Unique Ink (Shadow Assassins Book 5) (21 page)

“We’re so close, Father,” she whispered to the ever-present ghost who shaped so many of her decisions. Learning of her father’s secret project had been both crushing and exhilarating. She had been demoralized by the unavoidable fact that he hadn’t trusted her with the details, yet the opportunity to establish personal relationships with the most powerful families on Rodymia was invaluable. Unlike her father, who had always ruled through fear and intimidation, her uncle was ridiculously popular. Her only hope of influencing him was to create a network of backers so powerful he would be incapable of ignoring their collective will.

She shook away the far-flung aspirations. Her long-term goals could only be achieved one step at a time. And each step she’d taken lately had been solid and shockingly progressive. Even if Roxie was the only product of her father’s program that she located, it wouldn’t matter. Her father had promised the families empowered females capable of producing empowered offspring, and thanks to Orrit, she was now in a position to fulfil that obligation. Her customers didn’t need to know the means by which she accomplished her goals.

Pausing outside the holding cell containing the newest female, Sevrin studied her through the mirrored observation window. The other females had reacted to their captivity with tearful hysterics or sullen devastation. This woman was different. After an initial period of fear and anger, she had become composed and shrewdly observant. Orrit said she’d made some startlingly accurate guesses about what was being done to her, even though he conducted each procedure in stoic silence.

The woman was a bit older than the others, perhaps nearing thirty. She sat on the narrow bed, her legs folded in front of her. A tablet computer like the one she held had been given to each of the test subjects. Each device had been loaded with videos, books and games, while access to the internet had been disabled. Keep their minds occupied seemed to make them less combative.

Curious enough to make contact, Sevrin scanned open the door. The woman looked up, but didn’t speak. Sevrin waited until the door clicked shut behind her before she broke the tense silence. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a caged animal. How would you feel?”

So much for casual pleasantries. “Life as you knew it ended the night you were chosen for this program. You can live in miserable servitude, resenting the changes which have been thrust upon you or you can embrace the unexpected and flourish in your new environment.”

“Or I can spend the rest of my life trying to escape.” There was no anger in her tone just the calm assurance of an established goal.

“Trying is the operative word in that alternative. Once it has been established that your transformation is stable, you will be taken to another planet. Have you factored that into your escape plans?”

“It’s impossible.” She set the tablet down and unfolded her legs, scooting to the edge of the bed. “I can’t leave Earth. I have two children, and I’m raising them alone.”

Ah, it all made sense now, the reason for her maturity and caution. She had to survive this ordeal so she could return to her children. “Why have you not mentioned children before now?”

“It was pretty obvious that no one else gave a damn. The guards are drones; they just follow orders. The scientist was only interested in my ‘mutations’ and that skinny-ass doctor never once looked into my eyes.”

Her assessment of each was accurate. Orrit was right. This one was special. “What makes you think I give a damn about your children?”

“You’re the first one to bother talking to me instead of whispering about me.” Her leaf-green eyes met Sevrin’s gaze with calm curiosity. “The others answer to you, don’t they?”

“They do. As do you. What happened to the father of your offspring?”

The human tensed and lowered her gaze. “He’s no longer part of my life.”

An all too frequent happening with these humans. “Who ended the relationship?” Sevrin wasn’t sure why she cared, but the feisty human intrigued her.

“I did.”

Sevrin wasn’t surprised. “Why?”

“He was a cheating bastard who contributed nothing to the relationship but frustration and pain. I don’t have the time or energy for deadweight, so I cut him loose.” She folded her hands in her lap and looked back into Sevrin’s eyes. “Why all the questions?”

“What if your children were allowed to go with you? Is there anything else holding you here?”

The woman’s brow crinkled as she worried her lower lip. “Would they have to go through…whatever it is you’re doing to me?”

“No.”

“And releasing me is not an option?”

“Correct.”

Unshed tears made the human’s eyes shimmer, but she stubbornly blinked them back. “Then I would much rather have my children with me. Without them I will never survive.”

Unlike many cultures, Rodytes had always been more concerned with fertility than virginity. It could work to Sevrin’s advantage to have a female who was undoubtedly fertile. Her hybrid children would obviously take precedence over her human offspring, but there were many males who would tolerate another man’s offspring if their mother was empowered.

“If you survive the transformation, I will ensure that your children are sent along with you to Rodymia.”

After a long pause, the human looked at her again. “Why would you do that for me? I’m obviously at your mercy.”

Sevrin smiled. “You answered your own question.”

“Will you explain what’s going on, what’s being done to me and why?”

Sevrin thought about the options then decided to compromise. “If you’re still alive three days from now, I’ll return and provide a detailed explanation.”

The woman nodded but had nothing more to say.

“She’s interesting, isn’t she?” Orrit was waiting for her in the corridor. “Her name is Emily.”

Sevrin made a noncommittal sound. Why Orrit thought she would care about a captive’s name, Sevrin had no idea. Like all the others, Emily was a commodity, something to be bartered for power and wealth.

“Everyone is drawn to her,” Orrit rambled on. “I was thinking perhaps the other test subjects would be as well.”

“To what end?” He fell into step beside her as Sevrin headed back toward her office.

“I believe her positive attitude has helped produce some of the most stable results we’ve achieved so far. If she can calm the others, help them become more cooperative, it would benefit everyone.”

She looked at him, not quite sure if he was serious or not. “There are risks inherent in allowing them to interact. Do you believe the benefits would outweigh the risks?”

“There is only one way to find out. Subject four has been particularly combative. She has to be restrained or sedated, sometimes both, just to draw blood.”

Sevrin stopped walking and turned toward him. “Do you know what happened to Emily’s children? Before we start negotiating with her, we need to know if we can give her what she wants.”

“Good point. I’ll speak to the extraction team leader and find out the details of her capture.”

“Let me know what you learn and I’ll let you know what I decide about recruiting her as an in-house mentor.”

Orrit nodded and walked back the way they’d come. Her praise at his miraculous progress had defused his resentment, at least to some extent. He still made it painfully clear that his primary motivation was returning to Rodymia as quickly as possible, but he wasn’t quite so hateful.

Thoughts of Emily had her so distracted that she cried out when a large, warm hand came down on her shoulder. She whipped her head toward the intruder, ready to berate them for touching her, but Flynn flashed his sexy smile and her annoyance melted.

“Don’t’ scare me like that.”

He chuckled. “I called out to you twice. What has you so distracted?”

“Progress. Whenever things are going this well, I brace for impact.”

“Being prepared is always wise, but don’t let fear spoil all you’ve accomplished.” He hesitantly touched her arm, knowing he wasn’t allowed such liberties in public. “You work too hard.”

“And all that hard work is starting to pay off.” She raised one hand to the back of her neck and rubbed at the knot of tension. “What time is it?”

“Time for me to rub you down with hot oil and—”

“I think we should go get Roxie first. I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong with that situation and I’ve learned to trust my instincts when they’re this persistent.”

Flynn’s steps lagged and tension filled his voice. “I thought you wanted to locate the others before you messed with Roxie. It could still take months to find them all. Do you want Roxie in captivity for that long?”

“I’m not sure I need to bother with the search. Orrit can provide me with brides for the families. Why do I need to drive myself crazy chasing shadows?”

“All right.” Flynn fidgeted, obviously uncomfortable with her decision. “Are you sure you want to do this tonight. It’s been a long day already. Why not let me help you relax and we’ll collect her first thing in the morning?”

She chuckled and started walking again. “We’ll compromise. You can give me that massage, we’ll enjoy ourselves for an hour or two, and then you’ll go get Roxie.”

Chapter Nine

Content for the first time in months, Roxie relaxed in Elias’ warm embrace. Her back was pressed against his chest and his long legs framed her body, leaving minimal room for the bath water. It didn’t matter. He used the hand sprayer to keep their upper bodies warm and his free hand frequently sneaked up from her waist to caress her breasts.

“This was a really good idea,” he whispered into her damp hair.

“I’m glad you approve.”

She closed her eyes and concentrated on the silken flow of the water over her skin. She didn’t want to think, wanted just to be present and enjoy the peaceful moment. There was no telling when life would allow them another. Tension bled from her muscles and her breathing slowed, but her mind refused to cooperate.

A lifetime of doubt and mistrust scratched at her contentment. How could Elias care for her? They’d known each other for less than a week, even if they had been together for the vast majority of that time. Their relationship was still so new.

“What’s goin’ on inside that pretty head of yours?” As it often did when he was relaxed or extremely distracted, his Texas twang crept back into his speech. “You’re gettin’ all squirmy again.” He set the hand sprayer back in its bracket and turned off the water.

“I’ve never been intimate with someone this soon after meeting them,” she confessed. “It’s all happening so damn fast.”

“I’m right there with you.” He gave her a little squeeze. “I haven’t had a serious relationship in years because they take more time and energy than I have to offer.”

“Is this a ‘serious’ relationship? Is it a relationship at all? I don’t understand what’s happening to us.”

“I think it’s the link.”

She leaned forward and craned her neck so she could look back at him. “You weren’t attracted to me before Lor formed the link?”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.” His steady gaze challenged her to deny it. “I was attracted to you the moment I spotted you in an unconscious heap on the floor of Unique Ink. There was something about you that drew me. I’d never felt like that before.”

“Not even with your fiancée?” Like the coward she was, she turned back around before she saw the answer in his eyes.

“I loved Lori, but our lives were incompatible. It’s so far in the past, it feels like another lifetime. What I feel for you is similar yet completely different, unique.”

Her heart missed a beat and she pressed her hand over her upper chest. “You can’t love me,” she whispered. “You barely know me.”

“Even without the link, that’s not true.” He smoothed her hair back from her face and pressed a kiss against her temple. “I know you, Roxie. I feel like I’ve always known you. The connection fuels the fire. It reinforces what we naturally feel, but the flames were burning before Lor formed the link. Are you going to try to deny that you love me too? Don’t forget the link works both ways.”

“I can’t love you. I’m not ready.”

He chuckled, relaxing against the sloped end of the bathtub. “I’m a patient man. I can wait until you’re ready to admit what’s already there.” She tried to follow his example and let her troubled thoughts fade into the shadows. One of his arms held her snugly against his chest as the other hand glided over her damp breasts. “Stop brooding or I’m going to give you something else to think about.” He caught one of her nipples and slowly rolled it between his thumb and forefinger.

“We should both be thinking about the captives and Sevrin’s ambitions for—”

“Absolutely not.” He pinched her nipple hard enough to make her gasp. “That’s the last thing we should be thinking about. She checked in to make sure you were still where you’re supposed to be. Unless something drastic changes, she has no reason to return. You need to relax and refuel. Neither of us is going to be any good to anyone if we’re emotionally exhausted.”

She sighed and covered his hand with hers. “I know you’re right, but it feels selfish to indulge our desire when others are in jeopardy.”

“This is a lull, the calm before the storm. We’ll be battling gale-force winds and frantically boarding up windows soon enough. Relax. That’s an order.”

She finally surrendered with a dreamy smile.

“Tell me about Tess and Jett. How long have you known them? How did you meet?” His hand resumed its gentle exploration of her breasts.

“I met Tess at one of my art classes and she introduced me to Jett. He was already working as a tattoo artist and I ended up apprenticing with the owner of that shop.”

“Has Jett always had the hots for you?”

She laughed and arched into the palm of his hand. “I suppose. He had a boyfriend when I met him, so I totally missed the signals. But he’s had girlfriends too. I know he’s attracted to me. Unfortunately, he’s not my type at all.”

“You have a type?” His hand migrated down along her abdomen with slow yet deliberate intent.

“Let’s see, I like tall, ruggedly handsome men, who know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it.” She arched her neck and looked up at him. “Sound familiar?”

Rotating her torso toward him, he shifted her neck into the bend of his elbow. Then his wandering hand cupped the side of her face. “I don’t know how all this will play out. It could take a long time to resolve this conflict, but I want you in my life.” He bent his head and sealed his mouth over hers. Their lips pressed, gradually opening as his tongue teased its way inside.

Their connection dilated, filling her mind with warmth and affection, and drawing out responding emotions in her. It wasn’t rational. No one fell in love this quickly, but she couldn’t deny what she felt. Elias loved her and she loved him.

For a long time they sat there, lost in the kiss, and the freedom of accepting the inevitable. Then he eased her back and traced her lips with his thumb. “Stand up.” A slow, sexy smile bowed his lips and made the gold flecks in his gaze shimmer. “I’m ready for my second chance.”

She stood, ignoring her reflection in the hazy mirror as she reached for a towel.

“No.” He caught her wrist and shook his head. “I’m not ready to get out.”

“Then why…” She shivered as the sudden heat in his gaze told her what he had in mind. His right hand glided down her side and came to rest on her hip as his left hand urged her closer. She’d experimented with positions before, but this one was new.

His gaze shifted to her body as he lifted one of her legs and draped it over his shoulder. She steadied herself against the wall and closed her eyes, concentrating on the sensations. He was gentle, at first, using his tongue with careful strokes and teasing flicks. She gasped and moaned, accepting each sensation without anticipating what he’d do next.

Moisture gathered on her eyelashes and she blinked it away, unsure where the moisture had come from. Was it condensation from their marathon bath, or was she overwhelmed by the pleasure he found in such a selfless act. He took his time, arousing her slowly as she greedily basked in his attention.

Her eyelids drifted open and her gaze was drawn back to the mirror. She looked pale and thin, all arms and legs, in sharp contrast to his golden perfection. Before her dissatisfaction with her physical form could defuse her building arousal, she noticed his blissful expression and the gentleness with which he touched her. His hands flowed over her meager curves as if she were fashioned especially for him. He found her beautiful, desirable, perfect. At least perfect for him.

He slowly pushed his tongue right into the core of her body and Roxie dropped her head back, their reflection forgotten. His desire burned hotter now and his mouth became more demanding. His fingers dug into her flesh as his lips slid against her folds, his tongue surging into her again and again.

She rocked against him and rotated her hips, searching for the perfect combination of motion and pressure. Electric bursts of sensation jolted through her, making her gasp and shake. Suddenly his lips closed around her clit and he sucked with focused care. The signals coalesced, drew tight, then burst free, showering her with tingling pleasure.

Roxie returned to her body gradually. Her leg slipped down from his shoulder as her other leg buckled. She ended up straddling his thighs, her face on a level with his. He kissed her, pushing the taste of her pleasure into her mouth. Her core twitched with little aftershocks as their tongues tangled and slid.

“Not. Enough. Room.” He only forced one word out at a time, unable to be without her kiss long enough to form the entire sentence.

She reached back and triggered the drain then pushed back onto her trembling legs. “We can move to the bedroom, but I am going to return the favor before we go crazy again.”

He chuckled, a deep rumbly sound. “We’ll see.”

After climbing from the tub, she held a towel out toward him then found another one for herself. Her hair would be a tangled mess unless she took time to comb it out, but she didn’t care. He’d watched her come over and over. Finally, it was his turn to lose control.

They were more or less dry by the time they crossed to the bed. Determined to have her way, she urged him to sit on the edge of the bed. Then she knelt between his legs and wrapped her hand around his shaft. “I’ve wanted to do this since the first time you kissed me.”

He put his hands on the bed and moved his legs father apart. “I’m all yours.”

“Yes you are.” She let the claim resonate as she took him in her mouth. Their gazes held until the angle made it impossible, then she focused on pleasuring him. He remained passive longer than she expected, letting her explore him as thoroughly as he’d explored her.

Her lips formed a snug ring as she slid her mouth up and down his cock. She cupped his balls in her other hand, fascinated by the weight and the heat of his body. He grew harder and thicker as she worked him and the emotions surging across their link left her dizzy and restless. She wanted to feel him moving inside her, stretching her to capacity as his big body pressed her down into the bed. But she didn’t want to stop until she shattered his control. She needed his willing surrender.

With a predatory growl, he lifted her, freeing his cock from her mouth. “If you want to watch me come, you’ll have to keep your eyes open.” He tossed her to the middle of the bed and knelt between her legs. Then he caught the underside of her knees and opened her wide.

Roxie pushed his hands away and held her legs for him, offering her body in blatant invitation. “Please,” she whispered.

“I mean to.” He positioned himself at her entrance then arched over her, capturing her gaze with his. Then he pushed inward slowly, filling her inch by wonderful inch. She stared into his eyes as heat and hunger blazed within her mind. He paused for half a second with his entire length buried inside her then kissed her with aching tenderness. “No matter what happens in the next few days, I’ll be with you, part of you.”

Before she could respond to the claim, his mouth returned to hers in a breath-stealing, mind-numbing kiss. He rocked into her, steady thrusts that rubbed her in all the right places. Desperately needing to touch him, she released her legs. Then her hands wandered over his straining muscles, grasping and squeezing as he claimed her body and heart.

Nothing had ever felt so perfect, nothing so intense. She lifted into each of his downward thrusts, compounding the impact. His rhythm sped as his need escalated. He tore his mouth from hers, unable to maintain the kiss as his thrusts grew more forceful.

She watched his face, awed by the consuming desire he felt for her. And her emotions were just as demanding. She reached for him with her arms and legs, her soul flowing across their link to meld with his. They breathed as one, moved as one, their beings completely in tune.

“Now.”

His harsh command combined with the burst of pleasure flooding across their link. Sensations detonated deep inside her, stealing her breath with their shocking intensity. She arched off the bed, taking everything he had to give. Their hearts beat as one and their spasms of pleasure synchronized. They clung to each other, shuddering over and over as they flowed through the stages of release.

Roxie recovered first and waited for passion’s haze to leave his eyes. “That was…well worth the wait.”

He rolled to his side, taking her with him. Then he pulled her leg high onto his hip and pressed their bodies back together. “I never want to leave this bed, or the warmth of your body.”

She wiggled closer, tucking her head under his chin. “You’ll hear no arguments from me. We can order pizza and Chinese. There’s even a deli that delivers. Of course one of us will have to answer the door.”

He chuckled, his fingers gently rubbing her back. “Sounds like you’re hungry.”

“Getting there, but I’m not ready for you to move. It feels too good to have you there, where you belong.”

Tilting her face up, he kissed her slowly, tenderly. “I’m not going anywhere.” Suddenly he nipped her lower lip and laughed. “Couldn’t even if I wanted to. We’re tethered together.”

He rolled again, bringing her on top of him. She folded her legs and settled her weight on her knees. They kissed and kissed, their hands moving freely over each other. She felt him gradually harden inside her and tightened her inner muscles, encouraging the response. He slipped his hands between their bodies and teased her nipples so she squeezed his cock again and again.