The Pirate Prince (15 page)

“Jarek,” Mei took a deep breath. So much had changed with the showing of this map. She suddenly understood why she had been compelled to believe Viktor and Lucien were women, to fight the pirates, to go on Jarek’s ship. It was to see this map, to discover that Emperor Song had spies within her family’s walls—spies who told him of their secret rooms and passageways. It was to prove that there were drugs in the Lin Yao mines, drugs that hurt the Líntianese people. “They’ll take my word because I am a royal.”

“What?”

“I’m Princess Zhang Mei. I was in the Shan Gung Din palace to help negotiate with Emperor Song. We sought permission to enter his mines and look for traces of chandoo ourselves. He denied us but promised to look into it. If Emperor Song finds drugs, he will not tell us. There is a possibility he already knows, or is involved. We do not trust the Songs. Our dynasties do trade, but we remain separated. That man you saw me with was Prince Zhang Haun, my oldest brother and future Emperor to my people. He must know what is happening. So you see, Jarek, I must go with you. It is my duty and I must see with my own eyes that the drug traders are there. There is no time for anything else.” She held up the map. “With this information of our palace, spies will have their eyes on the royal family and it will be impossible to send guards in without much planning. No one knows why you were there. They won’t be expecting you and they won’t be expecting you to come with me. You’re a pirate, Jarek. How are they to know

you have morals? They will believe that you took me for ransom or to sell.”

Jarek didn’t move.

“It’s what needs to be believed. Otherwise, if you are anything but a common criminal, some might worry that you’ll meddle more. We are not scared of thieves, Jarek.

We are scared of losing our way of life.”

“I promise you, I’m not out to hurt anyone.” He touched her cheek briefly and let go.

“And I want to believe that. On some level, I do believe that. But, as a princess, as a royal member of the Zhang family, I am responsible for the welfare of my people. So long as you are what you say you are, there will be no problem. You will ransom me and get away. I’ll arrange it with my brother to ensure you escape unharmed and we’ll report you as destroyed in space, along with the purple jade you were paid with. Quite frankly, you are lucky you found this map. It will ensure my family is inclined to be grateful to you. As to kidnapping me, fate acts in mysterious ways. Your friend was kidnapped to bring you to the planet, to find this map. You kidnapped me so that I may find this map for my people. Fate. My family will understand that as well.”

He didn’t move. She could see that he wanted to speak, but he held back.

“If it was your family’s lives on the line—all those brothers and nephews and sisters, you would go, wouldn’t you? You would go to save them? To protect them? That is how I feel about my people. Or like with Rick, this crew. Wouldn’t you do everything within your power to make sure none of them came to harm? Aren’t you doing just that?

I know how scary our borders are to the rest of the galaxy. A lesser person would not risk infiltrating the Song Palace for the life of one crewman. I need to know you understand, that you agree with what I have said.”

Jarek nodded once, his lips tight.

“Xièxie nî,Jarek. Thank you.”

He hesitated and took a deep breath. “Mei, I’ve lived long enough to know myself and know what I want. I want you. I’m not going to be able to let you go when we get back there. I’ll take you to the mines to see what is happening there and I’ll let you tell your family and give them the map, but please Mei, don’t make me leave you there when we go.”

“Jarek—”

“Mei, I know now what you are. But, I’m asking you, begging you. Choose a different life. Choose the sky.” He paused, his voice softening. “Choose me. I swear my life will not dishonor you in anyway. I’ll make changes if I have to, just don’t leave.”

Her breath caught and held, as her heart beat a frantic pace in her chest. She hadn’t expected that from him. Every part of her wanted to say yes, to yell and scream for joy. Then she looked at the map in her hand—her home, her family, her future.

Princess Song Mei, wife to Song Lok, future Empress Song.

Fate was cruel to tempt her with Jarek’s offer.

It was clear to her now that her future was decided because of what would happen after the drugs were found in the mines. She didn’t know exactly how things would come about, but in the end it was possible her marriage would save her planet and the Líntianese people. Something as big as spies and intergalactic drug traders in the Lin Yao mines would make a lot of distrust between the two empires. Now, more than ever, she knew her marriage could be the thing that would save them all from war, from destroying everything they stood for. War would make them weak, would open the empires to the outside world. People would die, possibly even her brothers and childhood friends.“I can’t,” she whispered. No two words had ever been so painful to say. “I… can’t.”

He stiffened, looking like she’d hit him. Pain rolled through his eyes. “You’re

right. It’s too soon to ask such a thing. It’s just… I have strong feelings for you, Mei. I care for you. I don’t wish to see you go.”

Tears rolled over her cheeks, as she nodded. “This is crazy, I know, but I care for you, too. But we cannot be, Jarek. I have my responsibilities to my country and to my people and family. You cannot know what it is like for a princess. I must put the needs of others above myself.”

“Are you married?”

“No,” she said, wiping her eyes. “No, I’m not.”

“Then, why? Why can’t you at least consider it?” Jarek pulled her close. “I’m not asking you to renounce your title, or to forsake your family.”

She felt his desire for her pressing tight to her stomach. It was the same spark that lived within her. A fire burned hot inside her for this man, this pirate captain. “Jarek, I have a family. My brothers, Haun, Jin, Lian, Shen. My sister, Fen. My father and mother.

I can’t abandon them.”

“I know you have duty and honor. I felt it in you the first time I saw you, flying at me from that ship. But the empire can be ruled by others. As you said, you have brothers and sisters and family. They can manage without you if need be. There are plenty of them. Come with me. Stay with me. Let me love you.”

“Love me?”

“Yes,” he whispered, holding her tighter, “love you.”

“Jarek, it is because I have my family there that I must do my duty by them.” “If they need you, I can fly you back. There is no reason why you can’t contact them or why they can’t find you,” he said.

“I will need to contact them immediately,” she answered, reminded to do so by his words. “I want to tell them about the mines and this map. My brother won’t like me going any more than you do, but I have no choice and he’ll see that.”

“As soon as the communications are up. Your brother’s ship hit us pretty hard.” “Yes, he’s quite proud of theMíng Tian.” Her brother’s ship was the best on her planet. Haun had put a lot of time and consideration into it.

“Are you not answering my question for a reason? Won’t you at least consider staying with me?”

Mei wanted to say yes with all her heart. “I’m sorry, but fate does not see us together.”

“How do you know what fate has in store?”

“There is so much we don’t know about each other.”

“Then tell me. That is why I want you to stay with me. Let us get to know each other and see if the feelings we have are founded. Please, say you’ll come with me after we rescue Rick. Just to my homeland. I want you to meet my family. And, after a few months with me, if you hate it then I promise to bring you home.”

His family? The idea was tempting. Too tempting.

“Your family?” she whispered.

“I wasn’t born a pirate,” he said. “My family is noble. Surely that will have some sway with your parents.”

“I don’t doubt your family’s

honor, Jarek. But fate—”

“How do you know? Fate brought you to me. You said it yourself.”

“I know what fate has in store because it’s shown me, Jarek.” She couldn’t look at him, couldn’t bear to see the look in his eyes—so lost, so hurt, so pleading. “I will be married to Song Lok, heir prince to the Song throne.” “Do you love him?” Jarek brushed her hair from her face, stopping to run his hands up and down her back in small circles.

“No, I barely know him.” It felt right to be held by Jarek.

“An arranged marriage?”

“Yes, of sorts.”

He held her tighter. “What if I don’t take you back? I could refuse, run away with you into a distant galaxy.”

“Then I’ll never forgive you.”

“Fine,” Jarek sighed heavily, but didn’t let go. His hands became searching as they dipped along her hips to her butt. He lifted her against him, moaning in the back of his throat as their bodies crushed together. “I’ll take you back, Mei. I promise.”

“I know. You have too much honor in you, as well. I see it in you, Jarek.”

“What about us?”

“Lok has nothing to do with us. He may have my hand in marriage and my people may have my duty and honor, but you shall have my heart Jarek. Please, let’s enjoy what we have. I would have these memories to last me.”

Jarek looked away. “You don’t know how hard it is to agree with those terms.” “Please, Jarek. For me.

This is all I’ll ever ask of you. Love me for the time you have me.”

“And beyond.”

“And you will respect fate? You will let me do what must be done?”

“Only if you ask it.”

“I do. I have to. You must understand. The needs of the people must come before the needs of one.”

“I understand more than you know.”

“I suppose you must. This ship is your kingdom. Just as you go for Rick, you know I must go for my people.”

Jarek held her tighter, as if he was afraid of letting go. “You do your family great honor, Mei. I only hope they appreciate you.”

“They do. They are good people.”

Mei looked up at him. The light was soft, but she could see him clearly. His large body was so protective, his touch so tender and passionate. She ran her hands up over his arms, caressing his strong muscles as she wound her arms around his neck. Her lips parted, silently inviting his kiss. He took the invitation without hesitation.

Mei was sure that’s what she liked most about Jarek. He never hesitated when it was something he wanted. When he kissed it was full out with passion. She never wanted him to stop. If he kissed her forever, she would gladly live in the feeling.

Warm hands moved up her sides, moving to rip the material of the shirt she borrowed from him. He tore it open, freeing her breasts. She had no underclothing on and he found her nipples easily. Pressing them with his thumbs, Jarek sent a tremor of pleasure over her body. Her hips jerked and cream pooled in eager acceptance.

“Jarek,” she whispered against his mouth. Her worries melted away. She loved looking at his handsome face, but the pleasure of his touch overwhelmed her and she had to close her eyes.

It was the first time in her life she didn’t feel the overpowering press of responsibility lurking in the back of her mind. All her life, she was mindful of what she did, of who would find out, who would see. There was always a sense of paranoia that her actions would be recorded. Lovers had to be carefully selected, the encounters thought out. Few men were worth it, most were chosen out of a physical desire and the need to be close to someone even if it wasn’t the perfect someone. But with Jarek, it was different. She didn’t fear being seen. The crew looked at her, but they weren’t searching for a breach in decorum. She could touch Jarek without guilt, without thought. It was a freedom she relished.

Mei wanted to stay with him, in the stars, out of the spotlight. She wiggled against his body. The silk of her skirt slid between them, gliding their bodies together. His thick arousal settled next to her stomach, pressing into her from beneath his pants. She breathed hard, stirring and rubbing against him. Running her hands along his chest, she pulled at his shirt while trying not to break the contact of his lips.

His mouth was the thing of dreams, passionate and firm, giving and taking. Time blurred within his kiss until all she felt was his flesh pressed to hers. Their clothes were

gone and their bodies moved in a frenzy of caresses. His hands explored her, commanding her flesh as he boldly touched wherever he desired—her breasts, her hips, moving around to cup her firm backside and pulled her forward.

Small sounds of pleasure escaped her, punctuated by the primal, bestial sounds of his groans. With each passing second, his passion became fiercer. He rocked his hips against hers, growling in pleasure as he kissed her. Finally unable to breathe, she was forced to break the kiss, gasping for air as she tilted her head back.

Jarek lifted her up. He moved in a fiery trail down her throat with his mouth. She felt the dangerous brush of teeth, but everything in her told her to trust him, that he would never hurt her. He nipped her flesh only to soothe the irritation with his long tongue. The harsh sound of their breathing mixed with the pounding of her heart reverberating in her head.

“There is just something about you, Mei,” he whispered between heated kisses and playful bites. “I can’t stay away.”

His hot mouth captured her nipple and he sucked, firmly kissing it before moving to the other side. Mei gasped, flooded with him—his taste, his smell, his touch. A smile curled her lips as he kissed his way lower. His dark head brushed along her stomach, his hair tickling her. He made his way down, his lips brushing between her thighs. Sounds of possession came from him, vibrating against her as he dipped his tongue along her slit.

“Mm,” he groaned, kissing harder.

The erotic sight of his face pressed into her was too much. She grabbed his hair.

His hands on her hips kept her upright as she climaxed against his mouth. Jarek pulled back with a catlike grin as he sprinkled light kisses up over her body as he stood. With a gentle sweep, he lifted her into his arms. Mei held on tight, panting softly against his neck as he carried her toward where the bed would come out of the wall.