Another assassin shifted into the light. “I have memories of a planet with twin suns. Memories of a family. I thought I was crazy.”
Ria’s heart beat loudly in her ears.
A female assassin pushed her robe from her head. “I have nightmares. I can’t separate the images, but I know they aren’t from my life as an assassin.”
“I’ve always felt like something was missing,” another assassin said.
“As have I,” Xi added.
Ria bit her lip, emotion welling inside her.
“You’ve freed us from a lie,” Xi said. “Thank you.”
She gripped Zayn’s hand like a lifeline. When he squeezed it, the touch steadied her. She looked at Xi. “I don’t know what to say.”
“The Guild masters have been imprisoned…or executed. As have any assassins not willing to give up the old ways.” Xi’s voice darkened. “There will be no more regeneration program.”
She felt dizzy. “The Guild’s been destroyed?”
“No. We believe it still has a role to play in the galaxy. But it will be rebuilt, on a new code. Regeneration will never, ever happen again.”
“I can’t believe it,” she said.
“And another new rule, assassins can leave if they choose.” Xi held out a hand. “Assassin Ria, hand over your official Guild blade.”
She glanced at Zayn. He smiled at her, and with a shaking hand, she pulled out her Guild blade. She reached out and placed it on Xi’s wide palm.
The assassin bowed his head. “You are no longer an assassin, Ria Dante. The execution orders for your death have been rescinded. You have your freedom.”
“Hot damn.” Zayn slid an arm across her shoulders, tugged her close, and pressed a kiss to her lips.
Xi smiled. “Ensure you make the most of that freedom.”
Ria managed her own smile through her tears. “I plan to.”
Zayn revvedthe engine of his water speeder. He raced parallel to the pristine white beach, barely noticing the palm trees dancing in the sea breeze.
Speed. He wanted more.
The speeder crested a wave, and he launched into the air with a laugh. He landed, skidding the rear end outward and sending a spray of water into the air.
It felt good to just enjoy himself. Enjoy the wind in his face. He wanted to go fast, not to outrun anything, but just because it felt good.
If anything, he wanted to run toward something.
He saw her ahead, standing on the white sand in front of their private villa, Duna’s waves lapping at her ankles. She shielded her eyes from the sun with one hand as she watched him. Her tiny blue bikini hugged her fantastic body and made his mouth go dry. It didn’t matter that they’d made love multiple times every day and in every way imaginable. He wanted her again.
Zayn throttled back and let the speeder skid up onto the beach.
Without a word, he threw his leg over the speeder, strode toward her, and scooped her up in his arms. Her laughter filled his chest to bursting.
As he kissed her, he waded into the water. The cool waves lapped his waist, and she shifted, clamping her legs around his hips.
“Hello, Commander Phoenix. How was your ride?”
He nipped her lips. “Fine. I missed you. Come with me next time.”
She smiled. “I’ll come with you again when you slow down. You dumped me in the water last time.”
