to work.”
Varga laughed, clasped the other male’s shoulders, and headed for his own ship. The Aerie had been somewhat of an indulgence on his part, purchased in the flush of success after two lucrative fight contracts and an even more lucrative marketing deal, but the small luxury vessel would be perfect for the role he was about to play.
Between arranging for the transfer of ownership and freeing the captives, he and Manam had discussed the best approach. Varga’s initial preference was to sweep in, find the female, and get the hell out of there. Manam pointed out the obvious flaws in his plan.
“You do realize that you will have to locate her first?”
“I’ll just have to convince somebody to talk.” He cracked his knuckles and grinned.
“That assumes you are even permitted to land. You know how tight security is on those planets.”
He did, sobering rapidly at the memory.
“On the other hand, if you were the representative of a major corporation, looking to make a large purchase, you would no doubt be welcome.”
It was a less appealing but more practical suggestion then simply trying to fight his way in.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“And if I may make the suggestion, I believe you should be a representative from the Acme Corporation.”
“Why them?”
“Because I used to be employed in their financial department and when I requested an advance on my salary to pay off my debts and avoid slavery, they refused.”
“In other words, you wouldn’t object if I created issues for them?”
“Not in the least. In fact, if you could see your way clear to creating those issues…”
Varga had laughed, but Manam’s suggestion seemed like the most logical approach. He set the autopilot for Drahana and, with a groan, pulled up the files which Manam had stolen for him and began to study his erstwhile employer. By the time he reached Drahana, he had little difficulty convincing Ukhaan, the overseer of the mining operation, to see him.
He had considered several ways to bring up the subject of female slaves, but none of them had been necessary. Ukhaan had opened the door, and Joan had been standing there.
To be honest, he had been a little disappointed when he first saw her. He had expected someone similar to Baralt’s fiery mate. Instead, she was a quiet little thing, muffled in drab brown clothing that matched equally drab hair. But then she had looked up and their eyes had met. The impact ran through him like an electric shock. Quiet perhaps, but definitely not drab, and he could see both intelligence and determination burning in those silver eyes. After last night, he was also aware that the baggy clothing concealed a deliciously curvy body.
It had taken all of his self-control not to explore further when she had turned to him in the night. And this morning’s kiss… He hadn’t anticipated the incredible sweetness of her mouth, or the way her shy response would flare into passion. His cock jerked again at the memory, but he ruthlessly suppressed it.
The first order of business was to get her away from this planet.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to be an easy task. His ship was stowed in a larger hangar that was connected to the mining headquarters through a heavily guarded underground passageway. While he should be able to fight their way out, it would be risky, and he had decided not to mention the possibility to Joan until he had a definite plan. Ukhaan had promised to give him a tour of the facilities today, and he hoped he would find an alternative means to escape.
So far, the overseer was being extremely cooperative. The promise of a large contract and, even more appealingly, a corporate position away from Drahana had eliminated any hesitation he might have shown. And while Varga could only despise the callousness with which Ukhaan had offered Joan to him, he had enjoyed their night together…
His cock throbbed impatiently, and with a sigh, he headed for the shower. His hand would have to do for now.
Chapter Four
Joan scurried away to the kitchen, trying very hard not to think about what had just happened. And certainly not about the way her nipples were pressing against the rough cloth of her dress or the deep, needy ache between her legs. She couldn’t possibly be attracted to an alien. She had been asleep, she reminded herself. Maybe she had been dreaming about Kevin. Although Kevin had never kissed that well and he had certainly not been that enormous…
Despite her determination