Liam cried out when the sweltering wet enveloped him and pulled back with mind-bending suction. Mac was good, but Hadrian was an artist. Every bit of his bare flesh was being sucked, held, or stroked simultaneously. Happy noises issued from Hadrian as he practiced his craft. Not only was he skilled, but it seemed he was enjoying every moment on his knees.
Hadrian’s movements increased and Liam’s body rocked in sympathy. He was getting close. He wasn’t even making intelligent noise anymore. His hands fluttered about Hadrian’s head and neck, unable to decide where to place them. Hadrian reached along Liam’s perineum with his finger and found his sweat-slicked opening. It breached him with ease, and one brush to his prostate was the start of the end.
Liam tried to stifle his cry as he came undone. His hands gripped and released Hadrian in rhythmic spasms. Hadrian continued stroking, gorging himself on every salty gush that fired into his mouth. Liam tried to pull him off, but Hadrian refused to release him until every tremor had calmed.
With Liam slumped against the wall and barely standing, Hadrian gracefully stood and kissed the life back into him. Slow, nourishing caresses soothed Liam as he held Hadrian to show him how precious he was to him. It took a great deal of time for Liam’s breathing to settle.
Hadrian pulled back, smiling, his eyes hypnotizing. Liam couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so content. Gently, Hadrian returned him to a decent state and whispered in his ear.
“When you finish your rounds, come find me. What I want to do to you next requires privacy and a comfortable bed.”
DANVERSE SAT AT his desk in his sleeping shorts, staring back at his empty bed. Sleep eluded him as he imagined what a certain young mechanic would look like wrapped in his blankets. He traced mindless circles on the desktop with his hand as his thoughts wandered. He had never hesitated when it came to a man before. What stayed his hand with this one? Perhaps because he had never wanted anyone so strongly.
Mac was exactly what he wanted in a mate: attractive, compliant, and intelligent. Every time Danverse saw him, it made his day brighter. The urge to touch Mac was powerful. It tested his self-control not to throw him down and fuck him through the floor whenever they were alone. He had made himself content with the occasional possessive contact on the back of his neck. That would have to do for the time being. He was afraid of what would happen if Mac came face-to-face with his darker side. If they were together, he would need to restrain his boy and punish him. At some point, he would hurt Mac and then take care of him, like he did with Liam. It was who he was. He knew better than to deny that need, but he couldn’t bear to see Mac run from him if he didn’t understand. He didn’t believe Mac could understand. So he’d restrained himself and hadn’t claimed his boy…no matter how fiercely he wanted to.
Damn. Now he was referring to Mac as his boy. Liam was probably right about all of it. Not that Danverse wanted to admit it.
The chime of a new personal message coming into his mailbox broke his contemplation. It was late. He wondered who would be sending mail at this hour.
A quick touch brought the monitor to life and opened his message board. A new post from Dr. Bosch sat in the in-box. Rather than reading it, he tapped the screen and waited for a vid link to connect. Moments later, the doctor appeared on the monitor.
“Captain. I didn’t expect you to be awake. I would have called.”
Danverse shook his head. “I couldn’t sleep. You’re not usually up at this hour either.”
“I had an emergency call.”
“Anything serious?” He began to rise in his chair, stiffening at the thought of a problem. The raiders’ boarding continued to leave him on guard.
“No. I’ve already treated James.”
“What happened?”
“He didn’t take no for an answer in the shower room earlier and got thumped.”
“Fantastic. How bad was it?”
“Not that bad. James admitted he pushed too far. Mr. Jamison declined a personal scrub down not once, but three times. When James touched him, Jamison grabbed his wrist, flipped him, and slammed him onto the floor. Just once.” The doctor had a mild grin on his face.
Danverse’s eyes went wide in surprise. “Hadrian Jamison? He’s lucky to be alive.”
“He has some pretty bruises and a dislocated shoulder. He’s staying in sick bay overnight with a regenerator strapped on. He’ll be fine in the morning.”
“Is Jamison pressing charges?”
“James already apologized, and Jamison is the one who brought him to sick bay.” Dr. Bosch rolled his eyes. “He actually seemed sorry he had been so rough.”
“So what made you send the message?”
“It was Jamison’s medical profile. When he came in, I realized I hadn’t sent it to you.”
“What’s it say?”
“You didn’t read it?” The doctor shook his head. “Not that you had the time, but of course you didn’t read it. Why would you start doing that now?” The doctor’s bedside manner had faded.
“Because you write novels. I want to hear the abridged version.”
Dr. Bosch straightened in his chair. “Fine. Hadrian Jamison is one of the most perfect human specimens I have ever examined, down to a cellular level. He has most certainly been genetically modified. His strength, agility, and speed are all at the borderline of para-human.”
“We guessed that. Is he a clone?” Danverse sat back in his chair and settled his chin in his hand.
“No. The DNA is too perfect. There would be distinct genetic degradation markers that can’t be corrected. You can’t copy something that complex without flaws.”
“What about the subdermal tech?”
“His nervous system is flooded with it. Brain stem, spine, nerve endings, all of it. Completely interwoven.”
“Any idea why?”
“This stuff is way beyond my pay grade. It’s not medical tech, but it’s amazingly intricate. The manufacturing codes I was able to find didn’t explain the circuitry’s purpose, but when I cross-referenced it, I came up with the word Adonirati in the Luxorian database. Have you ever heard of it before?”
“No. Should I?”
“Adonirati seem to be a small group of cloned men who serve as highly prized gladiators. They’re owned by only the wealthiest members of Luxorian society. There were also some veiled references that describe them as high-class prostitutes. The details on all of it are very sketchy.”
“They sound like slaves.”
“Slavery is illegal in the cluster. That’s why they use clones. No legal rights.”
Danverse paused for a moment. “Why is Hadrian Jamison loaded with Adonirati subdermal tech, then? You said he’s not a clone.”
“I don’t have an answer for that.” Dr. Bosch looked defeated, his shoulders sagging.
“Thanks, Doc.” Danverse began to stretch in his chair. “I’ll read over the detailed report tomorrow. Have a good night.” With a polite wave, Danverse tapped the screen and ended the connection. Pushing against the floor with his right foot, he rotated his chair while he pondered the new information. There were even more questions to be asked now. Too many conflicting stories. Too many details that refused to make sense. All of it pointed to Hadrian Jamison.
What had they gotten themselves into when they brought this man aboard? If there was one thing he hated, it was unknown quantities on his ship. He needed information, and his last attempt had been next to useless. Danverse knew he’d have to be less subtle this time.
“Mrs. Claus. I need a Subspace Link to the Luxorian government.”
Chapter Seven
LIAM’S DOOR OPENED with its familiar hiss, and he entered his quarters. Every step was like slogging through mud. His legs had been weak and rubbery ever since he’d run into Hadrian earlier. Pleasant memories of the encounter in the hallway should have sparked a new arousal, but he was far too fatigued. His body had been healed, but his stamina was in the toilet. Perhaps he wasn’t fully recovered after al
l.
Painfully slow, he shut the door behind him and peeled off his pants. When the cloth became tangled at his ankles, he grumbled as he realized he was still wearing his boots. Ankles bound, he shuffled to the desk chair and settled into it to unstrap his boots and relieve himself of the offending material.
Clad only in his T-shirt and jock, he gazed longingly at his bed. It looked so comfortable. Getting to its comfy sweetness was going to be a challenge, though. With a mighty effort, he rose and took a step toward sleepy heaven.
The door chime rang.
Liam’s half-open eyes, paired with a muddled brain, stared at the door. Who could be at his door right then, when he was so close to happy sleep time? Confused and frustrated, he shuffled to the door and opened it.
“You were supposed to come find me after your rounds.” Brow arched, Hadrian stood in the doorway in a simple pair of lounging pants that flowed down and hugged every curve of his lower half. Even the faint outline of his cock could be seen under the lightweight garment. Liam tried not to stare but took another peek.
“I ran a lot later than I expected. I thought you’d be asleep.”
Hadrian stepped inside and invaded Liam’s personal space, bringing the scent of a recent shower into the room.
“You should have come for me.” Hadrian placed a hand on Liam’s chest and looked down at his remaining clothing. The soft shirt fit tightly over his thick torso, and he hoped Hadrian found the jock a good choice. The approving grin that met his gaze as he looked up said yes.
As happy as he was to see Hadrian, Liam was exhausted. His eyelids were struggling to stay open under their own weight.
“You didn’t wait up for me this whole time, did you?”
“Well, I did take a long shower.” Hadrian brushed his gentle hand over Liam’s chest and shoulder. “And I had to help your supply clerk to sick bay. But otherwise, yes.”
“James? Is he okay?”
“He fell down in the shower. The doctor has treated him. He will be fine.” Hadrian’s hand slid up to the back of Liam’s neck. Liam’s eyes closed and his mouth opened with the warm sensation. Hadrian gave the base of his skull a firm stroke and Liam’s head began to sag on its perch.
Hadrian’s whisper was so comforting. “Liam, I can see and feel how exhausted you are. It is time to put you to bed.”
Liam didn’t even speak. Eyes still closed, he nodded and let Hadrian lead him to the bed like a half-conscious child.
Liam flopped onto the bed and burrowed into the covers. A deep, satisfied groan escaped him as he settled into his haven. The soft rustle of Hadrian shedding his pants was the only sound before Hadrian slid in next to him. Liam reached out to wrap an arm around Hadrian’s waist and pull him closer.
Liam murmured under his breath. “Mine.” Hadrian nestled into him as he lost the battle to stay awake.
A WAVE OF terror and guilt tore Hadrian out of a restful sleep. His eyes snapped open in the dark as he heard the pitiful cry so close to him. The anguish tore at his heart.
“Lights. Lowest setting.”
He spun around to find Liam curled up at the corner of the bed, his face hidden in his shaking hands as he tried to press himself farther into the wall. Ripples of disquiet slammed into Hadrian as Liam wailed into his hands. Liam’s whole body was quaking. His feet dug into the bedcovers as he twisted himself, lost in the horror of his dream.
“Liam?” Hadrian murmured, laying a hand on Liam’s shoulder, and then immediately pulling back to avoid being struck in the face by Liam’s elbow. Liam’s nightmare and reactions were intensifying. He grabbed Liam’s wrist and spun him face-first to the bed, subduing him through a few key pressure points.
He didn’t want to shock him awake, but he had no choice. “Liam! Wake up!”
When he felt the shift of awareness telling him Liam was awake, he relaxed his hold. Liam shook and sputtered as he pulled out of his sleep-induced terror. Eventually, he turned over. His eyes were wide and skittish as he found Hadrian on top of him.
“Hadrian? Oh God. I’m so sorry.” The shame on his face was unmistakable. Hadrian could hear the urge to run and hide as Liam looked around for an escape route.
“This is your room. There is nowhere to go. You need to calm down.”
He kept his volume at a soothing level. Liam was on the verge of hyperventilating. Closing his eyes, Liam shook his head as he worked to slow his breathing down to a sane pace. Hadrian stroked his chest while he found his center.
“I have felt your nightmares before. This one seemed especially bad.”
“Yeah.” Liam’s voice was shaky and harsh. “I’ll be okay. It happens.”
Once he was sure Liam was calm, Hadrian walked over to the cold storage and brought back a tumbler of water.
“Drink.”
Liam emptied half the glass in one series of swallows.
“Thank you.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You seem awfully calm about this.”
“In my life, meeting people with night terrors is not uncommon. I wanted to be sure you would not hurt yourself or me.” Sitting close to Liam, he stroked his sweaty hairline.
“It doesn’t happen every night. It seems to happen if I get too happy.” Liam’s gaze shifted away into a dark corner.
“I want to understand.” Hadrian pulled Liam’s attention back with a gentle hand on his chin. “I know I do not have a right to ask you this, and I know I have hardly been forthcoming, but I want to help, Liam. I want to know what you have done that makes you need to punish yourself over and over.”
As Liam looked deep into Hadrian’s eyes, Hadrian could hear his search for a hint of deception. Felt him strain to find any and come up empty. Even so, Hadrian could feel Liam’s internal debate over sharing with him. He clearly wanted to. He wanted to bare his soul and see if Hadrian could stomach his past.
He tried to keep his tone safe and comforting. “I doubt there is anything you could reveal that could truly shock me.”
Liam closed his eyes and upended the water, finishing it before he began to speak.
“I was a sniper in the Alpha Centauri Marines. We had our hands full for several years as we dealt with the civil war between the main government and the migrant workers’ uprisings. My unit was regularly deployed for special missions. Captain Danverse was my commanding officer. He kept me together when the job got all fucked up.
“It’s hard to look through a scope and watch someone’s head blow off when you pull the trigger. The only thing that would get me through was that I knew I was removing someone whose whole plan was to kill others to achieve their goals. Killing select targets to help bring an end to the war was something I could get behind. It had gone on for so long.
“Our last mission was a security detail at Belathius Pointe. A summit had been established between the faction leaders that we hoped would bring an end to all the fighting. It was very public. They wanted everyone to see they were committed to peace. We were in place to scan the crowds. You know, keep a lookout for something suspicious. Everything was running smoothly. Then we got the urgent com.
“Intelligence had discovered a radical group that opposed the summit was planning an attack. A bomb had been planted on a civilian in the crowd and would be set off by a com call. Our job was changed to find the device and remove the target if necessary.
“I turned on my tech scanner and I got lucky and found it. I picked up a micro nuke powerful enough to incinerate five city blocks.” Liam took a deep breath and a tear rolled down his cheek. “It was in the shoulder bag of a little boy. He couldn’t have been more than ten years old.”
“I called it in to Danverse and he confirmed it with his scanner. The kid wasn’t involved. He went to school with the son of the guy who set the bomb up. They picked him because his class was on a field trip to the capitol building.
“Then the scanner picked up an incoming call to the kid’s com.
“We couldn’t stop the call, there wasn’t time. T
he kid started to reach for his wrist com. Danverse ordered me to shoot. I hesitated and he screamed at me, 'Shoot or we all die!’…so I fired.
“It was so different from all the other kills. The way he jerked and exploded.” Liam gasped as tears welled from his eyes. “Oh God. I watched that boy die in my scope in front of all his schoolmates… I still can’t shake that image out of my head. He was innocent. And I killed him.”
Heaving sobs tore free as he wrapped himself around Hadrian, the weight of his sins making him fall forward. Shamelessly, he cried into the shoulder that kept him from collapsing. For long minutes, he clung to Hadrian, his crushing grip threatening bruises. Hadrian let him, continuing to hold and stroke his head and neck, encouraging him to draw strength where he could.
“The bomb scare didn’t keep the summit from happening. The war ended shortly afterward. But once it was over, I couldn’t stay in the military.” Liam scrubbed his eyes and nose with the back of his hand. “Danverse left with me. He felt responsible, I guess, but I think the war took a lot out of him too. So we ended up here.” Liam raised his head, looking around at the room.
Hadrian refused to release Liam as he spoke. “It is never an easy thing to end another’s life, even if they deserve it. You may never be at ease with it, but your actions brought the end of wartime suffering to many. That boy’s sacrifice no doubt saved thousands of lives. I am sorry it had to be you. I will never attempt to diminish the gravity of your experience, but you cannot punish yourself for eternity for the death of one that saved so many.”
“But he was an innocent.”
“War always makes victims of the innocent. All you can do is try to bring an end to it.”
Liam still held tight to Hadrian, but his anxiety was down to a manageable level. With both hands, Hadrian raised Liam’s face. He looked into his swollen eyes and haggard expression, and pressed their lips together in a soft, nurturing kiss.
The Luxorian Fugitive Page 10
