Freeing the Prisoner Read online

  “Thank you,” he murmured. “I thought I was a goner before you showed up, little girl.”

  The movement of his jaw when he talked rubbed against her sensitive left nipple, sending a strange feeling of warmth from her breasts to the spot between her legs.

  To my sacred channel, she thought and felt hot blood rushing to her face.

  “I…you’re welcome,” she said, stepping back abruptly. “Did…did you get enough?”

  “For now.” His eyes flickered over her chest. “Seems like you spilled some.”

  “I…was in a hurry.” Dani didn’t know why his eyes on her made her blush. She looked down at herself.

  She was dressed modestly enough for a Goshan female—the fabric of her dress came all the way up to her chin, all the way down to her ankles, and even covered her arms down to her wrists. Of course, the water that had spilled on her had made the garment a little more see-through than usual and the thin fabric clung to the curves of her breasts and the peaks of her nipples, but still, she was properly covered.

  She looked back up and saw his eyes were still on her, which made her blush even harder.

  The Kindred noticed that she was watching him watch her because he shook his head and seemed to make a concerted effort to look at her face again.

  “Gods,” he groaned and “Sorry—I’m acting like a jerk, staring at you. It’s just…you’re fucking gorgeous all wet like that.”

  “Oh…thank you I guess.” Dani wasn’t sure if she should cover up or not. In the past when she’d sometimes felt males’ eyes on her—especially Councilor Tornk’s—it had made her skin crawl. But for some reason the big Kindred’s gaze caused a kind of delicious embarrassment in her instead.

  I have nothing to be ashamed of, she told herself. I am well formed, though I am as big as a male.

  Lifting her chin high, she looked down at him.

  “I came back to ask you some questions.”

  He didn’t answer her in words. Instead, a deep, rumbling growl came from his midsection.

  “Sorry,” he lifted his shoulders in a shrug, as much as the magno-lock cuffs holding his hands over his head would allow. “I haven’t had anything to eat in a while. Don’t suppose you have anything with you?” he asked hopefully.

  “I would have to go and get something from the royal kitchens,” Dani said doubtfully. “They’re pretty crowded right now because of the banquet going on but I guess I could slip in. It will probably take some time though.”

  “Don’t go then,” he said quickly. “I’d rather have you here talking to me than wasting time getting food.”

  “Making sure you have something to eat isn’t a waste of time,” Dani objected, putting down the heavy golden vase.

  As she did, she felt something bump against her left leg. At first she thought it was the hidden sud-stab but then she realized it was the sweet-berry nuggets Lavi had given her.

  “Oh, I do have something!” she exclaimed. “Here.” She pulled out one of the nuggets. The colorful and edible blue and green leaf covering gleamed like a small jewel in the dull, monochrome cell.

  “What is it?” Ky leaned his head forward, as much as the manacles would allow.

  “Only a sweet-berry nugget—a kind of candy,” Dani said apologetically. “But it has extra protein in it so it’s supposed to fill you up. That’s what my little sister said, anyway.” She looked at the big Kindred doubtfully. “Do you want to try it?”

  “Sure—I’ll try anything you’ve got. But I’m afraid you’ll have to feed it to me.” He nodded ruefully at his manacled hands. “Unless you want to let me free for a little while?”

  Dani frowned. “I’m sorry but I can’t do that. I don’t know you well enough and if you wanted to escape I couldn’t stop you.”

  He sighed. “I don’t suppose you’d take my word that I wouldn’t try to escape?”

  She shook her head. “Again—I don’t know you. I don’t know if your people are honorable or not. I am still trying to learn about the Kindred to determine what to think of you. That is why I came back tonight.”

  “Well feed me a sweet-berry nugget and ask me some questions then, little girl.” He gave her a warm smile that seemed to do strange things to her insides. “Let’s get to know each other.”

  Chapter Four

  Kyron liked the feel of her soft little fingers as she slipped the first greenish-blue nugget between his lips. Gods, she was gorgeous! And the way the damp red dress clung to her full curves made it damn hard to keep his eyes on her face instead of her luscious body. The see-through dress thing must be normal for her people, he speculated, since he’d seen her dressed this way twice now. He just wished the water she’d spilled didn’t cause the wet fabric to mold so perfectly to her full breasts and ripe nipples…

  No, stop thinking like that, he told himself firmly, trying not to remember how it had felt to have his cheek pressed against the soft curve of her left breast…how the hard little point of her nipple had felt against his cheek, so close to his mouth…

  She was so soft but there was strength in her too—he’d felt it when she supported both his head and the tall vase, which couldn’t be light if it was made of solid gold as it appeared to be.

  You’re trying to win her over—to make an ally, Ky reminded himself. Concentrate on the food she’s giving you, not on her body.

  He tried to take his own advice, biting down on the small, squishy bundle she’d placed in his mouth and ignoring the throbbing of his shaft which was pressing hard against his flight leathers.

  He chewed, doubtfully at first but then with enthusiasm. The little candy was actually quite delicious. The outer skin had the flavor of the Earth confection called “peanut butter” and the soft, juicy interior tasted like strawberries.

  “Mmm,” he said, showing his appreciation. “These are delicious! Tastes like peanut butter and jelly.”

  Dani frowned. “What is that?”

  “It’s an Earth food—well, a combination of Earth foods—which I had back on the Mother Ship.”

  “Earth food?” She frowned as she fed him another green and blue nugget. “I thought you were Kindred.”

  “I am but right now we’re protecting a planet called Earth from the Hive.”

  This led to a discussion of both Earth and its inhabitants and the Hive which left Dani wide-eyed with horror.

  “And they really steal away females to lay their eggs in them?” she asked, looking faintly ill. “This is terrible!”

  “Yes, it fucking is,” Ky said grimly. “Which is why I was sent by Commander Sylvan—the head of our High Council—to study their home planet and see if I could find any weaknesses or clues. Knowing your enemy is the best way to defeat them.”

  “That’s why I’m trying to get to know you,” Dani remarked lightly. She held another nugget up to his lips but Ky didn’t open his mouth for it.

  “I’m not your enemy, Dani,” he said softly. “Please, if you could just believe that…if I could make your father see it too…”

  She looked away in evident confusion.

  “I…my father is a reasonable man. I wish I could tell him you are too but then I’d have to admit I’m able to get into this cell. I’m not supposed to, you know—I’d be severely punished if it was found out.”

  Thinking of the way the males “punished” the females on this planet, made Ky frown.

  “Don’t risk yourself in any way, little girl,” he said. “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “Maybe I can at least bring it up in a round about way,” Dani said thoughtfully. “I could ask him if the rumors of a prisoner are true and if he’s been to see you yet.”

  “Just don’t get into trouble.” Ky couldn’t help being worried about her. She had inner strength and a fierce spirit but she was so small. Though he had only seen her twice, he could feel a growl of protectiveness rise in his throat at the thought of anyone hurting her.

  Don’t get attached, he told himself. She may be be