Protect.
“What do you think, Vanquish? Is this something you want to get in on?”
Vee jerked his attention back to Mannid. He couldn’t appear overeager. “Why me? You can offer this to anyone. I’m just a fighter.”
The glee on Mannid’s face faltered. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his blue pants and thrust his shoulders back. “Let’s say after our deal the other day, I’m realizing that there’s more to you than I thought.”
“What would you need from me?” he asked, eyeing Eva as she rose unsteadily to her feet. Vee’s muscles locked as he prepared to intercept if she attempted to run. He couldn’t imagine what Eva thought seeing him in deep conversation with Mannid. Did she wonder if he planned to give her back?
He’d kill Mannid before he let the entertainment owner get his hands back on her.
“I need a cover. Something to distract from the pick up which takes place tonight. The first official load will be ready for shipment and a buyer is already lined up.”
Though her chin quivered, Eva slid a step to the left along the wall. Vee shifted his stance and inched to the side, aligning himself in a position to block Eva’s path to the exit.
Unaware of Vee’s distracted state, Mannid continued to babble. “The rematch with Jolox will draw so much attention no one will notice what’s going on when my partner’s cargo ship leaves.”
Trios had a small space station and every aircraft was inspected due to the draw of the fights. It wasn’t unheard of for cargo to disappear during these searches. There was also the issue of challengers wanting to prove themselves. In one case, a non-registered contender attempted to sneak on planet for a match.
Rarely were those particular efforts successful according to Jaron’s intel but the one offs caused disruption. Specifically after one managed to actually kill an up and coming champion years ago.
If Mannid wanted to smuggle the bliss off world he would need to be smart or else risk it being stolen out from under him by a station attendee. Vee’s fight would do exactly as he said because everyone paid attention to the fights on vid-screens if they couldn’t attend live.
“I’m already committed to the rematch. You don’t really need me.”
Vee zeroed in on the pounding pulse at Eva’s temple beside the fading bruise. It was as noticeable as her rapid swallowing which was evident by the way her throat bobbled. She continued to watch them with laser focus, but hadn’t run. Yet. He wished he could ease her turmoil.
Bentir’s strides lengthened, shortening the distance between him and Eva. He assumed Vanquish too involved in his conversation with the owner of The Pit. Foolish mistake. In preparation for the pending attack, Vee stretched his fingers and cracked his knuckles.
Mannid pressed his lips together, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “The timing of your fight coincides with the timing of the shipment. I need you to make it spectacular. Drag it out long enough for what I need, but when you finish Jolox it has to be in a way sure to gain everyone’s attention and have them talking long after. It should be sufficient for Grutak to oversee the loading and complete the sale none the wiser.”
Confirmation. Grutak was Mannid’s partner. Now where was the hub? Had to be close if they planned to ship the bliss soon from here. Rydak would be pleased to hear this.
“You don’t want me to take Jolox out right away. Understood. What are you offering this time?”
“I could cut you in on the profits. A small fee for your efforts.”
Vee grunted. It always came down to currency. “How much?”
Bentir’s muscles bunched and he decided to make his move. Mission parameters fell to the side. Waiting for Mannid’s response wasn’t an option as Vee shoved past him and launched himself forward.
Chapter 9
Watching Vanquish train brought back vivid awareness to the burgeoning desire she felt toward the fighter. He’d removed his shirt as soon as he started and his body was poetry in motion as trite as it sounded. Such fluid movement and sinewy muscles which soon glistened with a nice sheen of sweat making him all the more enticing.
There were fighters of all sizes around and plenty of ripped bodies, but none held her attention like Vanquish. He was fully focused lifting weights before moving on to what had to be a million push ups. She licked her lips as his hair grew damp and the leather pants dipped in the back taunting her with glimpses of the top of his bare ass.
Part of her worried at her avid sexual interest in him and the other part was almost relieved Mannid hadn’t managed to destroy that part of her. Back on Earth she’d always had a healthy appreciation for sex and all the pleasure it entailed. Another plus in the column for the Singles Program because Angie was right. Eva had reached the point of wanting a family and a loving relationship with a life partner.
Thinking of all the ways that plan went sideways made her angry so she shut down any further thoughts about the past. She was better off lusting for Vanquish and his hot body.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Eva to lose interest in his intense workout. Too many burning stares in her direction and glances filled with open greed. The only thing keeping her from losing her cool surrounded by so many powerful alien fighters was the belief Vanquish wouldn’t let anyone get within feet of her.
Aside from the sexual taunt that had pissed her off, his mannerism around her appeared to be mostly protective. Not that she didn’t still pick up on his sexual interest, but that part of the draw between them was on a simmer on his part after her threat to leave.
Afraid to attract unwanted attention from the other fighters, Eva stayed put and soon found herself dozing. Vanquish’s presence gave her the freedom to do it without worry.
The thud of a body hitting the floor jolted Eva awake. She automatically scanned her surroundings, seeking the reassuring sight of blond hair and green-gold eyes. When she found him her spine snapped straight. Vanquish had his head bent, listening intently as Mannid spoke rapidly.
Heart pounding, Eva stood and pressed her back to the wall. What if Mannid wanted her back? Had she misjudged the fighter who hadn’t hurt her when he had the chance? There was no way she could go back. Her chest tightened, fear and worry slamming into her at once. She couldn’t. A quick check confirmed the door not far away. She tossed out one alternative after the next, but her mind kept playing Vanquish’s words on repeat.
‘Don’t try to run, Eva.’
How many times had he voiced the warning? Well, it wasn’t safe here either. She’d never be safe again. She was a fool for putting her trust in a stranger. But Eva didn’t run. Terror held her in its paralyzing clutch. Her mouth dried of all saliva and her heart tried to rip free of her chest with its demanding beat.
Suddenly, Vanquish’s head jerked toward her as if some invisible thread between them had signaled her panic. Their eyes met and held. He knew. It was there in his gaze. Nerves tickled inside her belly and she pressed a balled hand to her mid-section to still the fluttering sensation.
An exit was off to her left. She could be through the doorway before anyone had a chance to stop her. Eva sidled one step to the side then halted. Vanquish’s eyes darkened, the green overshadowing the gold. Her scalp prickled, but she sensed the danger too late.
Pounding footsteps approached from the side. Suddenly Vanquish hurdled in her direction. Eva jumped back in fright, her feet flying out from under her.
Her teeth clipped her tongue as she landed, causing the iron rich tang of blood to fill her mouth. Loud grunts and snarls followed. Eva rolled over in a rush and pushed to her hands and knees. Vanquish straddled a much larger fighter with skin a pale shade of green. One hand gripped the throat of the prone figure pinned beneath him, the other raised after delivering a punishing blow to the face. Others gathered, but no one attempted to interfere between the combatants.
“Mine. Only mine. Do you understand?” Vanquish hissed the words loud enough for all to hear.
“I was only going to talk. No t
ouch. No touch.”
Wincing, Eva struggled to stand. Vanquish was up and by her side between one breath and the next. He brushed a thumb over her bottom lip, a drop of bright red smudging the tip of his finger. “Are you hurt?”
Her breath matched the triple beat of her heart and she clenched tight to Vanquish, nails digging into his back, but he didn’t flinch or pull away. Before she could respond, Mannid reached them and leered down at her. “Eva. I’m pleased to see you still in good shape.”
Her throat squeezed closed. Strong and visceral, her reaction to him couldn’t be hidden. The evil he exuded slid like slime against her skin. Vanquish anchored an arm about her waist and spoke into the silence created by her failure to come up with a response to Mannid’s seemingly bland statement. “I agree to your proposal. We’ll talk details later.”
Pleasure exploded over Mannid’s face, but the moment was ruined by a scream cut off midway. Shouts followed the crash of a table as a body hit it hard. A frown creased Mannid’s face and he pulled a communication device from his pocket. “Get to the training room, immediately!”
It must have been a call to security because Mannid snapped in response, “As many as needed to quell this mess.”
More and more fighters were now embroiled in the spontaneous brawl. Without further word to Mannid, Vanquish guided Eva away and into the hall until the shouting became a distant sound. Shivering, she glanced up at his face. Ruthless. Cold. His stare intent on the exit, green eyes revealing nothing.
“Are you...giving me back to Mannid?” She almost vomited at the thought, yet the question needed to be asked.
He shot her a quick glance before maneuvering her forward and toward the door leading outside. “Never.”
Menace encompassed the single word. Solid and enough for her. She wanted to blubber her thanks but restrained the urge. Eva moistened her dry lips and changed the subject. “Are you finished working out?”
He didn’t slow their pace. “I think it’s best. You’re still tired and I can’t watch you while training properly at the same time. Bentir was only the first. Others would have tried to test me eventually.”
Eva was more than glad to be anywhere away from Mannid. “I’m sorry. I know you have to win this time.”
As they walked outside, the glare of the sun left her squinting. She raised her hand to shade her eyes.
“I’ll beat the Togolor without question.”
A hint of dark cruelty twisted his expression. Eva shivered once more, wanting to step back. This wasn’t someone she ever wanted to cross. Still, guilt compelled her to speak. “I guess this would have worked out better if I hadn’t been there.”
He shrugged not even assuaging her with a lie. The lack of prevarication was a relief and in line with his blunt honesty so far. Something warm unfurled in her chest and Eva refused to investigate it too much.
For now.
***
Vee cursed under his breath as he arranged an automated transport to take him and Eva back to the rental. After the altercation, it wasn’t a good idea to linger. The fight and his response had brought out his protective nature. Bentir was damn lucky he hadn’t killed him with the dose of venom he’d released when he bit his shoulder.
His hard earned control seemed non-existent if any threat existed around Eva. He should have expected that she’d draw too much attention. That was on him. A beautiful woman, especially one as eye catching as Eva would always garner attention from the rough crowd that lingered around Trios. The only explanation was that he hadn’t been thinking.
At least he’d gotten what he needed from Mannid. As soon as possible, he’d share the details with his team. When Grutak went to load the bliss tonight he’d get quite a surprise. The others would move in to take him down along with Mannid in the process.
Simple.
Vee glanced over at Eva and the shivers rocking her slim body. He wanted to reassure. Wanted to pull her into his side and cradle her close. They were too public here and he needed to be Vanquish to void any doubt from others. That didn’t mean it didn’t kill Vee not to touch her.
The transport arrived and Vee helped Eva’s rigid form inside, sliding onto the seat across from her. He punched in the address on the holo display that hovered in front of his face.
A mechanical voice spoke. ‘Location accepted. Ten minute arrival time.’
The screen faded, leaving him with an unhindered view of Eva. She appeared calm, but her hands fisted on her thighs. Tendrils of black hair had escaped the braid on one side, lending her a childish cast, but there was nothing childlike about the curvy woman across from him wearing the skimpy clothes Mannid had provided her.
Vee scowled. He couldn’t wait for her to change clothing. It wasn’t just because the outfit was revealing. It was the fact it had been purchased by Mannid with the intent to highlight the role he’d defined for her as a sex slave. The reminder left a foul taste in Vee’s mouth. His chest tightened with the need to trill, but he bit back the instinctive call. The telling sound was occurring more and more around Eva.
They arrived at the rental and keeping a close eye out for any signs Mannid had someone watching him, Vee helped Eva upstairs, a hand on her back. Partly to guide her, but mostly because he couldn’t stop the craving to touch her.
Inside, Vee paused. A quick scan reassured him that the space was undisturbed. Not that Rydak and the others would have let anyone cross his threshold without Vee’s specific approval.
He nudged Eva forward. On his bed rested a brightly colored bundle. Bane would have been the one to drop off the stuff Vee requested for her. He pointed toward it. “There are new clothes if you wish to change. Brushes and other stuff.”
Eva’s brow crinkled. “For me?”
He met her confused expression and nodded. “Yes. If anything doesn’t fit, let me know.”
“But how—”
Vee stretched an arm out behind him and reached for the door, intending to give her privacy to dress. “I’ll only be gone a short while. And don’t leave.”
Vee spun around and escaped before she could question him further. In the hall, he slumped against the closed door and blew out a breath, fighting to settle his wildly fluxing emotions. Nesting instinct pounded at the core of him.
Another moment alone with her and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop the need to touch her again. To soothe and ease when she was clearly still distraught from the incident. Once his breathing evened out, he straightened and tapped on the door of the rental directly opposite his.
The locks clicked and he entered to stern faces watching him. Rydak, his Team Leader, leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb leading toward the kitchenette, Bane sat on a chair, which strained beneath his weight, legs spread wide. Khane and Uri waited by their position near the window. Their place had an identical lay out to his, yet with so many large bodies in the tight space, it felt cramped.
“Dare we hope you did more than take your...prize around and request clothes for her? Something mission related.” Khane arched a blond brow, the smirk twisting his mouth a taunt in itself.
Tension edged its way into the air. Khane had unresolved issues none of them could understand, but Vee’s tolerance for the behavior was thin on the best of days. His muscles strained with the need to deliver a physical warning that would leave no questions in doubt. Eva was not to be harmed. Not even by a friend.
Vee stared at him, vision hazed over with his growing anger. Unable to hold his gaze for longer than a few moments, Khane whipped his head to the side with a muttered curse. His point not made yet, Vee continued to stare at Khane’s lowered head. Rage heated his skin and his shoulders burned with the need to release and ease the pressure straining beneath.
“I get it. She’s off limits.” Khane jerked from his stance by the window and resolutely glared at the wall to the right of Vee. Only a fool would stare into Vee’s eyes too long when his temper was unleashed.
“Vee!”
Vee ignored
Rydak’s call. Another minute of stifled violence pulsed around the room. If Khane thought to harm Eva, Vee would rip into him in a way the other Jutak would never recover.
“Vee, enough!” Rydak snapped.
Relenting, Vee broke visual contact and faced Rydak. His eyes continued to burn, but he knew the hypnotic quality of his gaze had faded. “We’re in. Mannid asked me to help with the launch of his first bliss shipment.”
Stunned silence then the team exploded into questions all at once. Rydak raised a hand and everyone fell quiet. “Tell me everything.”
The calm order was laced with steel and Vee responded instantly to the inherit command. He went over the conversation with Mannid, answered questions, sometimes twice, as Rydak probed for every tiny detail.
In the end it was Bane who said what they were all thinking. He straightened from his relaxed pose, the chair creaking beneath him as he braced his forearms on his massive thighs. “Mannid has brought about his own downfall like we expected.”
The others nodded. Jaron’s intel was spot on. He’d locked onto the idea of placing someone close enough to Mannid, knowing it would increase the chances of catching the entertainment owner’s illicit dealings.
Uri shoved a hand through his light colored waves. “Vee still needs to fight and win against the Togolor. Give us the time needed to get into place.”
Bane snorted. “As if that is in doubt.”
Rydak cracked his first smile. “None of us are worried about the outcome, Uri.”
Vee didn’t reply. His fighting abilities were well known and as a member of Team Three, it was a given that he was not an easy opponent to defeat. These last few weeks in The Pit had only honed his skills.
“Agreed.” Uri chuckled. “What of the woman from Earth?”
“She will come to Enotia with us.” Vee wouldn’t accept any other option. He glanced at the others to check for reservations. Specifically Khane.
“I made contact last night. Torkel is aware and in total agreement that we bring the Earth woman,” Rydak stated with a knowing glint in his silver stare.
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