Lyk frowned, not liking the idea of the female being in danger. He’d spent only a couple moments with her, and already, he was feeling protective. That didn’t bode well.
He was a starship captain, a privateer. Or a pirate, depending on your point of view. His career didn’t exactly lend itself to stability. And a relationship required stability.
A relationship? You barely know the girl.
That might be true, but Lyk was already hooked. There was something about her, something that made him want to know her better.
No. There’s something about her that makes me want to pull her into my arms and not let go. Something that makes me want to drag her to a quiet place and bury myself in her for the next three lifetimes. There is something about her that makes my Vartik blood scream to claim her.
Maybe she was just as dangerous as he was.
Lyk threw a few credits on the table, then headed out of the tavern. The spaceport where his vessel was parked was only a few blocks away. Lyk kept his eyes peeled as he walked, hoping to see the female again, but unfortunately, she remained a mystery.
Letting himself into the ship, Lyk made for his cabin. Only a shower would remove the lingering dregs of the brew. He stripped, tossing his dirty clothing in the central processing unit for cleaning. Turning on the water, he looked at himself in the mirror.
He was tall, muscular, bronzed. The Vartik Kings were superior physical specimens. Their mental acuity was just asadvanced, with powers that set them apart from other beings in the galaxy. His skin was decorated with a few scars from past battles, giving him a roguish air. He was a force to be reckoned with.
And yet, that force might be no match for a small, spirited female with a grudge.
CHAPTER 2
ALLY
She slammed the door behind her, leaning against it as she felt the adrenaline coursing through her young body.
Evie looked up from the desk in front of the lone window where she was sketching. Her face was concerned. “What happened?”
Ally groaned. “He pretended not to have it.”
Evie frowned. “But we know he does.”
Nodding, Ally flung herself onto the pallet they shared. “It doesn’t matter what we know. He still denies it.”
Evie moved to the small counter and heated up water for tea. “I know how much that necklace means to you, but maybe we should let it go. The Raven and his men are dangerous. I’m sure they won’t appreciate you digging around in their business.”
“I don’t care what they appreciate,” Ally countered. “And the heirloom is important to both of us. It’s the last thing we have of Mom and Dad.”
Ally was surprised her sister would suggest giving up so easily. Evie had clung to the necklace as if her life depended on it when they’d fled from the Rings. She’d wept when she’d told Ally the story, how she’d gone to the little market across the street and been accosted by two men who’d frightened her, thenripped the necklace off her neck with a callused hand marked by a tattoo of a black bird. That had been the last time Ally let her sister out of the house.
Evie knelt beside the pallet, her expression serious. “You said we were keeping a low profile until we got off this rock. Pointing fingers at the meanest gang in town doesn’t sound like lying low.”
“I’m more worried about you lying low than me.” She sat up, tucking a lock of her sister’s hair behind her ear. “I’ve told you about the rumors. You’re exactly the type slavers would love to nab. Golden hair, eyes like the skies of Territh. You’re young, you’re beautiful, and you’re worth a fortune.”
Evie stared down at the floor, a nameless emotion filling her eyes. “You’re worth just as much.”
Ally shook her head, knowing her birthmarks would limit her appeal. “I’m not bad, but you’re the real jewel. Besides, I take precautions.” The baggy clothes helped people forget she was a female, as did keeping her hair pulled back and covered by a cap. And those weren’t the only precautions.
Ally had become pretty good with the laser tools she used down at the plant. Whenever possible, she snuck one out with her, always returning it on her next shift so she didn’t get caught in an inventory audit. If someone tried to fuck with her, she’d fuck them right back.
“I don’t like you going out, risking yourself every day, as it is.” Evie’s tone was pleading. “Please don’t take any unnecessary risks. That includes accusing a gangster of theft.”
“It’s a very necessary risk.” Ally’s face screwed up into a scowl. “They’ve taken everything else from us. I’m not letting them take this. Not without a fight.”
“What does the necklace matter as long as we get off Gamma-17?”
“I can’t believe I have to tell you how much it matters.” Ally closed her eyes, pushing back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew her sister’s heart was in the right place, but she didn’t have the same understanding that Ally did. Sometimes, you had to take a stand.
Evie grabbed her hand, squeezing it. “I know this has been hard, but we can’t lose hope. We’re going to get off this horrid world soon and get back to the Rings. We’ll find a place for ourselves there and live the lives we are supposed to live.”
