Precious minutes were passing, and soon, they’d be headed even farther away from the center of the galaxy. She knew she had to do something to change his mind. She’d tried anger, tried pushing him before, and although he’d never really lost his temper, he hadn’t done as she’d bid either.
No, she’d have to try a new tactic. Her mother used to say that men preferred honey to vinegar.Maybe it’s time to try a little honey.
Although she’d never used her sexuality to manipulate a man before, this time, she felt she had no choice. Scooting closer to him on the sofa, she leaned in and touched his thigh right above his knee.
“Lyk, you know my sister means the world to me. I’d do anything to get her back.” She touched the zipper at the top of her coveralls. “Anything.” Ever so gently, she started to unzip the zipper.
His eyes were trained on her, and she could see the hunger in them. But instead of pulling her in for a kiss, his hand grabbed hers, the one on the zipper, to stop its progress. “As much as I want you, little girl, I’m afraid your attempt at seduction isn’t going to get you what you want.”
She could tell she was having an effect on him. The hand on his thigh crept higher, and she leaned in further, giving him a view of her exposed cleavage. “I don’t know what you mean,” she said, her voice going husky. “I’m just a girl who knows what she wants. And right now, I want you.”
“Fuck, I wish that were true,” he replied through gritted teeth. Grabbing her wandering hand, he set it away from him. “We’re going to the Outer Rim until I can figure out what to do next.”
“This is bullshit!” Ally stood up, tired of trying to convince the obstinate pirate. “If you’re not going to help me, then I’llfind someone else who will.” She stalked to the door and hit the panel, but it let out an angry buzz.
“Let me out of here,” she yelled, hitting the panel again and again.
“Calm down,” he said, his voice soft as he pulled her away from the door. “You’ve got to be patient.”
“Let me off this ship. We haven’t left the outpost yet. I can find another transport to this Dazimin planet and I’ll negotiate with the prince myself.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. The Crown Prince of Hell will chew you up and swallow you down without a second glance.”
“I’m not so easy to digest,” she retorted, shoving him back. “Now let me out of here!”
Lyk spoke into the comm pin on his shoulder. “Bridge crew, this is your Captain. Set course for the Outer Rim.”
“No!” Ally beat her fists against Lyk’s muscular chest but he didn’t even flinch. She was filled to overflowing with anger, with helplessness. “You can’t do this!”
“Shh,” he said, grabbing her arms and pulling her in tight, holding her still. “I promise I’ll help you, but we can’t fly in there blind. Trust me.”
“I can’t leave her there.” She sobbed into his chest. “How would you feel if your sister was being held hostage by demons in Hell itself?”
“I know,” he said, stroking her hair as she looked up at him. “I would fight those demons to a man, all by myself if I had to. But before I could go off half-cocked and get myself and my sister killed, my friends would try and convince me to hold off, to come up with a plan that might actually work. I’m trying to do that for you now.”
Ally looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears. Could he be right? She didn’t know. But she’d at least have to pretend toaccept it until she could sneak off and head to Dazimin on her own.
I’ll convince him that I trust him, that I believe he’ll help me, until I can find a way to strike out on my own.
I’ve learned my lesson well. I can’t depend on anyone other than me.
Ally took a deep breath and put her plan into action.
CHAPTER 15
LYK
“I’ve failed her,” Ally said, her voice breaking.
“No, sweetheart,” he said, his heart cracking inside his chest. He didn’t know why this woman tugged his heartstrings like no other, but he couldn’t bear to see her like this. “I’ve never seen anyone protect their loved ones so fiercely.”
“But it didn’t matter. When it came down to it, I wasn’t strong enough. I wasn’t powerful enough.”
“Who would have been? They’re demons, and you’re a human female. Beating yourself up over something you can’t control isn’t going to help. You’ve got to let that guilt go.”
“I think I need to lie down.” Her voice was small, and she sounded more defeated than he’d ever heard her.
“Of course.” Lyk drew her over to his bed. “Go ahead and rest. I’ll check in on you later.”
