"I need to communicate with my ship," Ontarii said. "Can you make that happen?"
Brook slid over to the comm, and was instantly dismayed by the number of red lights blinking on the console.
"Shit," she muttered, trying to get into the system and failing. "I'm locked out of the communication systems and I can’t even begin to figure out how to break in."
She needed the ship's engineer, but even with Talia's assistance, she wasn't sure if the alien would be able to reach his ship. Moving back to the navigation console, Brook determined that, at their course and speed, it would take approximately twelve hours to reach JL-398, er, Zanthar.
She stood and headed for the door, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
"Where do you think you're going?" The major's voice was harsh and gravelly.
"I'm going to check the ship, to see where my crew is hiding."
"Not alone you're not." He turned her to face him. "From this point forward we are not out of each other's sight. That's the only way to make certain that neither of us is an imitation."
Brook stared up into his handsome face. She refused to be distracted by his striking eyes and classic good looks. "You know, I've been a good sport thus far, but it’s damn well time that you stopped bossing me around."
His face tightened as he stared down his nose at her. "Frankly, I don't care what you think. This is one order youwillfollow."
"Or what?" she asked, anger blasting through her veins.
He cocked an eyebrow at her. "I don't make empty threats, little human. You will stick to me like glue, or you'll undergo another one of my shocks."
"Sadist," she spit back at him. "You bullied your way onto my ship and have been giving me orders ever since. I don't appreciate it, and I don't have to obey you."
He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake. "Stop playing games, little girl. This isn't the time or place."
"Let me go," she growled through gritted teeth, trying to pull away from the much larger major, but she couldn't break his grip.
He bent nearer until his face was mere inches from hers. "The rule is for both of our benefits. It insures that neither of us can be replaced by a Hareema without the other knowing. So cease in your efforts to be contrary and let's go search the ship. Together."
Brook's eyes burned into his, so close now she noticed the thin ring of gold around his pupils. Although she was mad enough to spit, she still felt aware of the major, as a woman was aware of a man. His nearness was distracting her, making her forget her anger as he held her close.
"Let go of me," she repeated, but she was only capable of mustering up a low whisper. She wasn't sure if she even wanted him to let go anymore.
The corner of his lip turned up in a wicked smile as she stiffened. Need raced through her and she tried to pull from him again. It had been too long since she’d been with a man. Her work required everything of her, but denying her physical needs was going to land her in bed with an alien. Not good. She promised herself a few dating adventures the minute she got home.
He moved even closer and stopped just before their lips touched, his eyelids lowering and his breathing growing heavy. "What are you doing to me?"
"I...I don't know what you’re talking about." She was unable to move, unwilling to shift again due to the weight of his gaze and the way it burned her insides.
"Whatever it is, don't stop," he whispered roughly before jerking her against him and pressing his lips to hers.
His kiss was like nothing she'd ever experienced before. His lips were firm but soft, his taste exotic, bordering on sweet and tart. It reminded her of lemonade on a hot summer day.
She groaned as his tongue pressed softly against her lips, lapping at her sensually and beckoning her to open up for him. His fingers tightened on her back and she turned her face a little, opening her mouth and brushing her tongue by his as he moaned deeply in his chest.
When he broke the kiss, she wanted to whimper with desperation, but she forced herself to press her fingers to his chest as she licked at her lips.
His eyes ignited with lust as he followed her tongue, and he bent back in, ready to claim her in another passionate kiss.
"No." She pushed against his thick chest. "This isn't the time or place, remember? We need to locate my crew and your ship."
His hand covered hers, and Brook realized that his skin had shifted to light purple.
"What's with the color change?" she asked suddenly. "You've gone from green to yellow to red and now purple."
His expression turned serious. "Zantharians skin color's shift with their moods. Yellow is anger. Red is fear. And purple is..."
