Smiley Read online

  “It’s the drug.” Smiley adjusted his stance and straightened. He didn’t step away though, keeping her on the stool, his body blocking her from the others.

  She pressed her face against his chest. He smelled incredible. She lifted her chin and when her lips brushed across hot skin at the top of his tank top, the urge to lick him gripped her. She resisted but she bet he’d taste good too. What the hell am I thinking? What is wrong with me? She felt panic rising. “Smiley!” He needed to help her or get her to a hospital.

  He cleared his throat. “Leave us alone.”

  “No.” Justice sounded closer. “You’re both going to Homeland.”

  “We’re both suffering. I won’t lose control. Clear the room and give us privacy.”

  “That’s not happening. It’s what whoever planned this wants,” Justice stated, his voice grim. “I’m sure they believed you’d kill her. You were dosed inside a bar full of humans. You would have snapped if you hadn’t figured out what was going on and we got to you in time to prevent a tragedy.”

  Smiley reached between them and curled his hands over hers. “Let go, Vanni.”

  She didn’t want to and shook her head. He stepped away and gently pried her fingers off the thin material. She missed the security his body provided and whimpered, staring into his eyes. He surprised her by crouching down to put them at face level.

  “Vanni, do you know what the breeding drug does?”

  “It doesn’t sound good.”

  “Enough,” the tall, ponytailed New Species ordered. “We’ll question her at Homeland.”

  Smiley ignored him. “It’s a drug Mercile Industry invented to force Species into an overriding desire to have sex. We heard they were trying to create a human version and it smells as though you took it. You’re sweating the scent out through your pores.”

  Distracted by the pain she suffered, Vanni had to fight to keep up with what he was saying. “Like GHB?” She’d heard of date-rape drugs. “I thought that just made someone pass out.”

  “Smiley,” Justice interrupted, “you said she’s the one who dosed you.”

  “She said she didn’t.”

  “You believe her?”

  “I don’t know but I’m certain, if she did, whoever gave her the drug didn’t tell her what it would do. Either way, she should have options and know what she faces. She should decide.”

  Justice North cursed softly. “Do it.”

  Smiley took a deep breath and explained, “You’re not going to pass out. The pain will grow worse, at best guess. With Species it’s excruciating and can cause us to go insane. The only relief is not fighting the drug.”

  “I still don’t understand.” She whimpered as the throbbing between her legs intensified. It felt as if her clit were being pinched. It wasn’t pleasant.

  “You can either agree to have sex with me to make the pain stop or you can suffer. It’s that simple.”

  She was horrified and it must have shown in her expression because he frowned.

  “You’ve made your choice. We’ll restrain you so you don’t attack anyone or hurt yourself. Just hang on, Vanni. They’ll get us to Homeland as quickly as possible and to our doctors. They’ll help you.” He stood, releasing her, and addressed Justice North.

  “Let’s go. You’ll want to restrain me too as a precaution but I’m handling the drug well so far.”

  “The SUVs just pulled up to the exit,” one of the NSO security men stated. “They’re waiting. Let’s move out.”

  Smiley backed away and two of the human NSO-uniformed men surged forward and gripped Vanni by her upper arms. They weren’t rough but they pulled her to her feet. The second she put weight on her legs she cried out. Her knees gave way and she would have collapsed on the floor if they hadn’t been holding her. Sharp stabbing pain stung her from head to foot.

  “Move! Let her go.” Smiley was there suddenly, shoving the men aside and scooping her into his arms.

  Vanni clung to him. Some of the pain eased and she breathed in his wonderful scent. She buried her face against his warm throat. He sat, putting her ass on his lap, and stroked her back.

  “Focus on my voice. I’m right here. I have you,” he rasped against her ear.

  “Smiley,” Justice North urged. “Hand her to Brass. He’ll carry her out to the SUV.”

  “Vanni, we need to go. You need medical attention and that can’t happen here.”

  She lifted her head and stared up at Smiley. “Don’t leave me.” She was terrified of strangers taking her anywhere.

  “I can’t ride with you because I’m drugged too. It’s best if they separate us.”

  The ponytailed guy drew her attention as he stepped closer and held out his arms. “Give her to me.”

  She let go of Smiley and was passed over to the big New Species. The stabbing pain to her stomach returned and she cried out. He turned with her, walking toward the back of the bar. She writhed in his arms, clutching his protective vest. They passed through a door that was held open by NSO Security. Cold air touched her when they stepped outside.

  “Stop!” Vanni couldn’t take the pain. “Take me back.”

  He halted and looked at her. It was dim in the alley but a few lights helped her see. He was a handsome man, albeit scary looking.

  “We’ll get you to Homeland as fast as possible. There will be a helicopter on standby if you worsen on the way. We can pull off and have them land nearby then transfer you for transport. We just have to get out of the city first.”

  “I can’t take this.” Tears filled her eyes. “Was Smiley telling me the truth?”

  “You reek of a breeding drug.”

  “Is there a way to counteract it?”

  “No. You’ll have to ride it out or once you’re in Medical they can attempt to help you. We can’t risk giving you other drugs until then. Species have died that way in the past. Their hearts stopped beating. You’ll want to be with our doctors so they can save you.”

  The seriousness of the situation hit home. “Am I going to die?”

  He frowned. “I don’t know. This might be a different version of the drug we heard was being tested. It smells the same but your reactions are milder than what we felt.”

  “Mild? I feel as though I’m being ripped to shreds from the inside out.” She panted. “This has got to be worse than labor.”

  “You’re not screaming and going into convulsions. That’s what happens when Species fight the drug by refusing to share sex.”

  “Sex really does stop the pain? Are you serious?”

  “The drug is designed to create uncontrollable sexual urges so sex overrides the pain sensors from what we understand. Most of us have no memory of what happens after being dosed when the pain becomes too strong.”

  “Move,” someone behind them ordered. “Let’s get them on the road.”

  Brass carried her to the closest black SUV and one of the NSO guards opened the door. Brass addressed him. “Get the soft restraints. She needs to be bound so she doesn’t hurt herself. One of you will need to sit in the back with her to keep her from slamming her head into the glass if she gets that urge.”

  That was the last straw for Vanni. How much more pain did he think she was going to suffer if trying to bash her head into a window was a real concern? “Just hit me. Knock me out.”

  Brass frowned.

  She sucked in a deep breath and yelled to get her point across. She meant it. “HIT ME!”

  He bent and set her on her unsteady feet. “I’m afraid I’ll damage you.”

  “I’m already in agony, damn it. Just do it.” She lifted her chin and closed her eyes, hoping it wouldn’t hurt too much.

  The punch never came. Strong arms wrapped around her waist and her back pressed against the side of the SUV. A big firm body pinned her there. She opened her eyes and was stunned to realize Smiley had her.

  “No one is going to hit you. It could break bones. You’re too fragile. You can take the pain.”

  Tears