King of Swords Read online

  “Don’t give him any ideas, ma’am,” one of the men down the bar called out. “He already has delusions of grandeur enough.”

  They all chuckled while Della continued to deal the cards, shaking her head.

  “What is it, Aunt Del?”

  “The King of Swords will play an important role, Adi. For you, personally, and in the coming conflict.” A pensive look crossed her pretty face before she shrugged it off, clearing the bar of the cards and putting them back into her pockets. She turned to face Adele with a resigned air. “When the time comes, trust the King of Swords.”

  “Darnit, Aunt Del, I don’t like this. Why am I here? All I see is destruction and danger. What in the world am I supposed to do here? I’m not a soldier.”

  Della laughed in her tinkling way. “You know fate bats us to and fro like so many ping pong balls, sweetie. It’s your fate to be here at this time. Perhaps it’s even more than fate. Did you ever think of that? You have a role to play, Adi, and it’s an important one. When push comes to shove, shove back.”

  Adele hated the fatalistic tendencies of the women in her family, but guessed if you saw the future on a regular basis, it was probably unavoidable. She decided to stop fighting against it and just enjoy the moment of peace with her beloved aunt. It was, after all, the calm before the storm if their visions were to be believed.

  “It’s good to see you, Aunt Del. I’ve missed you.”

  The women hugged.

  Chapter Three

  David listened unabashedly to the odd conversation between the two women. Both were petite and lovely, but the girl at his side stirred something in him he’d never felt before. She lit a fire in his soul that made him yearn for more from his life. More from his expectations.

  More from her.

  He’d only just met the woman, but already he wanted to be inside her. He wanted it more than he’d ever wanted anything, and once he got inside her he wanted to stay for a good long while. Maybe forever.

  Yeah, getting into that exquisite young body would be as close to heaven as he might ever come. But if her premonitions were real—and Alex seemed to think they were—trouble was coming. He’d left the military behind, but not his training. Right now he was unarmed, but he’d remedy that shortly. He made an imperceptible hand signal to Alex and was relieved when the answer came back immediately from all around.

  The other men were armed and would protect the women should it prove necessary. Alex also signaled he had a cache of weapons behind the bar and that Dave was welcome to take his pick from among the stock.

  Dave wouldn’t leave the bar that night without at least some protection. Procuring further weapons would be his task for the next day.

  He wasn’t sure if he really bought the ladies’ supposed ‘gifts’, but he did believe in being prepared for every contingency. And being Enhanced, he knew there were such things as psychic abilities, though they were rare in the extreme. Still, he knew for a fact they existed, and Alex’s endorsement of Della’s powers was a strong point in her favor.

  “Can we interest you in a game, Colonel?” The aunt’s voice came to him over the increasing noise in the bar as shift change began. Workers were drifting in, looking tired and ready for a drink and some conversation.

  Dave sat back and regarded the women. Della had the old deck in her hands again and was shuffling like a pro.

  “What game, ladies, and who’s playing?”

  Adele chuckled and the sound rang through him, straight to his cock. Damn, the girl was pretty as a picture with those sparkling eyes and dancing smile.

  “Poker? You look like a poker man to me,” she teased.

  “How’d you guess?” He stood and followed the ladies toward one of the larger booths opposite the bar.

  “Aunt Della will deal for the house. I’m in for my own stake and Tim and Perkins are playing, too.”

  What followed was one of the most enjoyable evenings Dave had ever spent in or out of the military. A fast-moving game of cards proved the skill and cunning of both women. They were tough customers and didn’t give an inch as they bet and played like pros.

  Dave was used to the company of men and didn’t normally know what to say to civ women, but he didn’t feel any of the usual pressure with Adele and her aunt. The conversation flowed naturally, as did the beer and the credits. He won a few hands and lost a few, but everyone came away only a little poorer at the end of the game. Tim actually ended up the big winner, and he told them how he was saving up to bid for a homestead license, so the extra money would come in handy.

  The boy had plans and Dave admired that. It made losing a few of his hard-earned credits a little easier. From the gooey looks in their eyes, he got the sense the women felt the same. They asked questions and encouraged the young soldier to talk about his plans for the future.

  Dave listened to the women talk, liking the way Adele and her aunt treated Timothy. He was shy, but the two ladies had him talking, laughing, and enjoying himself. It was a kind thing to do for a soldier. A boy that young had many years left in service and his odds weren’t good for survival. Misunderstood by most of humanity, Dave knew first-hand this experience—this little impromptu poker game on a civ station in the middle of nowhere—was something the boy would remember for the rest of his life. However long that proved to be.

  When the game broke up, Tim left the bar with a bounce in his step that hadn’t been there before. Dave watched him go, feeling old and jaded. Had he ever been as young and easy to please? He couldn’t recall.

  “You’re an awfully quiet man, David.” Somehow Adele had managed to sneak up on him, though he wasn’t alarmed. On some base level he’d been aware of her unique, ultra-feminine scent, though her presence hadn’t registered on a conscious level. It was more innate. She was shrugging into the jacket she’d removed during their game, leaving her in a plain, deep green tunic that enhanced her eyes and showed off her curvy form to advantage. He was sorry to see her covering up, but it was getting late and he knew the bar would be closing shortly, in accordance with the rules of the station.

  “I’ve spent a lot of time out on the rim, ma’am. The quiet out there grows on you.”

  She nodded slowly, though her eyes searched his. “I can’t even imagine what it’s like, living the kind of life you must have led.”

  He could read the honesty of her words in her beautiful eyes. The idea that a gently bred civ woman would be the least bit interested in his life on the rim surprised him.

  Alex interrupted them as he removed the empty glasses from their table. “You be careful of this one, girl. Spec ops guys are rough customers.” He winked in an exaggerated way, but the warning wasn’t lost, even though she laughed.

  “You ought to know, Alex.” Dave shot back, outing his friend the way he’d just been outed. He turned back to Adele, expecting fear in her eyes. Spec ops warriors had the most brutal reputation and were often vilified in the galactic press, but she surprised him yet again. Her expression was questioning and totally non-judgmental.

  “I’ve heard about you guys.” Her gentle smile said it hadn’t all been bad and David was relieved. “They say some of you go out on your own for weeks on end in single-man craft patrolling the rim. No wonder you don’t talk much.”

  Dave shrugged. “You get used to silence.”

  “Then being here—on a civ station teeming with people and noise—must be quite a shock to your system.”

  He nodded tightly. “I’m still working on adjusting to civilian life.”

  She laughed softly and the sound enchanted him. “Me, too.”

  He wanted to ask what she meant, but she turned away, hugging her aunt and saying goodbye to the rest of the folks still at the bar. She reached right across the bar to kiss Alex’s cheek.

  The hot sting of jealousy startled Dave. He envied his friend for a peck on the cheek? Could he really be that petty? Or that desperate?

  Adele turned back to him with a soft smile on her lovely fac
e. He scrambled to get hold of the situation.

  “It was a pleasure meeting you, David.”

  There was no way he was letting her walk the deserted halls of the station alone at this hour. She just didn’t know it yet.

  “If you don’t mind the company, I’d be happy to see you home.”

  She seemed surprised for a moment, but not displeased by his suggestion. She looked back at her aunt and received a slight nod from Della, bless her heart.

  “All right. If you’re sure you don’t mind. I just moved in over in Ring Four, Delta Section.”

  He nodded, glad he wouldn’t have to lie. “It’s on my way. I’m staying in Ring Five, Epsilon at the moment.” The lower rent single rooms were in the farthest rings and sections. Hers was a better address, by far, though still in an area where a woman shouldn’t be out walking alone during station night.

  “Then I’d be glad to have your company.” She smiled up at him and his heart nearly stopped. She was so damn beautiful, it hurt.

  Chapter Four

  They left the bar together. Adele couldn’t remember when she’d ever felt so safe in the presence of a man she’d just met. A soldier, for that matter. She spent a few moments wondering whether her instinctual trust of this giant of a man was merely because he was a soldier and therefore bigger and stronger than the average man, but dismissed the thought. She hadn’t had the same gut reaction to any of the other men at the bar, though she had liked Alex and Timothy right off the bat. Some of the others gave her pause, though. Perkins, for one, downright frightened her. The man had killer’s eyes and a ruthless set to his jaw that put her on edge. Yet, she hadn’t sensed any malevolence from him—only the fact that he was capable of things best left to the shadows.

  David made her feel things she hadn’t felt in ages, if ever. She couldn’t recall a more instantaneous attraction to any man. She wondered what he would be like in bed. Would he be rough or gentle, skilled or wild, thoughtful or selfish? Licking her lips in anticipation, she wondered if she dared find out.

  It had been nearly a year since her last intimate encounter. She’d thought she was building towards a long-term relationship with Jeffrey, but he’d only been looking for a short fling with a convenient co-worker.

  When he’d been promoted away, their affair was over and he never looked back, while she was left disillusioned and disappointed.

  She blamed herself. She should have been more careful about getting involved with a man who clearly cared more for his job, his rank, and himself, than he did about anyone else. He barely spoke to his family, having his secretary send gifts for important occasions with impersonal notes that he initialed. He had few friends, unless they were of higher rank and could further his career. He was a ruthless social climber and she should have seen the signs much sooner, but she’d been blinded by her desire to find love and acceptance. Instead all she’d found was heartache and hurt.

  “Something wrong?”

  David was all too observant. He watched her with an intense sort of alertness. It was disconcerting, but also endearing. He cared enough to study her expression and was sensitive to her mood. That wasn’t something Jeffrey had ever done.

  “Sorry. I was just thinking about the paths that led me here.”

  “Somehow I don’t think you’re talking about the transport tube.” His lopsided smile touched her heart. He truly seemed interested.

  Adele shrugged. “I was just thinking about how easy you are to talk to and how stupid I was to fear soldiers. You and the guys in the bar are the first I’ve ever talked to, you know. I mean, I didn’t deliberately try to avoid them,” she hastened to add. “It just never happened.” She smiled up at him as they walked side by side down the deserted corridor toward one of the transport tubes. “I’m glad it did now.”

  He winked at her. “Me, too.”

  David gallantly motioned for her to precede him into the small transport car that would take them to the outer rings. She took a seat and he moved next to her in the small pod as the door slid shut, sealing them together. He was a big man and the two-person unit was cramped.

  Adele’s temperature rose when he stretched his arm around her shoulders. He tucked her next to his warm body in the cramped space.

  “Do you mind?” A sexy smile hovered around his lips. “These things are too small for guys my size.”

  “Very convenient, though, huh?” She teased, looking up at him as she moved closer to give him a smidgen more room.

  His eyes glowed as his head lowered. When he spoke, his lips were an inch away from hers, and his warm breath puffed over her chin.

  “I’m not complaining. I’ll take any advantage to get you into my arms, Adele.”

  Her abdomen rippled as his words hit home. The man was truly devastating and she wanted nothing more than to learn his taste and discover the answers to some of her questions. Would he kiss slow and easy or fast and wild? No time like the present to find out.

  Leaning upward, she touched her lips to his, taking the initiative in a way she knew surprised him. His rumbled sigh of approval warmed her as he brought his other arm around and licked his tongue along her lips.

  One question was answered immediately. The man certainly knew how to kiss!

  * * * *

  David couldn’t believe she was in his arms, and for a crazy moment he didn’t think he would ever be able to let her go. Her taste was a homecoming, her gentle sigh as she relaxed into him, a welcome he would never forget. If he believed in such things, he’d think this was his woman. The only one in the universe meant just for him.

  He’d heard rumors about the enemy jit’suku and the way they knew their mates by just one kiss. He’d wondered about it, scoffing at the idea of such instantaneous recognition. But now he thought he understood.

  This kiss was like no other he’d ever shared with a woman. This kiss was special. As was the woman.

  He’d liked her from the moment he saw her walking with false bravado into that bar full of men. He liked her courage and her pluck, and he loved the way she looked. Petite and feminine, she brought out all his protective instincts, but he also admired her spirit. The way she squared her adorable shoulders had said this was a woman who could handle herself. As the night wore on, he’d come to realize it wasn’t just an act.

  She had a keen mind and quick wit. She also had a soft heart that showed itself in her dealings with the youngster, Timothy. Not every woman would take the time to make the shy soldier feel not only welcome, but as if he’d made a friend.

  Friends among regular folk were few and far between for men like them. It meant a lot to Dave that she’d make the effort. It showed her true mettle and the depth of her compassion.

  But her kiss sent him into another realm altogether.

  This kiss spoke of fire and heat, passion and blazing arousal. He felt the impact of her little tongue tangling with his down to his soul. She was living flame in his arms and he wanted to burn with her. All night long.Maybe forever.

  The thought gave him pause as he drew back, just a bit, into himself. He tempered his assault on her lips, twining his hands into her hair. She was special and he needed to treat her that way. He had to show he was capable of more than just crude passion. He had to finesse her if he wanted to keep her interest.

  When he leaned back, she followed as if she never wanted to let him go. Deep satisfaction filled him as she continued her subconscious pursuit. He let one hand trail down her petite frame to settle at her waist, before moving up her ribcage. When she made no protest, he cupped the tempting curve of her breast, squeezing lightly, seeking permission to go farther. She granted it with a gasping little moan that shot straight to his groin.He surrounded her soft breast, loving the weight and shape of her.

  She was perfection. She was exactly what he’d always dreamed of in a woman. Enough to fill his hands and soft as a cloud. A feminine bundle with a beautiful heart.

  Dave tweaked her nipple through the layers of thin fabric,
pleased with her instant response. She practically climbed into his lap, so great was her excitement, and he relished every quick breath, every sexy little moan as he kissed her and kissed her, letting her know how desirable he found her.

  And she desired him back. He could feel it in her response.

  The thought humbled him. This perfect woman wanted him as much as he wanted her. If he had anything to say about it, they’d share this night and many more to come.

  Just then an explosion rocked the station and the car they were in went dark, coasting to a stop in the transport tube.

  Chapter Five

  “Now?” Adele wiggled her way off his lap. Her voice was directed upward and Dave let out a laugh. Rather than fear, this incredible woman met the danger she’d foreseen with exasperation.

  He could see the frustration on her face in the darkness of the pod.

  One gift of his Enhancement was incredible night vision. Swooping in, he placed a kiss on her surprised lips.

  “You’re one hell of a woman, Adele.”

  A breathless sigh was his answer as she gathered her wits. The kiss had rocked both their worlds.

  But the station was under attack. Another dangerous rocking shook the tunnel and pod, and Dave knew it was time for action.

  “Do you trust me?” He reached for her hand in the darkness. She couldn’t see a thing, but to him the darkness was only a minor irritation.

  “With my life.” Her answer was immediate and gratifying.

  “We’ve got to get out of here. The transport system will be the first thing they go for.”

  “So you think this is it, too? I mean, I know my visions have never been wrong, but…”

  He placed a finger across her kiss swollen lips. “If you believe it,” he used one hand to release the emergency exit at the top of the pod, “ I believe you.” Climbing out, he lifted her up easily behind him, already scanning the long tunnel.