by Vi Keeland
With the agility and confidence of one of Chicago’s finest, Lilly charged, the knife extended. Thaegan let out a war cry as he reached out to disarm Lilly. What happened next may have appeared in slow motion, but Dallas would never be sure how the petite woman had managed it. There was a tangling of arms, a juggling of the dagger and Lilly’s booted foot shot out and up. Somehow she managed to use Thaegan’s momentum against him. The large alien lost his balance, sprawled on his back and slid along the floor, smashing into the chair near Dallas. It was a wonder he hadn’t been taken down as well.
Silence pinged off the walls of the tiny cabin as the three of them assimilated the events of the last minute.
Dallas retrieved his jeans and pulled himself back together. Lilly bounced on the balls of her feet, the dagger still in her hand and extended, prepared for another attack. Thaegan slowly sat up, his fingers probing his scalp for damages. Dallas wanted to laugh at his partner’s pinched expression. He’d never seen the large alien bested by anyone in hand-to-hand combat, let alone a small woman.
“Enough is enough, asshole.” Lilly’s angry words brought him up short.
Dallas stepped toward her, his hand extended. But the warning look she shot stopped him cold. “Lilly, put down the dagger. You’ve got to see how this looked to Thaegan.”
“What I see, Dallas, is a couple of government idiots who overpowered an innocent woman doing her job. I think it’s me who should be pissed at you for costing me a bounty. Not the other way around.”
The woman had morphed from wanton seductress to pissed-off woman in two seconds flat. Not that he blamed her. They’d kidnapped her, tied her up and now Thaegan had tried to attack her a second time in less than two hours. She had every right to resent them. But, shit, she did look sexy as hell with that dangerous mien of female indignation sparking in her eyes. Her breasts bounced enticingly with her anger, her hair disheveled from the altercation with Thaegan. And that mouth spewing fury was still swollen from his kisses. Jesus, the blood rushing to his groin was making it hard to focus.
“Lilly, we—”
“I told you not to untie her.” Thaegan shifted and began to stand.
“Stay down, Ka’al,” Lilly commanded. “I like you right there.”
Thaegan acted as if she’d said nothing and stood next to Dallas, disgust deepening the ridges on his nose.
“I’m warning you, Ka’al. One move and I will gut you with this dagger. I’ve got enough negative energy pulsing around me, that the dagger will do most of the work.”
His partner quirked an eyebrow. Lilly may have caught him off guard once, but Dallas had no doubt the alien wouldn’t let it happen a second time.
Again Thaegan ignored her. “This certainly does complicate things.” The Ka’al sniffed the air then Dallas. “By the Gods, you didn’t.”
Dallas shrugged.
“She got to you too? Obviously, even that artificial shit flowing through your veins doesn’t stop her witchery. Is that why you untied her?”
He turned to face his partner. Dallas wasn’t sure what was irritating him more, the fact his partner was questioning his motives or the fact he hadn’t bothered to resist his own selfish needs. “I untied her because she’s no threat to me.”
“She controls you whether you feel it or not.”
“Is she controlling you right now? Is that why you’re being such an asshole?” Dallas asked.
Thaegan paused. He inhaled deeply and turned to stare at Lilly.
“I’m not doing shit to you, Ka’al,” Lilly said.
“Indeed you’re not,” Thaegan responded.
Dallas bent, picked up his shirt and tossed it to Lilly. Her nudity didn’t seem to be bothering anyone but him. The sight of her pendulous breasts and miles of alabaster skin made it hard for him to think with the head on his shoulders.
“So where does that leave us?” he asked.
But his partner ignored him and focused on Lilly. “How the hell did you stop the magic?”
“It’s not magic, idiot. I control the flow of energy.” She spoke as she worked the last few buttons of Dallas’ shirt, the dagger held loose in her hand. “I can ratchet it up or power it down. Simple.”
It was true. Current didn’t seem to be humming over her trembling muscles the way it had when she was tied to the chair. Dallas would like to think it had more to do with his sexual prowess in bringing her to orgasm than her ability to manipulate her own energy levels.
Thaegan slapped his hands together. “Well, then it seems she’s safe to transport to headquarters. No sense waiting until morning. We might as well roll.”
“I’m not going to your headquarters now or in the morning.”
“Yeah, the more I’ve been thinking about this the more I’m thinking that’s not a good idea,”
“What the hell, man?” asked Thaegan.
“Just hear me out. We suspect the Znedu’s boss has something to do with…” Dallas paused, he definitely wasn’t thinking straight. That was QAL information. He had no illusion that a former detective didn’t pick up on his slip, but he continued as if he hadn’t just passed on sensitive information. “Since Lilly has a connection now to Grebetz, I’m thinking it’s probably not safe for her at headquarters.”
He absently fingered the scar running down his face, the only part of his near-death experience he refused to let the doctors on Canus Delta heal. “There’s no one at headquarters who can interrogate her better than you and me.” It had nothing to do with interrogation techniques and everything to do with the suspicion that there was someone in QAL playing both sides. In the last few months, as Hij’Rozhod continued to evade detection, he’d come to believe it might even be someone on his own team. Dallas wasn’t willing to risk his mission or Lilly’s life trying to confirm that suspicion. “It’s not just about Grebetz, if you get my drift.”
“You mean it’s about the Znedu’s boss?” Lilly asked.
After everything Dallas had said of course it was the one thing Lilly focused on. He turned to look at her, not sure how he should answer her.
“I know who Grebetz’s boss is,” she said. Okay, so that might not be the truth. Lilly suspected she’d seen Venair Grebetz’s boss. The hologram of the Braugtot had certainly flustered the otherwise confident Znedu. But if this was a bargaining chip to keep her from QAL headquarters, then she’d go all in.
Dallas walked up to her. “What do you mean you know his boss? Have you been hunting him?”
“She’s lying,” Thaegan said. “The witch is trying to buy some time.”
“Shut up, Thaegan.” Dallas kept his dark eyes focused solely on her. Her stomach did a slow roll that had nothing to do with fear.
“Lilly, tell me exactly what you meant,” Dallas said.
“I haven’t exactly been hunting him.”
“How about if you elaborate.” Dallas dragged the words out slowly.
He reached for the dagger in her hand and she gladly handed it over to him. What Lilly needed was for Dallas to trust her. She no longer wanted to get away from this man, quite the contrary as a matter of fact. It had been so long since a human male had touched her with the passion Dallas had, and Lilly wanted more of that even if Dallas didn’t believe she had control over his desires.
“I’ll tell you only if I still get the bounty for Grebetz,” she said bravely. Even male companionship wouldn’t keep her fed.
“I don’t think you’re in a position to make any kind of deal, Seraphelium,” Thaegan said.
Dallas turned abruptly to his partner. “Damn it, Thaegan, I’m warning you…” He breathed deeply as if steadying himself before turning back to Lilly. The hard expression on his face mapped emotions she couldn’t read. “Obviously there’s more going on here than we can tell you. We’re both a little on edge. This mission—”
“Oh, cut me some fucking slack.” Thaegan threw his hands in the air. “You may be team leader, but my ass is also on the line here. I don’t think a couple of quickies
qualifies her to join the team.”
Dallas’ eyes narrowed to deadly slits. “Not that I have to explain anything to you, Ka’al, but we’re looking for something from her, the least I can do is explain why.”
“Oh, that makes perfect sense,” Thaegan said. “She’s some low-life criminal with a nice set of tits who botched up months of undercover work. And when we stepped in and stop her, she tried to gut you with a knife. When that didn’t work, she took me down with her fucked-up witchery. Then, when we’ve finally got her safely under control, she manages to screw your brains out and get you to release her because you didn’t believe a word I said and you let her get you sidetracked and thinking with your dick. And now we’re not going to interrogate the only person who might have some information we can finally use—because Gods forbid we might get all mean and nasty with a beautiful female who also happens to be a suspect.” Thaegan righted the chair where she’d been bound and stuffed his oversized body onto the tiny seat. “And now that I’m all settled into a sweet ringside seat—because I sure as shit don’t want to miss one minute of this crazy-ass show—why don’t we all just play nice in this cozy little sandbox and share a little top secret information? That just about cover it, partner?”
“How about if you shut up and let me handle this my way?” asked Dallas.
“You’ve done a bang-up job so far.” Thaegan leaned back, casually folding his hands behind his head. “By all means don’t let me stop you. Seems like your dick’s got one hell of a plan.”
Dallas flipped him the bird before turning back to her. “As I was saying, Lilly, the person we’re looking for may be the key to cleaning up a whole lot of shit that’s been thrown at us over the past couple of years.”
“Eleven months,” Thaegan muttered.
“Fuck you, asshole! I mean really. Fuck you all the way from here to Beta Mrenn.” Dallas trembled with anger.
“I’m just saying. It’s only been eleven months. If you’re going to spill your fucking guts and tell her everything, get your facts right.” Thaegan tipped the chair up on its back legs.
Dallas turned, his teeth grinding as he spoke directly to his partner. “What I was going to tell her was how dangerous this whole situation is and perhaps Lilly would just like to share what she knows and that would be the end of it.”
“Or perhaps Lilly would like to be part of the Znedu’s takedown so she’s guaranteed her cut of the bounty.” Lilly said, sending Dallas a smug smile when he turned to stare her down.
“And there you have it,” the Ka’al added. “Just like that the outlaw joins the team.” Thaegan began clapping.
“She’s not part of the team,” Dallas argued. “Lilly isn’t going anywhere near that takedown.”
“Well, then it looks like you’re on your own, Mr. Government Man. I’m a freaking awesome undercover detective, which is why I’m so good at my job. I can bring the Znedu in myself. But we both know that without my help you’ll be chasing dust trails trying to find Grebetz’s boss.” She crossed her arms under her breasts, challenging him.
“Oh, we are so not going there.” Dallas stalked away from her, his fingers plowing through the damp waves of his hair.
“Seems to me you’re the one who opened that door.” Thaegan’s chair banged down, emphasizing his words. “And now that we’re headed in that direction—”
“No! We get the information and take it back to headquarters. Nothing more. Lilly goes back to whatever she was doing before we crossed paths and stays the hell away from Grebetz. We can do this without her if we have to.”
Thaegan stared at Lilly, ignoring Dallas’ protests. “I don’t have to like the witch to see how helpful she could be. And I’m thinking she may be on to something.”
“Shut up, Thaegan. Really, just shut the fuck up!” Dallas shouted.
“Get your head off Canus Delta and back in the game here on Garalon Five, dickwad. You said it yourself. Someone’s been one step ahead of us everywhere we turn. Why? Because they’ve got someone on the inside. Now it’s our chance to put a ringer in the game. No one, not even our own team, will suspect her.”
“What the hell?” Dallas asked. “An hour ago you were ready to string her up from the rafters. Not five minutes ago you were bitching that I was sharing too much.”
“An hour ago she had me wound tighter than a virgin in a titty bar.” Thaegan raised his hands in the air and shrugged. “You two aren’t the only ones who released a little sexual energy and it’s making my head clearer. Now I’m thinking the vixen may be an asset to us.” He looked pointedly at Lilly. “As long as you keep your hands to yourself, I’m willing to discuss this.”
She locked her fingers behind her back. “Wouldn’t dream of touching you, Ka’al.”
“No. No. No. And hell no.” Dallas stalked around the room like a caged animal. “All we need is information from Lilly—”
“But Lilly’s not just giving up the information,” she said. “At the very least I need to know which government agency you’re working for. It might not be a team I can cheer on to victory.”
“Q’orsctan Aerlheit Lunivarsium,” Thaegan stated.
“What?” Lilly couldn’t believe the irony.
Dallas rolled his eyes. “In English, the space version of the FBI…QAL”
Laughter bubbled up unchecked, but there was no amusement riding on the sound. “Oh I know exactly what agency you’re talking about.” Lilly threw her hands in the air. “I knew karma was a nasty bitch and she’d eventually catch up to me. But I was hoping for a little more time.”
Both men looked at her as if she’d lost her mind.
“Ask me again why I’m in deep space, Dallas.”
“Lilly, it doesn’t ma—”
“Ask me again, damn it.” The pendulum swung from manic disbelief to hot anger. She clenched her teeth to keep the tears in check. “Ask me why a decorated Chicago detective is working undercover as a prostitute in deep space.”
“That was asked and answered.” Dallas took a step toward her.
Lilly held her hand up. “Don’t touch me. Don’t you lay one damn sympathetic finger on me. I don’t deserve anyone’s compassion.”
“Why are you out here, Lilly?” Thaegan dared voice the question.
“Besides paying penance?” The familiar pain of guilt coiled tight around her chest, making it hard to breathe.
“Sins die hard in deep space, Lilly,” Thaegan said evenly, his gaze momentarily flicking to Dallas.
“But no one can outrun murder,” she said.
Dallas’ head snapped up, his eyes narrowed. “You murdered someone in QAL?”
“Not in QAL. Because of QAL.”
Chapter Eight
The silence blew open a chasm that seemed to suck the air from the room. Dallas forced his lungs to work. He’d actually been considering sharing classified intel with Lilly. No doubt she’d upped her energy and softened Thaegan. It would certainly explain why the Ka’al was acting with so much compassion toward the woman. And though he hadn’t believed it had done anything to him earlier, Dallas had no doubt her little tricks were screwing with him now. He’d nearly put his team in the hands of a murderer. Talk about making one stupid-ass decision after another.
“There’s got to be more to the story,” Thaegan said. “We’re on the same side of the law, for Gods’ sakes.”
“Are we?” she asked.
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Dallas wasn’t sure whether his irritation was directed at Lilly for playing them or himself for nearly falling for her act.
Lilly stared at him, her dark eyes glittering with emotion. “You said it yourself Dallas, the bad guys aren’t always wearing the black hats. Sometimes they look just like you and me. But deep down, pure evil chars their souls. There’s no redemption for men like that.”
“That doesn’t tell us who you murdered, Lilly,” Thaegan said gently.
“Ninety young men. Ninety innocent humans who didn’t deserve t
o die.” The words warbled as she spoke. “All because QAL screwed me over.”
Dallas leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. The woman could turn the waterworks on at the drop of a hat. There was no way he was going to let them strike another sympathy chord in him. He’d already tried that tack once tonight and it hadn’t gotten him anywhere but mired in a deep pile of shit. Crossing one ankle over the other, he caught sight of the ragged tear down the thigh of his jeans. Despite everything that had transpired, he wondered again if Lilly had figured out who he worked for and sought him out at the tavern. “What the hell did QAL have to do with a mass murder?”
“Not all of QAL. Just one asshole at the training facility on Earth. It seems a woman—even if she’s the top recruit—doesn’t have the right to turn down the advances of her commanding officer.” Lilly’s derisive laugh rippled the curtain of tension hanging around them. She turned to Thaegan, his hard expression unreadable even to Dallas. “Hard to believe, Ka’al, but Serapheliums actually do turn down sex.”
Thaegan innocently shook his head and lifted his hands as if in surrender.
Dallas didn’t have the patience for the pity party she seemed to need. “You committed murder because some guy couldn’t keep his hands off you?”
“Yeah, Dallas, I got pissed off and took out—”
Thaegan growled low. “Ignore the asshole, Lilly. He’s a little testy when he hasn’t gotten his beauty rest.”
“Ignore me? I think this woman’s got an invisible hand wrapped around your balls. Where the hell is my partner who thought she’d mind-fucked him? Because I sure as shit think she’s at it again.”
