In Enemy Territory - Shannon West Page 0,92
a fair assessment. Besides, I thought I saw you and Larz talking together after we managed to get back to the general’s house and get to a communicator to call the ship.”
“We did talk. He’s my brother after all. My deluded brother, but I am proud of the way he handled himself with the general. It would have been better if he hadn’t been so foolish as to put himself in danger to begin with, of course. Posing as the ambassador was extremely rash. But I suppose his heart was in the right place, and I will say he doesn’t lack courage. Common sense, perhaps, but not courage.”
“What will happen on Gatifrey now?”
“My father was busy rounding up all the co-conspirators when we left. I imagine that will take some time. The planet will no doubt be under martial law for a while until my father can sort things out.”
Ryan nodded, stifling a yawn and lying back in the bed, and stretched. “I’m so tired.”
Mikos stroked him comfortingly until the stroking began turning into something else. Then Ryan shoved him away. “Really? Again? Give me a little time to recover. Three times is a bit excessive, don’t you think?”
“Not with you. In fact, all I could think about when I was apart from you on that planet was getting back to you and doing this. I really think it helped me recognize you again when I was transformed. So I’ve decided that in case something like that ever happens again, we need to practice having sex several times a day, every day.”
“Oh, you do, huh? Mikos, as great as that sounds, I need to remind you I’m nine years older than you are.”
His lips stuck out in an adorable pout. “You always tell me that, so I’m unlikely to forget it. Does that mean you can’t have sex? How about once a night then? At least.”
Ryan smiled and shook his head. “I think I might be able to handle that.”
“Good, then it’s settled. We should seal that bargain with more sex, don’t you think?”
“No, I don’t think. Now come over here and cuddle me and let’s get some sleep. It’s getting really late.”
“It’s all right, nobyo. I understand.”
“What do you understand?”
“My father told me this would happen sooner or later. He said a human’s sex drive just isn’t as strong as a Tygerian’s. Especially once they get older and as you keep saying…”
“Bullshit.”
Mikos shrugged and patted him. “It’s all right.”
“No, it’s not all right! And don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing either. This is reverse psychology, isn’t it? You think if you tell me a human isn’t as good at something as a Tygerian, and then go on to tell me I’m too old, then I’ll try to prove you wrong. That’s it, isn’t it?”
“No, of course not. And it’s all right, really. I need to check on things on the comm deck before I sleep tonight. You just rest, nobyo. When humans get older, they need more rest.”
Ryan growled at him. “No, you keep your ass right here.”
“But I have things to do.”
Ryan rolled over on top of him and pinned him to the bed. “Not until we’re done. And we’re not done.”
“This really isn’t fair, nobyo. You know I can’t say no to you.”
“And that’s always been one of your finest qualities.”
****
In another part of the ship…
Rasc was already asleep, but he looked so peaceful and so beautiful, Kylon had to kiss him awake.
He stretched his arms over his head and gave Kylon a sleepy smile. “What time is it?”
“It’s still nighttime. Go back to sleep—I shouldn’t have wakened you.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll just lie awake and worry.”
“Worry about what?”
“About what your family will think of me. They’re bound to be angry.”
“They’re not though. I talked to my omak. He said that my father’s brother—his twin, Tarr Bonnett—was a pirate back in the day. A pirate, can you believe it? He had a price on his head and everything. He said my father wouldn’t have the nerve to say a word about you, considering his own brother. I think he might, but my omak will take care of it.”
Rasc laughed and snuggled back down into the covers on the hard Tygerian bed. Despite it, he couldn’t remember ever being so comfortable—and so warm and safe and happy.
“Anyway, my omak said that if my other father did say something, he’d take care of it. He said to tell you not to worry about a thing, and he’s