“Sarra!” he barked. “Dammit, woman! You come back here!”
When the bridge doors closed behind her, the tears streamed down her face. Although it had taken nearly an hour to get into the lingerie, in but a moment she was out of it, ripping it to shreds in a fit of temper ... hating him, loathing herself, despising her passion. Bare, she fell to the floor, writhing.
After a time she calmed down, but nothing that her own hands could do would satiate her desire for him. She had planned to teach him a lesson—never would he forget how she had left him. He’d remember that always—yearn for her for forever.
But, she would never rest again if she didn’t go to him.
She started to rise, and a cry escaped her.
There he stood!
Raine rushed for her and pressed her down ... and then he was within her, violently ... She clung to his back, unable to do anything else when he took her with such force that her ecstasy came like an explosion, the sparks showering upon her eyelids until everything grew dark ...
***
Sarra became aware that Raine was anxiously saying her name. Disoriented, she opened her eyes.
“My God, Sarra—are you all right? You fainted. I’m s—”
She started to cry, and he drew her close, shushing her—until her fist struck his face. Gently he restrained her, and she fell back limply.
“Damn you!” she choked out. “I can’t believe it ...”
Raine felt his throat tighten, seeing her so frail and defeated. “Please,” he uttered. “Don’t cry.”
She turned her face away. “How? How did you get out?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Tell me!” she demanded.
He sighed and bowed his head, almost guiltily. “The toy computer that you gave me. I used a musical scale game to find the frequency needed to unlock the handcuffs.”
“I heard no music,” she said with a sniff. “I don’t understand.”
“It was silent, just like the handcuff’s remote—the signal is transmitted electronically. Simply, the computer game uses numbers to bring about the musical notes. The code for the handcuffs is also made of numbers. It was basically just a matter of searching the scales to find the right combination.”
Sarra cursed. The idea hadn’t even occurred to her. “That easy, was it?”
“It took a while to hit on the right sequence.”
“You could have escaped at any time?”
He caressed her cheek with his thumb, and softly said, “Since last night. But I rather enjoyed the rest. And you seemed so natural as the pilot. I must confess, your knowledge of spacecraft is something to respect. I admire you for it.”
Sarra felt little joy, though compliments like this from him were rare, indeed. It just didn’t matter now—he had won again. But, once in her lifetime, at least, she had flown a ship alone. “So, you are taking back the helm?”
“I am. Come, now. Did you really believe that I’d let you land at the palace and I’d just waltz right up to the king, to my death? Give me some credit, Sarra.”
“You are the most infuriating man,” she said, flatly. “You let me think that you were helpless.”
“I was,” he sighed. “Made helpless by the wish that I would be your ‘love-slave’. I never dreamt I’d have such a cruel master.”
Suddenly fearful, she breathed, “What are you going to do to me?”
“Hmmmmm. You tricked me, stunned me, and after your magnificent torture, would have left me there to die. But, you’re forgiven. Everything stays the same. We’ll land on Adriel, although you have made it quite difficult. Since you sent word out to your father, he’ll surely have his FAS squadrons out to meet you. Did you tell him about me?”
“No,” she said, and then wished that she had lied.
“Good—he has no cause for suspicion. The FAS will search the zone where they expect you to be, but we’ll take a short cut through the Fulcrum Two Asteroid Belt and reach the planet before they expect you. Of course, I’ll have to change the ship’s signature back to the Kalcoonian code—can’t use the switch like Darius and I arranged. Still, security should be less strict. The attention will be off the Kalcoonian spacecrafts, for the USFC will be concentrating on your arrival, the escaped prisoner coming home.”
Sarra half-laughed, half-sobbed. “You’re never without a plan, are you?”
“Never.”
In the silence that followed, Raine let his gaze fall to her breasts. Another image burned across his mind as he recalled watching her search for her pleasure, unknowing that he was there. Such a vision would stay etched in his memory for the rest of his days.
He saw that she must be remembering this also, for she tried to hide her face, shamed and chagrined. He bent his nose into her fragrant hair, and his voice came out hoarsely. “Don’t be shy, Sarra. It’s a fine gift that you’ve given this man.”
Sarra reddened down to her toes. She had been prepared for ridicule, but his approval was somehow worse. How long had he been there? Did it even matter?
As he carried her to the bed, nothing really mattered—only him. His lips gently met hers, and she soon welcomed him, and the soaring, raging feelings.
It dawned on her then, about how simple love and hate were. The emotions are similar in passion. The emotions are opposite within a heart.
Truly, she must learn to untangle the two, for the moments flew by, speeding onward into her tumultuous future.
And the consequences of the past ...
PART III
THE THRONE
Chapter 19
Home. How strange it was. Sarra felt like she had been away from Adriel for forever, but it had only been about five weeks. And as much as she had changed, her life had stayed the same. What would happen to her when she was reunited with her father? Did he still expect her to marry Taylor Gray? Would Raine escape his punishment and disappear, never to return? She couldn’t find any peace from her anxiety, for now she was even more worried about her future than on the day of her abduction. Then, she had had nothing to lose.
She glanced up at Raine who walked silently beside her down the long shipping bay tunnel. He looked dashing, as always, his golden hair tied back and his black long-sleeve shirt and leggings fitting him to perfection. She wasn’t as well tailored, for she wore his emerald-hued, half-sleeve shirt and baggy white leggings, having nothing else but the heavy Kalcoonian coat and the risqué red gown. And, when a cuff she had made at the ankle fell down, wanting to trip her a second time, she bent irritably on a knee to adjust it.
Raine swooped her up into the cradle of his arms. She didn’t protest and clung to his nape, eager for the ride.
He assured, “I’ll find something else for you to wear.”
“Where are we?” she asked, glancing around at the brightly lit corridor.
“On Adriel. Need you know more?”
“Yes. What town? Are we near the palace?”
“No. But don’t trouble yourself with it. Just be thankful that we made it here in one piece.”
Sarra nodded. His plan—a dangerous one—had worked. He had altered the ship’s signature code before heading off into the Fulcrum Two Asteroid Belt. The site was perilous to a spacecraft—it was a place for reckless fools! She feared that death awaited them while he weaved the vessel through, avoiding the massive floating rocks, the shattered remnants of an ancient planet. Obviously he had done this before, since his skill at manual maneuvering was outstanding. He confessed that he had tested the asteroids many times, simply for the thrill of the challenge. It was an experience she hoped to never have again. Her heart didn’t return to normal until well out of range of the boulders’ paths.
His gamble had paid off. They had reached Adriel’s orbit long before they would have by taking the safe, established zone. He had contacted the USFC and was granted permission to enter the planet’s airspace. The flight control didn’t bother with the Kalcoonian signature; everyone surely was intent on her arrival.
Eventually, the FAS would search for her and believe that she was lost.
Sarra sighed, worried about her father. She hated to put him through even more distress, but what could she do?
A commotion down the hall brought her gaze that way. Darius hurried toward them.
“It worked!” he exclaimed, falling into stride.
“It did,” Raine replied. “But with a minor change of plans.”
“Oh?”
“Is the other CC-D ship still out in deep space?”
“Yes, until they hear the word from you.”
“Good. I’ll tell you about it, later ... Where are the others?”
“They’re at the headquarters.”
“Any more trouble?”
“No, but I’ve been watching. I gave all of the men the slip ...”
When Darius met the princess’ blue eyes, he bowed his head. “Your Royal Highness,” he greeted.
She gave him her warmest regal smile, and he stumbled slightly, missing a step.
Raine chuckled. “Now you know what I’ve been through.”
“I can imagine,” the Arab muttered, eyeing him quizzically. Evidently, the man hadn’t taken his warnings about the princess to heart. She looked far too comfortable in his arms.
Darius stopped before a door, and they followed him into a large, sunlit suite. Sarra glanced around, impressed by its elegant decor and bounty of exotic plants. She was a mite disappointed when Raine set her down, but she sat on the black lounge like his hand requested. He strode over to the old-style kitchen to talk with Darius who now stirred a bowl on the stove, apparently practiced at his hobby of fancying himself a chef. She looked out the long window, watching the lush flower bushes swaying in the breeze.
She caught how a woman came into the arched doorway of the adjoining room. Cronala stood there, glowering. The tall and slender woman wore a simple white dress that made her skin appear even darker, and on her wrists and fingers were a bevy of bracelets and rings. She thrust her hands on her flat hips and let out a strangled cry. She stormed in the room, her finger pointing at her like she wished that it could kill.
“No!” Cronala cried. “Not her! I don’t want to be near the bitch!”
Raine came near and Sarra thankfully took the glass of wine he offered. He said, “You’re twenty-three years old, Cronala, not five. Grow up,” he reproached. “She is to be our guest.”
Her black eyes flashed. “Our guest!”
“Yes.”
Sarra couldn’t help but glare at the insolent female, even while she wondered about when it was that she had graduated from being a prisoner to a guest.
“Darius!” the woman accused. “Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t want her in the house!”
Raine mumbled something like, “You’ve got gall there, girl.”
Darius moved over to pat his lover’s shoulder. “Calm down. She doesn’t bite, you know.”
“Hah! She would if you gave her a chance! Look at her in those clothes! She looks like a dog!”
Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Sarra blushed.
Raine sat down beside her. “To masculine eyes, she has the unique ability to be beautiful in whatever she wears,” he rescued. “Ain’t that right, Darius?”
Although Darius agreed wholeheartedly, he knew that it would be wise not to comment. He did, anyway. “Yes, it is.”
Cronala struck his arm, jealous. “She looks like a fool!”
Darius scolded her. “Now, is that any way to talk about the future queen?”
“Queen!” she scoffed. “Thank God I’m not from here!”
Sarra privately relished that encounter when she had tricked and overpowered the woman while attempting to escape. She suspected that the haughty girl’s pride had been so wounded that she would never forgive herself. To remind the commoner, she smiled sweetly.
Cronala scowled. “Look—she must fancy that she’s ‘Her Majesty’ already!”
Sarra took a sip of wine and used her best stately voice. “Don’t worry, Cronala. When the day comes, I will be merciful. I won’t take away your privilege of visiting Adriel. I have pity on those who are weaker, less rational than most.”
Cronala glanced back and forth at the men’s amused faces. She found no support there. “Ooooooo!” she raged, stomping off.
Raine laughed, and the put-down even brought a guffaw from Darius. Sarra frowned at the doorway, glad that it was empty.
“Touché!” Raine praised.
“That girl!” she murmured, disgusted.
“Menes, sorry to say it, but your woman really is a brat.”
“I know, my friend. Too bad she can’t learn the graces of yo—”
The men coughed and cleared their throats. Sarra straightened, becoming uncomfortable. The Arab was about to imply that she—the princess royal—was Raine’s woman.
The silence gave them all a moment to contemplate if it was true ...
Raine broke the tension, rising to his feet. “It’s been a long day, Darius. We’ll take our meal in our room.”
“Of course, of course. I’ll bring it to you.”
Meekly, Sarra let Raine lead her away by the hand. When they were alone in the luxurious bedchamber, he paced restlessly, staring out the long, bright window while she sat fidgeting in a chair. Darius came with their trays, wished them good dining, gave them both a puzzled expression, and took his leave.
Raine secured the doors and nudged her down on the vast bed, and she wrapped her arms around his back as his hungry lips met hers. Lithely, he doffed his clothes until he was naked above her, his knees against her thighs, his rugged physique the personification of man. He took her from her raiment, savoring the sunshine that slanted through the window to fall upon her. His kisses competed with the brilliance until her skin was flushed and hot like fire. She trembled in her emotion, drawing him to her, and grew faint, stricken by the message on his face.
His green eyes were honest, telling her how—no matter what the future—she would always truly be his. She knew that this was true while he kissed her, and he owned her, being gentle with his possession while he took them off to explore the essence of the heart.
***
The dawn broke the black, sending the pastel blues to light the creeping mists. Sarra stirred, groping for Raine’s warmth. She opened her eyes and found herself alone in the bed, and turned to see him, a tall silhouette in the dim. He was dressed and ready for the day.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “Did I wake you?”
“No,” she murmured, yawning as she sat up.
He sat down beside her and brushed a lock of her hair off her brow. She lowered her lashes, feeling shy while recalling all of the ecstasy of last night.
“It’s best that you’re up, anyway,” he said. “I wanted to tell you good-bye.”
Her gaze fleeted up to his. “Good-bye?”
“Only for a few days,” he assured. “You’re not rid of me, yet.”
Sarra didn’t know if she could trust him, and felt her panic rising ...
He rose and moved to the window. “Darius and I have business to attend to. You’ll have the whole suite to yourself. Cronala has the nearby servant quarters and will see to your needs while we’re gone.”
Sarra rose, wrapping the bedding around her.
“But, no tricks,” he warned. “I need you here when I return. Please behave?”
Hesitantly, she nodded.
“Promise?”
“I ... suppose so.”
Raine concluded that that would have to do. He kept his eyes off her tempting beauty, since he hadn’t the time for that now. He moved for the door. “Anything you need before I leave?”
Sarra had to bite her tongue and swallow back her tears. She wanted to run to him and beg for him to stay. But, all that her pride would let her do was shake her head.
Raine took a step nearer, debating about whether or not to kiss her farewell. He scowled, angry with himself. “I’ll be back!” he grumbled.
Then, he was gone.
Sarra stumbled backward and met the bed. She stared wide-eyed at the closed door until the tightness of her throat became the tears that streamed down her cheeks.
“He won’t!” she choked. “He won’t be back! This is how he plans to end it. He’ll escape—leave me here for Father. He’s getting what he wanted!”
She fell on her front, slamming the pillows with her fists. Her emotion soon raged out of her control. “I don’t care!” she cried, again and again. “I don’t care!”
A while later, when her temper was finally exhausted, she rested on her back, trying to catch her breath. Just when she succeeded, a wave of nausea came. She flew to the bath and became violently ill.
Trembling, needing to calm herself, she returned to the bed and collapsed upon it, becoming lost in her misery.
Later that afternoon, Sarra was in command of herself once more, although she still was in a state of shock. She had known that their time together would end, but had never anticipated this sense of loss—of betrayal and abandonment.
“I’m a fool! And fools get what they deserve!”
Her fury and sorrow flowed and ebbed within her like waves onto a shoreline. She wanted to spite him a final time—to run away and hide; if her father didn’t find her here he would hold Raine accountable. She checked the large suite for a means of escape, but found none. He hadn’t trusted her. Could she blame him? Her moods changed like the wind.
Perhaps, she could call Cronala to her and find a way to outsmart her again? She shook her head, having no desire to see that woman ever again.
Sarra resigned herself to passing the time in bed, napping, and waiting for the FAS to come.
“Let the game be done. It just doesn’t matter anymore.”
The next morning, when she woke she was disoriented and light-headed. Assuming that it was from hunger, in the well-stocked kitchen she found a breakfast plate ... but one taste of the honey-bread and she ran to the bath, ill. Appalled, and wondering what sickness plagued her, a realization came—
Her monthly cycle was overdue. It had crossed her mind—about a week ago—that she was late, but she had shrugged it off, thinking that it was due to the effects of stress. There was no cause for alarm, for she had been late before. But then, she had never been with a man ...
Queen of the Stars Page 24
