Taunting Krell Read online

  He chuckled. “You’re officially my daughter. I insist on keeping that ruling in place.”

  “Awesome. I’m not calling you Daddy though. I’d need therapy.”

  He pulled back a little to give her a confused look. “Why?”

  “I had a crush on you once.”

  His lips parted in surprise.

  “Don’t worry. I’m so over it. We’re good.”

  “I didn’t realize.”

  “It doesn’t matter. What does is that Krell took off and I’m in love with him.”

  “I’ll find him and bring him back.” Mavo released her. “I’ll fix this. I’ll petition the council to reinstate your family unit immediately.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t. If Krell wants me, he can get the paperwork done to reinstate our marriage. I don’t want someone telling us how to live without each of us having a say in it first, this time around. I’m not leaving him unless he asks me to.”

  “He’s completely irrational where you are concerned.” Mavo grinned. “There’s no paperwork on Garden. We hold meetings. You’re irresistible and he never stood a chance. I should have seen through his rage to the reason behind it. He stopped me from taking you aboard the Vontage because he didn’t want the two of you parted. He loves you.”

  “I hope so.” She crossed her fingers. “Now could you leave and take the circus outside with you? I doubt he’ll return until they are gone.”

  Mavo chuckled. “Done on the condition that you see me often. We’re family.”

  “Try to keep me away. I’ve got to meet this wife of yours. She must be something to have landed you.”

  His smile faded. “It’s not a love match but we get along well and she’s given me two sons. I was her fourth addition into her family unit and I’m not her primary male.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He shrugged. “Things are what they must be for our survival. They aren’t ideal but we’re striving to make them better. We’re happier now than we ever were on Earth.”

  “You know I’m going to raise hell for things to change.”

  “I look forward to it.” He laughed. “I almost feel sorry for the council after seeing what you used to do to your fath— When you disagreed with how things were run. Remember that you love me.”

  “Remember to ask me first next time you want to do what is best for me and we’ll be good. Otherwise I’ll reprogram something of yours to go haywire.”

  Mavo laughed. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Ditto. Go, and take them with you. I’ve got the grim cyborg to talk to.”

  “I’d tell you good luck but you won’t need it. You’re the most determined female I’ve ever met. He doesn’t stand a chance.”

  Cyan watched Mavo open the door and leave. She turned and walked through Krell’s home, wondering how long he’d be gone. Time might be a good thing considering she had some plotting to do.

  She never wanted to return to Earth. She didn’t have any ties there. The people she loved were on Garden. They were her family now. She belonged with the cyborgs and to one in particular.

  * * * * *

  Krell wandered aimlessly through the streets, attempting to think but hurt and anger made it nearly impossible. He’d been betrayed by his best friend, a male he considered a brother, who had taken his female. Cyan had an attachment to Mavo and they had a history.

  His teeth ground together. It had taken Mavo under a minute to identify Cyan as Emily Pleva, the daughter of their creator and the savior of cyborgs. He’d trusted her instantly, unlike Krell. She had every reason to wish to leave with Mavo and to live in his home.

  Krell’s hands fisted. Deviant, that devious cyborg, wants Cyan bad. He growled, drawing attention from passing cyborgs, but ignored them all. Loss and jealousy battled inside his mind as he wandered the streets.

  He regretted not having the time to talk to Cyan before the council and his friends had arrived at his door. He should have ignored it but he’d had no way of knowing they’d act so quickly to remove her from his home. For once he had something, someone, to live for. He’d learned to care and to feel happiness. The cold reserve he always carried had slipped away to admit the sexy and mouthy little female instead.

  He stopped walking and spun around on his booted heel. He wasn’t going to allow her to go without a fight. A plan formed in his head as he hurried home. He’d grab a bag, go after Cyan and steal a shuttle. He just needed a few days with her to convince her that he was the male for her.

  She’d argue and perhaps fight with him physically when he kidnapped her but a smile played at his lips as he considered that concept. He enjoyed making up with Cyan. She’d get over her temper soon enough. They had chemistry and feelings were involved.

  The hallway in front of his door had emptied and his rage returned. Cyan had been taken and there wasn’t a reason anyone would stick around his home any longer. They had taken the one thing they wanted. He unlocked the door, stormed inside and headed for his bedroom to grab weapons from his closet.

  He may have to fight his way to one of the shuttles if an alarm was triggered when he broke into Mavo’s home to retrieve Cyan. It wouldn’t matter. They wouldn’t risk shooting at him with her over his shoulder. He’d move swiftly, steal a shuttle and blast off from the planet. He’d figure out a way to lose whatever ships they sent after him. He could hide for a few days to give him the needed time to make Cyan see they belonged together.

  He marched into his bedroom and headed quickly for the closet, but something caught his attention, jerking him to a halt. Cyan sat on his bed staring at him silently. Her boots were removed, along with her pants, and her naked, pale legs were crossed. She wore one of his shirts, the only item she appeared to have on, and her hair had been unbraided to fall in a black mass over her shoulders onto his bedding. The blue of her eyes drew him in as he held his breath before stumbling a step toward her.

  “It took you long enough to come home. What did you do? Walk the entire city?” Her dark eyebrows arched and her lips curved downward. “I thought I was going to have to send a search party after you but didn’t know who to call.”

  “Cyan?” His gruff voice came out sounding harsh and he regretted it but he was shocked to find her there.

  “Who else? Do I look like the maid? Strike that. I’m not into cleaning and I’m not exactly dressed for it either unless you want to see me bend over to scrub the floor just to flash my ass at you.” She suddenly grinned. “That sounds kinky and I might consider it.”

  He took another step closer, stunned that she was really there, confused too, but happy. “You didn’t leave?”

  “Duh. Hello!” She gripped her shapely inner thighs and leaned in his direction. “Are you all right? You look a little pale.”

  “I’m…baffled.”

  “You look it.” Her grin widened. “Why don’t you take a seat? I thought we should talk.”

  His heart raced and dread tensed his body. “You stayed to say goodbye to me?”

  “Sit.” She released her thigh and pointed to the mattress next to her. “I’m starting to get a crick in my neck from staring up at you. Damn, you’re tall.”

  Krell inched closer and sat on the edge of the bed, turned to face her and realized he had an opportunity to convince her to stay. He might not have much time, Mavo and Deviant would return for her, but for now they were alone. Worst-case scenario, he’d toss her over his shoulder, grab what he needed and take her off the planet if she refused to consider remaining with him.

  “Cyan—”

  Cyan launched at Krell and straddled his lap, cutting off his words. She cupped his face, couldn’t miss the shock at her swift actions, and she studied his beautiful eyes. “Here’s where we’re at. The council disbanded, divorced us, or whatever they call it.” She shrugged. “Mavo adopted me as his daughter. That’s disturbing yet sweet in a kind of creepy way, considering I used to fantasize about him. That puts a whole new spin on that sex-daddy thing.” She shivere