plenty of Tianna, they weren’t getting much time alone with each other.
Royan was frustrated, not just with the situation, but their lack of progress finding any kind of resolution. The investigation into the explosion on the Alacrity didn’t seem to be going anywhere, the Valentine clan had pulled a disappearing act, and all they knew for certain was that someone inside Astek had to be involved in the attack.
Both Tianna and Owen were unhappy, and the only thing he could do about it was to try and make them laugh. It didn’t feel like nearly enough.
Tianna had given them a bedroom of their own, though neither of them had actually slept there. They came here to clean up and change, and that was it. One of them slept with Tianna, the other guarded the door, and halfway through the night, they switched places. Their stuff was scattered around the room, with most of their clothes strewn across the bed, safe from the overly-helpful bots that appeared every time anything bigger than a dust mote landed on the floor.
Owen changed too, pulling on a pair of black pants that cupped his ass perfectly, tempting Royan to walk over and peel him right back out of them again.
“I don’t suppose we’ve got time for a little fun before we go?” he asked, knowing exactly what Owen would say.
“You know we don’t. I need to get changed and let the Corp-Sec guards know there’s been a change in plans. We’ll have to take one of their transports, too. Astek’s vehicles might be compromised.”
Royan walked over to Owen, stepping in behind him and wrapping his arms around the other man’s waist. “Or we could walk. It’s not far. The point is to show Tianna the station. How much of that is she going to see locked inside a transport?”
“I can’t take that kind of risk.”
He rested his head against the hard planes of his lover’s back. “You’re not the only one around here making sure our girl stays safe. Those gorgeous shoulders of yours don’t need to carry the whole load.”
For a moment, Owen stayed tense, but then he let out a long breath and leaned back into Royan. “You’re right.”
“Of course I’m right. I’m not just a pretty face, I’m the whole damned package. Looks, smarts, charm, you name it, I got it.”
Just like Royan hoped, Owen laughed. “And yet somehow, I managed to resist you and your charms for months.”
“You tried, but eventually you fell for me.” He held on a little tighter. “I know now is probably the wrong time to say it, but I’m really glad you did.”
Owen stilled. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Even with Tianna in the picture? I know we’ve both been focused on her, lately.”
He released Owen, stepping around to face him. He didn’t know what he was going to say, but he needed to be looking at Owen when he said it.
“Just because we care about her doesn’t mean I forgot about you. Love’s not a zero-sum game, baby.”
Owen grabbed his shirt in both fists and hauled him in close. “Say that again.”
“I didn’t forget about you.” He was still trying to absorb the words that had come out of his mouth. Love? He didn’t do love. Did he?
“Not that bit, the other one. The part where you said you loved me.”
Feeling lost and off balance, Royan fell back on his default setting – smart ass. “That’s not exactly what I—”
Owen pressed two fingers to Royan’s lips, shushing him mid-sentence. “Don’t play games. Not now. If you meant it, then say it again.”
Do I love him? He asked himself, and the answer came back loud and clear. He did. Holy fraxx, he really did. “I’m only just figuring all this out, but yeah, I love you.”
Owen’s mouth crashed down on his, kissing him with a hunger that made Royan’s heart pound and his balls ache. He’d missed these moments between them, but maybe it took being apart for him to finally admit the truth – he didn’t just want Owen, he loved him. And the fact that didn’t send his lover running proved that he wasn’t the real lunatic in this relationship, it was Owen.
“You’re laughing now? Really?” Owen lifted his head to stare down at him with bemusement tinged with annoyance.
“I’m happy. Plus, I always figured the universe might explode if I ever uttered those three little words, so I’m also thrilled not to be dead.”
Owen threaded his fingers into his hair, tugging his head back. “What the fraxx am I going to do with you?”
“Baby, if you’re out of ideas, I’ve got a whole list for us to try. Do you want to proceed alphabetically or by degree of difficulty?”
“An entire universe of males to chose from, and I had to fall for a sex-crazed fly boy.”
Royan heart raced and his world lit up like he’d downed a dose of the purest pharma on the market. He tried to play it cool, but there was no hiding the shit-eating grin on his face. “Nice to know I’m not the only one falling right now.”
“You’re definitely not alone.”
Tianna cleared her throat, and Royan glanced over to see her standing in the doorway, lingering there as if she were unsure of her welcome. “If you’d rather stay in tonight, I’ll understand. You two have a lot to celebrate.”
“We do,” Royan said, then looked to Owen for…something. Agreement? Approval? He wasn’t sure. He just knew this was a decision they needed to make together.
Owen gave a small nod, then held out his hand to Tianna. “We’re going out tonight, Tia. All three of us.”
She gifted them both with a smile that spoke straight to his heart. No matter how many times she said otherwise, she wanted this. It was obvious. Now he just had to figure out how to get her to see it for herself. He’d managed to do it once, with Owen. He’d find a way to do it again.
Chapter Fourteen
The guys had said to wear something casual, but she didn’t have anything that fit that description in her new wardrobe. Tink had ordered her an array of clothes once they’d arrived on the station, but as far as Tianna knew, they were all either office attire or workout wear. Not that she’d had a chance to work out lately, but Tink was programmed with her preferences.
She was tempted to wear the dress
they’d bought her at the market but they’d seen her in it recently, and she wanted something new. She tried on a few outfits before discovering a simple black sheath dress hanging near the back of her closet.
“Tink, when did you order this? It’s not my usual thing.”
“Your companions mentioned taking you to the Nova Club several times while we were on the Sun Sprite. I interfaced with Sprite and was able to determine what sort of attire would be acceptable and added it to your order.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were matchmaking, Tink.”
“I am not programmed for that. Though I will note that all physical indicators show you to be in an optimal emotional state more often when you are in the company of Owen and Royan.”
For something that wasn’t programmed for matchmaking, her AI was doing a remarkable impression of it.
She changed into the new dress and eyed herself in the mirror. It really did look good. “Instead of musing on my physical indicators, how about telling me if you bought any shoes to match this dress.”
Tink managed to sound almost indignant. “I am programmed to coordinate and accessorize your wardrobe. There are two options for that dress. The shoes are on the left, the boot option is on your right.”
“Oh, boots!” They were thigh-highs, jet-black and made of a thick, buttery soft material that molded to her legs as she pulled them on. After that, all that was left was her hair. She was going to re-braid it, but her scalp itched from having it bound back all day, so she brushed it out and left it loose instead.
She finished getting ready and took a deep breath, surprised to discover she was nervous about tonight. “It’s not a date, and it’s not like you’re meeting your boyfriends’ family. This is just a friendly thing,” she reminded herself, but the feeling persisted.
While they had continued to sleep together since leaving the Sun Sprite, they’d all maintained a professional distance outside her quarters. No flirting, no touching. Nothing that could be reported back to her father. She missed it. Missed the energy and laughter they brought into her life. If only there was a way… She shook her head. No. She knew better than to play the what-if game. There was no version of their story where they all lived happily ever after. Not together. She had her duty, and they had each other.
She headed to the guys’ room to let them know she was ready.
This is what love looks like. A bittersweet tangle of emotions washed over her. Happiness and jealousy, joy and regret. She stayed quiet longer than she should have, bearing witness to the beginning of what she hoped was a lifetime of love for them both.
Torn between saying something or slipping away before they noticed her, she chose to acknowledge their moment, even if it meant the end of their trio. At least, that’s what she thought it meant, but Owen and Royan surprised her yet again.
“We’re going out tonight, Tia. All three of us.” Owen held out a hand to her, and she accepted their invitation before she could talk herself out of it. She knew every argument. Every logical reason this was a bad idea, but she wasn’t ready for this to be over. Not yet.
They finished getting dressed with her in the room, and for a moment it was like they were back on the ship again. The flirting and fun returned, and every few seconds one of them was touching her, or each other. She drank in every compliment and caress, savoring their closeness. Their playfulness lasted until they left her quarters, and then they were professional again, though once they were away from the office area they started to joke and banter a little, giving her a colorful and descriptive tour as they walked through the heart of Astek Station.
“Crowded tonight.” Royan moved in closer, protecting her from the jostling throng.
“I haven’t seen this many beings in one place in years. Wait, is that a Vardarian?” She raised her hand to point, then realized how impolite that would be and tipped her head in the direction of a large male with long, dark hair and silver skin.
“It is. Not too many of them around yet,” Owen said.
“I thought they had wings.”
“They do. They fold up against their backs.” Royan pressed both arms to his chest. “See the slits in the back of his vest? Those are for his wings.”
No one had informed her there were Vardarians on the station. She needed to have a word with her people and remind them that it wasn’t just the flow of goods that kept the company running, it was the flow of information. How many of the new species were on the station? What ship brought them here? Were they traders? Diplomats? Tourists?
“I think we lost her.” Royan reached over and tapped her wrist. “Tia, whatever you’re thinking about, stop it. This is a workfree evening.”
“There’s no such thing. My hiatus stopped the second we docked, remember?”
Owen frowned “You can’t work all the time. You already get less sleep than anyone I know.”
“If it helps, think of tonight as research. You’re here to get a feel for the way things work on this station, check out some of the goods and services that are available, and do an inspection of one of the larger entertainment venues.” Royan winked. “Maybe even sample some of those goods for yourself.”
“No maybe about it. The first round is on me. This place is the home of the Sun Sprite’s Delight, remember?” Owen said.
She remembered. She’d already programmed Tink with the recipe, though finding the color-shifting alcohol it was made from had proven impossible. Apparently, the Nova Club was the only place on the station that had it. “One drink.”
“Second round is on me, so you better make it two.” Royan guided them through the crowd. They were headed to a set of open double doors with a lineup of people waiting to get inside. The doors were guarded by two massive men wearing matching blue shirts that clung to their well-muscled arms. Music poured out of the doors, loud enough to attract attention but still within tolerable levels.
Owen walked over to one of the uniformed men, clapping him on the shoulder. “You losing in the ring so much you have to pick up shifts as a bouncer now?”
The big blond grinned. “I don’t lose, Connors. You know that. Well, not to anyone but Cyn and her husband, and no one wins against the boss lady. Kit and Luke both want to stick close to Zura these days, so a couple of us stepped up to help.”
“I’m sure they appreciate it. How are they coping with pending fatherhood?”
Erik laughed. “About as well as you’d expect. Zura’s about ready to toss them both out the nearest airlock.” He looked at Royan. “Your sister is tiny but terrifying.”
“You think I don’t know that? You should have seen her as a teenager. She was a menace.” Royan nodded to her. “Eric, this is Tianna Astor. She’s going to be our guest for tonight. Can you spread the word, and maybe keep an extra eye out for trouble?”
Erik’s eyes widened. “Astor? As in…”
“Afraid so.” She held out her hand to him and gave him a disarming smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Erik.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too.” Erik took her hand and instead of shaking it, raised it to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles.
Behind her, both men grumbled and Eric released her hand. “So, it’s like that?”
Both men hesitated. Officially they weren’t together. That was the story she’d insisted on.
“It’s complicated,” she spoke before either of them could.
“Uh huh.” Erik smirked a little. “With these two, it always is.” He ushered them through the doors and into the club. It was larger than she’d expected, even after seeing the blueprints for this part of the station. There was a dance floor filled with gyrating bodies and flashing lights, booths and tables, a roped off area full of gaming tables. The bar took up an entire wall of the club, and the entire space was done in shades of blue and silver.
They passed into another roped off section and claimed a booth by one of the windows. The music was softer here, and the noise of the crowd was barely
more than a distant buzz.
A server came by, greeted Owen and Royan by name and took their orders, returning only a few minutes later with a tray laden with cocktails and snacks. Six drinks were on the tray, but before she could ask why, the answer appeared. Two identical men walked toward them, flanking a woman with striking blue hair and the variegated coloring of a Pheran. If that wasn’t a clear hint to her identity, the fact she was heavily pregnant made it obvious – this had to be Royan’s sister, which meant the men with her were her cyborg husbands.
She rose, not sure what to expect, but Zura walked up and shook her hand without any hesitation. “Hi. I’m Zura, Royan’s sensible and much saner older sister. Welcome to the Nova Club.”
“Hello. Thanks for letting me borrow Royan and Owen as private security. I appreciate it.”
Zura nodded. “Of course. I know what it’s like to be a target. We’re happy to help. Besides, this keeps my brother close by until these babies are born.” She set a hand on her distended stomach. “Which I hope will be very fraxxing soon.”
“Speaking of which, you should be sitting down. Doctor’s orders, remember?” One of her husbands reminded her.
“I’ll sit in a second, Kit. Introductions first. Tianna, these are my husbands, Kit and Luke Armas. My brothers-in-law Jaeger and Toro are around here somewhere, and Cynder is…” she looked around. “Aha, she’s at the bar and will probably join us shortly.”
“Nice to meet you all.”
They took their seats, arranging themselves so that the two women were on the inside, nearest the window.
“I’m sorry about what happened to you. The loss of your ship and crew, that can’t be easy to get past,” Zura said.
It was the first time anyone beside Royan and Owen had acknowledged her loss. No one at Astek had even mentioned it. “Thank you. If it weren’t for your brother and Owen, I wouldn’t have survived, either. They saved me.”
