She sat back in her seat, handing Dio the medical supplies to return to the kit. They had no destination set. Her vimani was on autopilot, zipping through the blue skies at a rapid pace, putting miles between them and the squadron.
“Dio, do you think your family’s vacation spot will be a safe place to hide for a day or two? He needs to rest and stay medicated if he’s going to be of any use to either of us.”
“Vacation homes on Earth are illegal.” He grinned as he gave her the coordinates. “But I happen to know a place that should be fully stocked should we stumble upon it in our travels.”
“At this rate of speed, we should be there before the meds wear off.” She brought up an Earth map of Siskiwit Lake on the Isle Royale in Lake Superior. A lake within a lake. Hopefully it was an obscure enough location they wouldn’t be found.
Dio touched the VIS screen and magnified the image. He located a spot in the middle of Siskiwit Lake that looked to be nothing but water. “Aim for there.”
“There’s nothing there.”
He shot her a wide smile over his shoulder as he moved to the back of the vimani and the cooler of food and drinks. “It’s like you asked me to do with the Bronco at your place. Once we’re close, I’ll give you the security code that will open the portal then all you’ve got to do is let go of the wheel and the navigational system will guide you in.”
Shia couldn’t believe how quickly her life had changed. Last night went from movie and popcorn on the couch to a Hellion escape. She double-checked her settings then stared at the man in the seat next to her. He slept soundly thanks to the meds. Though disheveled and dressed in a stretched-to-capacity pair of her sweats, he was sexy even if he was a fool.
What could he possibly gain by going to Bellitrix? It was the most fortified colony in the universe. The High Guard Council met there in the Kiengir Distrix Sanctuary, which was surrounded by Paoni forces. The Paoni Cadet School and training facility was also housed on Bellitrix. Out of all the places to want to go once one escaped hell, you wouldn’t think it’d be there. But he had a reason and she knew it had something to do with that report.
Or a woman named Oriana.
Shia bit back an unfamiliar emotion leaking into her system. He wasn’t hers to get jealous over. She sighed. This was so not good or like her to fall for anyone, especially not someone like Kal. A man who was much older than she and probably had a family waiting for him tucked away somewhere in an obscure realm of the galaxy. Shia closed her eyes for a moment.
An odd sensation prickled the hairs on the back of her neck, which instantly had her scouting the skies for possible tails. It was doubtful there were any. Wesley had counted six vimani in the Paoni force. Each had gone after a decoy. So why was she worried? Shia couldn’t relax. Instinct told her not to let down her guard. Someone had taken a big chance locking up the Kiengirs’ most decorated warrior and now he was free. Once the person responsible for that found out Kal had escaped, shit was going to go down hard and fast, and unfortunately for her, she was dead center of that storm.
She watched him sleep. If he wasn’t so heavily medicated and they were in a more private setting, would he react as well as she had earlier that morning? When it had happened, at first she’d thought she was still dreaming about him. The dream was hot, but having him fuck her for real was even better. She couldn’t believe she’d awakened to him touching her. For a few moments, she’d lain there pretending to sleep until he slid his cock into her. Her warrior training demanded that she stop but the woman in her wanted him and enjoyed every second of the experience. Just thinking about it had her horny and wet, wishing she could straddle him and fuck him to consciousness. Surprise him as he had done to her. Would he enjoy it or try to stop her from taking him sexually? He was a man. She doubted he’d say no to being fucked. Shia almost laughed but swallowed it, not wanting to have to share the reason behind it with Dio.
Sitting straight, she forced her focus on the open skies and hoped this private island was all Dio claimed it to be. Kal needed rest and she, well she wanted another round between the sheets with the hot Sun Superior but knew it shouldn’t and probably wouldn’t happen.
Kal stirred awake in a big comfy bed in a darkened room. The shades were drawn but from the rays of light slipping in around them, he knew it was still daytime. He heard two voices speaking softly outside the door. His head felt heavy as he shifted, slinging off the covers. His cock hardened when he thought of the Paoni’s bed with her in his arms. He rolled onto his back as the door opened.
She stood in the doorway with a tray balanced on one hip as her gaze trailed down to his lap. Immediately he became aware of his cock’s condition, pressed uncomfortably against the too-tight material of the sweatpants. He tugged the covers back over, but it was too late. A sexy smile upturned her lips and he knew she had noticed. “Good to see you’re awake. It’s time for meds but we thought you could use some food first.”
He peered over her shoulder, straining to see out the doorway. “Where’s Dio?”
“He’s fine.” She walked to the bedside table and set the tray on it. “He’s running an errand to the mainland to buy clothes for you and a few items I need.”
His gaze landed on her ass when she turned and opened the blinds, spilling more light into the room. She had a fine round bottom, not too big, not too small, just right. Kal scrubbed a hand down his face. He knew he’d dreamt about her. It was the reason he woke with a stiff cock. He gripped the sheets, fighting the itch to touch her. Women were trouble and the one standing beside the bed was that with a capital T. It didn’t matter his cock was hard. She was off limits.
“You think it’s a good idea he went out on his own?”
“Yeah. He had clothes here to change in to and he knows the area well considering he’s been coming here since he was a small child.”
“Where are we?”
“We’re on his grandparents privately owned island in the middle of a lake hidden on an island within a much larger lake. Ingenious location if I do say so myself.”
“I didn’t think it existed. From the way the boy spoke about it, it seemed too good to be true.” Kal took in his surroundings. He lay in an oversized king bed with silky soft bedding, plush down pillows and a thick comforter, all of which matched the light-blue walls. The head and footboard were solid oak with a matching bedside table. A wardrobe stood in the corner, carved in its wooden doors was a giant dog-like creature with wings. He knew he’d seen that emblem before but couldn’t place it.
“Seems his grandparents like to be prepared. The house is stocked with supplies for at least a month.”
“Don’t plan to be here that long.”
Shia hoped they wouldn’t be here that long either. The prickly sensation along the back of her neck had grown into a full-blown tension knot, keeping her on guard. If they were lucky, Dio would find the items she needed to get the spaceship running that was hidden in the hangar in the backyard. She couldn’t believe it when she saw it. A Cerulean XLT, completely decked out with every luxury convenience a unnocki could want for space travel. A top-of-the-line model in its day, now it was considered antique.
According to Dio, his grandparents left it there when they upgraded to a smaller, faster model. His grandmother wanted to hang on to it because of all the cherished memories she had of their time spent traveling the universe in it. She didn’t know who his grandparents were but they seemed to have an astronomical amount of cridits in their financials to be able to do what they did. If so, why not pay for Dio’s release? She figured that one out for herself. Because once a criminal crossed hell’s threshold, there was no return.
Shia focused on Kal’s face. His color was much better than when they’d practically dragged him to the bed.
“How’re you feeling?”
His stomach growled loudly. “I could use some food.”
“Then you’re in luck.” She lifted the bowl from the tray. “Chicken soup. I hear it’s good for the soul.�
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He groaned. “Can I have some real food?”
“Eat this, keep it down and I’ll make you something else.”
Kal took it, foregoing the spoon and drank straight from the bowl until it was empty then held it to her. “Next. I’m starved.”
“Really?”
“Please.”
“Better.” Shia turned and headed for the door before she did something stupid, such as crawl in that bed and throw herself at him. Even though he’d covered his hard-on, she hadn’t missed it but he’d shown no interest in her helping him out with his condition. “Are you familiar with Earth foods?”
“Yes.”
“Good. How do you like your steak?”
“Rare with a side of baked potato heavily loaded with butter.”
“I’m not your personal chef.”
He grabbed the baton off the bedside table, waving it at her. “This says you are.”
She removed the band from around her neck and tossed it at him to land at the foot of the bed. “Disabled. Remember?”
“Knew I shouldn’t have done that.” He gave her a full smile that made her wish for a kiss instead of a food order from him. Looking at him had her wanting more than she should. Being the first woman Paoni warrior, she’d had a lot to prove and a relationship would’ve just slowed that down.
Relationship? What the fuck is wrong with me?
Shia pointed to a door on the opposite side of the room from the bed. “There’s a full bath through there if you want to wash while you wait. Think you’ll be okay on your feet or do you need help?”
“I can manage.”
She scooted out before he caught her rolling her eyes at her own stupid notions. Sex was sex, plain and simple. He didn’t seem interested in perusing another go round with her. Besides, her warrior career was over the moment she flew off with the Hellions. Instead of thinking sex, she should be planning her next move. What she was going to do for a future, she had no idea. Helping Kal destroyed her chances of ever finding out the truth behind her parents’ death. Pain sliced through her heart at the realization everything she’d strived to achieve was gone.
Kal tested his legs. His thigh ached but didn’t bleed as he gained his balance before he made his way to the bathroom. It felt good to peel off the sweatpants. He unwrapped his wound and made sure it was sealed before he slowly stepped into his first comfortable shower since his incarceration. Audibly he sighed, enjoying the perfect temperature of water washing over him. There was no rushing this. He stood under the steady stream, reveling in the simple pleasure as he washed. In hell, he’d washed every chance he’d gotten, but the streams, rivers and waterfalls tended to run extremely hot and could blister the skin if he lingered for more than a quick dip. But this was euphoric.
He would’ve remained there until the water ran cold if he hadn’t caught a movement through the steam-covered glass. Kal tensed as he readied for attack, slid the etched-glass door open a crack and peered. Shia stood staring at him. Heat of desire shown in her gaze.
Her mouth parted slightly and he couldn’t take his eyes off the tip of her tongue as it did a sensual glide, moistening her lips. Images of what he’d like her to do with that mouth had his cock hardening in his soapy grip.
Somehow he managed to make his voice work. “Care to share the water?” It was an invitation he knew he shouldn’t give but failed to stop.
“I—”
Indecision flittered across her face but he didn’t give her a chance. Kal caught her by the hand and tugged her into the shower. Water soaked her shirt, plastering it to her chest, outlining her breasts. It was a beautiful sight, full, round globes, wet and teasing him to kiss them. He met her gaze as he rolled the shirt up her body. She raised her arms, making it easier to remove. Kal tossed it over the door. Sinking to his knees, he helped lower her pants, tugging the wet material from her flesh. He buried his face against her navel, breathing in her scent of musky maple and honey. It was intoxicating.
She held on to his shoulders, digging her nails into his skin as Kal helped her out of them, throwing the sopping wet pants to meet the shirt on the bathroom floor. He nuzzled the apex of her folds, breathing deeply against the tender skin before tonguing her sheath for a taste. Her low raspy gasp gave him chills. Kal licked her, sucking her clit, nipping then swirling his tongue around the sensitive spot, causing her to moan and shiver. He tongue-fucked her, loving her exotic flavor, lapping and sucking. She pulled his hair as her pelvis rocked fervently in tune with his tongue and mouth. Kal sensed she was ready. He stroked her clit while sliding two fingers inside her, pumping her to orgasm. Shia shook as he lapped her sweet cream.
He rose slowly, holding her closer, taking in every inch, trailing his hands across her shoulders and down her back then along her waist to slide up her abdomen and cup her breasts, thumbing her nipples into pert points. She lifted her face into the stream. Water flowed from her cheeks, braided hair and rolled along her sexy neck. He kissed the curve where neck and shoulder met, then rested his head against the side of hers. It’d been a long time since he’d simply held a woman and even though he hated himself for enjoying the moment, he relished the feel of her. He closed his eyes, trying to shove back the reason he avoided the female kind. For this instant in time, the Paoni named Shia felt right in his arms.
Kal found her lips, warm and welcoming as they kissed, gently testing each other. He lifted her, hooking her legs around his hips as he brushed his cock along her pussy lips. The kiss turned passionate. One long stroke coated his shaft with her slickness, easing his entrance. Slow, deliberate thrusts made him groan against her mouth. Soft flesh caressed him, clamping around his dick, contracting tight. She nibbled his lower lip, intensifying the kiss.
He couldn’t get enough, gliding in and out of her. Pumping their hips in rhythm, in sync to each other’s needs, desires. Faster. Kal knew he wouldn’t last much longer. He rolled his hips in just the right motion, burying his cock deeper. She clawed at his shoulders, tightened her thighs and broke from their kiss, her lips pressed against his ear.
“Fuck me harder.”
Kal pumped long, hard strokes as he massaged her ass in his hands. A perfect fit for his palms, holding her steady as she matched his thrusts and drove him to fuck her harder. Knowing they both were close, Kal pressed her tight against the tile and circled her anus with his thumb. Shia squealed in pleasure.
“Look at me, Shia,” Kal growled. “I want to see your eyes when you come.”
Those gorgeous golden browns glowed with electric heat as her orgasm washed over her and took him with it. Kal pushed deep into her. Strong, muscular ripples cascaded along his cock, draining him of every ounce from his balls. Kal’s legs weakened. His thigh throbbed but it was the best pain. Shia wrapped around him, clinging to him, breathing heavily against his neck. The shower ran lukewarm and in a matter of a few minutes it would turn cold.
Kal unwound her from him and maneuvered her to stand, letting the water wash over them. He held her around her waist with one arm while gently cleansing her with his other hand. She leaned against him, eyes closed.
“Umm.” She sighed. “Keep that up and we’ll be doing it again but in a cold shower.”
He laughed, pressing a kiss to the side of her forehead. “Cold water isn’t a friend to the male gender of any species.” He turned off the shower and opened the door. “Give me a few minutes to recoup and you’re on.”
A loud rumble from his stomach made her smile as he handed her a towel. “Seems I need to feed you.”
Her stomach echoed his. “Sounds like we both worked up an appetite. Besides, I thought you were cooking me a steak. Probably burnt by now.”
“I haven’t started it yet. Forgot to ask you how you like it seasoned. That’s why I came in here. But got distracted.”
He wrapped the towel around his waist and grinned. “That was the best shower I’ve had in ages. Let’s eat.”
Chapter Six
Shia sat across
from him at the table on the patio. The evening sky was streaked with the beautiful colors of sunset shimmering on the lake’s surface. The ranch-style house was secluded. A couple of acres of landscaped grass, flowers and ornamental shrubs were along the edge of the lake on an otherwise densely wooded island. No other homes were on this private piece of land. A dock and boathouse was in view. The speedboat housed there was the mode of transportation to the mainland, which Dio had taken earlier.
She’d shown no restraint when he asked her to shower. Seeing him naked, water streaming across those muscles, she’d been too turned on to say no. She’d tried to think of it as just sex until he’d said her name, held her face in his hands, made it intimate, though she doubted it was that to him. The sensual way he’d spoken her name had given her chills. It was something she’d never forget.
Kal’s damp, jet-black hair hung loosely down his back. She tried not to stare but he was delectable sitting there eating his third steak, wearing nothing but a towel knotted low on his hips. Shia had to snap out of this and quick before she sank any further in love with him. Something Dio had said gave her a tidbit for conversation to break the silence.
“Is it true there are no assigned cells in hell and prisoners fight for food and supplies?”
His fork stopped midair. “Hell is an appropriate name for Earth’s prison. Only the strong survive or eat. There are no cells and no food unless you are a skilled hunter.”
Her eyes widened. “Prisoners hunt other prisoners for food?”
“Some do. I hunted creatures native to the core. They are the strangest beasts, but make good eating if you’re skilled enough to kill one. They are what the humans call dinosaurs.”
“I thought they were extinct.”
“They migrated to the core when the temperatures grew too cold for them to survive above ground.”
“It shouldn’t be like that. The High Guard Council needs to be informed of the atrocious conditions.”
He snorted heatedly. “Who do you think set it up like that?”