New Species 13 Smiley (13 page)

“Fine.”

Someone entered the office and Vanni turned. Her mouth hung
open as she gawked at the massively built New Species. He had an immense chest
and bulky, muscular arms but it was his eyes that she couldn’t look away from.
They were brown with red glints in them.

“This is Jericho,” Justice said as he pinned the man with an
intent look. “I’m not sure why he’s in my office but I’d like to know the
answer to that since this was a closed meeting.”

The guy didn’t look away from Vanni. His gaze lowered
though, and he seemed to study every inch of her from head to foot. “I am
Smiley’s friend. Is there a problem?”

“No. I was about to have her escorted to guest housing.
Perhaps you would like that job?”

“I just wanted to make sure things were fine.” He crossed
his arms over his chest and shifted his gaze to Justice. “It’s cool?”

“She’s not accusing Smiley of anything and is willing to
help us solve this mess.” Justice sighed. “Tell Smiley he was right. I have
phone calls to make. Can you arrange for transportation?”

Jericho’s tense stance relaxed. “This way, Miss Abris.”

“It’s just Vanni.”

She kept a few feet between them as she followed him out of
the office, down the hallway and out the front door. The two guards were still
stationed there. Jericho paused by one of them.

“Escort her to human housing and make sure she has
everything she needs.” He turned to her. “I have something I need to do. Enjoy
your stay here. This is Wager. He’ll treat you well.”

“Thank you.” Jericho was a friend of Smiley’s and she wanted
to ask a ton of questions but resisted. He was a scary person with those unusual
eyes. Her curiosity about Smiley’s welfare could wait.

She watched Jericho stride to a Jeep and drive away. Wager
cleared his throat and she turned, staring up at him. He was blond, tall and
had pretty catlike eyes.

“Welcome to Homeland, Miss Abris. I have a cart parked just
over there and will drive you to human housing. Your cottage has been stocked.”

“Cottage?”

“It’s what we call the houses in the Species and Human
housing areas.” He was cute when he smiled.

“Human housing? Aren’t you human too?” She regretted asking
that but it was already out. “Sorry. I hope that wasn’t insulting.”

“It’s not. We encourage questions. We are human but we’re
also more. I’m a feline Species.” He offered her his arm. “Let’s go, Miss
Abris. May I call you Travanni?”

“Yes but it’s just Vanni. No one calls me Travanni unless I’m
in trouble.” She was really out of her element. “I’m not in trouble, am I?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

She put her hand on his forearm and he led her to a marked
golf cart. She noticed more of them nearby as she took a seat. “Do you have a
golf course?”

“No.” He released her, climbed in the driver’s seat and
started the engine. “We have three types of vehicles at Homeland and
Reservation. The SUVs we use when we leave NSO lands but the Jeeps and golf carts
are for traveling inside the gates. We tend to use more golf carts here at
Homeland than at Reservation. The terrain there is harsher in some areas.”

She relaxed in the seat. “Thank you for being nice to me.”

He turned his head and flashed a grin. “I feel as though I
partially know you.” He pressed the gas and took off, turning the cart around
in the street.

“I don’t understand.”

“I saw you on the television with Smiley.” He glanced away
from the road to run his gaze down her body. “You appear smaller in person than
on my television.”

She cringed. “You saw that?”

“Everyone has.”

She looked away to stare at the buildings they passed but it
only made her aware that they drew attention from New Species. Two men standing
in front of a building openly studied her and then another one stopped his Jeep
to get a better look at her. She started to regret calling the NSO. It was
tempting to ask if Wager would take her to the exit but she had nowhere to go
and with no money she couldn’t reach her parents. They’d just ask her a lot of
questions that she didn’t want to answer.

For better or for worse, she was stuck at Homeland.

* * * * *

Smiley prowled the wall, alert for any movement on the other
side. Vanni was safe at Homeland. Fury had made valid points but it didn’t sit
well with him that he wouldn’t be there when she was questioned in detail about
the Woods Church. She might be frightened.

The low groan that escaped his lips assured him it was
probably for the best he wasn’t present. Vanni affected him too strongly. He
couldn’t be logical when instinct urged him to protect the female.

The sound of an approaching Jeep drew him from his thoughts
and he turned. Jericho parked near the base of a tree next to the wall and he
waited until the male climbed up and leapt the five feet to land gracefully on
the walkway beside him.

“Is she well? Justice and Fury aren’t intimidating her, are
they? Fury promised they would go out of their way to tone it down.”

Jericho frowned.

“What?” Smiley tore off his helmet and gripped his weapon
tighter. “Did something happen? Did the doctors find something wrong with her?”

“She didn’t agree to go to Medical but she is fine. Wager is
taking her to human housing right now. I assigned him the duty myself.”

“Wager?” Smiley felt his rage building. “He’ll flirt with
her. That male is always talking about how he wants to find a human to give him
babies.”

“He’s not an idiot. Everyone has seen that video and he’ll
assume you’d fight him if he touches her.”

Smiley frowned, debating whether Wager would be foolish
enough to offer to share sex with Vanni. It would be a mistake.

“I’m going to go see her now.” He reached for his radio. “I’m
calling in for someone to take my place at this post.”

“Why do you think I came? I’ll cover the rest of the shift.”

Smiley shoved his weapon and helmet at Jericho. “Thank you.
You’re a good friend.”

“Go home, shower and don’t wear your uniform when you see
the female.”

“Why?” He glanced down. “Do I smell? Look bad?”

“You’re not sweaty but I believe she’s seen enough of our
officers today. You should dress casually so you’re just a male to her. She
appeared a little overwhelmed. Give her some time alone first.”

“She’s frightened?” His gut twisted. “She needs me.”

“You’re not listening.” Jericho sounded annoyed.

“She is here alone. I’m the first Species she ever met. She
was held against her will and had a traumatic day between escaping them and
coming to Homeland. I need to let her know she’s safe.”

“You’re being irrational.” Jericho’s voice had deepened when
he continued, “I’m your friend and you need to trust my judgment.”

Smiley didn’t enjoy hearing the advice.

“The last thing that female needs is to have you arrive with
your emotions on a short leash. Shower, relax and then go see her when you aren’t
in protective mode.”

“I didn’t frighten her before.”

“I listened in on everything that took place in Justice’s
office. She sounded nervous about seeing you again.”

“You listened in?”

Jericho shrugged, cradling the rifle. “My hearing is good
and I wanted to know if she was really as blameless as you believed. She doesn’t
hide her emotions well when she speaks. She hides them even less effectively
with her expressions. I see why you were convinced she didn’t drug you.”

“You spoke to her?”

“Not much. I could detect her emotions while she answered
questions and then I saw her expression when I walked into Justice’s office.
She wasn’t able to conceal her fear of me. She reads easily.”

“You frightened her?” Smiley tensed.

“It was my size and she seemed confused about my eyes. I get
it a lot but humans attempt to hide their reactions after a second. She wasn’t
able to. Follow my advice and be calm when you see her. Take it slow, Smiley.
She isn’t one of our females. Don’t forget that. She reminded me of a spooked
kitten. I didn’t spend time with her because I was aware of her fear of me.
Wager puts humans at ease with his friendly personality so I passed her into
his care. I tend to frighten humans when I do this.” Jericho grinned, showing
teeth.

“You look menacing.”

“I know.”

Smiley took a deep breath. “I’ll go home and shower. Should
I wear jeans and a tank top? Or slacks and a nice dress shirt?”

“Wear workout gear. She’ll appreciate your show of arm
muscles. Humans seem to like those.”

He remembered her reaction in the bar when he’d removed his
jacket and grinned. “You’re right.”

“Take it slow, Smiley. I know you want the female but she’s
skittish.”

“Understood.”

He stepped around Jericho and leapt, landing on a thick tree
branch and swiftly climbed down. He looked up and pointed to the Jeep.

“Take it,” Jericho called out. “I left the keys in the
ignition. Your replacement will have a vehicle so I won’t have to jog home.”

Smiley slipped into the driver’s seat and started the
engine. His first instinct was to drive to human housing but he pushed back the
urge. He’d follow Jericho’s advice. He admitted to being a little irrational
where Vanni was concerned. He couldn’t wait to see her again but a shower and
change of clothes seemed like a good idea.

Vanni reflected on her conversation with Wager. He’d sworn
she wasn’t a prisoner at Homeland. He’d given her a tour of the two-bedroom
house, telling her it was stocked with food and there were clothes in the
dresser, before leaving her to her own devices. A few minutes later he’d
knocked on her door, delivering lunch. She’d consumed the sandwich and chips
with gusto.

The phone on the counter had a dial tone when she tested it.
She dialed Elvis’ number after getting it from information and was relieved
when Beth answered on the first ring.

“It’s me.” Vanni was glad to hear her voice. “You’re safe. I
was so worried.”

“Well, I’m still worried. Where are you?”

“At Homeland. I took your advice.”

“Should I come there? Mickey could drive me.”

“No. I’m okay.” She glanced around the spacious home. “They
are treating me really good and have put me up in a house. It’s nicer than a
hotel.”

“They didn’t blame you for drugging that Smiley guy?”

“No.”

“Is he there with you?”

“I haven’t seen him yet but I will tomorrow. I don’t have
any clothes so he’s going to take me shopping.”

Beth’s voice lowered. “Are you okay? Seriously?”

“I’m fine. Seriously. They were really nice and picked me up
in a helicopter.”

“Wow. You got to ride in one of those?”

“It wasn’t that much fun. Trust me. I felt a little motion
sick. They fly faster than I thought they would. I did get to meet Fury North.”

“Seriously? Is he as cool as he seems? Was Ellie with him?”

“I didn’t get to meet her but he was really nice.”

“I should come to you,” Beth stated. “You’re alone. I’d be
terrified in your shoes.”

“Everyone is being super nice. They even brought me lunch. I’m
really okay. I just called to make sure you made it to Elvis’ okay and that
Gregory’s guy didn’t get you.”

“The cops came and checked out the apartment. They blamed
the paparazzi creeps, thinking one of them might have tried to break in to take
pictures. They escorted me out to my car after I told them I didn’t want to
stay there anymore. I did exactly what you said. I had Mickey meet me in a
parking lot and he drove me here. I left my cell phone locked in my glove box
instead of at home. I wanted to make sure my family didn’t freak out if they
couldn’t contact me. I called them while I waited.”

“I didn’t think of that.”

“You had other things on your mind like how damn fucked-up
Carl and his father are. Did those bastards hurt you?”

Vanni debated going into detail but dismissed it. Beth would
flip out if she heard she’d been Tasered or if she repeated Bruce’s threats. “I’m
fine. Really. I just plan on sleeping. I’m exhausted.”

“You sound it.”

“I only got a few hours sleep last night and the floor was
uncomfortable.”

“They made you sleep on a floor? Those bastards.”

“There was a bed but it’s a long story. I wasn’t going to
touch it.”

“Okay.” Beth hesitated. “I can come to you if you want me
to. I don’t mind. I’d actually feel better.”

“Stay there. I’m really okay. I’m just going to sleep. There’s
no point in you driving all this way to watch me snooze.”

“Give me the phone number. The caller ID didn’t reveal one.”

Vanni studied the phone. It wasn’t marked. “I don’t know it.”

“I guess I could call Homeland and they could connect me to
you, right?”

“I guess so.” Vanni wasn’t sure. “I need to get off here
though because I don’t know if they have call waiting. Justice North promised
to send someone to Mia’s and Count’s homes to make sure their families are
safe. I didn’t want Gregory sending thugs after them. Someone is going to call
me to let me know.”

“I really hate that rat bastard.”

“Me too. Have you heard from Mom and Dad?”

“They took off in their RV. Your dad was fit to be tied
after I told him what was going on. They are on their way to the cabin but we
knew that’s where they’d go. They are either home or up there. Period.”

“I figured.”

“They had me give them Mickey’s number and your mom keeps
calling every time they stop for gas. They ditched their cell phones. I’ll tell
them you’re at Homeland.”

“Please don’t. They might show up here.”

“That’s true.”

“Just tell them I’m safe. They can buy one of those
inexpensive cell phones with the minute cards. Talk my dad through it and have
him give you the number. Tell them I’ll call them tomorrow. I just don’t want
to deal with them right now. You know how they can be.”

“Boy, do I. Your mom asked me if you go to bars often and
pick up strangers.”

Vanni cringed. “Great. They think I’m a slut.”

“I told them it was your first time.” Beth chuckled. “And
your last. I did assure her you don’t need rehab. She worried you might have a
bit of a drinking problem they weren’t aware of.”

“Is that a joke?”

Beth laughed. “Nope. I also told them it was your first and
last one-night stand too. Us crazy kids have to try some things at least once.
That seemed to settle her down a bit.”

“You’re not helping, Beth.”

She was quiet for a few seconds. “It’s either laugh or cry.
Mickey panics and starts shoving chocolate at me if he sees tears. I told him
that’s the best way to deal with me if I have PMS and now he thinks it’s a
cure-all when I’m upset. The guy is a total sweetheart but I don’t want to gain
ten pounds this week.”

“He doesn’t mind you staying there?”

“Are you kidding? He’s called in at work to take time off so
he can play personal bodyguard after I told him what was going on. He even
brought out the baseball bat to knock some heads if anyone shows up here
looking for me. Testosterone overload aplenty is going on. It’s kind of cute. I
didn’t know he was so defensive of me.”

“I told you he was in love with you.”

“I’m not ready to settle down but he’s making me reconsider
it.”

Vanni was happy Beth was okay. “Just be safe.”

“I am. I have ‘bat man’. You sound exhausted. Go sleep and
call me when you wake up. I want to hear from you often.”

“I promise. Love you.”

“I love you too.”

Vanni hung up the phone. At that point she just wanted to
get clean and take a nap. She took a quick shower and stepped out of the stall,
using two towels to dry off. The house was nice, fully furnished and they’d
even stocked the bathroom with every personal item a person could need. She had
shampoo and conditioner for her hair, body wash and even a new toothbrush with
toothpaste to brush her teeth. She did that next.

She exited the bathroom and approached the dresser, unsure
what kind of clothing she’d find. They had to be better than the scratchy
T-shirt and shorts she’d bought at the discount shop. The top drawer contained
a few neatly folded T-shirts with the NSO logo. She removed one and liked the
feel of the soft material. It was a triple-large size. An investigation of the
other drawers revealed a few sweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts. None of them
were even close to her small size. She sighed and put on the big T-shirt. It
fell to her thighs as if it were a nightshirt.

There was a guard posted outside her door if she needed
anything but she decided to wait awhile before asking if they had anything that
would fit her better. She couldn’t go shopping with Smiley just wearing a baggy
shirt. The bed was large and she was eager to climb under the covers and sleep.
One glance at the nightstand assured her she wouldn’t miss the call from her
family when it came.

Apprehension struck when she heard a noise in the living
room. She spun and crept toward the hallway. A quick glance for something to
use as a weapon yielded no results.

“Hello?” She hoped her fear didn’t sound in her voice.

Vanni gasped when a man stepped into her line of sight. She
jumped and bumped into the wall. A pair of attractive brown eyes stared back at
her and she calmed once she recognized Smiley. It was a surprise to see him
inside the house but her fright evaporated.

“I knocked but you didn’t answer.”

She took a hesitant step forward, her heart still doing a
number in her chest. “I was in the shower.”

He remained still. She studied him from head to foot. His
hair was wet and he looked as if he’d showered recently too. The dark-red tank
top accentuated his tan, muscular arms and broad chest. It had been tucked into
a pair of faded denim jeans that hugged his hips and thighs. He wore no shoes
and the sight of his bare feet surprised her. Her gaze lifted to his face. He
was as handsome as she remembered. His lips parted.

“Don’t be afraid, Vanni. Please don’t bolt to one of the
bedrooms and lock the door. I was worried and wanted to check on you.”

She nodded. He made her aware of her body and the fact that
she only wore a baggy T-shirt. She didn’t even have clean underwear so she wasn’t
wearing any at all.

Smiley raised one hand and motioned her closer. “Would you
come into the living room and speak to me? You’ve been through an ordeal. Are
you okay?”

That was sweet of him. She took another step closer and then
another. He held still, just dropped his arm at his side. She paused a few feet
away. He smiled, his expression softening. It encouraged her to answer him.

“I’m just a little tired. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

“You should allow our doctors to check you. They are
excellent at what they do.”

“I don’t need a doctor. Really. I just have a little
bruising from the Taser darts and from the fall.”

The smile disappeared and a low grunt came from him. He
appeared angry all of a sudden. “Who Tasered you? What fall?”

“Gregory Woods had his guard stun me and I hit the floor. I
thought you’d know about that. I mean, I told Justice.”

“I haven’t spoken to him.” His gaze traveled down her body. “Where
are you hurt?”

“My back. I was trying to escape out the front door when I
was tagged with one of those electric dart guns. It’s really not bad.”

Smiley took a step closer, almost touching her. “Let me see.”

He smelled like soap and man. It stirred instant memories of
the last time they’d been that close. She tilted her chin up to keep her gaze
locked with his. He had really beautiful eyes and she felt lost in them. The
sunlight coming in through the windows showed small swirls of darker brown in
them. They were truly breathtaking.

“Let me see.” His voice was almost a whisper.

Vanni had to force her mind to work, reminding herself what
he wanted to see. The attraction she felt for him made her a little befuddled.
Images of them kissing and what they’d done in the SUV kept flashing through
her mind, which made it difficult to focus on his words. “I’m okay. It’s just
minor stuff. Really.”

“Vanni,” he rasped, “let me see.”

She forced her legs to move and retreated a step. “Um, it’s
my shoulder blade.” Her hands opened against her thighs, the feel of the fabric
there comforting. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t have anything on under this. I didn’t want to put
on the only pair of panties I have until I can wash them.”

He glanced at her thighs and then back up. “I still want to
see.”

She swallowed hard. “I’d be naked.”

“I don’t have a problem with that. I’d enjoy it.”

Whoa. He actually said that
. She wasn’t used to men
being so frank.

“I’ve seen you before.”

As if I need a reminder.
More flashes of that night
popped into her head. Smiley without his shirt after she’d torn it. Him leaning
over her, his lips brushing kisses along her neck. Her nipples pebbled when she
remembered him nipping her shoulder with his teeth. She quickly crossed her
arms over her chest to cover them in hopes he wouldn’t notice.

“Um…” Her mind blanked.

He inched forward. “You’re blushing.”

She could feel the heat in her cheeks. “Um…” She retreated a
step.

He advanced one, pacing her. “You’re shy.”

“Yes,” she got out.

“There’s no reason to be. It’s me. Take off the shirt and
turn for me.”

Her lips parted but she wasn’t sure how to respond to that
and didn’t want to sound like an idiot again. She swallowed and took a deep
breath. “No.”

A pained look flashed in his eyes.

“I mean, I can’t take my shirt off. That’s, um, I barely
know you.”

Smiley’s eyebrows rose.

“You know what I mean. We barely know each other. I mean, we
do know each other but we were drugged. We aren’t now. I can’t just strip.”

He offered a hand. “Let’s go into the living room. I didn’t
mean to make you uncomfortable, Vanni. We’ll sit and talk. I won’t ask again to
see your injuries.”

She timidly reached out and put her trembling hand in his.
It was as warm and big as she remembered. He gently closed his fingers around
hers and turned, waiting for her to follow. She appreciated it when he moved
slowly, mindful of her hesitant steps until they ended up next to the couch. He
released her.

“Have a seat. Please.”

She sat, tugging the shirt hem down to cover her knees.
Smiley didn’t take a seat next to her but surprised her by crouching and
pushing the coffee toward one end of the couch. He faced her, dropped to his
knees and sat back on his heels. His smile looked a little forced.

“Relax,” he urged. “We’ll just talk.”

“Why are you there? You can sit on the couch with me.”

“I’m better off here.”

“Why?”

He licked his lips. The slide of his tongue over them drew
her attention and she focused on his mouth. “First off, thank you for not
screaming when you discovered I’d let myself into your home. I was worried
about you when you didn’t answer the door. I came in through a back window. I’ll
fix the lock later.”

She stared into his eyes, unconcerned that he’d just
admitted to breaking into the house. “It’s okay.” It really was. It was kind of
sweet that he’d do something that drastic to make sure she was well.