Unchained (12 page)

When she had walked through
the middle of the landing bay, long hair flowing, blue eyes bright,
he knew he was in trouble.
So much for
keeping a low profile
. He set his teeth.
How was he supposed to protect her when she walked through the
busiest bay in Vaasa looking like that?

Somewhere halfway across Landing Bay Number
Sixty Two, disgust and common sense finally weighed in. She was
right. He was acting downright psychotic. At this stage in his
life, it wasn’t a pleasant revelation. He slowed his pace and shot
a scathing glance around. Any onlookers had the common sense to
turn away or steer clear.

Cidra continued, undaunted. “No one can
predict what the future holds, Captain. You may decide you don’t
really need me after all. It’s not as if you had any choice to
begin with.”

They reached the waiting shuttle and Grey
shoved her into the cool passenger section next to Barrios. He
sprawled into the seat facing her, eyeing her ominously as the
shuttle lurched forward.

She thrust her chin up. “What if you found a
better pilot? What would you do with me then?”

As Grey’s eyes locked onto hers with
devastating intensity, Cidra belatedly realized she’d pushed too
far and now found herself trapped. Again.

A few tense moments passed before Grey
drawled, “Don’t worry about it. I’d think of something for you to
do.” He stated it with exquisite calm and conviction.

Cidra stole a shaky breath and tore her gaze
away from him to the scenery whizzing by. She was trembling all
over and wondered if she would ever be able to handle the hypnotic
impact of Captain Grey Stone’s absolute and undivided
attention.

Vaasa spread out before her and it didn’t
take long to discover that this was a planet at ease with itself.
Everything hailed of a gracious spirit with its wide tree-lined
streets, immaculate homes, and spectacular natural beauty. Graceful
domes and arches dominated the architecture and landscape.

Through her extensive studies of the
sector’s planets and civilizations, Cidra knew Vaasa chose to
embrace technology for convenience sake, but still clung to the
simpler pleasures for day-to-day living. Vaasa’s inhabitants were
as relaxed and welcoming as their planet appeared. No false
pretenses, no hidden agenda, nothing to conceal.

Conversely, Avion came to mind with its
rigid, restrictive society. A society controlled by the privileged
few in the Central Consortium, the governing body, who fostered the
undercurrent of conduct, superiority, and promotion of Avion to the
rest of the universe.

They portrayed Avion as a planet with high
standards and morality, sophistication, and righteousness. And
enforced that image through quiet coercion, deception, and
propaganda. It was a dark secret known only to native Avions. Most
accepted it for the chance to shine in the universe. Some, like
Cidra, Grey and Barrios, saw it for what it was... a lie.

They had achieved it by hiding behind the
shield of the loyal and highly respected Kin-sha. Although the
Kin-sha were not native to Avion, they had been welcomed and
promoted aggressively by the Central Consortium.

In hindsight, it had been a grievous mistake
for the Kin-sha. The same Consortium, intolerant of those who upset
their carefully orchestrated image of Avion, had summarily
condemned and abandoned the Kin-sha after the Dakru incident.

Looking back, she realized Syrus had been
wise to protect her from the same twisted sense of justice that had
allowed the sacrifice of the Faulkner family. As Barrios observed,
the Consortium condoned the d’Hont attack by its ambivalence or
worse. She hated to admit it, but even Mora’s condemnation of Avion
had held truth. The Consortium indeed wielded the authority to
dictate who received the vaccine. A power they were all too proud
to brandish.

The last emotion Cidra felt towards Avion
was loyalty, but the fact remained. The redemption of her father,
family, and the Kin-sha hinged on the redemption of Avion itself.
Like it or not, they were one in the same.

Barrios’ loud snoring snapped her back to
reality.

She slid Grey a cautious glance. Stretched
out fully, his big frame commanded the opposite seat of the
passenger section. His eyes closed, arms folded over his chest,
legs crossed at the ankles. Although she knew better than to think
the hunter wasn’t alert or dangerous, in repose he was fascinating
and compelling.

Unable to stop herself, she took a slow
inventory of him starting with dark, supple boots that rose to his
knees. Pants of a similar color fit muscular, long legs and lean
hips perfectly. A crisp, white shirt offset the darkness of his
pants and the wisp of hair visible in the open collar. He wore the
laser pistol and blade, something he’d not done since they left
Avion.

Her eyes leisurely settled on his forearms
exposed by the rolled up shirtsleeves. Big arms, well defined,
strong, and hands that looked like they could handle anything.
Capable of anything. She was deep into possibilities before the
familiar tingle interrupted her thoughts. She stiffened and looked
up to find him watching her with a smug, satisfied grin.

“
Don’t stop on my
account.”

Cidra inhaled and collected herself,
struggling for a daring, coy smile and utter indifference. “Just
checking your weapons.”

Grey grinned. “Is that right? Does my
equipment meet your approval?”

Cidra could feel her forced smile falter.
She held his gaze, all the while accepting the fact that there was
just no graceful way out of this. “It’ll do.”

Admitting defeat via diversion, she nodded
towards the window. “Vaasa is beautiful. Have you lived here
long?”

He gave her a long look as if he wasn’t
ready to change the subject. Then relented and settled back to his
relaxed position before answering her.

“
About eight years, but
it’s always served as my base office. It seemed a logical
choice.
Calíbre
isn’t equipped for families or long stretches in space. Most
of my crew lives here. It simplifies regrouping.” He paused. “Vaasa
has some amazing natural vistas if you’re interested in a
tour.”

He didn’t move, his head back, his eyes
closed.

Cidra blinked, digesting his words, trying
to visualize the prospect he’d just laid out. A tour? Did he mean
just the two of them? Did she care?

Her brain screamed no, but her mouth
mutinied. “I’d like that.”

He said nothing, remaining perfectly still,
except for the corner of his mouth that kicked up.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Whatever Cidra had imagined Grey’s house to
be, this wasn’t it.

She stood gawking in front of a virtual
architectural masterpiece of elegant arches and columns, glistening
bone white and impeccable in the Vaasa sun. Flowering vines trailed
along two levels of finely-detailed balconies that overlooked
manicured gardens and walkways. An abundance of windows forged the
symmetry of the front facade. In the archways, hanging baskets of
flowers swung in unison in the breeze. It was a work of art unto
itself.

For the first time, Cidra realized just how
successful Grey’s treasure hunting operation was.

“
Nice place,” Barrios
mumbled into her ear while they unloaded the shuttle at the front
entrance.

“
I love it,” she whispered
louder than she’d intended.

Hands on his hips, Grey interrupted his
quiet reprimand of the impatient shuttle driver to acknowledge her
approval. The beleaguered driver seized the opportunity and
scurried to his vehicle.

As the shuttle raced away, the front door
flew open as a silver-haired woman in a cobalt dress rushed out,
her short, plump body moved with surprising agility, graceful and
efficient. She greeted Grey with open arms and a juicy kiss on each
cheek.

She spoke rapidly with a robust accent. “Oh,
it’s so nice to have you home. It’s been too long. You look tired.
Have you eaten? No matter. I’ll take care of that.”

Clapping her hands together, she turned to
Cidra and Barrios.

“
This is wonderful. Guests.
It’s about time. You should have more friends, dear. More company,
more fun. It keeps you happy.” She admonished Grey lovingly and
stepped out to meet her guests.

Cidra could have sworn Grey looked almost
sheepish as he introduced her to his housekeeper, Rosa
Terranova.

Cidra smiled and extended a hand. “It’s so
nice to meet you, Madam Terranova.”

“
Ooh, no, no. Rosa, call me
Rosa. What a lovely thing you are.” Rosa ignored Cidra’s hand and
kissed her firmly on both cheeks.

“
Don’t you think so Grey?”
She turned to him.

He gave Cidra a potent smile.
“Absolutely.”

“
But look at you. Ah, too
thin.” Rosa shook her head and patted Cidra’s bottom. “Got to give
a man something to hold on to.”

Cidra managed a weak smile, blushing to a
deep pink.

Grey cleared his throat. “And this is
Barrios.”

Rosa turned to stand in front of him and
planted her hands on her generous hips.

“
Well, well, so you’re the
big shot chef, eh? I warn you now, you stay out of my kitchen.” She
shook a finger at him.

“
And a pleasure to meet you
too, Madam.” Barrios replied sternly, crossing his arms over his
enormous chest. “I have no intention of stepping foot in your
kitchen.”

“
I make good food. Not
fancy, not complicated, but good,” Rosa continued righteously as
she headed back into the house, waving them in. “Come,
come.”

Barrios bristled. “I make good food, too. I
am a certified First Order Chef.”

“
Eh, chef, schmef.” Rosa
threw both hands up in the air and disappeared toward the interior
with Barrios in hot pursuit, the tirade escalating between
them.

Cidra laughed, enjoying the banter. It had
been a long time since Barrios had a fitting sparring partner.

“
Come on. I’ll show you the
house.” Grey guided her up the front steps, glancing inward where a
loud crash emanated from the vicinity of the kitchen.

He shook his head. “Before they destroy
it.”

The performance was truly spectacular. Cidra
watched with rapt fascination from the second floor balcony of
Grey’s house as the night air hummed with activity. Around the
perimeter of the courtyard, flashes of yellow, blue, and green
lights filled the trees where tiny, unknown creatures weaved a
dizzying pattern in the darkness. Vaasa’s full moon loomed low and
large, a luminous background for the cast of thousands.

The distraction eased the restlessness she’d
been experiencing since dinner, due in part to Grey’s conspicuous
absence. Barrios and Rosa had put forth a valiant effort to fill
the void, bickering with varying degrees of determination. Cidra
sensed a curious meeting of the minds as their barbs became less
lethal and more good-natured. No doubt, Rosa’s wonderful meal
impressed Barrios, a direct route to his heart if there was
one.

She leaned against the railing and sighed.
The more time she spent in Grey’s house, the more she loved it. It
reminded her of a fine sculpture. The all-white walls enhanced
intricate, classic details. All the rooms were open and spacious,
flowing from one to the other effortlessly. Furniture was
comfortable and functional, windows uncluttered and unadorned. The
abundance of balconies welcomed and showcased the outdoors with a
jungle of plants that created a seamless transition from interior
to exterior.

By far, the most
interesting part of the house was Grey’s seemingly endless array of
artifacts. His collection aboard
Calíbre
paled in comparison to the
vast assortment exhibited here. The house served as an elaborate
display case for everything from masks to weavings, jewelry to
etchings. She smiled. She had even seen some of Syrus’ paintings.
It was almost like home.

“
Enjoying the show?” Grey
appeared silently and leaned on the balcony railing next to her,
brushing her arm. She willed herself to remain calm, even though
his close proximity raised havoc with her body and soul.

“
What are they?” Cidra
asked of the intertwining lights.

“
Vergon Gypsy Wings.
They’re native to Vaasa.”

“
Beautiful,” Cidra sighed.
“Do they do this every night?”

Grey shook his head. “Once a year.”

His voice sounded strained and Cidra turned
to look at him. He stared at the lights, his face hard set. The
lines on his face were cut deeper than she remembered. His eyes
were dark and distant.

“
Why only once a
year?”

“
They’re mating. The males
are yellow, and the females are blue. The colors mix to green when
they mate.” He took a deep breath. “Then they lay their eggs and
die.”

“
Really?” Cidra’s eyes
widened.

“
Really. Makes you glad
you’re not a gypsy wing, doesn’t it?” Grey rubbed the back of his
neck.

Cidra nodded. “Definitely.” She suddenly
felt sorry for the little doomed creatures. “Do you think they know
what’s going to happen to them?”

Grey shrugged. “It’s their destiny. They
can’t change what they are.”

Although he stood right next to her, he was
far away. She could see his muscles bunched tightly under his
shirt.

“
You talked to Mora,” she
stated, not stopping to consider the consequences.

“
Yes.” He looked straight
ahead.

“
Are you sure it was
her?”