3013: SCARRED: A 3013 Novella (3013: The Series)

by Susan Hayes

Rhen got to his feet, rolling his shoulders several times to loosen them after so many hours of sitting still. “Do I get to see what you’ve got so far, or do I have to wait until it’s done?” he asked.

  “I would rather you not see it until it’s finished. It doesn’t look like much yet, and I want you to be happy that your credits were well spent.” Laesa wiped the worst of the paint stains from her hands, and rose from her chair with a laugh and a smile.

  “Okay. But you have to promise me that you won’t let Sabar see his, either. And Laesa, I already know my credits were well spent. You don’t have to worry about that.”

  She blushed. “Thank you. And you have my word that your brother will not see his before you do. You can both see them together once they’re done. You were an excellent subject, by the way. You hardly moved at all.”

  “It was no hardship. I had your company to distract me. Now I’m free, though, I think I’m going to make use of the holo-room onboard our ship.”

  “That’s a good idea. After I am finished here, I might take a walk around one of the viewing decks. I like looking out at the stars and the ships and wondering where they’re from, and where they’re going next. There’s so much potential in this place. I like it. It makes me feel like anything is possible.”

  “I know what you mean,” he said as he stared at her with eyes full of fire.

  Before she knew what was happening, he was standing right beside her, stroking his thumb across her cheek.

  “You’ve got a smudge of paint on your face. I thought I’d take care of it for you,” he said by way of explanation.

  “Uh, thank you,” she said.

  “You are very welcome. If you see the Auranox on your walk, you’d be welcome to come visit. If not, then I’ll see you tomorrow for our next appointment. I enjoyed spending time with you today, lovely Laesa,” he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

  She gathered her courage and spoke. “I was about to go next door and have something to drink before I started painting again. Would you like to join me? I could show you the mural I created for my friend.”

  “There’s nothing I would like more.” He offered her his arm.

  She only hesitated a moment before linking her arm with his. It was the first time since before she’d been enslaved that she had taken the initiative and asked a male to accompany her. It was a small step toward the future she’d once only dreamed of having.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Sabar caught several females watching him with interest as he made his way through the shopping level. Normally, he would have happily taken time out of his day to chat with a pretty woman, but not today. He hadn’t so much as looked at another female since he’d met Laesa. She was far more interesting to him than anyone else had been in a long time.

  He was impatient to get to know her better, and it rankled him that Rhen had spent hours with her over the last few days while he’d had to wait for his turn. Apart from a brief visit yesterday afternoon to say hello, he’d get his distance. He understood the logic. She needed time to get to know them without feeling overwhelmed, and they needed time to learn about her one on one. He just wasn’t feeling overly patient at the moment.

  The second he stepped into Laesa’s small studio, he inhaled deeply, drinking in her scent. Lust rolled through him and he belatedly recalled his brother’s warning that the sitting would be several kinds of torture. Clearly, he hadn’t been kidding.

  “It is a pleasure to see you, Sabar Torven,” Laesa called out in welcome.

  She was smiling as she came to meet him. She was wearing a dark dress of some kind, the skirt hiding her long legs save for a single, modest slit that ran up to her knee on one side. He couldn’t see more than that because she had an apron on overtop, no doubt to prevent getting paint on her outfit.

  “Hello, Laesa. How’s your day gone? Well I hope.”

  “I have almost finished one of my commissions, and might have sold one of the landscapes, too. My day has gone very well, indeed.”

  “Don’t sell all of them on us. My brother and I have been making inquiries. I expect to hear back from some of our art-loving clients in the next few days. It would be a sad day if you’d managed to sell out before they had a chance to see your work.”

  She shook her head and let loose a soft peal of laughter. “As if I could sell as many as that. There aren’t that many art lovers on the whole station. Not to mention the fact my life is rather boring. I spend most of it creating new paintings, which means it would be nearly impossible for me to sell them all.”

  “If you love what you’re doing with your life, then there’s nothing boring about it. A great many people I know would love the chance to live their dreams and do what they’re passionate about.”

  “You make it sound so glamorous.”

  He grinned. “That’s my job description. Take the ordinary elements of life, and repackage them into something everyone wants to have. Then my brother and I sell it to them.”

  “I don’t believe that to be true at all. The two of you must work very hard to have become as successful as you are. There’s more to it than you’re admitting to.”

  His heart warmed at her words. It wasn’t often anyone acknowledged the work and sacrifice he and Rhen had done to get to where they were now. In part, it was his own fault. He’d deliberately cultivated a persona that was more playboy than businessman. He was the approachable twin, the one that would attend any function and spice up any gathering. Rhen played the role of serious partner, the steady, dependable, decision-maker. The truth was that they were both more than the roles they played. Not that many people ever looked beyond the surface. They saw what they wanted to see and nothing more. Laesa already saw more than many others ever had. It made her even more interesting to him.

  “Are all artists as perceptive as you are?” he asked.

  Laesa blushed slightly. “I don’t know many artists, but I imagine they must be. If we weren’t able to see things clearly, how would we be able to recreate it in our work?”

  “I have to say I’m looking forward to seeing how you portray my brother and I. It isn’t often I get to see through another’s eyes.”

  Her face lit up with happiness. “That is exactly how I like to think of my portraits. I try to show people how others see them. I don’t always succeed, but it’s what I strive for. You will have to wait to see yours, though. I promised Rhen you wouldn’t be allowed to peek since I did not permit him to.”

  “He mentioned that. He also said if I tried to convince you anyway, he’d kick my ass.”

  Laesa felt a pang of unease at the thought of the brothers fighting. “He wouldn’t hurt you, would he?”

  Sabar threw back his head and laughed. “Not even if he really tried to, which he wouldn’t. We’re too well matched for either of us to be able to beat up the other anymore. We sparred so much growing up we know all of the other one’s moves.”

  “So you fight, but only to train? You wish to be ready to defend yourselves.”

  “We are Helios. We’d fight to the death to protect what is ours.”

  Sabar’s words were roughened by a hint of a growl that had her taking a step backward.

  Immediately he reached for her, regret flashing in his golden eyes. “You have nothing to fear from me, blossom. I would never hurt you.”

  “Not even if you were not exactly yourself at the time?” she asked, holding still as he took her hand in his.

  For a moment, he looked puzzled. “Not myself? You mean…ah. You’re talking about my ability to shapeshift. The beast I become is still me, Laesa. My mind in a different body, that’s all. I’d not harm you in either form, and neither would Rhen.”

  “I’m sorry if I gave insult. It’s just that you growled, and that is a sound I have learned heralds anger and…repercussions,” she said, her gaze dropping to the floor as she uttered the last word.

  Sabar’s eyes darkened. “One day, I hope you’ll tell me what happened that put the shad
ow of fear in your beautiful eyes.”

  “One day, I’ll tell you, though if you know anything about some of my people’s darker traditions, I think you can guess.”

  He growled again, but this time, she could sense by his energy that his anger was not directed at her.

  “You’ll never have to fear either of us, Laesa. If you ever wish to seek revenge on the ones who harmed you, just give us their names and we’ll see it done.”

  “There is no one left to seek revenge on. My uncle saw to that when he tracked me down and freed me.” Her uncle’s greatest regret was that it had taken him so long to find her. In the beginning everyone believed she had died with her parents. Once he learned that wasn’t the case, he hadn’t rested until she was safe. He was her uncle, though. He’d protected her because that was what family did for each other. It was strangely pleasing to her to know Sabar would do that for her despite the fact they had only just met.

  He still had hold of her hand, his fingers caressing her palm. “I’d do whatever it took to banish those shadows from your eyes forever.”

  “Why?” she asked. “We only met a few days ago.”

  Sabar’s lips curled into a slow, sensual smile. “Have dinner with us tomorrow night and you can ask me that question again. I promise I’ll answer you then.”

  “Tomorrow night, then. I look forward to it.”

  Laesa’s hand was trembling as she withdrew it from his. There was no denying her attraction to the two brothers. They made her heart race and her blood burn in a way she hadn’t felt since before she’d been enslaved. Whatever was forming between them, she wanted to pursue it wherever it may lead.

  * * * *

  Sabar’s second sitting was going well. In fact, Laesa had enjoyed every second of her time with both brothers over the last four days. They had been interesting subjects to paint, and she’d gotten to know them both in the hours they’d spent together.

  Things had gone so well, that the greatest challenge she’d had was finding the right pose for Sabar. No matter how he sat, he always appeared to be on the verge of moving. Eventually, she’d simply painted him standing up. He was currently leaning up against the far wall in a casual stance that suited his personality and appearance. He’d chosen to wear dark brown leather pants that fitted him perfectly, along with a simple white shirt beneath a leather vest. The outfit was well made and clearly expensive, but it also reminded her of what she’d read about the Helios. They appeared civilized, but beneath the veneer, they were still a wild and fearsome species. She suspected Sabar had chosen his clothing for precisely that reason. It was something she intended to ask him about when they knew each other better.

  They had talked for all of yesterday’s session as well as this one. He’d told her stories about growing up on Helix, making her laugh often as he described the trouble he and Rhen had gotten into. She’d shared a few stories about Tartarus, but mostly she’d spoken about her new life as an artist. He had been keenly interested to hear her impressions of everything she’d experienced, from the transports she’d taken to the food being served at Asylum, the Krytos sanctuary on the station.

  She was nearly finished with the day’s work when her wrist unit chimed, indicating she had a new message. Likely, it was Sophie checking in on things. Laesa set down her brush. “I think this is a good time to stop. You must be tired of standing there by now.”

  Sabar straightened up and reached up to rub the back of his neck. “Until we started this project, I had no idea standing still would be that difficult.”

  “Everyone thinks it will be easy until they have to do it. Go and stretch your legs, if you like. I will clean up here and then prepare to close up for the night.”

  He nodded and moved away from the wall. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “If you could bring in the one painting that’s on an easel near the entrance, I would appreciate it. I will not be long.”

  “Take your time. You’ve been sitting there working for hours. We’re in no hurry.”

  “You don’t mind waiting?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “Why would I mind? My time isn’t any more valuable than yours.”

  Laesa knew that wasn’t true. She was a simple artist while Sabar was a successful merchant. His time was worth far more than hers would ever be. She appreciated his words, though. It had been a long time since she’d felt truly valued by a male. Both Sabar and Rhen had given her that gift. They made her feel special. In fact, in the days since she’d first found them in her shop, they had treated her so well that she felt as if they had known each other far longer than they really had.

  She checked her messages and laughed when she saw that it was indeed Sophie asking how things were progressing. She sent her a quick note saying all was well, and looked up to find Sabar watching her.

  “You’re smiling. Good news?” he asked.

  “Not good news, a good friend checking up on me. When I leave here, I’m going to miss her. Sophie has been very supportive and helpful. She’s the reason I came to the station in the first place. She encouraged me to display my work, and showed me that I can be successful.”

  “Sounds like the best sort of friend you can have. I want you to know that Rhen and I want you to succeed, and not only because we’re hoping to help sell your paintings and make a profit for all of us. You have a real talent, and I want others to see what you can do.”

  “Thank you. It…it means a great deal to me that you would say that.”

  Before she could do more than blink, Sabar was standing in front of her. “I’m not merely saying it. I meant every word.”

  “I know you do. That’s why it means so much.” She reached out and brushed her fingers over the back of his hand. “You make me feel special.”

  He twisted his hand and captured her fingers in his. “You are special, blossom. Don’t you ever doubt it.”

  “Why do you call me blossom?” she asked, her heart beating a wild dance in her chest at his touch.

  “Your scent reminds me of the night flowers that grow back home. They’re beautiful, but so delicate they hide from the harsh heat of the day and only bloom in the moonlight.”

  “They sound lovely.”

  “They are, and so are you.” Sabar moved in close enough that she could feel the heat of his body. He brushed his mouth against hers, and murmured her name before retreating again.

  “Sabar, did you just kiss me?” she whispered.

  “I did. And unless you slap me and tell me to never do that again, I plan on kissing you as often as I can.” He winked at her and lifted her hand to his mouth to kiss her fingertips before releasing her hand.

  “I have no intention of telling you to cease, and I am certainly not going to slap you. But I think you knew that already.”

  “I hoped, but it’s a female’s right to choose. Remember that. Whatever happens between the three of us, it’s your decision.”

  Sabar wanted nothing more than to haul Laesa into his arms and kiss her until neither of them could think. Being in her company for the last two days had been a sweet torment. Her soft-spoken demeanor hid a quick and agile mind. She was their match in so many ways, and he was starting to hope that one day they would claim her as their own. First, though, they needed to explain to her what they hoped to have with her and what it would mean to be their companion. She wasn’t from their culture, and they couldn’t make any assumptions about what she knew about the Helios. Information on Tarins wasn’t easy to come by, either. They would have to figure this out as they went along.

  He wanted to know about her life back on Tartarus. If she’d been abused the way he suspected, then they would find a way to give her all the understanding she needed to heal from what she endured. More than that, he wanted to protect her from every experiencing that kind of pain again.

  “My decision. I will remember that. Will you give me a few minutes to finish here and tidy myself up for dinner?” She smiled at him, and her beautiful obsidian
eyes shone with new confidence.

  He nodded. “I’ll be waiting outside. Join me when you’re ready, but don’t rush on my account. This night is all about you, Laesa.”

  “I will see you out front in a little while.”

  Sabar wandered to the front of the gallery and claimed a portion of wall outside. The air out here was heavy with the delicious odor of roasted meat and other dishes, and he tracked the scents to the restaurant next door. This would be Sophie’s Café, the place that Laesa’s human friend owned. Rhen had mentioned eating there the other day. As if his thoughts had summoned her, a petite, blonde human female appeared at the door and smiled up at him as if she knew him.

  “Hi again. Oh, wait, no. You’re not the one I met. You must be the other brother. Sabar, right?”

  “I’m Sabar. And you must be Sophie. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Where’s Laesa?” Sophie asked, glancing around.

  “She’s finishing up inside and then freshening up before I take her to dinner. She’ll be along shortly.”

  The tiny human looked up at Sabar with fire in her eyes. “In that case, I’ve got something I need to say to you. I expect you and your brother to take good care of my friend, cat boy. She’s special, and she deserves nothing but happiness after all the shit she’s survived already.”

  Cat boy? Sabar grinned down at the feisty female with amusement. “You have my word she will be treated with all the respect and care she deserves, and more. If I have my way, she will never suffer another day of unhappiness in her life.”

  Sophie’s expression softened. “I’m glad to hear it. Sorry for the show of force, but I worry about her.”

  “No offense taken. You’re her friend, and you want to protect her. So do I.”

  “I only know a little of what happened to her before she got here, but it’s enough to make me grateful I wasn’t born a Tarin female. Being an infertile female back on Earth had its rough patches, but meeting Laesa made me realize I had it comparatively easy.”

  Sabar growled low in his throat. “No female should ever have to live through what Laesa experienced.”