A Wish Away 
©Marly Chance, 2002 
Chapter One
     
     "So, I'm basically invisible, neutered, lacking all sexual vibes. Polly, it's infuriating." Tiffany leaned back in her chair and shook her head. "I've been in the friend zone for so long that he's never gonna see me any differently." 
     Polly looked at her friend and nodded sympathetically. "See, that's the problem. He thinks the two of you are best buddies." 
     Tiffany sighed. "We are best buddies, dammit. I've known him for six years. You know, that's a long time to suppress lust." 
     Polly laughed. "Well, you weren't exactly suppressing all lust. You've dated. You've been through relationships with Thomas the Total Twit and Jake the Jerk. And he's had his share of blonde bimbos, too." Polly made a face and stuffed a crispytate in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. 
     Tiffany grabbed another crispytate, but paused before it reached her mouth. "Yeah, but we're both single now." she said indignantly. "Do you think he just doesn't find me attractive? I mean, I'm ordinary, I know that. I'm no blonde bimbo, but I'm not a troll. I have my good points." 
     Polly studied her friend seriously for a moment. "Well, I find you attractive. I'd have sex with you if I was into the whole girl/girl thing." Tiffany's short dark hair and her gamin face with those sparkling blue eyes had snared men more often than the oblivious Tiffany realized. In spite of the joking tone of the conversation, Polly wondered why Tiffany never seemed to understand that her quiet loveliness had an appeal all its own to men. She winked and nodded. "Yep, I'd do you if I was a guy for sure. I think he's blind—must be all that overexposure to a single hair color. He's gone blonde blind and doesn't recognize attractiveness in brunettes, anymore. You think? We could be onto a real scientific find here." 
     Tiffany laughed. "Blonde blind? Well, it's a thought. Beats me just being invisible. Hell, I'm getting desperate. Maybe I should just strip. You know, leave the room when he's over for supper tonight and walk back in stark naked. He is male. Stark naked trumps hair color any day of the week." 
     Polly took a sip from her drink. "Hmmm…true. He's gorgeous. No lack of testosterone there. It might do the trick. Just jump him." She thought about it for a minute. "Yeah. You know, this plan has merit. He's bound to see you differently if you flash him." 
     Tiffany shook her head and tried to stop laughing. "Polly, I was joking. I can't flash him. I can't walk out naked. Rejection would be bad enough. Naked rejection would be too horrible to contemplate. I'd have to move. Preferably off-planet. And change my name. Then I'd spend years in mind-maintenance fixing my damaged psyche." 
     Polly laughed. "Hey, I never said it was without a certain risk factor. But I'm betting it would work. " 
     Tiffany sobered a little. Sipping her drink, she tried to figure it all out. It was ridiculous really. She had a good life. She did a good job as an accountant. She paid her taxes and her bills on time. She had great friends. She was happy. But she wanted more. She wanted passion. She wanted some excitement. She wanted…Zak. 
     It was impossible to pinpoint the exact moment her attraction to him had deepened. The first day she met him she'd been attracted. He was gorgeous. He was six foot three inches and had an incredible body. He had been moving into her apartment complex in the building across from hers. She had been walking through the parking lot just as he had been carrying boxes toward his place. The large transpo vehicle was parked out front and he had emerged from the back of it with his arms loaded. 
     She had given him one brief glance of appreciation before turning to go into her place. Then she heard a loud crash. Turning around, she saw that he had dropped the top box. She heard a muttered curse that sounded foreign. She walked over and asked, "Hi, I'm Tiffany Simmons. Can I help?" 
     He had put the remaining boxes down and was bent toward the smaller box on the ground. At the sound of her voice, he jerked upward in surprise and spun around as if expecting a fight. His hands had been clenched. 
     She remembered clearly how her heart had pounded and her mouth had gone dry. Up close, he had taken her breath away. His dark brown hair was pulled back in a stubby ponytail at his neck. He had silver gray eyes that seemed to look all the way into her soul for a minute. His broad shoulders and big chest looked mouth-watering in that dark blue shirt he had been wearing. His pants were faded and hugged the muscular contours of his body. She had been mesmerized. 
     He had stared at her intently for a moment, and then grinned. He said, "Thanks for the offer, Tiffany. I'm your clumsy new neighbor, Zak Lextin. I think I can manage these boxes but I would love something cold to drink. My transfer unit isn't programmed yet." 
     Her heart had gone into overdrive instantly. So, she brought him a cold drink and it had been the beginning of a friendship that had lasted six years. In the beginning, she had hoped for more. Looking back on it, she could be honest with herself and admit that particular point. But at the time, she had pretended that friendship was all she wanted. 
     With an inward grimace she admitted with brutal honesty that she had settled into the comfortable routine of friendship. This happened primarily because he had never given any indication that he wanted more. Her subtle attempts to catch his attention had been met with oblivious, friendly good humor. Oh, they would joke about sex with each other occasionally, but there was always an underlying understanding that it was a joke. 
     Over the years, they had been good friends to each other. He was a very private man, but he was decent to the core. When he spoke of his past—which was rare—he seemed almost homesick. She knew he was from one of the distant planets but could never bring herself to question him too closely about it. It seemed like such a painful topic to him and he appeared so uncomfortable whenever she headed in that direction with a conversation that she always dropped the subject. So, she had respected his boundaries and found a friend who brought laughter and a lot of joy to her life. 
     She sighed. Just not sex. And there was the problem. About a month ago the erotic dreams had started. Well, erotic dreams didn't quite cover it. She'd been having full-blown sexual episodes at night. She would dream vivid and realistic images of him touching her with his mouth and with his hands. They were her own little personal porn trips starring the two of them each night. The mere thought of those dreams made her feel excited and guilty. 
     Her mind might be saying "we're buddies and I don't need to mess that up," but her body was saying, "I'll take multiple orgasms, Ms. Thinks-Too-Much, and you can find another buddy." The conflict was making her crazy. The image from her dream last night of him filling her, sliding in and out in a slow sensual glide, flashed into her mind. She swallowed. Night after night she would wake up wet and aching, with her heart pounding and her entire body yearning for release. 
     It was bizarre, really. She thought she'd put him in the neat category of best buddy after six years with her libido in firm control, and now sex had to rear its ugly head. Why now? It had gotten to the point where she could barely look him in the eye. She knew he sensed something was happening with her, but she also knew he hadn't completely figured it out yet. 
     Even if she managed to get his attention, what then? She wasn't sure how to make the transition from friend to lover smoothly. What if they went to bed and then broke up later? She couldn't stand the thought of losing him. However, she didn't think these feelings were going to disappear either. If anything, they were growing stronger. 
     He seemed oblivious to her as a woman, but she certainly wasn't doing a good job of hiding her growing feelings. Things were going to change—she knew it in her bones. The big question was if they were going to change for the better. She winced. Somehow it wasn't looking good for the home team. 
     "Earth to Tiffany. Hello. Remember me?" Polly's voice penetrated Tiffany's thoughts and she gave a guilty start. 
     Polly gave her another sympathetic look when she saw Tiffany was paying attention again. "All kidding aside, you're going to have to figure something out, Tiff. It's making you miserable. Zak may be blind when it comes to your attraction, but he's not blind when it comes to your well-being. He'll notice you're unhappy and he'll demand to know why. Zak's very protective of you. Geez, remember how he got when Jake let you down? I thought he was going to put Jake in a med-unit for sure. You were the only one who could calm him. " 
     Tiffany smiled, although it was a little wan. "Yeah, he was ready to hunt him down and beat him senseless. I started crying and Zak just stood there looking at the door and then looking at me." She brightened a little. "And then he just yanked me right into his arms." 
     Polly grinned. "You should have seen his face, Tiff. The man looked three kinds of miserable. He was patting your back and glancing toward the door and then sighing. It's actually funny now that you're not a sobbing wreck." 
     "Gee thanks. Not exactly my finest moment." Tiffany made a face and was glad she could laugh about it now. "Hey, I have a lousy record with birthdays, but that one was the worst. I was expecting a surprise party and was worried that arriving home early would mess up the surprise. Instead, I walk in on Jake and Danita doing the wild thing. I was surprised all right. Way surprised." She grinned. "Of course, they looked outright astonished." 
     Polly smiled and shook her head. "You're well rid of that jerk. He didn't deserve you. And this birthday bad luck is pure nonsense." She checked her arm-pc and then widened her eyes dramatically. Her voice was gently mocking. "Why, Tiffany, I do believe you've made it halfway through your birthday this year with no great disasters. Another twelve hours or so and you should be in the clear." 
     Tiffany grimaced. "Oh, I really wish you hadn't said that." 
     Polly interjected, "A wish! Wait, we forgot to have you make a wish." 
     Tiffany leaned forward. "Polly, I love ya, but you're killing me here. Let's not do the wish thing. It's tempting fate. I swear I really do have weird birthday karma or something. Making a wish would boomerang on me for sure." 
     Polly merely chided, "Nonsense. You have to make a birthday wish. I have forgone the traditional cake. I have given in to your request for no party and have instead paid for an ordinary lunch at our regular place on our regular lunch hour. And I had to argue with you to let me do the paying. The least you can do is make a wish." 
     Tiffany smiled ruefully. "One wish?" 
     Polly nodded, looking somewhat put out. "One tiny wish. It should at least seem a little like your birthday." 
     Reluctantly, Tiffany gave in. "Alright one little wish. Let's see…I wish…" 
     She heard her arm-pc alarm going off and realized it was time to head back to work. She looked at the diners all around her in the restaurant. Everyone was eating, paying no attention to the two of them. It was a perfectly ordinary, uneventful day. 
     It was ridiculous to be so superstitious. Besides, birthdays ought to be celebrated just a little. She had let several years' worth of coincidental bad birthdays throw her off. It was a new year. She was thirty-three. To hell with superstition and bad birthday karma. She closed her eyes and wished silently with all her might, "I wish Zak would notice me, really notice me and I wish I had a little more excitement in my life. Wait. Is that two wishes?" 
     As the last beep of her alarm died away she glanced toward the door. She felt her heart leap into her throat as Zak burst into the doorway of the diner, looking grim. His eyes searched the occupants of the diner with one decisive sweep and then landed on her. She was shocked. What was he doing here at this time of day? And why did he look so deadly serious? 
     He strode toward the table quickly and then stopped to look down at her. His tone was as grim as his expression and he sounded impatient. "Tiffany, I'll explain later, but we need to leave right now. My real name is Zak Ren'Marna and I'm from Kerla in the Zertica Galaxy. There's a killer after you. It's my fault and I'm sorry. I'll protect you. Come with me." 
     Polly choked on her drink, but Tiffany just asked, "What?" 
     Zak leaned down until he was inches from her face. He said simply, "Leave with me now. Trust me. I'm your promised and you're in danger. I'll explain later. Right now, we need to go." 
     He placed a brief, hard kiss on her mouth, leaving Tiffany stunned. "Zak, are you okay? I don't understand. You're not making any sense." She stood up from her chair and felt his forehead. "Are you feverish? You don't feel feverish." 
     Zak jerked at her touch and then grabbed her hand. He began tugging her toward the door. Tiffany was moving reluctantly. She turned back toward Polly and said, "Polly, I'll call you. I don't know what's wrong with him, but…" 
     Polly wondered what had gotten into Zak. She nodded at Tiffany and sent Zak a puzzled look, wondering if he was actually playing a practical joke or setting up a birthday surprise.. No matter how crazy Zak sounded at the moment, he would never hurt Tiffany or let anyone hurt her. Regardless, she'd get to the bottom of this mystery soon enough. She waved to them and called out, "Don't forget the flash plan. And have some fun, for goodness sake. Happy birthday!" 
     As Tiffany disappeared through the door, Polly muttered, "Zertica Galaxy. A killer. And Zak's her promised? That must have been one hell of a wish." 
     She touched a series of buttons on her arm-pc and then grimaced as her subordinate's voice spoke unintelligibly in her ear. She sighed and waited until the noise stopped. Then she spoke patiently, "Jack, you need to turn the volume down before I go deaf." 
     Jack's voice was lower now and he sounded sheepish. "Sorry, sir. Again." 
     She smiled. "No prob. Now listen up…please get me all the information you can about a Zak Ren'Marna from Kerla in the Zertica Galaxy. And Jack…better make it fast…" 
Chapter Two 
     
     Tiffany stopped in her tracks outside the diner as she spotted an airtranspo parked right out front. Zak was pulling her toward it with determined strides, but she planted her feet. "Zak, that's not your vehicle." 
     Zak pulled a little harder. "It is now. Get in and strap tightly. I don't want to kill you in an air crash before the killer does." 
     Tiffany frowned. "Very funny. Zak, I hate airtranspo. I like walking. Walking is better. Can't we just walk to where we need to go? Hey, I'll even run. Running could be good…or underground transpo…" 
     Zak shook his head impatiently and half shoved her toward the side door he had opened. "Tiffany, get in or I swear I'll put you in myself. I'm not playing here. This is dangerous." 
     Tiffany stepped into the airtranspo reluctantly and watched as he slammed the door behind her. She sighed. Maybe he wouldn't have the ignition card to start this thing. Maybe it was some kind of weird practical joke or birthday surprise. 
     He ran to the other side and quickly popped the driver's door. Climbing through, he muttered, "Strap in." He yanked his straps down from the overhead and gave her a hard look as he waited for her to do the same. 
     Rolling her eyes, Tiffany pulled the protective shield and straps from the ceiling compartment downward. She jerked the shield into place across her chest and then tightened the crisscrossing straps until they were snug. With another glare in Zak's direction, she snapped the locking device into place on each side of her. 
     She saw Zak remove the ignition card from his pocket and was shocked. He was serious. He really was going to start this thing. She hated air travel. Zak had better have a damn good explanation for inflicting airtranspo on her. It would serve him right if she hurled her lunch all over him during this little trip. 
     Zak started the onboard computer by inserting the ignition card and looked at the map that had popped up on the monitor. He quickly programmed a series of co-ordinates. Tiffany watched him grimly. Finally, she said, "For the record, I am finding this experience less than amusing, Zak. Please tell me you didn't really steal this thing." 
     Zak looked over at her as he started the ignition sequence. His face registered his amusement for a moment. "I stole it. And I plan to steal another in a day or two. We'll steal as many as it takes. In the meantime, just think of it as desperate borrowing if it makes you feel any better." 
     Tiffany said sarcastically, "Gee, won't the judicial system be impressed with that reasoning. 'Your Honor, we weren't really stealing, we were…eeeehhh…'" her voice ended in a shriek as the vehicle took off. The force knocked her backward in her seat. 
     For the next few minutes she didn't talk as she focused on staying conscious and breathing deeply. Zak had them traveling at a speed that made conversation impossible. She gave him an evil glare as he watched the monitor in front of him. She switched her gaze to the screen and saw the red dot representing their vehicle moving through air space at an alarming speed, zigging around other dots/vehicles. In desperation, she closed her eyes. 
     There were no windows for a reason, she reminded herself. All airtranspos had highly advanced onboard navigation and tracking systems—with avoidance and alert mechanisms. There was no need to worry that they would hit anything. She knew it intellectually but somehow it never made her feel any better. She liked seeing where she was going. She liked being able to avoid obstacles in her path. Depending on a computer to do it for her just went against her inner sense of control. She avoided airtranspo like the plague because of it. 
     She spent the next half hour silently fuming and planning all of the things she was going to say to him when they landed wherever the hell they were supposed to land. When the vehicle finally stopped, she opened her eyes. The monitor flashed a picture of the outside of a rather notorious, seedy motel on the outer edges of the city. They had traveled in what had to be circles for thirty minutes only to end up here? 
     Tiffany gave him a look that should have scorched him in his seat. "Well, Zak, you certainly know how to show a girl a good time on her birthday. You shouldn't have. And it's such a nice motel, too—with a reputation for sneaky sexcapades with hourly companions. Our own little torrid love nest. If you think you're getting laid in this rathole after this fiasco, you can think again." 
     She raised an eyebrow at the speed with which Zak unstrapped and then turned to her. She watched him in furious silence as he moved until he was leaning over her. His face was inches from hers. She tensed. 
     He said huskily, "Oh, I'm getting laid alright. Rathole or not. You've had this fuck coming for six years, darling. There's not a chance in hell that I'm giving up now." 
     Tiffany knew her mouth had dropped open when he gently brought his hand up and closed it for her. He placed a quick kiss on her mouth and then she vaguely heard the click of her straps being unlocked. He leaned backward and began to climb out of the vehicle. Tiffany sputtered, "I cannot believe you just said that…" 
     Zak leaned down until she could see him in the frame of the doorway. He grinned. "Tiff, there are lots of things you're going to find hard to believe, but that's only the beginning. If you want to find out more, you're going to wait right here while I get a room. I'll be watching you from the office, so don't even think about making a break for it." 
     Tiffany thought about it…for a minute. Her remark about getting laid had been a typical joke, although there was real annoyance behind it. She'd never expected him to say what he had. What was going on with Zak? She wanted an explanation. Besides, in spite of the shock she was feeling from his attitude, she was feeling an undeniable sense of excitement, too. Apparently, Zak had noticed her in a major way. She wanted to hear his explanation for this whole bizarre episode. She gave a brisk nod. "Fine. Hurry back. But this better be good." 
     She saw with a sense of renewed shock the way his eyes drifted over her body with blatant appreciation. He winked and said, "Oh, it will. I'm counting on it." 
     Then with another cocky smile, he slammed the door. She sucked in a deep breath and tried to calm her rioting pulse. That man was going to give her a heart attack. What had happened to her oblivious buddy? He had never looked at her with such obvious…lust…in all the years that she had known him. It shocked and excited her more than she would have thought possible. 
     In spite of her aggravation with him, she smiled a little. It looked like her life was becoming more exciting by the moment. Her smile turned into a frown. What if Zak was right? What if someone really was trying to kill her? That would be bad. She looked at the monitor again and grimaced. Dying would be bad, but dying at the Little Layaway Motel would be too tacky for words. 
Chapter Three 
      
     Zak opened her door a few minutes later and Tiffany looked up at him in surprise. His expression was serious once again. He was scanning the surrounding parking lot and then turned to give her an impatient look. She climbed out of the airtranspo and muttered, "Gee, that was fast!" 
     Zak nodded. "Yeah. Let's get into the hotel even faster and then we'll talk." 
     "Good. You'll talk and I'll listen. Then you'll get to listen. I have quite a bit to say at this point." She kept pace with his long strides as he walked to a room three doors down from the office. The doors to the motel were painted in different colors. The door they stopped in front of was painted black with a large red #3 on it. She wondered briefly what they would find behind door number three. She'd never been to the motel before but it had such a notorious reputation that even she'd heard the rumors. As Zak punched in his code, the door swung open and she stepped back in shock at the dark and forbidding interior. She said, "Um…you know, Zak, this might not be the best room for this conversation." 
     Zak flashed her another impatient look and said through clenched teeth, "Tiff, get in there. Now." 
     Tiffany gave an indignant sniff and moved through the door. She said over her shoulder, "Look, if I really have a killer on my trail like some bad book plot, then I'll be much more cooperative. But keep in mind, you've been dragging me around and blabbing about people trying to kill me—and you know how stupid that idea sounds. I'm an accountant, Zak. I'm ordinary. I'm not the type who has to run from killers. I've never even gotten a judicial violation notice. I'm the eternal boring nice girl. You sound completely nuts." 
     She heard the soft click of the locking door behind her as her eyes began to adjust to the gloom of the room. The walls were black and there was a very large bed to the left against the wall with a satin bedspread of deep red. She heard Zak say softly, "Lights, optimum." 
     The lights came on and the room was fully revealed. Tiffany felt her heart jump as she took in her surroundings in more detail. There was a holographic statue in one corner of the room. It was a miniature nude couple in a rather interesting embrace. The woman was handcuffed to a wall and the man was on his knees, his mouth moving between her thighs. Her head was thrown back and she appeared to be moaning in helpless ecstasy as she writhed and pulled on the chains. Tiffany swallowed past her dry throat and quickly averted her gaze. She looked to the right and saw the lifesize and very real set of cuffs hanging from the wall. She took a step back and nearly bumped into Zak. 
     Zak chuckled and said, "Relax, Tiff. You're safe for the moment. I'd love to do what you're obviously thinking, but explanations first. I need you to take what's happening seriously." 
     Tiff took a hasty step toward the chair on the left side of the bed, moving around Zak's big body carefully. She was feeling off-balance and nervous. Deciding the sturdy red chair was safer than that wickedly carnal bed, she walked over to it. She sat down and placed her arms on the armrests realizing immediately that it wasn't safer at all. She saw Zak's sudden grin just as the chair attacked. 
     It shifted underneath her and large straps sprang from the sides. Tiffany exclaimed, "What the hell?!" as two straps emerged from the sides of the chair and locked her arms in place against the armrests with an audible click. She pulled her arm upwards, but the straps were snug. She pulled harder, but the straps did not give. The material was soft, but very strong. She was stuck. 
     Zak laughed. "You should see the expression on your face! Tiff, that was classic! Well, you're not going anywhere for the moment and it seems I now have your undivided attention." 
     Tiffany snarled, "Yeah, well get me out of these things." 
     Zak smiled. "I think you're fine for the moment." 
     Great. She was now strapped to a chair until Mr.-I've-Lost-My-Mind decided otherwise. She'd landed in some kind of bizarre birthday farce where even furniture could not be trusted and Zak decided now was the time to be cute. Men. Tiffany gave him a look that promised retribution and said flatly, "Start talking or start planning on how to get away from me when you're done here. One of those things may save your life." 
     Zak's face grew serious. "I'm not sure where to begin." 
     Tiffany gave him a scathing look. "Gee, the beginning would probably be appropriate. I already know the ending." 
     Zak settled his body on the edge of the bed across from her. As he leaned forward, Tiffany was extremely aware of his body on that bed and his proximity. She felt heat rising inside her and reminded herself that however delicious he looked, he was in major trouble at the moment. 
     Zak said earnestly, "I'm from Kerla in the Zertica Galaxy. I know I never talk about my past, but it's because I've been in hiding. " 
     Tiffany interrupted, "Zertica is so far way, Zak. I don't know anything about it except for textbook stuff. And you're a systems technogeek. Why would you need to hide so far from your home planet?" 
     Zak winced. "The preferred term is compbiotech specialist, Tiff, as you well know. It wasn't my profession that led to the trouble. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A simple case of…" 
     Tiffany nodded and muttered, "Weird karma. I know how that goes, believe me." 
     Zak's mouth curved but then he grew serious again. "Believe it or not, I witnessed a murder. Actually, I was a witness along with another guy who happened to be at the same corner late that night. It was one of those weird times when no one should have been out. The weather was bad. I had worked very late and was in a hurry to get home. It's usually deserted at that time of night. But not that night. That night there were four of us on that road." 
     His eyes were staring through her as if he could see it even now. Tiffany felt as if she'd been punched. Zak was serious. He had really seen someone killed. 
     Zak hesitated and then said, "When I rounded the corner, I saw a guy who looked a little drunk, as if he'd come from a party. He was stumbling around. There was a man at the door of one of the suernes—houses—I mean. He had his palm on the print-lock to open it. The drunk stumbled toward him, mumbling. The guy at the door half-turned, saw the drunk, and then the door began to open. He turned and took a step forward toward the door. Then the drunk pulled out a lasgun and fired it right into the back of the other guy's head." 
     He said carefully, "Suddenly, another man rounded the corner. He stopped as he spotted the lasgun and the dead guy. There was this weird moment when I knew the killer was probably deciding which of us to shoot first. I actually ran toward him and the other guy did, too. He spun and shot at me first because I was closest I guess. I dodged and then I heard this sound." 
     He looked at her wryly, as if he had a hard time believing it had really happened. "He'd hit a pipe filled with Perinon. It's used in the heating process on my planet. There are pipelines connected outside most buildings. There was this hissing sound and then an explosion. That's the last thing I remember. It knocked me out. When I woke up, there were people and enforcers everywhere." 
     He shook his head and said with chilling calmness, "I was told later that the assassin that night was Jero Merlez. He's a professional killer. The Kerlan government has been trying for years to catch him, Tiff. He's considered one of the best contract killers on the market. They occasionally get the proof they need to mind-wipe him but then in the rare case when there's a witness, the witness mysteriously dies before Merlez can be located and brought before a council. The other witness from that night was killed while under government protection. Merlez never leaves any live witnesses—he's very good at his job." 
     Tiffany felt her spirits sink at his words. Zak was completely serious. He was staring at her earnestly. His expression was grave and he looked tired and bleak. She asked with dawning sympathy, "You had to come all the way here to be safe?" 
     Zak shifted restlessly on the bed. "If it had been just me, I would have tried to find him before he found me, but I have a younger brother and sister… Merlez might have hurt them to get to me. The government made the arrangements. I was supposedly killed in an accident. No one but my brother and the government knew otherwise. They gave me a new identity. My identity and location are known to only two people. One is my Kerlan contact and the other was my human contact here." 
     Tiffany said, "Now that's one hell of a witness protection program you guys have." 
     Zak smiled, although it looked strained. "Generally, it's highly effective. I was given the language and culture implant chip to allow me to successfully blend in here on Earth. Earth is so much larger than our planet, but similar in some ways. The government made arrangements for my journey and gave me a new identity. I was allowed to keep only my first name. They arranged my new job—even my housing. Everything was very well planned. They were supposed to catch Merlez quickly and then I would be free to return to my normal life." 
     Zak looked down at the floor a moment and then raised his eyes to her face. "That was six years ago. Six years." 
     Tiffany looked into the sad face of the man in front of her and felt the ache all the way to her soul. What must it have been like for Zak? He had been jerked out of his life and sent to some distant planet with no friends and no family. He couldn't tell a soul so much as his real name. He had done nothing wrong and yet he had suffered for years. It must have been so difficult. She murmured, "Zak, I'm so sorry. That must have been so hard for you. And so lonely." 
     Zak's face tightened briefly. He said grimly, "That's the problem, Tiff. It was lonely. Except for you. It all comes back to you. I've put you in danger and it's all my fault. My own damn selfishness. I'm so sorry." 
     Tiff started to move forward to hug him. He looked so sad and regretful. When the straps held her in place, she said instead, "Zak, you've never been selfish. You have a lot of faults, but that's not one of them." 
     Zak shook his head. "Tiff, you've been the one real bright spot in this mess. You made my life so much better in so many ways. I tried to keep my distance, but it was hopeless. You're not the kind of person anyone keeps a distance from. You're so warm and so giving." 
     His face was a picture of self-blame. "I didn't want to put you in danger, but as the years went on and we grew closer, I convinced myself that Merlez might never be caught. I was existing in limbo and I really thought that it might last forever. I needed you, Tiff, like my next breath." 
     Tiffany sighed. The time for plain speaking was here. "Zak, I need you, too. You're my best friend in the world. In any world, actually." 
     Zak winced. "Well, some friend I've been. I've repaid your friendship by putting you in danger." 
     Tiffany asked, "But why? What's changed? Why the sudden freaking out and hauling me away with dire threats of a killer?" 
     Zak folded his hands in front of him. He cleared his throat and looked extremely uncomfortable. "Hmmm…well, that's a little hard to explain. How honest do you want me to be?" 
     Tiffany felt a jolt of excitement at the sudden intensity in his expression. He was looking at her in a way that made her shift a little uncomfortably, too. "Totally honest." 
     Zak nodded. "You and I have been careful to keep within certain boundaries in our friendship. The attraction between us is very strong. It has been from the beginning. Initially, I tried to keep my distance as I said. Then, I tried to focus on others who were interested in only short term…er…relationships to fulfill certain…mutual needs." 
     He said with obvious frustration, "It was both helpful and infuriating when you became involved with others, too. I tried to keep my feelings hidden or make them go away. But it's been so long, Tiff, and I want you so much." 
     Tiff heard his words with a sense of total shock. He had wanted her for six years? He had been hiding his feelings for six freaking years? She gave him a look of total exasperation. "You're an idiot, you know that?" 
     He grimaced. "Thanks for the understanding. I was trying to keep from hurting you, Tiffany, when I left to go back to Kerla. I was also making sure that if Merlez did find me that you wouldn't get hurt. I've been careful to keep most of our interaction at your apartment or mine. Haven't you ever noticed and wondered?" 
     Tiffany laughed. "I thought you were the hermit type, Zak. The original Mr.-Let's-Eat-At-Home-I-Hate-Crowds. Besides, we've been out with my friends sometimes." 
     Zak smiled. "True—as a group." 
     Tiffany shook her head. "But Zak…" 
     Zak interrupted, "I can't stop wanting you. I've tried. And I'm Kerlan, Tiff." 
     Okay, so he was Kerlan. She searched her memory but couldn't come up with any specific information about Kerlans. Uh oh. Were Kerlans even biologically compatible with humans? She ran her eyes over Zak's body in sudden panic. She'd never seen him unclothed. "Are Kerlans…um…that is…Zak…are you…can you…can we…" 
     She felt her face flushing scarlet and closed her eyes. Great. Could she screw this whole thing up any worse? Her best friend starts explaining that a killer is after them and she's asking questions about whether the two of them can get it on? Tiffany to libido – back the hell off and give brain the helm for a minute. She opened her eyes to see him regarding her with a hungry look. 
     "Oh yes we can. Kerlans are very similar biologically to humans. That's one of the reasons Earth was picked as my destination. But, Tiff, Kerlan males are different in some ways." 
     Tiffany moistened her lips and watched as he tracked her movements with his eyes. It was getting hot. Very hot. Very fast. She was suddenly extremely aware of her body. Her nipples felt sensitive. Zak's eyes, usually silver-gray, were nearly black. He was aroused. So was she. She shifted and was nervously conscious of the wet heat between her thighs. She needed to focus here. "What kind of differences?" 
     Zak's voice was husky. "We get aggressive. We have strong sexual appetites. The biggest difference, though, is when we find our promised." 
     Tiffany could feel her heart pounding. Aggressive? Strong sexual appetites? Oh. My. God. "You called me that before. Your promised." 
     Zak's face gentled. "When a Kerlan male forms a bond with a special female, she is called his promised. It is similar to the bond between spouses here on Earth. However, once a Kerlan male bonds, he begins to…" He hesitated. 
     Tiff burst out, "Good grief! Begins to what? You're killing me here!" 
     Zak was obviously choosing his words carefully. "You know how humans and animals give off scent? It's a method of attracting the opposite sex. Well, Kerlan men begin to do the same thing once their emotions are fully engaged and they are life bonded, only it goes one step further. We begin to project images…" 
     Tiffany had a sudden thought. She kept her face neutral, but it wasn't easy. The dreams. The incredibly vivid erotic dreams she had been having night after night. "Zak, can human females pick up these images?" 
     Zak watched her face carefully. "I asked my Earth contact that same question, among several others. There have been some human and Kerlan promise pairs, but I have never met any. There were things I needed to know. He contacted his Kerlan counterpart. The answer is yes." 
     Zak had been…She kept her voice steady and tried to stay calm in spite of the graphic sexual pictures that were running in a loop in her memory. "You needed to know?" 
     Zak nodded. "You're my promised, Tiffany. I was beginning to lose control and I knew it. Until I was able to claim you sexually, the images weren't going to stop. I could control them while I was conscious. But at night, when I was sleeping…I'd lose control and project…I knew it was happening from the intensity of the dreams…It's been torture trying to keep control every waking moment." 
     His eyes darkened further and his voice was husky. "I needed to know if you would receive my thoughts. I was told you would probably experience them as very erotic dreams." 
     Tiffany swallowed. Oh yeah. You could say that. "What else did your contact tell you? On second thought, Zak, I'd really like to get up from this chair now. I need to think and I don't want to be strapped down to do it." She silently cursed. Even she could hear the nervousness in her voice. 
     Zak stared at her for one long moment. He stood up and knelt by her chair. She held her breath. He reached out and she froze, but he just pressed a button on the side of the chair. The straps retracted and Tiffany hurried to get up. She nearly stumbled because she was moving so fast. 
     She was several steps away from him when she heard his voice behind her. It was half-promise, half-threat. "I'll have you strapped down again, Tiff. Never doubt it. And next time you won't be thinking either." 
     Tiffany spun around in surprise. He stood beside the chair and faced her. She gave a nervous little gulp and tried to think. Things were all upside down. Her whole reality had changed. Zak wasn't acting like Zak. The old Zak was sexy, but comfortable and easy. This new Zak was much more intense. 
     She shifted restlessly under his gaze and tried to bring her breathing under control. She was acting much too nervous. His words were exciting her. Arousal was not helping her to think. "Zak, we need to slow down. Fine, you started asking questions because the two of us were feeling…because we were getting more involved…" 
     She winced. No way was she bringing up love. If he loved her, he was going to say it first. This promise business was confusing. It sounded like he loved her, but she needed to hear him say it. And she was too off-balance and unsure with this sudden change in him to assess her own feelings clearly. And no way was she discussing those dreams. 
     Zak looked amused at her words. "More involved? Yes, we were getting more involved – from your face, I'd say night after night we were probably involved. How long have you been receiving my images, Tiff?" 
     Tiffany decided to avoid that line of questioning for the moment. Even an idiot could see where that conversational path would end. She needed more answers. "Answer me, Zak. Why the sudden danger?" 
     Zak's entire face changed in an instant. His tone was full of regret. "Gorden was killed. My contact here on Earth. He was murdered this morning. All I can figure is somehow the increased interaction with his Kerlan contact must have tipped Merlez off in some way. I don't know. All I know is Merlez contacted me with Gorden's arm-pc. He told me that my old and dearly departed friend had proven most helpful and that he was coming for me, Tiff." 
     Fear swept Tiffany and she shuddered. "Zak, you have to get away from here right now. Far away where you can't be tracked." 
     Zak nodded grimly. "Yes, that was my first reaction, too. I thought about taking the first transport, any transport, out. Then, I thought about why he'd used the arm-pc." 
     Tiffany exclaimed, "To track your location! He didn't know where you were! He must have been hoping to keep you on long enough to trace your coordinates." 
     Zak said, "He was nearly successful, too. When I realized he had locked onto my location, I ran like hell. He probably showed up within minutes. I got all the way to the transport when I had a sudden thought. You. I couldn't leave you." 
     He raked a hand through his hair. "But I couldn't put you in danger. I realized Merlez would no doubt be expecting me to try to get offplanet in a hurry. Then I thought about my conversations with Gorden. Tiffany, Gorden was a careful man, but he would save data much too often for my comfort. I argued with him about it more than once, but he claimed that it was safe." 
     Zak blew out a breath and his face grew grimmer. "Merlez has Gorden's arm-pc implant. It'll run at least twenty-four hours on backup power outside of Gorden's body. Merlez could access information until then—once he breaks the code." 
     Zak paced back and forth now. "He would have found you. I told Gorden your name, where you lived, where you worked, everything, when I was talking with him. Gorden was my friend and I was worried about what was happening with us, Tiff. I don't know how much Gorden stored, but there's a good chance Merlez will find out. I couldn't take the chance that he might hurt you. I was frantic to find you. Then, I remembered your birthday lunch with Polly." 
     Tiffany remembered his grim face as he walked through the diner door. No wonder. She felt another shaft of fear and tried to keep her voice steady. "So now there's a good chance this maniac is after both of us." 
     Zak stopped and said simply, "There has always been a plan in place in case of exposure. I placed a call from public access at the transport to my Kerlan contact, Rojda. I didn't actually speak to him because he wasn't available. I followed the plan and left a code word. We'll meet him in forty-eight hours at the prearranged place. It'll take him that long to get here. In the meantime, all we have to do is stay alive. Kerlan authorities will be all over the place trying to catch Merlez at that point. We'll figure out what comes next after that." 
     Tiffany nodded slowly and said, "Okay, we stay alive. Good plan. I'm for it." 
     Zak smiled. "Yes, I'm for it, too." 
     Tiffany said, "We could go to law enforcement here. Explain and ask for protection." 
     Zak shook his head. "No. I don't trust anyone but you. Merlez killed the other witness from that night, Tiff. He was under protection by law enforcement. It's suspected that Merlez bribed one of the enforcers guarding him. I'm not placing our lives in a stranger's hands. I'm paranoid, but I'm alive because of it. I'm not stopping now." 
     "Are we safe for the moment?" Tiffany worked to keep calm. 
     Zak took a step toward her. His tone was reassuring. "We're safe. He has no way of finding us right now. His haste this morning was a miscalculation. It's not like him. A lot of this doesn't make sense to me. How did he find out I was alive? How'd he find Gorden? If he had simply broken Gorden's access code and studied the arm-pc data, he could have surprised me. Something is pushing him, but I don't know what. He killed Gorden and contacted me rather than choosing stealth. It's not making sense." 
     Zach rubbed a hand over his face in a familiar gesture of weariness. "I placed an anonymous call to Earth authorities via public access telling them that Gorden was dead and who was responsible. Now Merlez's options are more limited. It will be hard to look for us while Earth authorities look for him. We need only stay here for two days and be careful." 
     Zak looked her in the eyes. "I promise you, I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it, Tiff. The real danger comes when we leave this place. Merlez will be hunting us and he's very good. He may eventually find the emergency plan in Gorden's arm-pc. If so, he'll know where we're meeting Rojda and when. We'll be taking a huge chance to go to that meeting, but it's the only way to get to Rojda and find out what's happening. Until then, we stay here." 
     Tiffany's thoughts were racing in circles. What was going to happen to them? Even if they weren't found, what happened next? Would Merlez be at the meeting? Was it better to go into hiding? Her mind was in total turmoil. Her emotions were all over the place. 
     Zak probably loved her. It looked like he had noticed her for six damn years. A crazy alien hitman was trying to kill both of them. She might have to run away with Zak to some distant planet for the two of them to be safe. And wouldn't that be the mother of all airtranspo rides? Excitement was entering her life on a bitch and a half scale. Freaking birthday wishes. 
     Tiffany looked around the motel room and it suddenly seemed like a very small place. "What the hell are we going to do for the next forty-eight hours?" 
     Zak's face changed and then he slowly smiled. In six years he had perfected the art of imitating her and he had her down pat. He drawled, "Well, gee, Tiff, we're in the Little Layaway Motel in the Cuffs-Enough Room with possibly less than 48 hours to live. We're promised. We've wanted each other for six years. What do you think?" His voice deepened. "Somehow I don't plan on playing cards. I think a very…unique…and…private…birthday celebration is in order." 
     He walked toward her and asked in a low, husky voice, "Have I mentioned how good you looked in those straps, baby?" 
Chapter Four 
     
     Oh boy. Tiffany watched as Zak walked toward her. She felt the heat rising inside her with every step. She squeaked, "Zak, uhhh, I'm…you're…I never said I wanted you. You only said you wanted me. Let's just slow down a minute here and think…" 
     Zak smiled that sexy smile and continued to move forward. He had the look of a predator stalking wary prey. It was only then that Tiffany realized she was walking backward. She backed into the wall and knew instantly that it was a mistake. 
     Zak stepped forward quickly and placed a hand on each side of her head, caging her. She felt her heart racing and wondered how someone so familiar and so trusted could make her feel so panicked and so thrilled. She knew Zak would never hurt her. She trusted him completely. 
     And yet, this was new territory for them. Zak had never looked at her the way he was looking at her now. He looked sexy and dangerous. She swallowed. There was no doubt that he was exciting her. He hadn't even touched her and she was already wet. She watched as he leaned forward until his face was close to hers. 
     "Tiff, you're acting so nervous. Now why is that?" He sounded even more aroused. He brought a hand down and she felt the warmth of it caress her face. She tried to think, but it was getting harder to do while he was actually touching her. She had wanted to feel his hands on her this way for so long. 
     Zak asked huskily, "Could it be because you're remembering those dreams?" His hand drifted from her cheek to her neck. "Are you remembering all of the things I want to do to you?" 
     Tiffany swallowed. He was seducing her with that husky voice and the tender touch of his hand. She struggled to slow her breathing but her breaths were coming more rapidly. She knew her nipples were pressing against the cloth of her unidress. He was staring into her eyes, watching her face intently. She felt mesmerized, caught in the spell of his words and touch. His hand drifted to her breast and he began kneading it gently. She swallowed a moan and murmured, "Ohhh…" 
     Zack leaned forward and she felt the light touch of his mouth on hers. His lips were warm and moved with easy skill. Tiffany began to move her mouth in response. The kiss was non-threatening at first, almost friendly. Then she felt the first brush of his tongue along the seam of her mouth. The feel of his hand on her breast excited her unbearably. He was rubbing her nipple with his palm and using a little more pressure. It felt so good. 
     She parted her lips and Zak immediately took advantage. His tongue entered her mouth and began teasing hers. She was shaking with excitement. She could feel the wet velvet of his tongue against her own and responded tentatively. She felt more than heard his moan of approval. She responded more aggressively and the kiss caught fire. 
     For several moments, the world narrowed down to just the two of them and the feel of him exploring her mouth. Tiffany was shocked when he pulled back abruptly. Zak was breathing heavily and his face was hard. 
     He asked roughly, "Tiff, do you trust me?" 
     Tiffany looked into the familiar face of the man who was her best male friend in the world. He might look like a stranger at the moment and she had never seen that look on his face, but she knew Zak. "Yes." 
     His face gentled. "Good." He reached down and took one of her hands in his own. He brought it to his mouth and kissed it. She felt her heart turn over. With his other hand, he captured her free hand and brought that one to his mouth as well. 
     His face changed and he said in a firm voice, "Then trust me now." She felt him bring her arms over her head. He let go of her wrists and said, "Leave them there." 
     Tiffany knew her surprise was showing. Leave them? As her sluggish brain began to kick back in gear she saw him reaching above her head. It was only as she felt the first soft click that she realized he was cuffing her. She burst out, "Zak, about that whole aggressive thing…hmmm…well…when you say aggressive, you don't mean frothing-at-the-mouth feral, right?" Her voice was a little too high. 
     Zach paused and placed a gentle hand under her chin. "Tiffany, I would never hurt you or abuse you in any way. You know that, don't you?" 
     Tiffany looked into his face and couldn't help smiling at the concern she saw there. She was acting like an idiot. This was Zak. She said, "Of course I know it. Brief moment of panic. That's all." 
     He continued to stare into her eyes sincerely. "If you don't like what's happening then you say the word stop. That's it. I'll stop, Tiffany. On my life, I swear to you I'll stop no matter what. But you say anything else and I'll keep going anyway. Understand?" 
     Tiffany felt more than reassurance at his words. She felt the warmth and comfort of six years of solid friendship and caring. He wasn't going to stop unless she used that word. The arousal that had gone through her at that notion was shockingly strong. She nodded. "Okay." 
     The second cuff locked into place. The cuffs were very soft around her wrists, but very strong–-the same material that had been used as straps for the chair. She flexed her arms and could move them, but not much. She was well and truly caught. She swallowed hard. She'd never been tied up or cuffed. She'd certainly fantasized about it more than once, but this was reality. 
     When he leaned back and smiled, she relaxed a little. It was scary in a way, but exciting, too. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she wondered what he planned to do with her now. Without thinking about it, her eyes sought the holostatue in the corner. The woman in the statue writhed and squirmed. She jerked her eyes away from it guiltily and looked up at Zak. 
     His smiled widened into a grin. "Tiff, that was quite a hint." 
     Tiffany burst out, "No really. I wasn't hinting. I…" 
     Zak chuckled and leaned forward until his mouth was next to her ear. He said softly, "I'm going to taste you like that. And I'm going to have you squirming like that, too. Will you scream for me when you come, Tiff? I want to hear you scream while my mouth is between your lovely thighs. " 
     Tiffany swallowed and felt the rush of excitement all the way to her toes. Just the thought of him doing it was unbearably arousing. She remembered a particularly vivid dream from a few nights ago when he had driven her wild with his mouth. 
     Suddenly, a soft computer voice could be heard from her arm-pc. "Arousal level requires system check. Please wait. Running diagnostic. No disease present. Contraceptive functioning at maximum level. Remember to reset manually as auto-diagnostic is now shut down. Proceed if desired." 
     Zak smiled. "I love that kind of efficiency. So tell me again, Tiffany, about how you may not want me." 
     Tiffany closed her eyes as embarrassment creeped in. Granted, it was highly effective and everyone had one, but it never failed to mortify her when her computer announced her syscheck. Oh what the hell. It was pretty damn obvious anyway that she was excited and aroused. 
     The best defense against embarrassment was to turn the tables. She opened her eyes and was moved by the tenderness she saw on his face. Why was she acting so reluctant? She must have lost her mind sometime earlier today amidst the weirdness. Screw impending danger and mad killers. Her wish, her most important wish in the universe, was coming true at this very moment. She'd wanted Zak for so long. She said, "I do want you, Zak. I want to feel you touching me. I want to feel your mouth on me. I want to feel you inside me." 
     Zak looked surprised and then his expression changed to pure hunger. He leaned down and kissed her roughly, obviously inflamed by her words. Tiffany felt the hard pressure of his mouth against hers and the aggressive thrust of his tongue inside her mouth. She moaned and tried to bring her body into contact with his, but the cuffs held her in place. 
     Zak broke the kiss and then his mouth traveled down to her neck. He kissed along the sensitive line of her throat. When he reached the curve of her neck and shoulder, he sucked gently. Tiffany leaned her head to the side and gave another moan. She had never realized that spot was so sensitive. She moaned again and distantly registered his arm-pc performing his syscheck. 
     Zak reached the edge of her dress just as the computer voice announced, "Proceed if desired…" 
     Zak muttered, "If desired…yeah…right…" 
     He licked along the neckline of the dress and Tiffany shivered at the sensation. She wanted his mouth on her breast. Her nipples were aching. She needed more. She muttered, "Zak, please…" 
     Zak's head came up and he looked at her. He said huskily, "Oh, I like the sound of that word. I will please you, Tiff. What is it you want right now….hmmm?" 
     He brought one hand up and slowly pushed the material of her dress down just a little. The upper curves of her breasts were exposed, but that was all. The hard outline of her nipples was clearly visible beneath the fabric. "You know what I like about this strapless unidress, Tiff? I can peel you out of it a bit at a time." 
     He leaned down and placed kisses along the slopes of her breast, saying in between kisses, "It's like…mmm…unwrapping…a present…very slowly… I can…savor you. " 
     He pulled the dress a little further down and Tiffany's breath caught. The material was as far as it could go without her nipples being exposed. His mouth moved over the skin newly available. Her breath was coming in pants now and her heart was hammering so loud she wondered if he could hear it. She'd never been so turned on in her life. His tongue swept under the fabric a bit and narrowly missed her nipple. She whimpered. 
     He muttered, "That's it, Tiff. I want to hear you. Don't hold back." 
     Tiffany realized something in that moment. There was no chance of holding back. This man was exciting her physically and emotionally at a level that she'd never experienced and she was shaking with it. She arched forward almost without thought, silently asking for what she wanted. Zak pulled the material down and she felt the moist heat of his tongue as he licked around her nipple. She muttered, "Oh that's good…Oh…" 
     Zak made a little hum of approval and continued to tease her nipple, licking it in slow circles. Finally, he pulled the length of it into his mouth and sucked. Tiffany felt her knees go weak and leaned back against the wall for support. He followed her with his mouth, never pausing. He continued sucking, occasionally pulling back to lick and then drawing her nipple back into his mouth again. It felt unbelievably good. 
     Then Zak moved to her other breast, giving it the same treatment. He brought his hand up and she felt the gentle tug as he toyed with the nipple he'd just left. She was already exquisitely sensitive from his mouth and she shivered and moaned as he rolled it gently with his fingers. Finally, Zak pulled back completely and used both hands to continue the sensual torment. 
     He watched silently and then lifted his eyes to her face. "You are so beautiful. I've imagined you like this but the reality is so much better. You're so sensitive to my touch. I can hear your heart beating, Tiffany. Kerlan senses are more acute than that of humans. I can smell your scent when you get aroused. I can feel the heat of your body as that arousal gets stronger. Can you imagine what you've been doing to me for the last six years? Can you imagine how hard it's been to hold back when I knew you wanted this as much as I did?" 
     Tiffany shook her head, feeling drugged. She was too far gone to make any coherent reply. She could understand what he was saying, though, and it just made her ache more. He sounded on the edge of control, like a man pushed to the brink. 
     Zak stopped suddenly and said, "Tiff, look at me. Really look at me." 
     Tiffany focused and stared at him. His face was drawn tight. He looked like he was in pain. He pulled the dress further down until it was below her breasts completely. He said, "I need to feel you give yourself to me. I've dreamed of it night after night. That look on your face when you come apart for me." 
     Zak planted a tender kiss on her mouth. Then, he knelt on the floor. He said in a strained voice, "You're my promised. Once I claim you, there's no going back. You understand? I'll never let you go." 
     Tiffany smiled, despite the fever in her blood and the excitement still pounding through her. "Yes." 
     Zak leaned forward and placed his mouth against her stomach. Tiffany felt her muscles tighten there and shivered. He was looking up at her with dark eyes as his mouth continued downward. She felt the tug of the material as he pulled it over her hips and she saw him pull back a little as the material was pulled down to her thighs. He looked from her eyes down to the nest of dark curls between her legs and she heard his breath catch. He ordered, "Step out of the dress." 
     Tiffany moved clumsily, feeling as if her legs were weak and not working. He was shaking her up with the intensity of his words and the excitement of his touch. She stepped out of the dress. He reached out and helped her to remove her shoes. She was left standing nude, while he was on his knees in front of her still fully clothed. She jerked when he leaned forward suddenly and put his mouth on her sex. He pulled back a little and placed a gentle kiss into her curls. He murmured huskily, "Relax…" 
     Tiffany felt him cup her hips with his hands and then felt his lips pressing kisses over her. She was shaking hard. When she felt the moist heat of his tongue lick into her sex for the first time, she moaned loudly. Her knees went weak again. She clenched her hands into fists and leaned against the wall for support. Zak delicately licked and sucked until Tiffany could no longer hold back her moans. He was driving her out of her mind. She murmured, "Please Zak…" 
     Zak circled her clit with his tongue and then pulled back enough to ask, "Please what?" 
     Tiffany said, "I need…" she couldn't even think of the words. She needed relief. She needed to climax. She was moving her hips against his mouth now, but he was controlling her movements with his hands on her hips. She pulled against the cuffs, aching to touch him. She wanted to feel his hard length driving deeply inside of her. 
     Zak muttered, "Not yet…look at the holostatue, Tiffany…" 
     Tiffany looked at it dazedly and then her concentration sharpened as something registered. The couple in the holostatue had changed. The woman now had short dark hair. She was staring at something to one side of the room. She was naked and her breasts were full. Her nipples were hard and her skin was flushed. She looked a little wild and intensely aroused. The man was on his knees staring up at the woman. His hair was pulled back in a stubby ponytail and he was fully dressed. The shock of recognition filled her. She said, "It's the two of us!" 
     Zak said softly, "Watch yourself, Tiff. Watch me send you over the edge with my mouth on you." 
     Tiffany shook her head, but felt a jolt of excitement at the forbidden idea. In spite of guilty thoughts, she couldn't tear her eyes away. 
     Zak murmured, "That's right." He leaned forward again and strained a little harder, pushing her closer to the edge with great skill. Tiffany pulled against the cuffs and said, "Let me loose…" 
     Zak said roughly, "No," and continued to lick. 
     Tiffany felt her knees go completely and realized he was holding her up with his hands on her hips. She arched against his mouth and pulled on the cuffs helplessly. "Uncuff me. Now." 
     Zak merely continued pushing her. She felt the tension gathering in her body and she bit her lip. The image of herself being pleasured by Zak depicted by the holostatue was just one more level of excitement that was driving her like a fury. 
     Zak ordered roughly, "Scream." 
     Tiffany whimpered and pulled harder on the cuffs. She wanted more of his mouth and yet the torment was making her crazy. She tried to pull back from him, but he held her tighter. She moaned loudly and the entire world narrowed to the place between her legs. Her sex clenched and her vision blurred. She let go completely. Incredible pleasure began to pulse through her and she screamed and screamed until the last wave died away and there was only the sound of her harsh breathing in the silence of the room. She looked down as Zak lifted his mouth from her curls. 
     He gave her a look of dark hunger as he said, "Beautiful." 
     He stood up slowly and she saw the large bulge of his hard cock against the front of his pants. A thrill shot through her in spite of her euphoria. He let go of her hips and she realized she could stand again on her own, barely. He reached up and unlocked first one cuff and then the second. Tiffany let her arms fall to her sides. Without any warning Zak reached down and scooped her into his arms. Tiffany wrapped her arms around his neck and said softly, "That was unbelievable, Zak." 
     He smiled down at her but the smile looked strained. "That was the beginning, Tiff, and yes, it was unbelievable." He strode over to the bed and put her down on top of it. Tiffany scooted back on the bed and pulled the covers back. She started to pull them back over her when she heard him say, "No. Leave them off." 
     She looked up at him in surprise. His tone was tight and he looked barely in control. She froze. He reached down and jerked the covers all the way off the bed. Moving back, he yanked his shirt over his head. Tiffany's breath caught. He had broad shoulders that led down to a well-defined and muscular chest. She watched those muscles ripple and felt her stomach tighten. He looked so sexy with his shirt off and just those pants still on. She watched as he toed off one shoe and then the other quickly. He removed his socks with quiet efficiency. When his hands went to his pants, he paused. 
     Tiffany could feel her excitement rising with every movement. When he paused, she looked up at his face. He was staring down at her and said, "I'd keep going slowly, but I can't. It's been too long. I need to claim you, now." 
     Tiffany swallowed. The hard bulge of his cock stood out against his pants. He looked very large suddenly. She nodded and watched silently as he unbuttoned his pants. She kept looking from his hands to his face. He was watching her, his eyes fastened on her with absolute possession. 
     She felt a thrill go through her at that look. Screw political correctness and careful equality. There were times when just being taken was an incredible turn on. This was one of them. She had never felt so powerfully a woman. Zak was struggling, trying to stay in control. She was turning him inside out and a part of her thrilled to the notion. She watched as he pushed the pants downward and stepped out of them. When he straightened, she felt her mouth go dry. 
     His cock was hard and the length of it jutted out from his body aggressively. He looked huge. He strode toward her and she jerked her gaze back up to his face. She saw his amused smile as he said, "Tiff, you look scared. You've seen one of these before, right?" 
     Tiffany smiled, realizing she was being silly. Of course she'd seen one before. Just not one quite so impressive and not one attached to Zak. She said sincerely, "Of course. Just…Zak…you look…beautiful to me." She immediately winced, feeling somewhat stupid. What a weird thing to say to a guy. 
     Zak faltered, and she saw a flush rise along his cheekbones. He closed his eyes. When he opened them, she saw a look of tenderness so profound that it made her chest feel tight. 
     He cleared his throat and said, "Thank you, Tiff." 
     Tiffany watched as he climbed onto the bed beside her. He turned until he was on his side facing her. She stayed turned toward him as she reached out and touched the muscles of his chest. As they jumped under her fingers, she realized how much her touch was exciting him. He watched her with dark eyes. 
     She moved her hand to the flat circle of one nipple and traced it slowly. She could hear Zak's breathing becoming harsher. With an inward smile, she continued with her exploration of his chest. His skin was warm and smooth under her fingertips. She let her hand drift downward onto his stomach and felt his breathing stop. She found the hard length of his cock and touched it gently. He was extremely hard, but his skin felt like velvet under her fingers. She heard him moan. She wrapped her hand around it and moved up and down slowly, simulating an act they both craved. 
     Suddenly, Zak muttered, "That's it. No more playing." 
     He grabbed her hand and removed it from his cock. He pushed her with one hand until she was on her back. Shifting until his body was over hers, he moved one knee against her legs. He said, "Spread your legs, Tiff. I want in." 
     Tiffany felt the thrill of his words all the way to her toes. He nudged at her legs and she opened them. Moving them until they were spread, she caught her breath as he brought his cock into contact with her sex. Most of his weight was on his hands on each side of her head. She could feel the tension in his body as clearly as she felt it in her own. He looked down at her as his cock brushed against her curls and she saw him close his eyes again for a moment. 
     When he opened them, he said huskily, "I can't control it. You'll get images for a moment. It's only this one time. It's the claiming. Stay with me, okay? Do you accept me freely, body to body, mind to mind, soul to soul?" 
     The Claiming? Tiffany felt a moment of confusion and then remembered. The dreams. She would get some images. She could handle it. She nodded. "Yes. It's okay, Zak. Let go. Just let go." 
     Zak nudged her opening with his cock. She felt the pressure as he entered her carefully. She swallowed hard. He was filling her slowly, pulling back a little and then pushing forward again as if making room. She bit her lip and tried to relax. He was big, but tensing up wouldn't help. He pushed further until he was nearly completely inside her. Her breath caught as she teetered on the edge between pleasure and pain. He paused as if waiting for her to adjust and then surged forward again. She raised her hips a little and felt him slide all the way to the hilt. She was still staring into his eyes, lost in him completely. 
     He pulled back faster and thrust forward harder. When he surged into her this time, she couldn't hold back a moan. The sound seemed to trigger something in him. The hard length of his cock rasped her inner walls as it left her and then slammed back into her. She whimpered at the wonderful sensation. She brought her hands up and gripped the muscles of his butt. They flexed beneath her hands as he moved in and out of her. She knew her nails were biting into him, but the small pain merely seemed to spur him on. 
     He gave a low throaty moan as if in response and thrust harder. Tiffany kept her eyes locked on his and thought, "This is Zak…my best friend… He's inside me and I can't believe how good he feels…how right." Tiffany raised her hips and met his thrusts. 
     Suddenly mental images began to flood her mind. She was on her knees on the floor, his hard cock in her mouth. She was in the bathroom under the shower and he had her arms pinned to the wall as he thrust into her from behind. She was on top of him, her wet sex gripping his cock tightly as she moved up and down its hard length. She was strapped to the chair and he was between her legs, licking her sex. The images continued relentlessly, each more graphic and intense than the last. She felt the hard pressure of his cock filling her sex and the overwhelming feel of him filling her mind. It was too much, she gave a moan and felt her vision start to gray. 
     Zak said, "No! Stay with me." 
     He arched his spine and thrust harder and faster. Tiffany felt the last of the images fade away and whimpered at the loss. The excitement was unbearable. She could feel her lower body tighten and her sex gripped his cock savagely. Suddenly, the pressure inside her released and she felt the first pulses as her climax hit her. She screamed. 
     As her body swam with pleasure, she heard his long low moan and felt him shake. The wet warmth of his seed flooded her sex. He continued to pump into her until her screams died away. Then he collapsed on top of her. Some subconscious part of her noted that he kept most of his weight off of her, but he was still heavy. She decided that if her brain ever worked again, she'd ask him to move. Maybe. 
     Tiffany stared blindly at the black ceiling overhead until she could breathe and think again. She felt incredible. What had happened here was not sex. She didn't know what it was exactly, but it wasn't just sex. It was too intense. Too personal and intimate and special. 
     Zak finally pulled out of her and then rolled to his side. He maneuvered until he had an arm under her neck and then carefully pulled her to him. She rested her head against his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her ear. What was going to happen now? How weird or awkward was this going to get? She had made love with Zak. Or had sex with Zak. Or whatever. She sighed. 
     Zak hand played with her hair gently and she heard the dark rumble of his voice as he asked, "What are you thinking, Tiffany?" 
     Tiffany tensed. Feeling strange, she said, "That's my line, isn't it?" 
     He continued the soothing motions of his fingers in her hair. "We don't have any lines here. It's you and me." 
     Tiffany sighed again. "I feel weird, Zak. I've wanted you for so long, but this changes things." 
     Zak chuckled. "Yeah. It definitely changes things." 
     Tiffany lifted her head and looked at him. He was gazing at her sleepily. She shook her head. "You know what I mean. Friends don't sleep together, Zak." 
     Zak raised an eyebrow. "Husbands and wives generally do." 
     Husbands and wives? Tiffany cleared her throat. This was tricky. What did he mean by that remark? The only way to know was to ask. "Er…was that some kind of lame indirect marriage proposal?" 
     Zak looked shocked. "No." 
     Tiffany was shocked herself at the depth of her disappointment at that one word. With a sinking heart, she realized she could no longer pretend that she and Zak were just buddies. But the truth was, she was in love with him. She'd probably been in love with him for quite some time. She felt embarrassed and awkward at his obvious shock at the notion of marriage between the two of them. 
     Okay, she was rushing things. He cared about her. It would be enough for the moment. There was that whole promise pair deal, too. What the hell was a promise pair anyway? She tried to brazen it out. "Well, okay then. Right. I didn't mean that you should ask me to marry you. I meant…" She searched frantically for something to cover the awkwardness. "What did you mean by that remark exactly?" 
     Zak was still looking stunned. He opened his mouth and then closed it. Finally, he said, "Tiff, that wasn't a marriage proposal." 
     Tiffany felt indignant. No need to rub it in. She'd gotten the point. "I know. You said it wasn't. Fine." She sat up completely and scooted back from him a little on the bed. She picked up the pillow and held it in front of her chest like a shield. "I get the point." 
     Zak sat up slowly. Speaking very carefully, he said, "It wasn't a marriage proposal because we're already married, Tiff." He reached out and removed the pillow from her hands. 
     Tiffany let him, barely aware of the pillow any more. She blinked. "Married? Did you just say we were married?" 
     Zak reached out and brushed the hair back from her cheek tenderly. "I asked if you would accept me body to body, mind to mind, soul to soul. Then I claimed you as mine. What did you think I meant?" 
     Tiffany stared at him. "I just thought it was romantic talk. Heat of the moment stuff. Really sweet. I thought you were warning me about the images, too." 
     He smiled. "I was warning you about the images, but I asked for your promise. I made you mine when I declared myself in front of a witness." 
     Tiffany could barely comprehend this new turn. "What witness?" 
     Zak frowned. "Polly. At the diner. I declared I was your promised. Don't you remember? That was the first half of our claiming." 
     "You mean you half married me in a diner on my lunch hour?" Tiffany couldn't get over it. "Just like that?! Just 'I'm your promised' and that was it? Kerlan marriage ceremonies suck." 
     Zak frowned. His voice was defensive. "I was in a hurry. I was claiming you and trying to get you to leave with me, Tiff. Give me a break. Usually it's done at a ceremony with family and friends present, but there was no time. I don't know. I wasn't thinking really. I was just so glad to find you. I had been worried that Merlez would find you first." 
     Tiffany tried to sort through her feelings but couldn't seem to grasp how her life had changed so radically in a matter of hours. "But, we're not married. Not on Earth anyway. I mean, not according to Earth laws we're not." 
     Zak's face darkened. "We're bound together according to the laws of my people. I declared myself to you. I asked you to accept me and when you did, I claimed you." 
     Tiffany blew out a breath. "Unbelievable. You know, talking about it first might have been good. Explaining would have been really good. This is crazy. I can't believe I got married Kerlan style and didn't know it. That's bizarre." 
     Zak said coolly, "Bizarre or not, it's done." 
     Tiffany looked at his face and realized she had hurt him. Zak only used that tone when he was covering up hurt. She placed a hand over his on the bed. "Zak, I'm not sorry exactly. Please understand. This is something of a shock." 
     Zak's features softened and he nodded. "I should have explained. I was…it's been hard. This day has been so…terrible and wonderful. Gorden's death…Merlez…then finally being honest with you. Tiffany, I realized when I was at the transport that I couldn't leave you. No matter what. You're a part of me. At that point, claiming you was inevitable. Since Merlez was probably after you, there was no reason to hold back any longer. I wanted to claim you for so long that I didn't even think of waiting." 
     Tiffany felt hope and wonder bloom. "You love me?" 
     Zak looked at her in disbelief. He rolled his eyes and then smiled. "Of course. Haven't I mentioned it?" 
     Tiffany smiled back with dawning understanding. "No, you idiot. But you really do. Enough to freak out and half marry me in a diner even." 
     Zak laughed. Shaking his head, he tossed the pillow aside and then pushed her flat onto the bed. She gave a muffled shriek and laughed as she landed on her back. He came down over her until his face was inches from hers. He grinned and she felt her heart leap a little at the light in his eyes. He looked so happy. 
     He said, "Tiffany, I love you. Now I believe you have something to say to me." 
     Tiffany grinned. "Yes, I do. Zak…" She let the pause stretch out. 
     He looked impatient. She waited another beat and then said teasingly, "Thanks for the birthday celebration." 
     He gave a warning look, but there was a note of insecurity in his voice. "And…" 
     Tiffany's heart melted. "Aww…Zak…Of course I love you. I only wish you knew how much." 
     As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Oh, she didn't regret the love part, but she really regretted the wish part. Suddenly, there was a loud pounding on the motel room door. She and Zak both froze. She muttered, "Oh hell. I did it again." 
Chapter Five 
     
     The pounding against the door was even louder. Polly's voice could be heard over the noise, "Zak, Tiff, let me in!" 
     Tiffany scrambled one way and Zak went the other. Tiffany made a grab for the sheet on the floor and wrapped it around herself, watching as Zak yanked his pants on. She called out, "Just a minute, Polly!" Tiffany walked to the door and opened it. 
     Polly stood there looking like she'd seen a ghost. She walked in quickly and said, "Tiffany, get out of here, okay? Right now." 
     Tiffany closed the door behind Polly, confused at her words. She walked to the other side of the room toward Zak. He was looking at Polly in confusion, too. Before she could reach Zak, Polly put a hand on her arm and stopped her. Tiffany looked at her in surprise. 
     Polly said grimly, "I'm serious, Tiff. You need to leave. I need to talk to Zak." 
     Tiffany asked in surprise, "How'd you find us?" 
     Polly shook her head. "The stolen airtranspo." She turned to Zak. "That was a mistake, Zak, and you can't afford mistakes." 
     Zak muttered an oath. "I planned to dump it later." 
     Polly said sarcastically, "Well, later is too late. I asked questions and found you'd left the diner by airtranspo. I've been watching for reports of stolen transpos and traced you here. I have a few more resources at my disposal than law enforcement, but they won't be far behind. You need to leave and Tiffany needs to come with me." 
     Tiffany shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere without Zak. Polly, what the hell is going on? What are you talking about?" 
     Polly sighed. "Tiff, I work for Covert Coalition. It's not something I advertise. I know you assumed I was a photographer and I am. But, it's a nice cover for my real work." 
     Tiffany was shocked. Had the whole world gone nuts? First Zak, and now Polly. Was anyone who they said they were? It was crazy. She said, "I don't believe it." 
     Polly smiled, although it lacked amusement. "Believe it. The main problem at the moment is that Zak is wanted by law enforcement for questioning in the death of Gorden Lorting." She flashed an assessing look at Zak. 
     Zak's face hardened. "And how do you know that?" 
     Polly eased her arm from her side, showing her weapon. "Well, Zak, there's a bulletin out. I should have checked you out more thoroughly six years ago. I don't like making mistakes." 
     Tiffany felt like she'd been punched. She looked from Polly's accusing face to Zak's hard eyes. This was a mess. A total mess. She took a step away from Polly. "You have it backwards, Polly. Zak didn't kill Gorden and he's not a killer. He's running from a contract killer." 
     Polly raised an eyebrow. "Do I have it wrong, Zak?" 
     Zak's face was stony, although his eyes looked coldly calculating. Tiffany felt chilled by the look in his eyes. He shrugged. "Does it matter? You wouldn't be here alone if you were sure. You  suspect there's more to it or you'd have come with half a dozen armed companions." 
     Polly's smile was cold. "I certainly would. And I may have those companions right outside this room. There's no way for you to know, is there? So, that leaves us in a bit of a predicament at the moment. I think Tiffany should leave and let us sort this out." 
     Tiffany shook her head. "Polly, I don't care what you've been told. Zak's not the killer." 
     Tiffany felt Zak's hands come up onto her shoulders. He placed a kiss into her hair and said quietly, "Tiff, get dressed. Then we'll talk to Polly. It's okay." 
     Polly nodded grimly. "Go ahead. Zak, you keep your hands where I can see them. I don't believe you'll hurt Tiffany but that's about the only thing I know right now." 
       Tiffany grabbed her unidress from the floor and put it back on quickly, making a grimace of distaste. This whole day was one hell of a mess. Polly was with the Covert Coalition? The secret agency was known for fighting terrorism, spying on other planets, and working to keep the peace through intelligence gathering. The operatives for the CC were expertly trained and deadly. Some might sit behind a desk and some might be out undercover, but they were all put through the same training. 
     She was amazed to think that her goofy friend Polly, the carefree photographer who bounced from one freelance job to another was actually a spy. What next? Could this day get any stranger? Her hairdresser would probably confess to being Elvis next at this rate. As she pulled the dress into place and jerked her shoes on, anger began to replace confusion. 
     Tiffany looked from Zak who was now pulling his shirt over his head and standing fully dressed to one side of the room to Polly who was still holding her weapon on him. She said sharply, "For the record, I'm pissed at both of you. I mean it." 
     Both Polly and Zak looked at her in surprise. Tiffany sent them each a lethal look. "There are three people in this room. One of those people has been honest. Two of those people have been lying to the honest one. Guess which ones you are?" 
     She saw the flash of guilt on their faces but it didn't sway her. "I've been so caught up in all of this that I haven't had a chance to think it through. You've both been lying to me for years. I don't care if you had good reasons. Okay, I understand the reasons but I don't like it. I feel like an idiot. What else have you kept from me? What other secrets are lurking out there just waiting for discovery, huh?" 
     There was knocking at the door and everyone looked at in surprise. A low masculine voice drawled, "Zak, it's Dran. Let me in." 
     Tiffany arched an eyebrow at Zak. "You know, Zak. This whole plan of hiding where no one can find us was really impressive. What did you do, take out an ad?" 
     Zak said defensively, "It's my brother. He always knew I was in hiding. I placed the call from the transport to meet me here. He's early. I didn't think he'd get here until tomorrow." 
     Polly said sharply, "Tiff, don't open that door. Give me a minute." She walked until she was behind Zak with her weapon trained directly to the back of his head. 
     Tiffany rolled her eyes. "If you blow his head off, Polly, I'm going to be upset. Take it easy, will you? And Zak, who else did you call while at the transport? My mother? Your third grade teacher?" 
     She walked to the door and opened it. A large man, maybe six-two with dark brown hair and light blue eyes stood in the doorway. He gazed at her in confusion. He was gorgeous, but then he was Zak's brother so that wasn't a huge surprise. Tiffany said calmly, "Hello, Dran. Your idiot brother is inside here at our highly secret location. Come on in and join the party." 
     He slowly smiled. "You must be the Tiffany I am to protect. Hello, promise sister." 
     Tiffany couldn't help smiling in spite of her irritation when faced with his charm and friendliness. "Hi. Look, things are a little freaky at the moment. Try to stay calm when you see your brother, okay? My friend Polly is worried he's dangerous." 
     Dran gave her a confused look and then stepped into the room. Tiffany shut the door and saw him stop in surprise when he spotted Polly and Zak. His hand went to his side and Polly said sharply, "Try it and he's dead." 
     Dran eased his arm back out from his side. Without warning, he grabbed Tiffany and placed his hands around her neck. She squirmed but he murmured quietly for her ears only, "Trust in Zak if you do not trust me." 
     Tiffany stood quietly. The room was deadly silent. Dran said in a hard voice, "Drop the weapon or I break her neck." 
     Polly's smile was all teeth. "I don't think so. You're here to protect her. I heard you say it." 
     Dran drawled. "Ah, but you can't be sure what lengths I'll go to protect my brother, can you?" 
     Zak said, "This is ridiculous. Dran, let Tiff go and Polly will lower the lasgun." 
     Polly and Dran remained silent and unmoving.  The tension was unbearable. 
     Finally, Tiffany said, "You know you guys are totally ruining my birthday. First Zak lies to me for six years and is running from a killer, then Polly turns out to be CC. I found out I got married on my lunch hour at a damn McDiner. Now Dran the brother- in-law from hell shows up and threatens to break my neck. For the record, this is going down as the worst birthday party in history. Merlez won't have to kill any of us. We'll do him a favor and kill each other." 
     There was a moment of stunned silence in the tension of the room. Finally, Polly laughed. She said, "Tiffany, I swear you have a way of cutting through to the core of things." She stared at her friend. "Tiff, are you sure Zak's the man you think he is?" 
     Tiffany rolled her eyes. "He's the man I love, Polly. He's no killer. Good grief, you know him, too. Think about it." 
     Polly sighed. "Well, hell. Okay. This whole situation seems off to me. I don't care what the bulletins are saying. I'll risk it." She lowered her weapon. 
     Zak turned around and stared down at her a second. Polly gave him a sheepish look. "I'm sorry, Zak. I'm the careful type." 
     Zak smiled. He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek. When he pulled back he said, "You were being careful because you're her friend. I understand. Polly, did you think I wouldn't notice the safety was on the whole time?" 
     Polly winced. "Hey, I didn't really want to blow your head off. I just wanted to be sure my gut instincts were right." 
     Dran released Tiffany's neck. Tiffany shot him a look of irritation. She said, "You know, for future reference, on Earth we don't generally threaten to break someone's neck at first meeting. It's rude." 
     Dran laughed. He swept her into a friendly hug, catching her by surprise. When she pulled back, he said teasingly, "But it's such a lovely neck. I was protecting my brother. I would never harm you. And yes, I have the language culture chip. I knew I was being rude.  Forgive me?" 
     Oh this one could charm the pants off of any female within twenty feet. Tiffany smiled. "Oh, okay." 
     She watched as Dran's face changed. He looked at his brother fully for the first time. Both brothers stared at each other for a long, intense moment. Finally, Dran cleared his throat. He asked huskily, "You are well, Zak?" 
     Tiffany rolled her eyes. "Men! Zak, hug your brother for heaven's sake." 
     Zak flashed her a grin and then stepped forward. The two men hugged each other hard. They spoke haltingly in their language and then began to talk so fast that they were talking over each other. Tiffany smiled, feeling touched. Their joy was obvious. They were talking animatedly, grinning and gesturing. She looked at Polly. Polly was regarding the two of them with a bemused expression as if to say, "Who will ever understand men?" 
     Tiffany finally said, "Dran, let me introduce you to Polly. Don't forget her hug." She watched with an inward smile of amusement as both Polly and Dran flashed her duel looks of disbelief. Tiffany kept her face quite innocent. "What? We're all friends now. No hug?" 
     Polly snorted. "Tiff, don't push your luck." 
     Dran drawled, "Why not?" 
     He gathered Polly into his arms with lightning fast precision. Polly froze, caught completely off-guard. She felt Dran's mouth come down on hers with stunned shock. It was the kiss of a conqueror. She kept her lips firmly together and tried to remember her training. She'd wait for her moment of opportunity and then he'd pay. When she felt his hand massage her ass, she fought the rising heat. Okay, so he was a great kisser. And his hands were skillful. And she was aroused. Still, if she just kept her head, she'd be fine. He broke the kiss and gazed down at her with hard dark eyes. He said loudly, "Hello, Polly." Leaning down until he was close, he murmured for her ears only, "In the words of your culture – fair warning. Next time we kiss, I'll fuck you senseless." 
     Polly used every ounce of her training to appear completely unaffected. She murmured back in a low voice, "Fine. Fair warning. Only you'll be the one fucked senseless." She flashed him her best shark-like smile. "I'm particular, I'll have you know. In the meantime, back off before I decide to kill you instead." Raising her voice so the others could hear, she widened her smile until it looked overly innocent and said, "Nice to meet you, Drain." 
     Dran flashed her a look promising retribution. She merely kept her smile in place and walked carefully over to where Tiffany and Zak were staring at the two of them in amazement. Tiffany arched an eyebrow at her, but Polly shrugged and said calmly, "Now that we've all decided to be friends, let's talk about this mess." 
Chapter Six 
     
     It took a while but explanations were finally finished and everyone was left staring grimly at each other. Zak and Dran were both pacing the room restlessly, while Polly was sitting on the edge of the red chair. Tiffany had been surprised when Polly offered the chair to Dran, wondering if Polly knew what the chair would do. When the chair had trapped Dran, much to his chagrin, Polly had looked directly at Tiffany and winked. Tiffany was left fighting back a smile as Zak helped his brother. Zak shook his head at Polly with obvious amusement as he freed Dran. He had then pushed the button disarming the chair permanently until it was reset. 
     Polly perched in it now, although she looked like she was frustrated and ready to start pacing, too. They were fighting over a good plan to stay alive at the meeting and even how to get rid of the airtranspo. 
     Tiffany was sitting on the bed, feeling tired and not very optimistic at the moment. She had listened to the others arguing until she felt her head would explode. It was time to cut through all this alpha crap and do something. She said quietly, "That's it." 
     Zak and Dran continued speaking and pacing, arguing, as Polly interjected with pithy disagreements from the sideline. Polly jumped up from the chair and faced the two men. The three voices were rising in volume and frustration. 
     Tiffany stood up and put her fingers to her mouth. She let out a short, loud whistle. Everyone froze in surprise and looked at her. She rolled her eyes. She might be known for her somewhat absurd sense of humor and easygoing personality, but she was an accountant for goodness sake. Practical and methodical should have been stamped on her forehead at birth. They were getting nowhere. It was time to change things. She said calmly, "Now that I have your attention, you will listen as I make an important observation crucial to our survival. The problem with you alpha types is that each one of you thinks you know best and that you're the only one who can save the day." 
     She gave each of them a glare in turn. "The only way to get through this is teamwork. I don't care about heroes or being brave, I care about staying alive. Zak you want to get rid of the airtranspo before law enforcement finds it, but you're worried about leaving me here, so you want the others to stay. Here's what is going to happen. Polly you don't trust Dran or Zak to get rid of the transpo properly, so you do it. Dran, you don't trust Polly, so you're going with her to make sure she does it right. Then, Polly, you'll work on getting the Gorden mess straightened out with law enforcement for Zak without revealing exactly where we are to anyone. Dran, afterward, you get a room and get some sleep. Interplanetary jetlag has got to be a bitch." 
     She looked at Zak and frowned. "Zak and I are going to eat and then we're going to bed. Big day tomorrow with the whole meet-with-Rojda-possibly-get-killed plan. So, we need to rest and relax and not kill each other prior to the meeting. If this is my last night on Earth, I'm spending it doing something other than listening to you three argue. We'll iron out the rest of the details in the morning over breakfast when all of us are thinking more clearly." 
     The three of them started to object and Tiffany said loudly, "End…of…discussion. This is unproductive and annoying. I'm done. The birthday girl has spoken. Don't make me wish for quiet. What I'm saying makes sense and you know it." 
     They regarded her with a mix of frustration and amusement. Finally, Polly said, "Fine, Drain, let's go. Try to keep up." 
     Dran shot a look at Polly that would have another woman quaking in her shoes. He nodded in agreement and said, "Let's go." 
     The two of them left, shutting the door quietly. Tiffany turned to see Zak staring at her thoughtfully with his eyebrow raised. 
     She asked sharply, "What?" 
     He smiled and said, "Tiff, I'm wondering how the military missed you. You may be fluffy and fun, but under that exterior beats the heart of a general." 
     Tiffany laughed. She couldn't help it. "I only resort to a group coup when my sense of efficiency is invoked. I'm an accountant." 
     Zak grinned. "Oh, no, you can't fool me. That was alpha. I saw it. Of course, only you would invoke weird birthday wish karma as a threat." He shook his head and laughed. His shoulders shook and his eyes were warm. "I love you, Tiffany. I really do." 
     Tiffany grinned. "Well, in that case…I love you, too." 
     Zak took a step forward and said, "So, how hungry are you?" His eyes swept her body. 
     Tiffany looked at the man in front of her. His hair was still in its ponytail, although strands had escaped and he looked a little wild. His eyes were hungry and dark as they stared into hers. His big body was within a few steps of touching her. Her pulse rate climbed and she said huskily, "I'm starved. Screw dinner." 
     Zak's eyebrows shot up and she watched as he struggled to keep from smiling. She felt a sense of confusion until she realized what she had said. She laughed. "I mean, forget dinner." 
     Zak's face changed and he took two more steps toward her. He asked huskily, "How about a shower?" 
     Tiffany had an image from one of her dreams of Zak stroking into her from behind, his body wrapped around hers in the shower. She closed her eyes at the memory and then opened them. She smiled and flirted playfully, "Well, if you insist…but Zak, won't a shower get me all wet?" 
     He smiled the smile of a predator and closed the distance between them. He scooped her into his arms and strode to the bathroom. Pausing in the doorway, he looked down at her and said, "Baby, count on it." 
Chapter Seven 
     
     Polly wiped the last of the prints, shut the door of the airtranspo quietly, and slipped into the shadows. It was at a public mall and should be discovered soon as the mall closed down for the night. She had contacted her assistant and given him the details to get Zak out from legal trouble fairly quickly. As she walked toward the closest underground transport station, she thought about Zak's brother Dran. 
     He was gorgeous. There was no doubt of that fact. He was also arrogant, overconfident, and annoying. If only he weren't so sexy, she could dismiss him without a qualm. But it had been a long time since her last sexual encounter with a live human being. Hell, her batteries were low on her vibrator anyway. 
     One-night stands weren't typically her style, but if he would be gone to some distant planet soon, he might be worth an exception. It was just sex and sex was a healthy need. She walked a little faster. 
     Okay, let's face it. She was hot for the guy and he was available. Wasn't everyone allowed one night of insanity? Who would know or care? She wasn't committed to anyone. Her lifestyle and personality didn't exactly generate a lot of long term relationships. What was the harm in taking a night of pleasure just this once? He would be out of her life in days and everything would be back to normal with no one the wiser. 
     She saw the shape of a well-built man leaning in the shadows of the entrance to the underground transport. As he stepped into the light, she felt her system jolt. She said coolly, "I thought I lost you about two blocks from the motel." 
     He nodded and said equally coolly, "Yes, I know." 
     She took a step closer. "Why are you waiting for me? Don't you need to get a room?" 
     He smiled an infuriatingly confident smile that had her heart racing. She took another step closer and stopped. "What?" 
     He took her arm and began to walk. "If you don't want me to take you here, you need to show me how to get to your place." 
     She rolled her eyes, but walked beside him. "That confidence is annoying. If I weren't feeling horny and in the mood tonight, I'd tell you to go to hell." 
     They reached the payment machine and she slapped her palm against it a little forcefully. The machine's mechanical voice said smoothly, "Hello, Ms. Hill. How many traveling?" 
     Polly answered, "Two." 
     Dran reached out and placed his palm across the machine. The machine spoke, "Thank you. Destination?" 
     She said, "Grove Street Station." 
     The machine buzzed and then a door opened in the wall in front of them. The machine said, "Your account has been adjusted. Vehicle 28 in Section 3 is departing within 5 minutes. Thank you for traveling Subveh Systems. Please remember to lock securely after strapping in and be considerate of other passengers by turning off all audible devices. Enjoy your trip." 
     Polly and Dran stepped through the door and walked toward their section, dodging other passengers streaming out from an arriving vehicle. Dran's hold on her arm never slipped and he moved beside her with easy grace. When they were strapped into their seats, Polly turned her head to look at him. The vehicle would be leaving any minute. She said, "I can't believe I'm going to do this. I'm having a moment of pure insanity. You have an arm-pc implant with syscheck, right? Sheesh, I'm nuts. I'm not sure I even like you." 
     Dran's eyes grew heavy lidded as he stared at her silently for a moment. As the vehicle began to move, he said, "I have the implant and syscheck because I knew Zak was here and wanted to be ready if he needed me. I don't leave things to chance. And liking me or not liking me doesn't matter tonight…because you're going to love what I do to you." 
     The vehicle picked up speed with a jerk. Polly wasn't sure if it was the lousy public transportation or Dran's words but she felt as if her heart was in her throat and her stomach had been left a mile back. When he smiled at her slowly and her nipples hardened in a rush, she sighed. It was Dran. Dammit. And he was right. Either way, her body was already sure it liked him plenty. She checked her straps again to make sure they were secure and give herself a distraction. She muttered, "I've made the leap from horny to crazy. I knew it. It was only a matter of time." 
     He answered softly, "Polly?" 
     She raised her eyebrow. "Yes?" 
     He stared at her mouth for a long moment as the lights dimmed and then came back on. The vehicle was moving at top speed. "The name you'll be screaming tonight is Dran, not Drain. After tonight, you'll never forget it." 
     She swallowed. "Big talk." 
     He nodded. "Yes, but I don't lie." 
     Polly gave him a sad look for a moment thinking of all of the times she had been lied to and all the lies she had told in her career. In spite of the heat coursing through her body, she gave a soul-weary, skeptical sigh. "Right. Let's start off with some degree of honesty at least. We want each other and we're strangers. It's for one night. You'll be leaving soon and we'll never see each other again. No need for evasion or dishonesty. That's actually the beauty of it. Purely pleasure, no obligation. No responsibility. We're having sex, plain and simple. To put it bluntly, a fuck's a fuck. Beyond that…well, sorry, but trust me, everybody lies." 
     He said firmly, "I'm not everybody." 
     As the vehicle pulled into the station announcing the first stop, she felt the ground shift beneath her feet. Telling herself inwardly that it was only the slowing of the vehicle, she turned without saying another word and faced straight ahead. 
Chapter Eight 
     
     Tiffany felt the warm spray of the water as it washed over her body and let out a sigh of pleasure. She could hear Zak moving around in the bathroom, but he had given her a moment of privacy by putting her down inside the doorway. As she listened to his movements, she felt her excitement build. He was about to join her. She raised a soapy hand and began to rub along her arm, imagining what would happen when he stepped inside the small stall with her. She paused as she heard a muttered curse and then nothing. 
     Then, the door of the shower opened and Zak appeared in the doorway. She turned and smiled at him, feeling a little awkward. They had made love but that had been a heat of the moment thing. This was, well, this was different. She was naked and he was…She caught her breath. He was naked and already erect. The muscles in his body moved as he stepped forward and put his arms around her. She felt the hard length of his cock pressing against her stomach. She lifted her head and leaned into him, grateful for the embrace. She smiled and said, "Well, hello. Nice to have you join me." 
     He smiled down at her tenderly, although he gave her a playful nudge against her stomach and said, "Well, I'm happy to join you, too." 
     He pushed her a small ways away and gave her a mock frown. "I believe you missed a spot." 
     Tiffany grinned. "Oh yeah? Which spot?" 
     Zak hit the button on the wall and soap sprayed into his hand. He rubbed his hands together slowly, working up a lather. He said huskily, "Let me show you." 
     Tiffany watched his hands and nearly groaned at how sensuous they looked. He was killing her. She was getting turned on by a guy's hands for goodness sake. But, then again, this was not just any guy's hands. This was Zak. And he was about to rub her body the way he was rubbing his hands together—with those same slow strokes. She swallowed. 
     Zak said huskily, "Turn around and face the wall." 
     Tiffany turned around and heard him chuckle. She felt confused for a moment and then remembered the dream. Oh yeah. She realized that he meant the wall next to them and felt foolish. She stepped and turned until she was sideways, with water streaming over her but not as strongly now. 
     Zak stepped behind her and said huskily, "Put your hands on the wall, sweetheart." 
     Her heart started racing and she licked her lips. Placing her hands on the wall in front of her, she felt the coolness of the tile. The next thing she felt was the heat of Zak's body as he stepped closer. He touched her back and she arched a little, grateful to feel his hands on her at last. As she felt him stroking slowly over her back, it was all she could do to hold back a moan. It felt wonderful. He was exerting just enough pressure to relax her and yet turn her on. He kept up the gentle rhythm, making her sigh. 
     Tiffany was silent as Zak worked his hands down to her waist and then to her butt. As he massaged her, the slick slide of his soapy hands made Tiffany bite her lip. She said softly, "That feels so good. Don't stop." 
     She felt the teasing glide of one long finger between her cheeks and stilled. Zak said smoothly, "You feel incredible under my hands, Tiff. All of you." 
     His hands moved to her thighs and she could feel him bending down behind her. She started to turn, but his voice stopped her. 
     He said firmly, "Stay where you are." 
     She cleared her throat and murmured, "Okay." 
     He continued his massage down her legs. Tiffany felt like squirming. She'd never felt so relaxed and so excited at the same time. Her heart was hammering in her chest. She felt hot and she knew she was dripping wet in a way that had absolutely nothing to do with the shower. As she felt him stand up behind her and place his hands on her shoulders, she moaned. 
     He said softly, "I love to hear that sound. I love to feel you shiver under my hands." 
     Tiffany felt his hands slide down her back and then around to her breasts. She held her breath as she waited for him to touch her aching nipples. As she felt him cup her breasts in his palms and rub, she moaned louder. 
     He responded by thumbing her nipples and bringing his lower body into contact with her. She felt the hard length of his cock pressing along her lower back and butt and shivered hard. Her knees were beginning to feel shaky. She leaned backward into him a bit, but arched forward at the same time into his hands. 
     He murmured, "That's right. Step back and spread your legs for me, Tiffany. Arch your back, baby." 
     Tiffany could barely understand him. She was focused on the feel of his hands toying with her nipples. She stepped back and spread her legs until her stance was wider. She felt him move one hand to her lower back and complied by arching forward even more under that gentle pressure. When his hand moved from her back around to her aching sex, she sucked in a breath and waited impatiently. 
     He stroked between her legs slowly, his fingers gently circling her opening and then slid upward to circle her clit. She gasped and moaned louder. She said, "More. Give me more." 
     He gave what sounded suspiciously like a moan, too and complied. He teased and tormented her clit until Tiffany could barely catch her breath. She whimpered. Suddenly, she felt him move his hand and she was caught by surprise as water poured over her. He was using his hand to direct the spray. 
     He took his hand from her breast and said roughly, "Step under the water for a minute." 
     She complied eagerly, anxious to have him inside her. Once she had stepped under the water and rinsed completely, she turned to him anxiously. She reached up and kissed him hard, catching his mouth with hers and thrusting her tongue inside eagerly. He met her with his tongue and they fought for control of the kiss. Tiffany felt him pushing her backward until the cool tile was pressing into her back. She shivered at the sensation. 
     Zak broke the kiss finally and placed both hands on her shoulders. Tiffany felt the gentle strength in his hands as he turned her firmly around. His arms slid down her arms until he reached her wrists. Wrapping his hands around both wrists, he brought them up and over her head. She felt him slide his hands until they were over hers, and place her palms flat against the tile. 
     He said harshly, "Step back and take me." 
     She stepped backward, spreading her legs and arching her back, anxious to feel his cock slide into her waiting heat. As she felt that first probing touch, she moaned loudly and pressed backward as far as her body and her hands on the tile would allow. 
     Zak's cock probed her wetness, sliding inward slowly as if he was trying to be gentle. As she felt the length of him fill her deeply, she moved forward a little and then pushed back. She heard Zak suck in a breath and moan softly. He pulled out of her and then pressed inward again with more speed. As she felt him slide along the sensitive walls of her sex, she arched to meet him. The water from the shower streamed over them gently and Tiffany felt the heat rising. He was thrusting into her harder and harder, going deeper inside her. Her mind stopped thinking and she was just focused on the sensation, the feel of him behind her. His hands were pressing hers against the tile, making movement impossible. It was wild and almost primal as he thrust within her depths over and over. She moaned louder. 
     Zak suddenly removed his hands from over hers and swept them along her back. Tiffany shuddered but left both palms where they were. One hand crept forward and he began to tease her clit mercilessly. He kept up the relentless rhythm of his strokes as she fought to keep her legs from giving way. Then, his other hand traced her spine downward, making her muffle another moan. He shoved into her hard and then pulled back. His hand swept along the cheeks of her ass and his thumb traced the crease. He circled her rear bud slowly and Tiffany stiffened with a combination of fear and shock and excitement. He thrust into her harder, stroking her clit. 
     His finger played along the crease of her ass, and she went over the edge with a sudden surge of wild pleasure. Her climax hit her with the force of a violent storm, the waves of pleasure crashing through her without mercy. She screamed helplessly, focused only on the clenching of her body and the pleasure filling her. 
     She heard him moan loudly, but continue stroking. Suddenly, he slammed into her hard and paused. His entire body shook and he groaned. She felt his cock pulsing inside her sex as his hot seed flooded her. 
     It was a long moment before Tiffany could breathe well enough to speak. Finally, she said, "When I can walk again, I want to strap you in that chair. And I want to be the one on top of you." 
     He was resting against her back and pulled upward a little, although he was still inside her. He chuckled and said, "Wellll…it is still your birthday. I don't want to ruin your birthday party." 
     Tiffany turned around slowly and then beamed at him. She said, "Yes, well…" 
     Birthday party. Wishes. She had a sudden thought. She really shouldn't do it. It was too risky. Then again, if things turned out well in the long run like they had with Zak…She remembered that hot kiss Dran and Polly had exchanged. With an inward smile, she silently made another wish. What the hell. 
     Zak studied her expression curiously. "What was that look all about?" 
     Tiffany grinned. "Oh, just wondering how Polly and Dran are doing." 
     Zak's voice reflected his sudden amusement. "You made a wish involving the two of them. Didn't you?" 
     The problem with falling in love with your best friend is that he knows you all too well. Tiffany gave him her most innocent look. "Now would I do something like that?" As she heard Zak burst into laughter, Tiffany grinned. You bet. 
Chapter Nine 
     
     Polly took a deep calming breath as her door came in view. She started to press her hand on the id-lock, when Dran spoke behind her. 
     He said firmly, "No. One moment." 
     Polly turned to look at him in surprise. The hallway was deserted and quiet. The two of them were alone. It was safe. There was no threat that she could discern. With some degree of bafflement, she asked, "Why?" 
     Dran pushed up his sleeve and hit a combination of buttons on his arm-pc. In the silence of the hallway the low mechanical voice of the computer said, "Instituting syscheck…" 
     Polly felt the heat flood her checks. Of course. She should have thought to get this out of the way right up front. It was the practical thing to do. No need for embarrassment or feeling foolish. As she listened to the computer continued running the diagnostic and announce that it was okay to proceed, she pushed up her own sleeve and punched in the activation code. The voice of her computer performing the syscheck and declaring her okay sounded loud to her own ears. The silence continued as she stared at him, her heart pounding. 
     Finally, his mouth curved in a smile. He said gently, "Polly, open the door." 
     Polly nodded jerkily and turned around, feeling clumsy. Right. The door. She pressed her palm to the id-lock and heard the slide as her door opened. She swallowed and walked boldly into the apartment, hearing his footsteps behind her. The door closed with a barely audible click. 
     She turned and met his eyes squarely. Determined to cover her sudden awkwardness, she asked, "Would you like a drink?" 
     He shook his head and said, "No." His hands went to his shirt and he drew it over his head with casual normality. 
     Polly saw the width of his shoulders in the dim light of the room. She had left lights at sixty percent. His skin was smooth and dark. His muscular chest was clearly defined and seemed to gleam in the soft light. His nipples were flat round disks surrounded by a light covering of dark curly hair. 
     Polly sucked in a breath and tried to still her pounding heart. He looked like gorgeous, mouth-watering, sexual temptation incarnate. 
     She cleared her throat, trying to think of something, anything to say. Her voice emerged husky and low. "Would you like something to eat?" She watched as his eyes darkened. 
     He said slowly and distinctly, "Polly take off your clothes if you don't want them ripped." He bent down and removed his shoes and socks. His hands moved to his pants and he lifted an eyebrow at her. "Now." 
     Polly felt a dark thrill at his words. He sounded predatory and aggressively male. In spite of the danger of the situation, she felt strongly that he wouldn't hurt her. He might fuck her brains out, but he wasn't going to hurt her. She reached down with shaky hands and hurriedly took off her clothes. She felt clumsy and awkward in her haste, but she couldn't help it. She wanted him so much, far more than she had anticipated. When she was completely nude, she took one step forward and stopped to face him. 
     He was completely nude as well. Her eyes dropped to the large hard cock thrusting forward from his body and she felt an undeniable sense of need so sharp it stole her breath away. She let her eyes wander from his lean hips to that hard cock past the masculine thighs and legs to his feet and back up again. Her eyes finally landed on his face and she knew in an instant that tonight was going to be out of control. He was staring at her as if he planned to eat her alive and had every right to do so. 
     He said huskily, "You're beautiful. And for tonight, you're mine. There are no rules, just pleasure. As much pleasure as you can take. And then, I'm going to push you harder and you're going to take more. Come here." 
     Polly took a step forward and then stopped. His words rang in her ears like a battle cry. She shook her head. "No. You come to me. And we'll see who pushes harder." 
     Dran smiled slowly at her words. He walked forward until he placed his hands on her shoulders. When she jerked a little under his touch, he smiled wider. "This time will be fast and hard. There's a long night ahead of us and plenty of time for you to push all that you want. You're welcome to try." He reached out abruptly and palmed her sex. Stroking her gently, he teased, "I guess I'll show you how to come, too." 
     Polly was shocked at the sensation of his hand boldly moving between her legs. She was already wet, and his fingers slid slickly along her flesh. As he teasingly probed and circled, she lost her breath on a moan. 
     Dran leaned down and took one nipple hungrily into his mouth. Polly bit her lip at the sudden wet heat pulling at her breast, causing her to feel pleasure too sharp for words. She felt him circle her hard nipple with his tongue and boldly push one long finger inside her sex. She was so slick and ready for him that he slid inward easily. 
     Within seconds, she felt a second finger join the first. Her legs began shake and she felt the heat rising inside her with a ferocity that was unbelievable. She brought her hands up to his head and tangled them in his dark hair, pulling him closer to her. Finally whimpering, she muttered, "More, dammit. More." 
     Dran stood and picked her up into his arms. Polly gave a muffled exclamation of surprise at the suddenness of the move and then grabbed for his shoulders desperately as he strode toward her kitchen. She had a bar separating the living room and kitchen. She felt a wild surge of hunger as she felt him place her gently on the counter facing him. He spread her knees and stepped between them in one smooth motion. 
     Polly said, "This is…" 
     It was all she had time to get out before he placed both hands on her hips and pulled her toward him. As she felt her sex come into contact with the hard thrust of his cock for the first time, she said, "Wow." 
     He was poised at the entrance to her sex. Polly held her breath as she waited for that first intimate plunge. Instead, she felt him move one hand up until it was under her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. 
     He asked roughly, "What's my name?" 
     His name? Polly fought through the haze of desire to recall why that information was important at the moment. She remembered his earlier statement and said huskily, "Dran." 
     He brought his hand between them, guiding his cock until the head was just inside the tight entrance of her sex. Feeling the blunt tip of him sliding into her, she fought to relax and enjoy the sensation. He was huge, but she was going to take him. She was going to take him and enjoy him and utterly savor this night of madness. 
     She whimpered as he pulled back just a bit. She said, "Give it to me now." She arched forward, trying to force him deeper inside. She didn't want slow and considerate. She wanted hot and hard and fast and mindless. As he slid further inside her, she wrapped her legs around his waist and muttered, "I want it all. Now." 
     Her words seemed to set off something inside him. He cursed and thrust forward hard, filling her roughly with one long powerful stroke. He arched his spine and pushed until the tip of his cock could go no further. Then he paused and gasped, "Did I hurt you?" 
     Polly shook her head. His cock stretched her inner walls tightly. She was filled, teetering on the fine edge between just enough and too much. She moaned and murmured, "It's good. So good." 
     He muttered, "Yes. It will be better." He withdrew and thrust forward again with more force. He moaned and his hands tightened on her hips, threatening to bruise. He began to stroke her with the rapid, violent strokes of a man pushed past the limit of civility. He claimed her savagely and ruthlessly, an animal claiming his mate. 
     Polly met his thrusts, tightening her legs and then arching upward to take more of him. She threw her head back and moaned loudly, drunk on the feel of him inside her and the intensity of the passion between them. She no longer felt like herself. She had lapsed into some primitive being, greedy and desperate only for more pleasure, more feeling. 
     He snarled, "Say my name." 
     She whimpered, "Dran." As he rewarded her with another forceful stroke, she heard the slap of their bodies. His hands on her hips pressed a little harder, just short of pain and she smelled the tangy scent of arousal, sweat, and sex. She drew in a harsh breath and said in a voice that didn't even sound like her, "Dran!." 
     He stroked in and out fiercely, not letting her catch her breath, keeping her pinned to the edge of release. She moaned and fought the impulse to scream. 
     He said roughly, "Again." 
     She felt the rasp of his cock as he withdrew and then plunged deep within the slick clenching walls of her sex. She was hot, aroused beyond caring. Nothing mattered but this feeling. Nothing. She screamed, "Dran!" and tightened her sex around him. With the force of a punch, she was hurtled over the edge of the cliff into oblivion. As pleasure pulsed through her, she dimly heard his low throaty moan as he joined her in release and barely realized that the scream echoing in her ears was her own voice. 
     Dran collapsed against her, his head buried in her shoulder, breathing raggedly. Polly struggled to breathe. She felt boneless, as if she were floating. When he lifted his head, she eyed him lazily, too content at the moment to move. 
     She saw the sleepy male satisfaction on his face and nearly smiled, charmed against her will. When he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips with surprising tenderness, she felt the first stirrings of unease. 
     He leaned away, staring into her eyes for a long moment, and then said with peculiar solemnity, "Hello." 
     Polly stared into his face and wondered why that one word sounded so much like a promise and a threat. 
Chapter Ten 
     
     The next day the four of them met at the motel. It was a somewhat grim day filled with planning, arguing, and trying to figure out how to survive while catching a killer. The only moment of levity came when Polly spoke for the first time in a strangely hoarse voice. Tiffany raised an eyebrow and asked, "Polly, your voice sounds strained. Are you okay?" 
     Polly flushed, looking away from Dran and said, "I'm fine. A twenty-four hour thing. I'm sure it's only temporary." 
     Dran's voice rang with challenge as he said, "Best take care. Temporary can become permanent." 
     Polly flashed him a look. "Not in this case." 
     Dran watched her with hooded eyes and merely shrugged. He turned to Zak and began to question him about the meeting. 
     Tiffany eyed Polly skeptically and asked, "You going to tell me what that was all about?" 
     Polly said firmly, "Not a chance." 
     Tiffany grinned. "That's what I thought. Oh well. I guess I'll let you keep your night of wild sex with Dran a secret for now." 
     Polly's expression was pure exasperation. Her face flushed even more. "Can we stay on topic here or do you want an orgasm count?" 
     Tiffany laughed and placed her hand over Polly's. "Okay, I'll stop teasing you. I'm just…glad for you, Polly. You look…happy." 
     Polly smiled a little. "Well, thanks." 
     Then the four of them returned to the grim task at hand. They went over the options carefully, trying to plan every scenario. What if Merlez was waiting in ambush? What was the best way to draw him out later if he didn't show up? When Zak mentioned the location of the meeting, Tiffany rolled her eyes, too appalled to speak. 
     Zak looked at her in question. "What?" 
     Tiffany said sarcastically. "I just can't believe it. A warehouse? At night? You've read the books and seen the movies, right? This is such a bad idea. It's a cliché, I'm telling you. Merlez will be in there waiting to blow your head off. Or else he'll catch me outside. My life had turned into a series of bad plots. I'm so not liking this whole idea." 
     Zak smiled. "Clichés are clichés, Tiff, because there's usually some truth to them. The warehouse was chosen as the meeting location long ago because it's remote. Meeting at a public place endangers other innocent people. It's completely logical." 
     Tiffany nodded her head. "Right. Okay, fine. But when Merlez jumps out from behind a box, I'm going to be very ticked off. I mean, extremely aggravated." 
     Zak laughed. "Yeah. I know." 
     Tiffany frowned, "And the girl usually gets shot trying to save the hero. Or else the hero gets shot and nearly dies tragically in her arms while declaring his love. Nope, I'm not liking this idea at all." 
     Zak grinned. "I've already declared my love." His expression sobered abruptly. "All kidding aside, Tiff, you're not going to get shot. I wish you would stay here at the motel. I really think it's safer than at the meeting. If only I could be sure…" He was frowning, lines of worry creasing his forehead. 
     Tiffany saw the concern on his face and felt her heart melt a little. "Zak, I'm joking but I'm serious, too. I'm worried about you, too. We'll face this thing together. We'll be fine." 
     Zak nodded his head, although his eyes still looked grim. "Yes, we will. And when it's over, there are some things we need to discuss." 
     Tiffany smiled. "Like where we're going to live?" 
     Zak's face softened and the look of tenderness he sent her melted her further. He said, "Yes, and how soon I can convince you to marry me." 
     Tiffany felt her heart jolt in her chest. "I thought we were already married?" 
     He placed his hand over hers and said, "We are married according to my world, but I want a commitment from you in the eyes of your world, too. I know I didn't really give you much choice about it before." He flashed her a look of love, with just a touch of uncertainty. "Will you marry me?" 
     Tiffany took a deep breath, filled with such joy that she wondered if her body could contain it. She looked at the man she loved so much and said simply, "Yes." 
     He kissed her softly, his mouth moving against hers tenderly. When they drew apart, Tiffany sighed. She murmured with absolute determination, "I won't lose you." 
     Zak brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it gently. He looked into her face and said solemnly, "No, you won't." 
     Tiffany felt a chill as she thought of the upcoming meeting. She hoped they were right. 
Chapter Eleven 
     
     Zak, Tiffany, Polly, and Dran paused outside the warehouse speaking in low voices, wearing identical grim expressions. The building looked deserted and eerie in the moonlight. Dran had rented a vehicle and they had parked some distance away so that they could approach the building quietly. Zak hadn't lied when he called the location remote. The rundown building was situated beside the river in farming territory. There were no other buildings even close. It had been out of use for years, although Tiffany wondered if the government had used it in the past for covert meetings. Staring at the warehouse, she put her hand on Zak's arm and said, "I don't like this. I have a bad feeling. I think Merlez is in there waiting. And where the hell is Rojda and the rescue crew? This doesn't look right." 
     Zak's voice was reassuring. "Rojda and his men are probably inside. Tiff, everything's going to be fine." 
     Suddenly the distinctive sounds of lasguns being used came from the warehouse. They could see blazes of light through the windows and hear voices screaming. The four of them ran forward, ducked down, and crouched behind a large bush. Tiffany could hear noises like things were falling within the warehouse. There was the sound of footsteps echoing in the night. And then silence. Total silence. 
     Tiffany looked at the others. Polly, Zak, and Dran had their lasguns out and ready. She had refused to take one, saying she'd probably shoot herself by accident. She hated guns. There was no point in carrying one if she didn't know how to use it. Besides, she wasn't completely helpless. 
     A masculine voice called out from the warehouse. "Zak, are you out there?" 
     Zak muttered, "It's Rojda." He called back, "Yes!" 
     Rojda yelled, "Stay where you are until we make sure we have him. We've got a man down but he was hit in the face. I need to make sure it's him. There was also more than one person who came in. Give us time." 
     Tiffany felt the hard cold press of metal against her skull. She swallowed. She said quietly, "Zak…" 
     Zak, Polly, and Dran were peering around the bush at the warehouse, lasguns gleaming in the moonlight. Tiffany said loudly, "Merlez has a lasgun against my head." 
     The three of them spun around and she saw the look of disgust and anger cross their faces. They had been so preoccupied with the action in front of them that they had not expected an approach from behind. It was a stupid mistake. 
     Merlez said calmly, "Very good, my dear. Everyone stay calm. Drop your weapons." 
     Tiffany saw the hesitation. She swallowed and said, "Drop them, guys. He's a killer, remember? And it's gonna be hard to miss when he has the lasgun to the back of my head." 
     The three of them dropped their guns. As each one hit the ground with a soft thud, Tiffany tried to focus and keep calm. This was it. 
     Merlez's voice continued coldly from behind her. "At last. Zak, before I kill your whore, I wish I could make you pay for the last six years." 
     Zak eyed Merlez grimly and asked, "What do you mean?" 
     Merlez said bitterly, almost conversationally, "It was my last hit. I was retiring. Instead, I've spent six years hiding, moving from planet to planet. They have pursued me relentlessly. I am not pleased. It's a shame I can't torture you before killing you. It would give me a great deal of satisfaction. Normally, I don't waste my time, but for you, I would make an exception." 
     Tiffany felt a chill all the way to her soul. There were times in life when evil crossed your path. There was no question, no other word for it, there was only the deep internal knowledge that you were in the presence of something dark and evil. This was one of those times. She knew intuitively that Merlez was more monster than man. 
     Tiffany braced herself and bluffed for time, "Thank goodness some clichés really are true. Merlez, we have you surrounded. You shoot me and you'll be dead, too." 
     She heard the quiet chuckle from behind her. "Oh, really? I don't believe you, my dear. I think Rojda and his men are quite busy with my hired help in the warehouse." 
     Then there was the sound of Merlez sucking in his breath and the distinctive hum of a lasgun on ready. Tiffany remained absolutely still. There was silence for a moment and then another masculine voice said, "I think she's telling the truth. Drop the lasgun, Merlez. My name is Rojda Perilnere and you are hereby declared a ward of justice." 
     Merlez cursed. "I'll kill her. At least I'll have the satisfaction of hurting him." 
     Rojda's voice was cold and calm. "If you do, I'll kill you. Not exactly a good deal for you, is it? Drop the weapon now." 
     The tension was unbearable. Tiffany looked at Zak in the moonlight. His eyes were glittering at her and his hands were clinched in fists. She could see that he was ready to spring at any moment. If she waited, he'd play the hero. She knew it. She said, "Zak, I love you." 
     Zak surmised her intention just a second too late. For Tiffany time seemed to slow and yet crash in on her at lightning speed. Her heart was hammering and her vision seemed to have narrowed. She knew she'd never get a better chance with Merlez distracted by Rojda. 
     Tiffany screamed her head off, startling Merlez. At the same time, she fell into a crouch, bringing her arm up and wind-milling it outward, sweeping the lasgun from Merlez's hand with a clean, practiced motion. Then, with all her might, she used her other fist to drive upward between his legs. She heard his agonized wail, just as Rojda's lasgun went off, missing Merlez and almost hitting Zak. Merlez went to his knees and Tiffany brought her elbow upward, smashing it into his jaw. He fell to the ground, out cold. 
     There was a moment of confusion and yelling and hands pulling at her. Tiffany was swept into Zak's arms. She could feel his heart racing beneath her ear and his shaking body. He was holding her too hard and saying, "I can't believe you did that. I can't believe you did that." He pushed her away from him and shook her. He yelled at her, "Don't you ever do that again!" 
     Tiffany felt her own body shake now as what had happened began to penetrate. She nodded jerkily. "Okay. Zak, it's okay." 
     Eventually, things settled down and were sorted out. According to Rojda, Gorden had betrayed Zak. They were still investigating, but Kerlan and Earth authorities had verified that much information while investigating Gorden's death. Rojda made arrangements with Zak to testify before the council in a few weeks, but said he would notifiy Zak of the exact details later. 
     When everyone had calmed down and Merlez was on his way to Kerla with Rojda, Tiffany found Dran, Polly, and Zak staring at her. Assuming they were still upset over Gorden's betrayal of Zak, she said grimly, "I know, I can't believe Gorden was corrupt either. Zak, I'm sorry your friend betrayed you." 
     Zak shook his head at her. He said flatly, "He paid for it." 
     She nodded sadly. The three of them continued to stare at her. Finally, she demanded, "What?!" 
     Zak said, "Tiffany, where the hell did you learn to do what you did to Merlez?" 
     Tiffany said, "Well, I took that defense class a year ago. Don't you remember?" 
     Zak closed his eyes. When he opened them, he said, "I thought it was some kind of self-protection class. I had no idea they would teach you that kind of thing." 
     Tiffany grinned. "Well, they did and they didn't. Did I ever mention I was the junior kickboxing champion of my college class?" 
     The three of them eyed her in surprise. She laughed. "Hey, you three think you're the only ones who can have secrets?" She beamed at them proudly. "And I'd like to point out for the record that the ditzy brunette beta accountant without the weapon saved the day. How's that for surprises?" 
     The three of them began to laugh. Tiffany grinned. Zak was right. Sometimes life was a cliché and clichés were often based on truth. But, in her experience, just when you thought you had it all figured out, life threw you something unexpected. Like a wish. Or a secret agent friend. Or a brother-in-law. Or a contract killer. Or love. You just had to go with it and hope for a happy ending. And be prepared to defend yourself against the bad stuff. 
     Zak shook his head at her and said, "Remind me never to get you mad at me. And don't ever do that again or I'll…" 
     Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "Yes?" 
     He wrapped her in a hug. "I'll never let you out of my sight." 
     Tiffany laughed. "Some incentive to stay out of danger. Oh well, don't worry. My birthday is over. The bad guy is caught. Everything should be back to normal soon. My brief career as a damsel in distress is officially over." 
     Zak hugged her hard. He murmured, "I love you, Tiff. Let's go live happily ever after now. What do you say?" 
     Tiffany relaxed into his embrace. "I say yes." 
Chapter Twelve 
     
     Tiffany looked at the image of herself in the mirror with amazement. She looked almost…beautiful. Her skin was glowing against the stark white of her wedding gown. Her face was lightly flushed and her eyes glittered with excitement. She looked exactly the way a bride should look—radiant, expectant, in love. She saw Polly step up behind her in the mirror and smiled. 
     Polly sighed. "Tiffany, you look so beautiful. Absolutely perfect. Zak's going to be struck mute when he sees you." 
     Tiffany smiled inwardly at the thought. Oh she hoped so. She said aloud, "Thanks. I feel so happy today. I can't believe how right this feels. I can't believe how perfect this moment feels." 
     Polly smiled, although a shadow crossed her face. "You deserve to be happy, Tiff. Zak and you love each other and you'll be happy together." 
     Ralph, her hairdresser, chimed in, "And girl, your hair is perfect, too." 
     Tiffany turned and surveyed him, unable to stop the grin from tugging at her mouth. "Yes, my hair does look perfect. Ralph, as usual, your artistry knows no equal. You are the king of hair." 
     He beamed at her and drawled, "Thank you, thankyouverramuch." 
     Tiffany was shocked as a sudden thought occurred to her. No way. She'd known the slightly overweight and balding man in front her with the dark hair and incredible blue eyes for years. Elvis was dead. Everyone knew Elvis was dead. Why, for her hairdresser to be Elvis he'd have to be at least…she mentally calculated…well, much, much too old to be alive. She frowned and flashed him a narrow look. Unless Elvis had actually been Preintellian. They could live for thousands of years. Nawwww. She shook the thought off with a grin and caught Polly staring into space, again. That had been happening a lot lately. 
     Tiffany stood up and walked over to her friend. Polly blinked and looked at her in question. Tiffany said, "Polly, everyone deserves to be loved. You never know what or when life will throw love in your direction." 
     Polly said, "Thanks, Tiff, but my life is exactly the way I want it. I know where I'm headed. I know the score." 
     Tiffany smiled broadly. "Yeah. But no matter how orderly and predictable your life seems, things can change in an instant. You never know what might happen. You may wake up some morning and find order turned to chaos. Polly, trust me, love may be only a wish away." 
     Polly went pale. She narrowed her eyes. "Tiffany, on your birthday, you didn't make a wish involving me, did you?" 
     Tiffany tried to hold her innocent expression. "Would I do that?" She hugged Polly and Ralph quickly and then said hurriedly, "Better run, happy ever after is waiting!" 
     As she stepped through the door, she heard the distinctive sound of Polly saying vehemently in a tone of panicked denial, "Nooooo! Tiffany!" 
     Tiffany smiled to herself as she heard her name called in a wail. Yep, sometimes, your friends knew you only too well.