by Kiersten Fay
And who could blame them for looking? Sebastian himself wanted to steer her into a darkened room and make waste of the thin material that sheathed her body. By her reaction in the Sanctuary, she might have let him.
He shook the thought from his head.
Only when he had Anya in his arms was he able to calm, almost as quickly as he'd become enraged. A mere touch from her had pulled him away from the Edge. Amazing.
Anya seemed oblivious to all this.
Her refusal to tell him who his first target was once the wards came down was irritating. But he was sure he would find out eventually. Did she refuse to tell him because she was still frightened of going back? Did she really think him capable of that?
She'd scoffed at his promise to keep her safe, though she was right. How could he keep her safe when he planned to leave her in order to hunt down her pursuer? He would charge Sonya and Calic with watching her in his stead. Maybe even Marik. But Anya was right. He wouldn't be there to keep his promise. And once Sebastian destroyed whoever was after her, it didn't guarantee her safety. Anyone with eyes would want her.
A growl reverberated through him. All who stood nearby, subtly inched away.
The only way to keep his promise was to keep her with him, and that wasn't an option. The effect she had on him was dangerous. He already craved her. Already would give her anything. He had no intention of allowing the attachment to grow any stronger than it already had.
It was a good thing she hadn't wanted him to stay with her this night. If he had a whole night with her, he feared he would be lost…addicted. And then he might never be able to let her go.
* * *
——
* * *
Marik watched Anya cruise through the salon like a zombie. Either she'd slept poorly or her mind was on other things. Probably both.
Like everyone else, he'd heard the explosions last night and knew if they were in any real danger they would have heard about it over the intercom. But Anya had definitely been frightened by the event. Sebastian had been here earlier and told him what happened. Marik could understand her fear. Long after he'd gained his freedom he'd been just as jumpy.
Though Anya had been enslaved same as him, she was coping a lot better than he had. Marik envied her strength. Two hundred years of torment could have broken him completely, but she was like a bright ball of energy, eager for her new life, and ready to forget her old one.
Perhaps Anya had an easier time of locking away the bad and forcing it out of her mind. It had taken him a long time to be able to block out his own memories. He still struggled with it at times.
“Anya,” Marik called after her, as she prepared to carry out an order of food.
“Yeah?” She stopped mid-door and craned her head to look back at him.
“Don't forget the soup.”
“Oh. Right.”
She had been like this all day. She wasn't herself. She was forgetful and less attentive than usual, her features drawn in constant worry.
The party tonight should cheer her up. Marik quirked his lips and went back to cooking.
* * *
Before Analia's shift was over, Marik had sent her away to get ready for the party. Sonya joined her in her room to fuss with her hair and help her pick an outfit. The dress she wore was a V-neck with straps that crossed in the back, which was also low and sloping. The color was an off white—which Sonya said set off her skin tone, whatever that meant—and the hem ended just above her knees.
Before, the pair of shoes she was wearing would have scared the hell out of her, but now she slipped them on like an expert.
Sonya was kind enough to show her some dance moves and even practiced with her a little. They laughed themselves to the floor as the moves became sillier and more exaggerated. Anya was nervous for the date-that-really-wasn't-a-date. She hadn't seen Xandar since the day he asked her out, so she’d been unable to set him straight about tonight.
A ringing in the room let her know he was here and her nerves became flat out panicked.
Sonya let out a small giggle. “It's okay. Remember you're in charge.”
“I'm in charge,” Anya repeated in a ghostly tone.
That made Sonya laugh even harder. “Next time, say it like you mean it.”
Anya stuck out her tongue and moved to open the door. Xandar stood there in a pair of nice pants and a button down shirt. His hair was spiked. He looked…like he always did.
“Hey, Xandar!” Sonya called from inside the room. “We're almost ready.”
Xandar rolled his gaze over Anya, stopping for a moment at her cleavage. Awkwardly, she shifted her stance. “Hi,” she said lamely.
“You look…I mean…good. You look really good.” He finally met her eyes and smiled.
“Thanks,” she said, and then raised her voice so Sonya could hear her. “I thought this was a dress up event.”
Again Sonya laughed and came up beside her, dressed in a tight red top that laced up the center and a flowing skirt to match. Her black hair was in waves down her back. “It is. Xandar is just a slob.”
“Hey,” he said, in a mock hurt voice. “This is as dressed up as you're ever going to get me.” He winked at Anya. “Putting clothes on is not what I'm into.”
Sonya threaded her arm through Analia's and walked her out of the room. “Down, boy.”
As soon as they came close to the salon, Sonya practically bounced with glee next to Anya. She must really like parties.
Then they entered the salon where Anya had her fourth major shock in two days. A huge banner that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANYA hung on the wall.
It looked as though everyone on the ship was gathered here and they were all smiling at her. Clapping and loud cheers erupted through the room. Anya had a sudden, irrational urge to turn and run away. She gave Sonya, whose smile was radiant, a questioning look.
“It's a party for you,” she offered with warmth. “Consider it a belated birthday slash freedom slash just because party.”
Her throat tightened, and she struggled to bite back a brewing sob, while her eyes pricked with what promised to be a river of tears. “This is…so wonderful Sonya…I can't believe you did this.”
Xandar pulled her against him with one arm. “It was nothing. You deserve the best.” His touch sobered her, actually helped to put a damper on her emotions.
Pulling away from Xandar, she hugged Sonya with all her strength. “Thank you.”
Xandar interjected, “Hey, the three of us should take this to another room.”
Sonya punched him in the arm and led Anya deeper into the crowd.
Spotting Marik, Anya leapt into his arms. “You knew about this, didn't you!”
“Of course I knew. I made the cake.”
“Cake?”
Marik's eyes lit up. “That's right. You've never had cake.” He pointed to a long table filled with a mixture of food and drinks. At one end was a thick rectangular blob. Anya leaned her head on Marik's shoulder. “Thank you.”
“Don't thank me till you try it. Oh, and let me know when you're about to, so I can watch. I have a feeling it will be similar to the chocolate incident.”
Anya giggled at him. “Oh, we're turning that into an incident? That was more like an ambush.” Looking around the room, Anya noticed that there were two people missing from the crowd. “Where are Calic and Sebastian?”
Marik looked at Sonya for the answer.
“They'll be here,” was all she offered.
Music began to blare through the room and Anya found herself being pulled through the crowd again, waving at familiar faces as she went.
“Come on Anya, let's dance.” Sonya began moving her body to the beat of the music.
Anya followed suit. Though Sonya was obviously more experienced, Anya thought she was keeping up nicely. Suddenly, Xandar was dancing next to her. When more people joined in, she relaxed a bit, noticing many of them danced as poorly as she did.
After a few songs, people left the dan
ce floor and started to gather around the food. She remained with Sonya and Xandar, and a small surrounding crowd.
Dancing was great! It was fun and freeing getting lost in the beat of the music. Xandar seemed to be playing a game where he would mirror her moves. When she tried to match his moves as well, he took that as his cue to wrap his arms around her waist.
As much fun as she was having, there was something amiss in his touch. Just when Anya was about to pull away, she spotted Cale and Bastian enter. After spotting her with Xandar, Cale kept a watchful eye on Sebastian as if at any moment he would have to tackle him to the ground. Sebastian had a look of…unmitigated calm. But at closer inspection, his fists were clenched and his jaw was tight.
In one of his hands, Cale wielded a sword. Why would he bring a weapon? Anya had a sudden inkling that Bastian might snatch it to take off Xandar's head.
For the sake of Xandar's safety, she broke away from him and continued dancing with a little less enthusiasm. Xandar didn't take the hint, staying close to her.
Sonya hadn't noticed their entrance, until Anya asked her why Cale had brought a sword. Sonya's eyes flashed to the door and she waved them over.
“Hi guys! Is that what you've decided on? Figures.”
Bastian answered, “What could possibly be a better gift than a sharp and deadly instrument.” The last was sneered in Xandar's direction.
Anya only heard the word gift. It was the sword she practiced with every morning. “What do you mean by gift?”
“This is for you,” Cale said, handing her the hilt. “To keep,” he added, noting her expression.
“I can't take this!”—shaking her head—“Guys, thank you for everything, but this is too much.”
“It's not up for debate,” Cale interrupted. “I expect you to bring it to every training session.”
She reluctantly took the sword, then threw her free arm around Cale. Rigidly, Cale tapped her shoulder. Then she moved to Sebastian, whose body stiffened as she embraced him. Their kiss still hung between them, heavy and obscure. She lingered a little longer than she should have, taking in his masculine scent, before she pulled away.
Gazing at the sword, Anya said, “I don't think I can carry this thing around all night.”
Xandar let out a hearty laugh. “That would certainly make things interesting, if you know what I mean.” He didn't notice the death looks from three demons.
Somehow she had become theirs to protect. Her lips curled at the thought.
Xandar continued, oblivious. “Are you thirsty, Anya? I'll get us some drinks.”
“Uh, sure. Thank you.”
Sonya took the sword from her and handed it back to Cale. “Find a place for that. Anya can take it with her on the way out.” Cale disappeared with the sword. “I told them to find you something nice. Never send a male,” she sighed.
A new song began to play, and with renewed excitement, Sonya pulled a random male from the sidelines to dance with her, leaving Anya and Sebastian to themselves.
They stood in silence for a moment before he spoke. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yes, thank you. It's amazing that you guys did this.”
“Have you eaten?”
“No, not yet. I've just danced so far.”
“I noticed,” he murmured. “You should try the cake. I hear it's layered in chocolate.”
She laughed at that. Bastian raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Marik wants me to warn him before I do, so he can watch me go mindless from the taste, as I'm sure I will.” That pulled a smile from him and she relaxed a little.
“Here you go.” Xandar moved in beside her and handed her a cup filled with a red liquid.
“What is it?”
“I'm not sure. You'll have to ask Sonya. I think it has some alcohol in it though.”
Anya took a sip. A fruity tang encompassed her taste buds. “Mmm.”
Xandar slipped an arm around her waist. A show of possessiveness? Sonya mentioned that males can become possessive when they strongly desire a female. Anya swallowed hard.
“Do you want to dance some more? Or we could grab some food and take a seat.”
Bastian's features had darkened, and he was scowling dangerously at Xandar. “I think we should eat now,” she quickly said.
“Good, I'm starving.” Xandar grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the table of food. Anya turned back for a last glance at Sebastian, but he was gone.
After gathering a plate of food, they sat at one of the empty tables. Xandar refreshed their drinks, and they both began to eat. As always, the food was excellent. Marik was amazing. She sipped her drink, and thought what it would be like to cook for herself when she was finally on her own. Inwardly, she cringed. She should ask Marik to teach her a few things at the first opportunity.
“You dance well for someone who says she’s never danced before. In fact, it's hard to believe.”
“Well it's true. I haven't.”
“Why is that?”
“Never had the opportunity.”
“How is that possible?”
I was locked away by a madman for my entire life.
“I was never asked to dance.”
“So I'm your first? That's nice to know. Then are you ready to dance some more?”
Anya smiled, feeling slightly affected by the alcohol. “Sure, why not.” Deciding this would be her last drink of the night, she finished what little was left and entered floor.
Sonya was still enjoying herself, occasionally pulling in an unsuspecting male to dance with her. Each of her partners would nervously glance around the room, Anya suspected, to locate her brothers.
Xandar pulled her against him and started swaying to the music. “I really like you, Anya.” He stared into her eyes the way Sebastian sometimes did, but she didn't react the same way. There was nothing in his eyes that made her heart skip, her stomach flip, or make her shiver with anticipation all at the same time. She needed to tell him she wasn't interested.
I'm in control.
“Xandar, I…”
“May I cut in?” a gruff voice spoke from behind her.
Xandar gave a look of annoyance. “Sure, as long as it's okay with Anya.”
“It's okay,” she said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.
Xandar stepped back, and Sebastian's hands were suddenly around her waist. Her body reacted to him instantly, warming to his touch. Her heart began to pound.
The music became measured and steady. As he led her through the dance floor, their movements became synchronized.
It didn't escape her notice that he was taking her farther and farther away from her date. It didn't matter. All that mattered was that she was once again in Bastian's arms. Nothing felt better. It made her realize how uncomfortable she'd been with Xandar.
Together they swayed to the music, him looking down at her, her looking up. With his eyelids drooping, he said, “I love it when your eyes go silver.”
Remembering his kiss, her gaze fell to his lips. “Are they?” When he pulled her closer, their dance slowed and everything around them disappeared. His muscular chest rubbed against her. “Bastian.” Her voice was low and throaty. His liquid gold eyes grew heated and she thought he might kiss her right here on the dance floor.
He broke the spell when he said, “I don't like seeing you with Xandar.”
Anya took a moment to catch her breath. “It's only a date.”
“You can do better than him.”
“Can I?” They were still swaying to the music, bodies pressed against each other. “Who would you consider better?” Sebastian didn't answer. “What concern is it of yours anyway?” Still he remained silent. “Xandar is a nice enough guy, and he actually had the guts to tell me he likes me.” Though she didn't return the feeling. Why am I defending him anyway?
Maybe because Sebastian kept her at a distance when it was obvious he wanted her. Why would he kiss her, or dance with her if he didn't? He seemed to pull her to him and then p
ush her away in the next instant. Even now, she could feel the turmoil inside him. Why? Did the thought of her being a slave repulse him?
Suddenly a wave of nausea rushed through her, and she had to grab her head to keep the room from spinning, which didn't work anyway.
“What's wrong?” Sebastian steadied her.
“I feel dizzy.” As she said the word, the world flipped upside down and she had to grab onto Sebastian for support. “I need to lie down.” Right here on the floor would be perfect.
From far away, she heard Xandar's voice. “Anya, are you okay?”
Sebastian answered for her. “She's not feeling well. I'm taking her back to her room.”
“I can take her,” Xandar protested.
“No, you stay and enjoy the rest of the party.” Sebastian's tone left no room for discussion. He led her from the room, allowing her the dignity of walking all the way out on her own, before he scooped her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way. “How much did you drink tonight?”
“Two?” It was a question, not an answer.
“You don't know?”
“Two,” she repeated, more sure this time. “Stop bouncing.” She groaned, closing her eyes and immediately opening them when her dizziness grew worse.
Sebastian was saying something, but she didn't hear him. Every fiber in her was concentrating on not retching all over him. After what seemed like hours, she felt a soft cushion beneath her and a blanket came over her. With her hands, she searched for the back of the couch to get her bearings. When she found nothing, she cringed. Not the couch. The bed. She let out a sound of protest, but didn't dare move.
Sebastian leaned over her. “Do you need anything?”
“Couch.”
“Aren't you more comfortable in the bed?”
She was, dammit! And she was too tired to argue further. Drifting, she closed her eyes for what she thought was only a second. When she opened them again, Sebastian was setting a glass of water on the nightstand. He swept the back of his hand along her forehead, then her jaw. The touch eased her nausea slightly.
Then, without warning, or provocation, her body exploded with want. Needing to be touched everywhere. But she had become like a lead weight, sinking into the soft mattress, and she was unable to reach for Sebastian as he pulled away from her. Fuzzily, she heard him speak.
