LIAM AWOKE FROM a soft touch on his cheek. His eyes fluttered open to the sight of weary ice-blue eyes.
“You have been crying.” Hadrian’s voice was dry and cracking.
“Shh, don’t speak.” Liam jumped to his feet, found the cold storage, and pulled out a bottle of water. He opened it and helped Hadrian sit upright to drink, keeping the blanket wrapped around him. “Sip slowly.”
“Where are we?”
“On board Hadrian’s Hope en route back to the Santa Claus. We’re on our way home.”
Hadrian cocked a brow. “Hadrian’s Hope?”
“I had to call it something.” A warm blush seeped into Liam’s face.
“So we are free?” Hadrian’s eyes glistened in concert with the hope in his voice.
“We still have a few things to take care of, but I think we are.” Liam returned Hadrian’s slow smile. It was as if they were both having a hard time believing it was true. He reached up and stroked Hadrian’s face to make it as real as he knew how. “I love you so much, Hadrian.”
Hadrian began to laugh and cry. “I love you, too, Liam.”
Leaning forward, Liam pressed his lips to Hadrian’s in a gentle, affirming kiss. It was long and slow and full of a lifetime’s worth of promises. When he pulled back, Hadrian’s eyes were glassy and he looked content.
“How are you feeling?”
The light left Hadrian’s eyes. “As if I was tortured all evening and then had my arm burned off.”
A rush of sadness enveloped Liam. “Hadrian, I’m so sorry…”
“It is not your fault. I saw the path. It was a choice of my arm or your life. I would do it again in a moment. It was a small price to pay for our survival.”
“Are you in pain?”
He shrugged. “Some, but it is very tolerable. The medication seems to be working. I doubt I would be conscious without it right now. The odd thing is, I would swear I can feel a sharp itching in my left hand.”
“The medkit says phantom pains are normal. It’s not really there.”
Hadrian shifted his gaze away and pulled the blanket higher up his left shoulder. “I know. I have already looked. I do not want to see it right now.”
“That’s fine. I’ll take care of everything.”
“How far away are we?”
Liam stepped up to the pilot console and checked the display. “It looks like we’re about another day out from catching up to Santa Claus’s flight path. You’re stuck in here with me until then.”
“That sounds like a perfectly fine way to recover for now.”
“Do you think you can eat? It’s just rations, but you need to keep up your strength until we can get you on board with a proper doctor. I’ll contact Mac and Danverse and fill them in when we get closer.”
“I think I can.”
Liam pulled out food packets and more water for each of them. An odd picnic on the blankets. They whispered and joked and sat as close as they were able. Hours later, Hadrian had enough strength to sit next to the pilot’s seat where they could watch the stars go by in the vastness.
“I did not get to tell you—you make quite a handsome Adonirati.”
“Oh I do, do I?” Liam laughed. “The shaving took some getting used to.”
“Given Dr. Saarken’s aesthetic preferences, I am surprised he let you go.”
Liam shook his head. “He tried to talk me into a threesome with his bodyguards at one point.” He caught Hadrian’s quick, unhappy glance. Was that a hint of jealousy? “I think the outfit and shaving were payback for me saying no.”
“If you are asking my opinion, I think you should grow the body hair back. I like the feel of it against me when we sleep.”
Liam’s shoulders sank in relief. “Oh, thank you. I was afraid you’d want me to keep it all smooth.” His hands motioned across his body. “I’m a big guy. That’s a lot of work.”
“I particularly liked the outfit Dr. Saarken dressed you in.” Hadrian smiled as he fixed his gaze out the viewport.
“Really?” Liam grinned back. “I was a little hurried getting to you after the match.”
Hadrian rolled his head to face Liam. “You are still wearing it under that jumpsuit.”
Unzipping his front, he exposed the leather harness underneath. “I kind of like it. Is that going to be okay with you?”
Liam looked up through his brow with the practiced gaze he’d used on his mother as a child to get his way. It was so blatant it had to work.
Hadrian began to chuckle.
“When we get home, my love, and I am feeling better, we will play the game where you are the Adonirati and I am the rich gentleman.”
“Will I like this game?” Imagining what the game would entail gave Liam rushes under his skin. He began tracing the edges of the leather bands surrounding his wrists with his fingertips. They matched the ones still on his ankles. He wondered if Hadrian could feel how aroused the thought made him.
Even through his exhaustion, Hadrian’s eyes smoldered. “Yes, I can. And from what I have seen, you will most certainly enjoy it.”
Chapter Sixteen
“HOW ARE YOU holding up, Liam?”
Danverse poured two whiskeys from a storage cubby behind his desk as Liam sat in the day cabin.
The Santa Claus cruised quietly along on its cargo run to Tharrasia after a week’s leave on Alpha Centauri. Liam rubbed his scalp, his hair barely more than stubble. It was taking a long time to grow back. He cursed Dr. Saarken for not telling him how effective the ultraviolet razor was.
“I’m doing all right. I’m just worried about Hadrian.” He accepted the offered drink, took a strong sip, and balanced it on his thigh.
“Doc Bosch is taking good care of him.”
Liam nodded. “I know. But we’ve been through a lot. I guess I’m a little overprotective these days.”
Danverse sat on the other end of the couch and saluted with his glass. “Well, it’s not like you haven’t had things to worry about.”
“Ain’t that the truth. We’re lucky we found each other, but it didn’t come free.” Liam settled back and looked up at the ceiling. All of Hadrian’s connections to Luxoria were gone. The new identity files and bio Mac introduced into the Link looked solid. Hadrian was happy to become a citizen of Alpha Centauri and relieved he didn’t have to change his name. He was just getting used to it. “It looks like we’re in the clear, but we’ve kept a lookout for the authorities.”
“Well, you did engage in ‘terrorist activity’ on Luxoria.” Danverse finger-gestured air quotes for emphasis.
“Ha. Ha. I will not feel sorry for anything that happened that night.”
Danverse smiled. “I was just surprised it was so huge. I expected something more subtle.”
“Desperate times. Desperate measures.” Liam took a strong pull from his whiskey.
“You know, with all the craziness, we’ve barely had a chance to talk. Be honest with me. He looks fine, but Hadrian can be a hard read sometimes. How's he really doing?”
Liam shook his head. He couldn’t believe how fast time had passed since his last night on Luxoria. It had been almost a month since he freed Hadrian.
“Hadrian took losing his arm in stride, but I think he hides a lot. He’s very practiced at putting on a brave face.”
“Doc Bosch said you did a nice job of patching him up on the trip back.”
“I just read the triage manual.” Raising a hand, he stopped Danverse before he could say more. “No, seriously. Dr. Totoyo did all the hard work.” Once on Alpha Centauri, some serious luck had fallen in their laps when Totoyo told them he could fabricate a replacement arm. A gift to honor his friend Leo Noble’s sacrifice. It wasn’t cheap, but they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Not many doctors would risk their careers on that kind of unlicensed work.
“But it’s all fine now, right?”
Liam nodded. “Yeah. It is now.” It hadn’t gone perfectly, though. Shutting down and removing the transdermal tech
was more complicated than anyone had expected, including Totoyo. So was attaching the cybernetic arm. Hadrian’s body nearly rejected the addition, making for a rough recovery. If it hadn’t been for Hadrian’s modified constitution… Liam hated to think how it would have turned out.
“I’m glad to see Mac was able to make the final adjustments to the arm.”
“Oh yeah.” There was no way Totoyo could be available for any of the follow-up, considering everything. He couldn’t risk being linked to all the legal debris of Chien’s fall any more than he already was. Plus, it wasn’t safe for Liam and Hadrian to stay on planet. “Thank God, Mac’s a fucking genius.”
“If the doc gives Hadrian the all clear, do you think he’s ready to become part of the crew?”
“He doesn’t have much choice, does he?” Leo Noble had left Hadrian an insane amount of money, but between the costs of the transdermal tech removal, an illegal top-of-the-line prosthetic, and restitution for the loss of the raiders’ ship, it was mostly gone. “He’s nearly broke. Who else would hire him?”
“I told you that you didn’t have to pay us back for the raiders’ ship.” Danverse took a healthy swig of his drink. “I almost shed a tear when you autopiloted into the Sun, even if it was the smart move.”
Liam couldn’t screw the crew out of their salvage bonuses after the scare everyone got when the raiders had come on board. There was also far too much risk of someone tracing it back to them by letting it be sold. The Luxorian newsfeed about the fire and Chien’s demise had reached the entire cluster even though few world leaders appeared overly outraged. Sympathies and prayers abounded across the Link.
“I had to make amends somehow. The money was Hadrian’s idea.”
A satisfied grin stretched Danverse’s lips. “The men and I really loved the bonus.”
“I bet they did.”
Danverse laughed at Liam’s deadpanned response as he took another sip of his drink. Then he sat back in his seat and became serious once again. “Seriously, Liam. How are you holding up?”
Liam looked away in reflection. “Pretty good, believe it or not. There’s been a lot going on, but I haven’t felt this in control of my life in a long time. I haven’t had a nightmare since we got back.”
“Really?”
Liam’s voice dropped a notch. “I killed a lot of people that night, and I don’t feel sorry for any of it. To save Hadrian, I’d do it all again if I had to. But I feel like pulling the trigger was my choice this time. And I didn’t have to sacrifice an innocent to save anyone.”
“Who knew that blowing up a building was good therapy?”
Liam shrugged. “Well, I tried rough sex, but it didn’t take.”
Danverse let out a deep, resonating laugh. “Don’t say that too loud. Mac has gotten a little possessive lately.”
Liam frowned at Danverse, confused.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong—when it’s time to play, he’s the perfect sub and it’s so fucking hot, Liam. It’s better than it’s been with anyone before. Um…no offense.”
“None taken.” Liam chuckled.
“But if it looks like I’m being too friendly to certain crew members, he’s all attitude.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, because you’re nothing like that at all.”
“Hey, don’t make fun of me. I’m sharing here!”
“Ha! That’s what you get for making a crew to expand your dating options.”
Danverse’s eyes lost focus as he spoke. “Yeah, but Mac’s all I need. Liam, I haven’t wanted or touched another man since I kissed him in Engineering on the way to Alpha Centauri.”
Knowing his best friend, Liam was sure he was replaying the last several weeks of sex in his mind.
He smiled at Danverse’s happiness. “I think Mac’s perfect for you, Marc. It’s about time for both of us.”
Danverse slugged back the remainder of his whiskey and rose from his seat. “Speaking of our other halves, we’d better head down to sick bay. They should be finishing up soon.”
Liam killed his drink and stood up to leave. As he stepped toward the door, the captain’s hand on his biceps turned him back. Danverse’s brow creased as he paused for a second, mouth open. He forced himself to speak, struggling to find the right words.
“I’m so glad you guys are staying on board. Life is a lot harder without your best friend.”
Stepping forward, Liam pulled Danverse into a crushing hug. When Liam placed a friendly kiss to his temple, Danverse returned the embrace in kind.
Closing his eyes, Liam absorbed the welcome contact of his closest confidant.
“Where else would we go, Marc? This is home.”
THE SICK BAY doors opened to reveal Hadrian, shirtless with medical tech attached to his shoulder and chest, sitting on one of the beds while Dr. Bosch checked his vitals. Mac stood on the other side of the bed scanning Hadrian’s new left arm. The sight of Hadrian spread warmth through Liam’s chest.
“Is he going to make it, Doc?” Danverse asked.
Dr. Bosch smiled. “I’m feeling pretty confident. His body’s adjusted to the cybernetics and he’s not showing any signs of rejection anymore.”
“It appears I can keep it.” Hadrian glanced over at Liam and looked truly content for the first time in weeks. Liam didn’t need to be empathic to feel the relief radiating from his mate.
“He’s also recovered ten times faster than any of us would have. I still want to do checkups every month to make sure there aren’t any surprises, but I think we’re good.”
Liam climbed up on the bed and sat next to Hadrian. “Hey, mister.” They leaned into one another, lacing their fingers together, and weeks of tension evaporated in an instant as Hadrian nuzzled against Liam’s neck and shoulder.
“This tech is amazing.” Oblivious to anything else, Mac stared transfixed over Hadrian’s new arm. The synth-flesh-covered limb was indistinguishable from the real thing, the seam hidden by a metal armband below his deltoid. The only visible giveaway was how the tattoo disappeared underneath the band without reappearing. Otherwise, it was a seamless transition.
Mac was giddy and awestruck. “Dr. Totoyo is a fucking genius. I’ve been going over the specs for this arm, and I’m still getting wet over the tech. The synth-flesh skin and musculature can be adjusted to the appropriate density and size to match the owner. The nanotech neural grid servos are all bound to the nervous system, giving complete sensory feedback. It has an internal heating and cooling system to maintain a natural body temp. It’s fucking amazing. And since I’m the only one on the ship qualified to do the maintenance, Hadrian and I are going to be seeing a lot of each other.” Mac bounced on the balls of his feet, a broad grin spreading across his face.
In contrast, Danverse was wearing more of a scowl.
“Seriously, Cap’n?” Mac flashed him a look of disbelief. “You’re really going to flash me attitude over spending time with Hadrian?”
“This is not the time, Mac.”
“You are such a fucking hypocrite.” Mac stalked around the bed to one of the monitor stations along the wall. “Mrs. Claus, transfer my security feed to station sick bay number three, please.”
Mrs. Claus was polite as always. “Will there be anything else, Mr. Smith?”
“No, thank you.”
The screen came alive with an image of Danverse chatting with Liam in the day cabin. The feed was recent, from several minutes ago. Dr. Bosch hid his face behind one hand and turned away. Liam tried to make his bulk small and unnoticed, realizing where this was headed. Hadrian simply sat watching the exchange. Mac touched the screen controls and sped the vid ahead until the moment the men hugged. He froze the scene.
“BOOM!” Mac stabbed a finger at the screen. “What the fuck is that? You’re gonna give me shit for helping Hadrian? At least I don’t have a history with the man I’m laying my hands on.”
“When were you laying your hands on me?” Hadrian asked, and Liam motioned him to be quiet, shaking hi
s head.
“I told you I didn’t want you spying on me anymore, Mac.” Danverse crossed his arms and seemed somehow taller in his petulance. The alpha male was coming to the forefront.
Mac’s eyebrows went up. “What do you expect? If you hadn’t slept your way through the crew at one time or another, I wouldn’t have to.” Liam probably shouldn’t have been watching, but how could he not? He could swear Mac was having the time of his life challenging Danverse. From the set of his jaw, it was clear Mac struggled to restrain a grin.
Danverse appeared less pleased as he growled. “Mac…”
Mac looked up at Danverse like a penitent child, which everyone knew was utter bullshit. “How else am I supposed to keep an eye on you and watch you shower while I’m working?”
When Danverse didn’t respond, Hadrian did. “Um…you could take a break from your work and join him.”
The entire room went still and everyone slowly swiveled their heads in his direction. Liam snorted, trying to contain his laugh. The doctor started cackling, and Mac’s composure went down in flames next. Danverse’s displeasure melted as he turned away, mouth tight, trying to keep from laughing out loud. Hadrian was amused.
Danverse shook himself so he could speak. “Doc, is Mac done here for now?”
“His scans are all finished for today. As far as I’m concerned, he can move on to something else.”
“Good.” The captain’s smile turned lecherous. He stalked over to his boy and heaved him over his shoulder, to Mac’s delighted protests. Danverse clamped a firm hand to Mac’s buttocks, ending Mac’s struggles with a gasp. He walked to the exit and touched the control.
As the door slid open, he twisted to look over his shoulder.
“Don’t need us for a few hours. And don’t need Mac for the night. He’ll be off duty.”
Liam waved goodbye as the door hissed shut, and the pair were gone. Dr. Bosch removed the diagnostic devices from Hadrian’s shoulder and chest and began switching off monitors.
“Does this mean that I am finished as well, Doctor?” A flicker of hope edged around Hadrian’s question.
The Luxorian Fugitive Page 23
