Hack

by Annie Nicholas

  As if summoned by her thoughts, Hack strode into the dining hall. His presence commanded attention and his face drew stares from the surrounding women. He wore a pink Minnie Mouse T-shirt and a pair of women’s short-shorts that read It ain’t gonna spank itself across his ass.

  Jeannie choked on her mouthful of coffee. She wouldn’t have guessed he was a cross-dresser. What the hell, he pulled off the look.

  He grabbed an empty plate and cut the line. Nobody said anything. Probably too stunned at his appearance. He scooped up enough eggs and bacon to feed three people, completely oblivious to the glares. She admired his confidence. As he exited the buffet line, his gaze landed on her and his grin overloaded her brain cells.

  “Wow,” she whispered.

  He swaggered to her table. “Can I join you, Jeannie?”

  Her eyebrows rose. “S—sure.” She gestured to the empty chairs across from her, knocking her fork to the ground. “Oh.” She dove for it.

  At the same time, Hack bent to retrieve it. Their heads connected with a hollow thunk.

  She clutched her aching forehead. “Sorry.” Again. First the elbow to the eye and now this. He’d probably find a reason to excuse himself now.

  He set his plate on the table next to her then knelt. He pulled her hand away and examined what felt like a knot forming. “You might have a small bump. I’m known for having a hard head. Do you always assault your friends?” His teasing smile softened the question.

  She had to laugh. “Not on purpose. I’m just clumsy.” Around him. Otherwise, she was meticulous. Her job demanded it. The skin under his left eye looked more swollen than it had a few hours ago and she ran the pad of her thumb over the injury. “No bruising. Thank goodness for small blessings.”

  Hack set her dirty fork aside and handed her his own. Before she could protest, he returned to the head of the buffet and got another. “I wanted to apologize for this morning.” He sat in the chair right next to her, though he had the choice of four others across from her. “I’m really not the kind of person to slip into a stranger’s bed. I really wasn’t feeling well and laid down in the first place I found. I must have thought it was my room.”

  “I don’t think anyone was feeling well after that party last night.” She normally didn’t drink that much, but from the conversations she’d overheard, she wasn’t the only one nursing a hangover.

  His smile faded. “I don’t remember much of it.”

  “Neither do I.” She sipped her coffee, not ready to try food yet. “Most of it is a blur.”

  “Have you ever been to this resort?”

  She quirked her eyebrow. “Nobody has been to this resort. It’s new. That’s why the tickets were so cheap.” For three hundred dollars, she’d received a cruise and a three-night stay at an all-inclusive resort. More of a steal than a deal.

  Hack made a show of bumping the heel of his palm to his forehead. “That’s right.”

  “This is my first vacation in five years though.”

  He gave her a slow blink. “Me too.” He sounded surprised by his own admission. “Maybe longer. Time conversions are difficult to calculate without a proper program.”

  She pursed her lips. Time conversion. “What do you actually do for a living?” Not that it mattered. The resort made it clear they wanted to fill the place with beautiful, available people for their true customers. People with deep, rich pockets. Jeannie was not beautiful by media standards, but she was athletic and fit. She wasn’t looking for a rich husband either. She had better things to do with her time on this trip.

  Hack was what the resort really wanted, even with his fashion sense. He wouldn’t have a problem finding a rich cougar to fulfill his every whim.

  “I work with technology.”

  “Like computers?” That explained his name.

  “Yes.” He spoke around a mouthful. “What about you?”

  She picked at her fruit. “I’m part of a nature documentary film crew.” All her friends thought her job was crazy. While they hated their nine-to-five desk gigs, she traveled the world and did what she loved. Really, who were the crazy ones?

  “Filming what exactly?”

  Jeannie lifted her gaze and was surprised to find Hack leaning in closer, real interest on his face. She swallowed her unchewed bite of fruit. “Sharks.”

  He sat back, eyes wide. “Aquatic predators?”

  She laughed. “I guess you could call them that.”

  “It’s a dangerous job. Is that why you are on this ship to find a mate? Someone who can help protect you?”

  “Find a what?” And she’d never needed protection.

  “A—a husband.”

  “No.” She shook her head and leaned in conspiratorially. “I’m here to take footage of a rare shark.”

  “What’s so special about the species?”

  “It’s shy.” Like her. “It deserves its fifteen minutes of fame.” She had received a tip on where she could encounter the sharks but her employer refused to pay for the trip without more evidence. So, she’d decided to take a vacation in the same location. While looking for an inexpensive flight, she’d discovered this cruise and resort stay by the shark sighting.

  “Predators are not shy by nature.”

  She shrugged. “I disagree.”

  “What kind of equipment do you use?”

  Jeannie couldn’t believe how interested he was. “You mean to film? For this adventure, I have just a waterproof GoPro. I’m here only to do an initial evaluation of the site to convince the filmmakers it’s worth the money.”

  He stared at her throat. “Do you have gills?”

  “Uh, no.” That was a little sarcastic for her taste. “I use a Leisure Pro regulator and BCD.”

  He nodded as if he knew the brand. “Can I go with you to see these sharks?”

  “You dive?”

  “Born doing it.”

  Chapter Three

  “Attention, all passengers, we have arrived at Port Ducal and will be disembarking within the next hour.”

  Hack glanced at the ceiling as the announcement broadcasted on the overhead speaker. They had reached their destination quickly. The human island resort couldn’t be that far from Cosmos then. That made the smugglers’ job easier. He’d have to discuss making changes with Pete Peterson, the alien resort owner.

  “We’re here.” Jeannie’s grin lifted the gray clouds around Hack’s thoughts. He knew he shouldn’t stare. Jeannie wasn’t the first human he’d seen up close but there was something about her that was fascinating. For one, unlike the human female earlier this morning or those at Cosmos Resort, she didn’t make him feel like prey. Somebody they wanted to mate with for money. There were no come-hither glances or awkward silences, and she loved the ocean. It was so apparent in the way she spoke of her employment.

  Her skin was a creamy bronze. Much darker than Lily’s, Trace’s mate, who was whitish pink. Jeannie looked so smooth, so dainty, so touchable. His fingers ached to caress her. Her hair looked soft and voluminous. The toned muscles lining her limbs and torso accentuated her curves.

  She dared to swim the wild waters and not the strange artificial pools that land dwellers enjoyed. It sounded like she swam deep. She was a kindred spirit without gills.

  Jeannie pulled an envelope from her purse and produced a keycard. “I’m in the Lagoon building, room one-oh-three. Where’s yours?”

  “I lost mine.” He’d heard Trace use this line before and it always worked. “Maybe we can share.”

  “Lost it? They should have a record of your reservation.” She rose from the chair, slinging her purse over her shoulder. “Come on.”

  He glanced at his half-eaten breakfast. The nanobots needed energy and resources. They pulled it from his consumption of nutrients. “Where are we going?” He scooped a big forkful in his mouth before following her.

  “To the purser’s desk. We’ll ask him to look up your reservation. Ready?”

  No, but he couldn’t object with a mouthfu
l, unless he spat it onto his plate. So he followed, chewing with purpose and trying not to choke. They entered a high-ceilinged area of the ship that held a white glossy desk. Couches and chairs filled the empty space around it. Hack grabbed Jeannie’s elbow as he swallowed. “Wait.” He cleared his throat.

  On the desk sat a computer and an idea formed.

  Hack nodded to the sole crew member supervising the desk. He was not human. From the scent, Hack guessed he was Juneo. The hard-light hologram amulet must be hidden under his clothes. Such devices hid aliens’ outward appearances, but that was all. They might look and feel human, then the similarities ended. The Juneo was male and watched Jeannie with an intensity that bordered on indecent. He wanted to rip the purser’s eyes out.

  Jeannie couldn’t help how other races were instantly drawn to her. From his observation, many humans seemed oblivious to how alluring they were. He thought it was part of their charm.

  “May I help you?” The other alien leaned toward Jeannie and ignored Hack, though annoying, it was a perfect opportunity.

  Hack rested his hand against the computer. The readings matched his own alien tech. Thank the universe. With lots of coaxing, he convinced a few nanos to connect to the interface. It wasn’t a taxing job when in such close proximity. All he did was check room availability and add his name to the empty one next to Jeannie’s.

  She was good company and he wanted to spend more time with her while waiting for his nanobots to regenerate. He wouldn’t mind getting a glimpse of these so-called shy aquatic predators.

  His first priority was to figure out how to contact his team and tell them about the transponder he had attached to the shuttle. Trace and Crypto were not as adept with tech as he. They would be hard-pressed to find the cruise ship or the shuttle after losing them in the storm. He couldn’t afford to sit back and wait to be rescued. Not if he wanted to save the humans who had been taken last night.

  “My friend lost his resort package and I was wondering if you could look up his reservation?” When Jeannie smiled, it resembled sunshine glittering off lagoon waters. Hack could see she affected the other alien in the same manner. He didn’t like sharing that smile.

  The crew member turned his attention on Hack and his eyes narrowed. “Name?”

  Hack gave the one he’d taken from Cosmos Resort’s guest list.

  Jeannie’s expression turned confused.

  “Hack is what my friends call me,” he explained.

  Her full lips made a pretty little O in acknowledgment.

  The crew member kept tossing him small glances as he worked on the computer. Then his attention went to something behind Hack.

  Twisting around, Hack noted a few women gathered by a mirror, whispering to each other and staring at him. One waved, so he waved back.

  “They like you.” The Juneo passed him a slip of paper to sign.

  Jeannie snorted. “Hack seems to have that kind of affect everywhere he goes.”

  That wasn’t his habit. Trace was the team’s front-man and at times wore a body to draw attention. Hack preferred the shadows, breaking into systems and gathering what data was needed. He usually wore a face no one would remember.

  The other alien slid an envelope across the desktop. “Here is your reservation information and key to your room. Enjoy your stay.” He winked, then his gaze strayed to Jeannie.

  Hack slung his arm over her shoulders. “We will.” An edge of warning laced his words. He didn’t want the smugglers getting any ideas about Jeannie. She was too kind and sweet to survive on the slave trade market. He felt bad enough over last night’s failure without adding her to the list of names abducted.

  Swinging them about-face, Hack planned to keep a sharp eye on the human under his arm.

  This race was known for their beauty, grace, and creativity but Jeannie had more. Something the universe lacked in general. Kindness. He guided her away from the other alien and followed the crowd. She’d done nothing but help Hack since they’d met and those simple acts had shackled him to her with the strongest bonds possible...

  His steps faltered.

  He glanced at Jeannie out of the corner of his eye.

  Her left arm rested around his hips and her right hand pressed his abdomen. The lines of their bodies molded against each other perfectly.

  Her gaze rose to meet his. “Anything wrong?”

  “No.” His voice was hoarse. Nothing had ever been so right. His people were one of the few species that could sense their fated mates. Trace and Crypto scoffed at him whenever he spoke on the subject. They thought it was his people’s belief system but it was more. It was biology.

  Hack had given up hope of finding his true mate when he’d been sent off-world to work for the IIA. Yet, here she was, in his arms, lovely eyes meeting his. “Thank you,” he whispered to whatever forces had worked this miracle.

  A smile washed away Jeannie’s concerned expression. “You’re welcome.” She slipped the envelope from his grasp and read the contents. “Your room is next to mine. What are the odds?”

  “I’d say fate had a hand in all this.” He nudged her forward so they could blend into the crowd lining up to exit the ship and disembark onto the island resort. Sure, he’d had a hand in picking his room but he hadn’t made it vacant.

  The crowd on the gangplank crawled at a turtle’s pace but Hack barely noticed. An ocean breeze pulled at his shoulder-length hair, scenting the warm air with salt. Dark green vegetation lined the cobblestone path. Not the wild jungles of Cosmos Resort but a tame and groomed cousin. Large pink flowers bloomed on the bushes at the bottom of the ramp. He plucked one and slid the stem behind Jeannie’s ear. She gave him a shy smile.

  Jeannie brushed the edge of the flower petals with the pads of her fingers, the dreamlike moment stretching time as they stood there staring into each other’s eyes. Until the person behind them cleared her throat.

  Hack propelled them forward, past the dispersing crowds. Resort personnel pointed out directions to their building and handed out activity schedules.

  She pocketed them, focusing on the fact that Hack still had his arm possessively around her. The golden god turned heads as they made their way to their rooms. He didn’t seem to even notice. His strange outfit could be the source of curiosity but she doubted it. The hard chiseled features of his face and long muscular limbs inspired all sorts of athletically lewd fantasies.

  He opened the door to the building and relinquished his hold.

  She sighed at the loss. The sandstone-colored building had a Polynesian flavor with large windows and lots of shade. “Well.” She’d been so focused on the man at her side until this moment. She stepped inside, Hack on her heels.

  Their rooms were on the top floor next to each other. She unlocked the door and found her luggage had already arrived. “Nice.” She turned to invite Hack inside but he had moved to his own door. “Oh, see you later.”

  His grin was full of promises. “Yes.”

  Chapter Four

  Hack reluctantly left Jeannie’s side. Every instinct screamed he court her until she couldn’t bear to live without him, but duty beckoned. He could not ignore his responsibilities any more than he could stop breathing. His mate was safe next door. The abducted humans were not.

  Scanning the room, he sighed. Human tech was all he had to work with. Yay. He plopped onto the edge of the mattress and hung his head. No nanos to aid him. How was he going to do anything? He did another internal check. It would be days before he could perform as before. Maybe even weeks. Without the right equipment, he couldn’t really make an accurate prediction. It could be worse. At least his translator still worked.

  If he had his nanobots, he’d simply tell Trace and Crypto about the transponder he’d placed on the smugglers’ shuttle and the frequency they needed to track it. Problem was he couldn’t communicate with them.

  He jerked his head up. Or could he? It wasn’t like he had to talk to his team via their minds. There were other means of communi
cation. They were probably going crazy with worry at his sudden disappearance during the storm. They might even think him dead. He ground his teeth. He hadn’t considered that possibility.

  Resting his hands on his knees, he pushed himself erect. Fine, he had human tech. He could make a—a transmitter. Hell, he wished human tech was more compatible with the rest of the galaxy. It would have been so much easier to just steal one. Now, he had to break galactic law by building advanced technology on Earth.

  Any alien presence on this planet had been eradicated eons ago because they had brought advanced technology and influenced human culture, which was a crime. Hack would destroy what he made as soon as he contacted his team even if it meant them having to strand him here.

  Hack paced around his room, moving and checking out equipment he had at hand. Tools were needed for the finer work. That was his first objective. He could easily find a maintenance room. Places like this always needed repairs. He inspected the back of the television and the underside of the telephone, disconnecting what pieces he could with his hands. Once he procured a toolbox, he’d work on the more detailed parts.

  A knock on the door interrupted his cataloging. Upon opening it, he found the hall empty. “Hello?” Another knock. This time it was clearly behind him. He opened the door he’d assumed was a closet and faced an amused Jeannie.

  “We have a connecting door to our rooms.” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down.

  He leaned against the jam, almost purring. “How very convenient.” Slipping into conversation with her felt akin to sliding into warm waters. Comforting and soothing all at the same time.

  A rose color bloomed on her cheeks, the same shade of the flower she still wore in her hair. She held up a card. “There’s a dance tomorrow night to welcome all the new arrivals. I wanted to know if you would like to go together.”

  “Of course, we’ll go together.” He wouldn’t let anyone else take her. Tamping down his urge to stake his claim right there and then, he reminded himself that humans didn’t have the same biological urges he did. Jeannie didn’t understand they were meant for each other. Not yet.