Galactic Gladiators Box Set 2, page 6
She was sitting on the bed, looking unhappy. “Lore—”
He ignored her, sitting beside her and handing her the mug. She took it, eyeing it like it might explode in her face.
“This was my sister’s favorite drink,” he told her.
Leaning back against the pillows, Madeline took a sip. Her eyebrows rose. “It’s pretty good. What’s it called?”
“It’s called Ar’bor. The tea leaves are harvested from a planet called Boreal, but I used to call it Yelena’s drink.”
“Was that her name?”
“Yes.”
“What was she like?”
The now-faded picture of his sister filled his mind. He smiled. “Yelena was a firecracker. Always smiling, always moving, always busy.”
“Do you…wonder where she is?”
“Every day.”
“How do you cope?” Madeline stared down into the tea.
Lore knew she was thinking of her son. “You remember the good times. I remember Yelena’s smile. The way she loved to dance. And I live, just in case she didn’t get the chance.”
Madeline’s lips trembled. “My son, Jack, was born with a bad heart.”
Her face was the softest Lore had ever seen it. “You worry about him.”
She nodded. “He needed a transplant. His heart was failing when he was eight and the wait-list for donor hearts was long. Top-of-the-line, artificial hearts were available for purchase, but they were very, very expensive.”
“You got it for him.”
She nodded. “He’s my child. I’d do anything for him.” She took a deep breath. “I had a job as a food server and I didn’t make a lot of money. Nor did Jack’s father. We had Jack when we were both young, and separated when he was two. We were providing for him, but we weren’t wealthy by any means.”
Lore waited, watching the interesting emotions flitter across her face.
“So, I went back to school to complete an accelerated business course. Jack’s father cared for him while I studied and worked hard. I knew jobs in space paid very well and I fought my way through getting a job at a space station corporation, fought for promotions, and finally got a job managing a space station. I was away from Jack, but I achieved the company objectives, no matter what, and my company loaned me the money to pay for Jack’s heart. I just recently finished paying off that debt.”
“You got him that heart, but you had to give up being with him.”
She bit her lip and nodded. “I had to be in space to make the money. His father loves him, and Jack lives with him. I send…sent…most of my money back so they could have a good home.”
She’d sacrificed so much for her son. “And now you worry how they’ll go on without you.”
She nodded. “I have a good trust fund set up for Jack, but…”
“He knows you love him, Madeline.”
“I was gone for so long. And now, I’m gone for good.”
Lore grabbed her slim shoulder and squeezed. “He knows, Madeline.”
“I hope so.”
“Rest now.” He took the now-empty mug from her. He didn’t mention that he’d also laced it with a sedative.
She turned her face into her pillow, her eyelids drooping. “So tired.”
“Sleep.” She looked delicate, almost vulnerable.
He shifted to set the cup down and her hand shot out, fingers curling around his arm.
“Please…don’t leave me.”
His chest tightened. “I won’t.”
With that, she finally relaxed and drifted into sleep. Lore sat there, content to watch her and the gentle rise and fall of her chest. He glanced at her bedside table and his muscles locked. The coin he’d given her sat there, beside a glass of water holding the white perra blossom he’d gifted her.
Sometimes the hardest shells hid the softest hearts. He remembered his grandmother teaching him that. She’d also taught him that the most important things were worth the wait.
Madeline stepped onto the sand of the training arena, the morning sunlight bright in her eyes. The large suns of Carthago looked like they were racing each other higher in the pale-blue sky.
“I don’t have time for this,” she muttered. “I have inventory to go over in the kitchen. I’m optimizing the system so Galen doesn’t keep quite so many goods in storage. He’s losing a portion of them when they go bad before they get used—”
“The healer said you had to exercise.” Lore strode beside her, bare chest crisscrossed by leather straps, his voice radiating alpha-male stubbornness.
Oh, the man could toss out a smile and dispense the charm, but it was all a show. All of it hiding the bossy, obstinate man underneath.
Madeline had to admit that after a good night’s sleep and whatever the healer had given her—not to mention the breakfast of fresh fruit and eggs that Lore had forced her to eat this morning—her stomach felt much better. She had more energy than she’d had in a long time.
She turned her attention to the training arena. It was far smaller than the main Kor Magna Arena, and solely for the House of Galen’s use. Some new recruits were sparring on the far side, with Saff and Kace.
Saff looked like some warrior queen, her dark skin gleaming and her braids falling over her shoulder. Kace was standing with his hands behind his back, watching the training with a critical eye. Like the military commander he’d been before he’d left his service to stay here with Rory.
Madeline looked sideways at Lore. “The healer said light exercise. I don’t think they had gladiator training in mind.”
Lore shot her one of his lazy grins. “Don’t worry, dushla, I’ll go easy on you.”
They walked over to the rack of weapons that had been set out for the gladiators. Sunlight gleamed off the huge swords, giant axes, and other things she couldn’t identify. That was something else Madeline had plans to learn about. Galen had a team of people who made and maintained the gladiators’ weapons. She’d seen the receipts for purchasing metals, leather, and equipment, and she was sure she could optimize—
“Ah, this will do nicely.”
Madeline saw Lore holding what looked like the hilt of a sword without a blade.
She frowned. “What is it?”
“Laser sword.” He pressed a button and a bright blade of light shot out.
She blinked. “Wow. Um, what happens if I touch the blade?”
“It isn’t set to full power. You’ll get a faint burn—” that grin again “—and a hell of a sting.” With an experienced move, he spun the sword and it made a faint humming sound. “It’s light, and should be easy for you to use.”
She took the weapon gingerly. It was far lighter than she’d imagined. She moved it slowly through the air.
Lore grabbed another large hilt. The blade on his laser sword was also blue, but longer than hers. He looked a picture of the perfect galactic gladiator: tall, handsome, and strong, a high-tech weapon in hand.
He gestured her over to a clear spot on the sand. “We need to get you used to the sword, and to loosen up your muscles. Follow my moves.”
He started to swing the blade through the air, going through what was clearly a set of moves he knew by rote. His big body moved gracefully across the sand, and, for a second, she just stood there, mesmerized.
“Madeline? Move your sword.”
Right. She shook her head and followed his poses.
At first, she felt stiff and awkward, but she was surprised to find herself relaxing into it. It was nice to be outside exercising, the sunlight on her back. She’d been working on space stations so long, she was used to running on treadmills in small station gyms. And then she’d spent a very long time locked in a Thraxian cell.
Her muscles warmed up, and soon she was moving the laser sword more fluidly. Lore halted to correct her a few times.
Finally, he called a stop, and she retracted the blade, grinning. “I was getting good.” She pushed her sweat-dampened hair back. “Very good.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. How about we move onto something more challenging?”
Desire ignited in her blood. Madeline could never refuse a good challenge. “What did you have in mind?”
“A sparring match.”
Madeline paused. He was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. She assessed their strengths and weaknesses, just as she would have done if she’d been facing a hostile crowd in the boardroom.
Lore would never hurt her. She knew that deep in her blood. Her chest tightened. Never before, not once in her life, had she ever looked at someone and known they wouldn’t cause her harm.
“Okay, gladiator, you’re on.”
They separated, flicking their swords back on. They circled each other on the sand.
He approached, lightning-quick. Madeline barely had time to block his first swing. He was so fast. Their swords sizzled where they touched.
“Remember, you need to focus on your opponent,” he said. “Every fighter gives off some clue when they are about to attack. Look for those, anticipate.”
Nodding, she stepped back, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet.
She launched herself at him. He easily blocked her hit and spun. She felt an electric sizzle at the small of her back. Like the nip of ants.
“Ouch.” She turned, frowning at him.
He grinned. “You need to move faster.”
Determination filling her, Madeline focused. They sparred, attacking and blocking, spinning and dodging. Perspiration ran down her face. His blade touched her a few more times, each hit making her angrier and more determined. She was going to get a hit in if it killed her.
“Ahhh.” She lunged wildly and he moved, her weapon inches away from him.
“Don’t lose your temper,” he said, spinning.
She bit back a retort. He was right. She dragged in a deep, calming breath. She just hated losing.
She attacked again, their swords striking. She knew he’d be anticipating her to go high, because that’s what she’d been doing so far. Instead, she tried the unexpected and went low.
Her laser sword nicked his side, and she heard him hiss out a breath.
“Got you!” Madeline retracted her sword, and threw her hands in the air like a champion. “I did it!”
“So you did.” Lore threw his head back and laughed.
Everything in Madeline went still. It was such a good sound—deep and rich. She liked the sound of it. Her eyes went straight to his throat, the strong lines of him.
Damn. Against her better judgment, she liked him. Really liked him.
“Come on, gladiator,” she said. “Don’t get lazy. I want to hit you again.”
With a smile, he lifted his sword. “Just a little more. Don’t want you to overdo it.”
She moved, careful to watch his feet and how the muscles in his legs tensed. That was where she could read his next move. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid?”
With another laugh, he lunged forward. They sparred a little longer, Madeline getting in one more hit while he got in two. On her ass. Her bottom was stinging a little by the time he led her over to the arched walkway, where a table of drinks was set up.
“Here.” He held a glass out to her.
She took a sip of the water, thankful that she didn’t feel the burn in her stomach today. God, she had to admit she felt good after that workout—skin flushed, muscles limber, energy zinging through her veins.
Then Lore reached out, his thumb rubbing across her cheek. She froze.
“You have some sand here,” he said, his voice deep.
She stared into his silver eyes, and that far-too-handsome face. “I told you that you’re not my type.”
“I remember.”
“You have all kinds of beautiful women throwing themselves at you in the arena. You don’t need me.”
“You’re probably right.”
But he didn’t move away, and the heat of him licked at her skin.
Dammit all to hell. Madeline reached out, grabbed the leather straps on his chest, and yanked his mouth to hers.
Chapter Seven
Lore’s tongue demanded entry, and Madeline let him in, their tongues colliding. She sank her hands into his thick hair, lapping up the taste of him. Desire throbbed between her legs, and soon, the kiss took on a wild edge, their tongues dueling. She moaned, feeling the need to devour and be devoured.
“I’d heard the healers recommended light exercise,” came Galen’s voice from behind them. “However, I’m not sure this is what they had in mind.”
Madeline squeaked and tried to pull away, but Lore held her still, taking his time to finish the kiss with a final nip on her bottom lip that made her moan again.
Finally, Lore lifted his head and looked over Madeline’s shoulder. “You should try it, G.”
Galen snorted. “I have a message for you. From Vashto and Cerria.”
Madeline straightened and turned to face the imperator. Her heart had lodged in her throat. “What does it say?”
“Well, they snuck it in, trying to ensure I wouldn’t discover it.” Galen’s tone expressed how he felt about that.
“I made you out to be a pretty scary guy,” Lore said, grinning.
“I am a scary guy,” Galen said. “They’ve invited you to a party tonight, at the Glass Palace near the District.” He held up a small medallion stamped with an image of fighters. “This is your invite.”
“Glass Palace?” Madeline asked.
Galen nodded. “It’s a large building made entirely of glass. There’s a legal fight ring in there. They usually hold showy boxing or wrestling matches for the tourists.”
“The fights are usually rigged,” Lore added. “Glitzy fighters with fake, ostentatious moves.” He sniffed. “Not really fighting.”
“They said you’re welcome to take one guest,” Galen added.
Madeline spun back to Lore. “Take me.”
“No.” His face hardened. “I don’t trust Vashto or Cerria. I don’t want you anywhere near them.”
“You’ve already staked a claim on me in front of them. They’ll be expecting me.”
“They’re dangerous.”
“I’m not a delicate damsel, Lore. I have a brain and I can use it.”
“You’re not well. Not functioning at one-hundred percent.”
She thrust her hands on her hips. “I feel much better today, thanks to you.”
“I didn’t like the way Vashto looked at you.”
“Well, I didn’t either. And I especially didn’t like the way Cerria looked like she was going to take a bite out of you. But we’ll be there together.”
“She does have a point, Lore,” Galen said, although he didn’t look too happy about it. “They’ve seen her with you, and you didn’t act like she was just an arena flutterer. I suspect the addition of a guest was so you’d bring her.”
Lore cursed.
“I have to find Blaine.” Madeline pressed her hands against Lore’s chest, desperate for him to see how important this was to her. “Please.”
“Drak!” He shoved his hands through his hair.
“I’ll stay by your side. We’ll watch each other’s back.”
Suddenly, he gripped her chin, forcing her gaze up. “Only as long as you promise to do everything I say and follow my lead.”
Madeline sniffed. She didn’t blindly follow anyone else’s orders. “We’ll see.”
He scowled. “You always have to try to be in charge.”
“The party is tonight,” Galen reminded them. “You’ll need outfits. From what I hear, it’s a pretty glitzy one.”
Lore nodded. “Fine. Let’s do this.”
Galen nodded. “And you’re only there to gather intel and get an invite to the underground fight rings. Do not take any risks or do anything dangerous. Understood?”
“Understood,” Lore answered.
After the imperator left, Lore moved so fast, Madeline gasped.
He backed her into the stone wall, caging her with his body. “I will keep you safe.”
She pushed against his chest. Of course, he didn’t budge an inch. “I’m not yours to keep safe, Lore.”
“Yes, you are.” He pressed his lips to her throat. “You just haven’t accepted it yet.”
Madeline felt traitorous heat flood her, his lips warm and wet on her skin. She couldn’t find any words.
“We will be together, Madeline. You will writhe under my hands and sigh under my mouth. You will moan when I slide my cock inside you and cry out my name when you surrender your pleasure to me.”
“Arrogant and overconfident alien,” she snapped, even as she shuddered with delicious pleasure at his words.
He stepped back and shot her a charming smile. “Was that a curse or a compliment?” He stroked his hand down her side. “Get used to the idea of us, and get used to the idea that I will protect you and keep you safe, no matter what.”
Madeline just stared at him, her mouth dry. Inside she was a confused mass of conflicting emotions. The one thing she knew, but couldn’t say aloud, was that a part of her liked—really liked—everything he’d just said.
Lore took another step away. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Lore tugged on the cuffs of his evening shirt as he walked into the living area. The black fabric had a shiny sheen to it—just a little flashy and perfect for this party.
He heard the click of a woman’s shoes and looked up.
His mouth went dry. Madeline walked toward him wearing an amazing gown. The blood-red fabric looked like liquid and draped over her curves. As she walked, a large slit appeared, baring one slim leg all the way to her thigh. She’d done something to her face, eyes lined with smoky black and her lips red. Her dark hair was slicked back.
His hands curled into fists. Want, desire, and vicious need slammed into him. He didn’t want anyone else to see her. This had nothing to do with rescuing her or helping her. Right now, Lore just wanted her.
“Ready?” she asked.
He managed a nod. “You look…drak, I can’t find a word to do you justice.”
The slightest touch of color filled her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“I have a gift for you.” He reached out, drifting his fingers over her bare shoulder. He fiddled with the slim strap of her dress.
