Royal Obsession (Shadow Assassins 1)

by Cyndi Friberg

  Chapter Twelve

  If he puts that thing in my mouth, I swear to the gods of the Day Moon, I’ll bite it off!

  That doesn’t sound like a happy thought, Saebin responded.

  Echo closed her eyes, afraid the Rodyte would read relief in her eyes. Can you turn him off from there? I really don’t want this to go any further.

  You know I can’t launch a pulse unless I can see the target. Hang in there and keep this link open. I’m on my way.

  “You don’t like the idea?” He traced her lips with his finger. Dear god, she hoped it was his finger! “So, make me a better offer?”

  Forcing her revulsion to the back of her mind, she opened her eyes. “How about if I do both of you at the same time? Have you ever shared a woman like that? I’m told it’s so tight you feel like you’re inside a virgin.”

  The Linusian groaned and rubbed the growing bulge in the front of his pants as he waited for the Rodyte to reply. They’d have to release her. What she’d suggested couldn’t be done with her body secured in this position.

  “Why would you rather do us both than suck me off and be done with it?”

  “Because you’ll want more. Men always want more.”

  The Rodyte chuckled, running his finger from her chin, along the side of her neck, and into the valley between her breasts. “At this speed, it will take us eight days to reach Rodymia. If you keep us entertained until then, I’ll ransom you.”

  “And if I refuse?”

  “I’ll make you available to anyone who wants you and then sell you to slavers.”

  “Gee, let me think.”

  “Have her suck us off so we know she’s going to behave,” the Linusian suggested in a tight, anxious voice.

  “If we take her like this, there’s no surrender. I want her naked and kneeling, with her hands clasped behind her back.” The Rodyte unfastened her straps, working his way from her ankles to her arms.

  Echo held perfectly still, afraid to move, hesitant even to breathe. Where are you? These two aren’t going to wait much longer.

  I had to make a quick detour. We’re almost there.

  We? Had she stopped to release the men?

  The Rodyte helped her down from the table, then stepped back. “Undress for me. I want to see those tits.”

  She could play the seductress a bit longer or kick his worthless ass. Slowly raising her hands to the front of her shirt, she caught her lower lip between her teeth then jumped, kicking the arrogant prick in the side of the head. He staggered back, toppling a chair before he collided with the wall. She advanced without hesitation, driving an uppercut into his jaw. Her arms were grabbed from behind, her hands jerked to the small of her back.

  “You stupid bitch!” the Rodyte snarled, wiping his bleeding nose on the back of his hand. “If you want to play rough, I’ll be happy to oblige.” He smacked her with the back of his hand.

  Using the Linusian for leverage, she kicked the Rodyte in the chest, driving him back again.

  The Linusian laughed. “Gods, she’s a wild one.”

  Echo heard the door slide open, but knew better than taking her eyes off her opponent. The Linusian went limp behind her. The Rodyte collapsed a second later.

  “It took you long enough.” She turned around, expecting to find Saebin standing in the doorway. Instead Varrik approached her, his gaze filled with concern.

  “Are you all right?”

  Her heart fluttered madly, and heat cascaded through her chest. “I am now.” She released a shaky breath, wanting to throw herself into his arms. Afraid he’d push her away. They hadn’t spoken of the shared dream, hadn’t been alone since they left the maze. “Where’s Saebin?”

  “She headed to the bridge. I told her we’d meet her there. Are you sure they didn’t hurt you?” Echo nodded and knelt beside the Rodyte. “Is that the captain?” he asked.

  “Yes. Did you happen to bring—” He held out a fist full of alloy manacles and she smiled. They rolled the two unconscious men back to back, then secured the Linusian’s arms through the Rodyte’s. “That should keep them out of trouble until we get this heap turned around.”

  How’s it going up there? She sent her thought to Saebin.

  All clear on the bridge. I’ve set course for the COT. I suspect the overlord will have a question or two for these mangy dogs.

  That wouldn’t please Varrik, but Saebin was right. She motioned toward the captain and the Linusian. “How long will they be out?”

  “Until I release them. My compulsions are different from Saebin’s pulses. She overloads the synaptic pathways. I take control of them.”

  “I see.” She stood, both comforted and confounded to have him near. “The bridge is secure. Is Elder South still locked in his cabin?”

  “South is on board?”

  With a nod, she headed for the door. “The captain is just following orders. Let’s see if South knows what the Stirate is up to.”

  “I can see why your uncle recruited you. Your abilities make interrogation effortless.”

  “Uncle Trey didn’t recruit me. I volunteered. My parents thought it was a passing phase. They expected me to tag along on a mission or two and then go back to being a princess.” She shot him a sidelong glance. “Silly them.”