Lindsey's Rescue: A World Beyond Book 3 (14 page)

“This has nothing to do with whether either of us is happy.” He toyed with a strand of her hair. “I’m curious about a woman of your beauty. Surely you can understand my fascination. You come here from a strange world and end up with two very powerful men.”

Lindsey swallowed, her gaze searching the hallway. She could make out the strains of music from the ballroom but they were alone. Not one single person walked by.

“You seem fairly intelligent despite the stories Qual is spreading on the feeds.” Pollan slid his fingers deep into her hair and pulled. Lindsey gasped as her neck arched up. His fingers tightened as he leaned closer and murmured, “I have to admit, I’m extremely attracted to you.”

Lindsey raised her hands like claws and dug into his shoulders. “You need to let me go. Now!”

“One kiss.” His mouth lifted in a taunting smile.

“Kick rocks!” Lindsey twisted in his hold but his grip on her hair was relentless, her every struggle pricking tears at the corner of her eyes.

Pollan used his other hand to grab her waist and pinned her to the wall. His mouth crashed on top of hers, his lips pressing his suit as his tongue sought entrance.

Lindsey struggled and turned her head away. Fear choked her but she continued to resist. When Pollan freed her mouth, she yelled, “Stop!”

He released her with a painful jerk on her hair. As he moved back, he adjusted his cream colored jacket, and fixed his wrinkled, brown shirt. His gray eyes glowed with excitement as he licked the tiny drop of blood from the corner of his lip where she’d managed to nip him with her teeth. “Delicious. You’ll come around I’m sure.”

Then he turned and strolled down the hall and into the ballroom as if he’d done nothing more than speak with her. Lindsey placed her hand on her chest, each beat drumming against her palm.

She took a calming breath and turned, only to bump into a broad chest. Backing up a step, Lindsey came eye to eye with her husband. How much had he seen?

Zadal glared. “Stay away from, Pollan.”

“Not a problem since I don’t even like him.”

Whisper soft, he murmured, “Do not mistake my gentle handling of you, Lindsey. I will not play the fool.”

Panting, Lindsey suffered no difficulty meeting the darkened caramel eyes. “I’m not interested in Pollan.”

She’d say it a thousand times if needed. The playboy Senate Leader curled the hair on her arms each time their paths crossed.

“Then why did he taunt me on my way out by mentioning how soft your skin is. How moist your kisses are?”

Lindsey paled. “He’s a liar.
He
kissed me but I pushed him away.”

Zadal’s expression darkened. “He forced himself on you?”

She curled her hands tight and bit her lip before whispering fiercely, “Let it be, Zadal.”

He gripped her waist, fingers pinching. “Answer me, Lindsey.”

“I didn’t want his kiss. He kept implying that’s how it is on Garulax and everyone does it.”

If anything Zadal looked angrier. “Does what?”

“Sleep around I guess!” Lindsey pushed at his flexing forearms. “Now let me go.”

He released her but only to head back toward the ball room.

Frantic Zadal would start a fight, she grabbed at him. “You can’t go after someone you work with and he’s Baruk’s friend.”

Zadal turned back to her as if she was crazed. “Do you think Baruk won’t want to do the same? He touched you. Kissed you against your will.”

“I know.” Lindsey gripped the folds of her skirts. “Can’t he just go on the never to come back to our house list? Please, Zadal. Everything tonight up until now has been perfect.”

He hesitated and Lindsey wasn’t above manipulation. She reached for his hand and rubbed his palm with her thumb. “Please.”

His fingers clenched on hers. “Fine but if he comes near you again tonight, I’m going to hurt him.”

“Right. Stay away from the pervy guy who I don’t like anyway.”

Chapter 21

“Can I come in?”

Zadal stopped dictating mid-sentence when Lindsey poked her head into his office carrying a knapsack over one shoulder.

“We’re meeting,” Zumei snapped, rising to his feet and glaring.

Zadal closed out his holo screen. “You want to watch your tone with my wife, Zumei. You overstep.”

He waited. Hoping, as always Zumei would give him a reason to terminate his role. But as usual, his first assistance resorted to a hasty feigned apology.

“My apologies, Senate Leader. I only wished to stress the importance of what we worked on before she intruded.”

“Really?” Zadal tipped his head to the side, studying the dark-haired man.

Zumei hated him but was it possible he harbored ill feelings toward Lindsey as well? Zadal’s glance involuntarily ticked toward his wife. She hovered in the doorway as if unsure of her welcome. He might suffer doubts as to whether he deserved such a woman as his wife but Lindsey would always be welcome and know it.

“Leave us, Zumei. We can resume later.”

Zumei bowed low but not before Zadal caught the firming of his lips and the narrowing of his eyes. Zumei nodded at Lindsey and left.

“I’m sorry,” she immediately apologized. “I didn’t realize you were in a meeting.”

“It’s work.” Zadal waved his hand for her to sit. “There will always be work.”

Lindsey dropped her bag by her feet and set a narrow package on his desk before sinking down into the chair. She pressed her hands between her legs, fingers knotted and rocked forward in her seat.

Zadal raised a brow, not touching the box. “What’s this?”

An anxious smile creased her lips. “Surprise!”

“What?” A pit opened in his stomach as he stared at the brown box. Not sure what to expect, he glanced back at Lindsey. “What?”

Zadal couldn’t help repeating himself. She’d caught him off guard as surely as if she’d come into his office and undressed. Which she’d done once before, claiming he worked too late.

Unable to help himself, Zadal eyed the mystery box. Simple brown paper covered it, creased in the corner in neat edges and flat. He couldn’t fathom why she’d placed it there.

He pushed back from the desk, increasing the distance between him and the box.

Lindsey’s smile fell. “It’s a present. For you.”

His eyes slanted toward his desk to hide the emotions her words caused. No one had ever bought him presents.

“Open it, silly.” Lindsey bounced in her seat.

Giving in to the demand, Zadal reached for the package and swiped his fingers through the adhesive, tearing it carefully. Lindsey hummed, drawing his stare. She fluttered her hand at him. “Go on.”

Zadal removed the paper and opened the box. His breath caught as he lifted the item out with unsteady fingers. Drums took up residence in his chest and his heart pounded out an uneven beat.  

 Zadal dipped his head down and studied the gift. The fine honed edge of the blade hinted at true craftsmanship but it was the detailed hilt which held his attention. The artistry in the minute swirls and lines spoke of its age. And price. This was a costly item. One that fit his collection perfectly. When was the last time someone thought enough of him to gift him a present? His fingers clenched on the ancient war weapon. Never.

“Do you like it?” Lindsey nibbled her lips, blue eyes lit with doubt. “It’s kinda grimy but you seem to like old stuff like this and when I saw it for sale on the site I couldn’t pass it up.”

She stared at him, hopeful.

“Why did you get it again?” he asked, curious to hear her answer and expecting as always to be surprised.

Lindsey’s blonde brows spiked. “It’s your birthday. I remembered from when we signed the marriage papers.”

Zadal closed his eyes and absorbed the simplicity of the statement. When he opened them again he set the fine half sword worth thousands of
liko
on his desk and accepted that she had indeed managed to surprise him again. “Thank you, Lindsey.”

Her teeth flashed in the bright smile that always fascinated him. “Welcome, Z.”

He grimaced unable to work up the mood to correct her on the dreadful nickname she insisted on using.

“I got something for Baruk, too.” She dug around the large knapsack from the floor and eased out a tissue covered bundle. “Did you know you share a birthday? Different year and he’s got you by two but how funny, right?”

Zadal reluctantly glanced away from Lindsey’s animated face as she unwrapped the thin green paper. At the center rested a blue partially bloomed bud, its roots intact in a clump of dirt.

“Carinthia,” she explained. “They can grow anywhere supposedly. Plus Baruk doesn’t have one in his garden outside or inside. I checked with Mala. Do you think he’ll like it?”

Their wife from Earth had managed to find the perfect gift for both of them. Zadal had not a moments doubt his spouse partner would drool over this rare plant.

Zadal swallowed twice to speak past the knot in his throat. “I think Baruk will like it.”

“Great.” She jumped to her feet. “His office door is locked but can I leave it here until he comes out?”

Which explained how Zadal received her visit first. “Yes.”

Lindsey came around his desk and leaned over his chair, her hands braced on the arms. “Happy Birthday.”

Then she brushed her mouth against his. Zadal could only absorb the soft touch, hoping she never regretted including him in the Triad. She strode out of his office no closer to knowing how deep her actions hit him.

As soon as she left, Zadal flipped through his holo screens and pulled up one record in particular. What he found sent his ire soaring. He grabbed the Carinthia and sought out Baruk. He banged on the closed door until a flustered Mala answered. Baruk’s first assistant held all the qualities Zadal wanted in Zumei’s replacement. If he found someone half as professional and experienced as her, he’d let Zumei go in an instant.

“Yes, Senate Leader?”

“I need Baruk for a moment, Mala.”

She flinched from his brusque tone. “Sure. I’ll…uh grab a snack.”

After she exited, Zadal braced his back against the closed door. Baruk stood next to a large window watering one of the numerous plants placed throughout the cavernous space. He glanced up when Zadal interrupted. “I assume this is important?”

Considering they rarely ventured into each other’s work space at home, the answer was obvious. Baruk sighed and crossed the room to sit on the messy surface of his desk.

“Is it work?”

“No.” Zadal’s fist clenched on the wrapped package behind his back.

Baruk stirred with his first look of concern. “Lindsey?”

“Yes.”

“Is she alright?” Baruk came to his feet, blue eyes darkening.

Zadal moved from the door and handed over the present. Baruk’s brow creased as he held the green tissue and peeled back the layers. “A Carinthia? What are you doing with this?”

Without waiting for a reply, Baruk opened several drawers of his desk, pulling out a set of clippers, a container and a half-filled bag of soil.

“Happy birthday, Senate Leader.” Zadal dropped into one of the comfortable chairs about the office, sinking into the fine cushions.

Baruk lifted his stunned gaze to him. “What?”

Zadal could afford to be amused since he felt the same way. “Today’s your birthday, isn’t it?”

Finished with planting the Carinthia, Baruk slid the glazed pot to the side of his desk. “Why are we talking about my birthday?”

“Because
our
wife bought both of us presents.” Zadal nodded at the plant.

A slow smile replaced the confusion on Baruk’s face. “Both of us? Today’s your birthday as well?”

“Yes.”

Baruk took the seat behind his desk and steepled his fingers as he rocked. “What did you get?”

“An intact Garulaxan war blade.”

Baruk whistled. “Very nice. This probably explains the secret meetings she’s been having with Mala. I thought she’d hesitate to touch the funds I set aside for her. ”

“I’m glad you’re pleased. Did you by any chance note Lindsey’s birthday?”

Baruk froze but quickly accessed the electronic file on their marriage contract as Zadal had.

Humor fled.  

“Did you know?” Baruk asked, seething as he stared at the marriage contract.

Zadal didn’t blame him. “No, she made no mention.”

Thought and kindness went into Lindsey’s gift selection for their joint birthday yet both of them had neglected to notice her birthing day just weeks prior.

“Tonight,” Baruk said, “We will reward our wife.”

Zadal grinned. For once they were in total agreement. Lindsey wouldn’t know what hit her when they got her into bed.

***

Lindsey removed her dress and hung it inside her massive closet as she prepared for bed. When she re-entered the room, she jumped. Fright caused her to gasp at the sight of her husbands standing beside the bed. 

“Did you know spouse partners have the right to punish a Triad wife?”

Lindsey shivered at the dark tones in Zadal’s question. “Um… what exactly are we talking in the punished deal? Beatings?”

Both of them drew back. “No!”

Her breath escaped in a soft sigh. “Well that’s good to know.”

Lindsey made her way to the bed wearing her underclothes only to have Baruk block her path. Zadal came up behind her, his hands caressing her waist in slow teasing strokes as he drew her bra straps down and undid the clasp.

Lindsey swallowed. “What brings you here then?”

Not that she wanted to complain. Any time spent with the two men in her life was time well spent.

“This is a sensual punishment, wife.” Baruk removed the last bit of lace from her and the lavender thong drifted to the floor.

“What I’d do?”

Zadal smoothed her hair back. “You let us forget your birthday.”

Baruk dropped to his knees before her.

“Oh. Well, in that case.” She cried out as Baruk’s tongue teased her slit. “Punish away.”