C j barry unearthed 01, p.28
C. J. Barry - Unearthed 01, page 28
“Prove it,” she said so softly, and it almost sounded like a thought. There it was. The challenge. It was now or never. She had to know.
It was amazing how those two little words had the power to stop time. There was a long pause as Cohl stared back, obviously stunned. Then he stepped away from her and stood in the center of her bedroom, his hands on his hips. He looked grim and she nearly lost her mind. Hope fizzled. He had not changed enough.
In the glow of the streetlight, he began to move, motions that looked familiar to her but completely alien on him. She frowned for a moment, trying to figure out what he was doing. Then her breath caught. Her eyes widened in disbelief as he strutted before her.
Tess covered her mouth. Oh my God. He was doing the chicken dance. For her.
Pure joy swept through her. For the first time in months, she could breathe deep and feel it.
He did love her.
He had changed.
She launched herself at him, driving them both into a heap on her bed. Cohl grunted as she landed on top of him. The springs of her old wrought-iron bed creaked woefully.
Holding his face in her hands, she covered him with quick kisses while a deep laugh rumbled through his chest.
“Satisfied?” he asked as he captured her hands and kissed the palms.
She looked down into his eyes. “I love you.”
He smiled. “I love you, too. But if you ever tell anyone that I did that stupid dance, I’ll deny it until the day I die.”
Tess laughed aloud for the first time in months. In a flash, she was on her back with Cohl’s big body pressing her into the mattress. His hands roamed over her and his breath deepened. Tess sighed at the sensual pull as her body responded to her lover’s call. He kissed her deeply, slowly, as if they had all the time in the world. Then he pulled back and took her face in his warm palms. “Don’t suppose you’ve ever given any thought to ruling a planet.”
“What?” With a burst of energy, she gripped his arms as he grinned at her.
“I’ve decided to rule Yre Gault. My parents are ready to step down,” he explained and brushed her tangled hair from her face.
A proud smile slid across her face. “You’re going to rule Yre Gault. I knew you would. You could never allow anyone else to take your place.”
He laughed at that. “I suppose you are right.” Then he turned serious, tracing her lips with his thumb. “It’ll be your life too, if you come with me. A lifetime job. And it’s not all celebrations. Long hours, little freedom, and the only time people come to you is when they have a problem.”
Tess gave him a lopsided smile. “Sounds like the story of my life.”
Cohl narrowed his eyes. “I’m telling you the ugly truth, Tess. I want you to understand what you are getting yourself into. Once you commit, there is no turning back and no escape. Are you willing to take on that kind of responsibility?”
She realized he was telling her the truth, the whole truth. She slipped her fingers through his silky hair. “We’ll do it together.”
He gave an audible sigh. “I’ll take that as a yes. What about your career?”
She looked him in the eye. “I don’t care if I’m rich or famous. I just want the opportunity to sing. It doesn’t matter where.”
He nodded as if understanding completely. “I’ll try to get you back to Earth to see your family.”
“Christmas every year,” she suggested. “That would be enough.”
“Deal.” He paused. “And I want children, Tess. More than one. But only if I can spend time with them.”
She warned him, “Then you’ll have to learn to delegate.”
He reached out and touched the buttons of her blouse. “True. I should start practicing now. Take your clothes off.”
Tess looked up and laughed. “Miss me?”
He grinned wide and wicked. “You have no idea. I’ve been one miserable bastard. Everyone within a thousand meters of me is going to be thrilled when you come back to Yre Gault for good.”
She frowned slightly. “And adventuring?”
He nuzzled her neck and worked his way down. “Maybe an easy one once in a while. You don’t want me getting bored.”
“What happens when you get bored?” Then she gasped as he deftly worked the buttons of her blouse. She could already feel him hard and ready against her thigh. He exposed her breasts to his scrutiny and she saw his eyes darken at the sight of her black lace bra. He dipped his head to suckle one taut nipple through the sheer fabric.
Through the heat, he murmured, “You wind up in bed for a very, very long time. I’ve been extremely bored for the past few months. I hope your bed can take it.”
His gaze raised slowly to hers, filled with more than just humor, more than just desire. They held all the truth she could ever ask for. Those golden eyes were hers foreverevery morning, every night, every day for the rest of her life.
She could hardly wait for the adventure to begin.
* * *
Epilogue
From the raised platform in the central plaza, Tess watched another laser firework burst over the Great Kings of Yre Gault as thousands gasped and cheered. Laser-etched flowers emerged, unfolding their colors against a black velvet night sky. Music blared as it had for hours. Around them people danced and children squealed in the sultry heat. On the platform, Adehla and Montral stood together pointing and clapping. Some of the crew had joined themFigalee, Beckye, and Sahto. Even Pitz seemed amused, his lights doing a little dance of their own. Caldara was celebrating.
“Now this is a party,” she heard Rayce say to Cohl. “Too bad you only become king once.”
Cohl laughed. “Once in a lifetime is enough.”
Then he nudged Tess and hitched his head back. She turned in time to see Beckye give Sahto a giant hug and a sound smack on the lips. Sahto was grinning from ear to ear.
“Hey, Zain,” he said surreptitiously. “I think you’re off the hook.”
Zain nodded, watching another firework burst over them. “I noticed. You never told me what a brave man Sahto is.” Then he clapped Cohl on the shoulder. “Congratulations. I think Yre Gault is in very capable hands.”
“I’m going to do my best,” Cohl replied with conviction.
She smiled up at him, handsome in his royal uniform with the giant kings in the background. A purple flower exploded above them, flooding the white statues in lavender. Her eyes were drawn to the daunting monuments and she wondered if they were ever intimidated by their responsibilities. Although her coronation gown was stunning, she felt the weight behind its beauty.
She leaned against Cohl and whispered, “You’ve joined the Great Kings. Are you nervous?”
His eyes reflected the fireworks. “No. I figured out how the Great Kings did it. Their secret.”
“What secret?” she asked.
He looked down at her. “They all had great queens. I have you by my side. I’m fearless.” Then he paused, gazing at her with concern. “Are you nervous?”
She felt his strength, his resolve. “No. I’d follow you anywhere,” she said, batting her eyelashes. “Except into the mist of beasts, of course.”
He squeezed her hand. “In that case, I think we’re good.”
A pink flower burst across the sky and Tess nodded. Yes, they were good. She had Cohl and he had her. Together they could do anything.
The celebration was still going strong as Tess stood alone hours later on the balcony overlooking the royal courtyard. Moonlight spilled onto the many balconies overhanging the gardens. Even the most brilliant flowers were subdued tonight, giving up the spotlight to the dark beauty of the night. So dreamlike in its perfection, she wondered if it would ever seem real to her. A soft breeze caressed her bare shoulders in sweet fragrance. Music wafted through the heat and she swayed to the distant beat, lyrics forming in her head.
This was her home. She loved it, felt loved.
She was still amazed how easy it had been to leave Earth behind. She’d told her family and friends about her and Cohl moving overseas; she just didn’t mention that the sea was on a different planet. But her promise to call frequently and come back at Christmas had quieted any protests. The band would find another singer and go on. She’d left them her songs and promised to send them more. Bill should recover in a year or so.
From Earth, she’d brought back a year’s supply of chocolate and coffee, her favorite music and her cat. Griz had adjusted surprisingly well to life on an alien planet and terrorized Pitz at every opportunity. Only today, she noticed a tuft of fur stuck in his metal armor. Tess laughed to herself. Poor Pitz. Outsmarted by a housecat. God help his poor hard-wired brain when they had children running about.
Tess hiked the blanket around her shoulders and smiled up at the moons riding each other across the midnight skycosmic coupling. It was a night for lovers.
She started at a noise behind her and turned to find Cohl leaning one broad shoulder on the doorway to the balcony. In the moonlight, he stood naked, a perfect statue of flesh and bone, muscle and man.
“Did I wake you?” she whispered.
“You stole the blanket,” he murmured in a sexy, lazy voice.
She giggled. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t want to walk out here naked. What would people think?”
He ran a hand through his hair and yawned. “They’d probably think I’m one very lucky man.”
There was a short silence.
“Are you?” she asked softly.
His golden eyes fixed on her with the kind of intensity that told her he was waking up. “I’d have to say that I’m the luckiest man alive.”
Tess cocked her head. “Even with all the new responsibilities?”
“A wise woman once told me that it’s only duty if your heart isn’t in it.” Cohl’s gaze roamed over her wrapped body as he smiled the devil’s own smile. “As a matter of fact, I’m taking the task of producing an heir especially to heart.”
Tess’s eyebrows went up. “Is that so?” She cast a glance at the cosmic coupling show above her. “I believe this is your cue then.”
He shoved off the door frame and slowly approached hera panther to its prey. “Never let it be said that I shirked my royal duties.”
Tess was trembling even before he touched her, before he tugged the blanket away, baring her skin to the night.
“Out here?” she gasped as he pulled her against his chest.
His eyes never left hers. “It only works under the moons.”
Tess gave him a skeptical look. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. I’ve done a tremendous amount of research on the subject.”
“I didn’t realize there were specific parameters attached to this process.”
Cohl nuzzled her neck, nipping as he went. “Trust me. As ruler, it’s my job to know details. There’s timing to think about, positions, duration.”
“Huh,” Tess whispered against his throat as the heat began to rise within her. “I had no idea it was so complicated.”
He cupped her chin, lifting her face up to the moons. “It could take a lifetime to get it right.”
Her smile grew bigger as her hands slid around his waist, pulling him close. “Well, then. Never let it be said that I shirked my royal duties.”
He ran his hands down her back and whispered in her ear. “I love you, Tess.” She hummed to the beat of his heart and the harmonious cadence of their love.
No song ever sounded sweeter.
* * *
THE
STAR
PRINCE
SUSAN GRANT
Ian Hamilton considers himself a typical guy, a finance major who finds all the excitement he needs in the stock market and his Harley. Then his stepfather offers him the crown to an empire and the reins of a mission critical to world peace. What can he do but go for the ride?
In a daring bid for autonomy, Princess Tee’ah flees her world for the freedom to fly. Both her husband and her life will be of her own choosing. And when a handsome stranger offers her a job piloting the Sun Devil, she chooses the romp of a lifetime-with the one man she should avoid at all costs.
From ocean-dark skies to the neon-drenched streets of LA., Tee’ah and Ian find that true adventure is learning some rules are made to be broken and some loves are written in the stars.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
THE
STAR
KING
SUSAN GRANT
Careening out of control in her fighter jet is only the start of the wildest ride of Jasmine’s life; spinning wildly in an airplane is nothing like the loss of equilibrium she feels when she lands. There, in a half-dream, Jas sees a man more powerfully compelling than any she’s ever encountered. Though his words are foreign, his touch is familiar, baffling her mind even as he touches her soul. But who is he? Is he, too, a downed pilot? Is that why he lies in the desert sand beneath a starry Arabian sky? The answers burn in his mysterious golden eyes, in his thoughts that become hers as he holds out his hand and requests her aid. This man has crossed many miles to find her, to offer her a heaven that she might otherwise never know, and love is only one of the many gifts of the Star King.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
CONTACT
Susan Grant
A BEAUTIFUL CO-PILOT WITH A TERRIBLE CHOICE.
“After only three novels, Susan Grant has proven herself to be the best hope for the survival of the futuristic/ fantasy romance genre.”
The Romance Reader
A DARK STRANGER WHO HAS KNOWN NOTHING BUT DUTY.
“I am in awe of Susan Grant. She’s one of the few authors who get it.”
Everything Romantic
A LATE-NIGHT FLIGHT, HIJACKED OVER THE PACIFIC.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
Shadow
Crossing
Catherine Spangler
Celie Cameron spent her youth as a smuggler, skirting the law. But though she’s given that up, she misses the adrenaline rush of danger. Then a routine delivery goes haywire, throwing her into the arms of a handsome pilotan android, or so she thinksand Celie suddenly finds herself embroiled in a galaxy-spanning intrigue and deception.
Rurick is a miracle creation. But though he attracts her as no human ever has, his secrets threaten all Celie has ever believed. She resists his allure until she learns to trust her heart. Then they will challenge the evil that threatens the Verante quadrant, and love will bring light to the dark expanse of space known as Shadow Crossing.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
Shamara
Catherine
Spangler
In a universe of darkness and depravity, the Shielders battle to stay one step ahead of the vengeful Controllers, who seek the destruction of their race. Survival depends upon the quest of one man. Jarek san Ranul has found evidence of a wormhole, a vortex to another galaxy; an escape. But when his search produces the most intriguing woman he’s ever met, he finds he wants something more than duty and honor.
On the run from a mighty warlord, Eirene Kane has to protect her identity as an Enhancer, one of a genetic few with a powerful gift. Then her flight hurls her into the arms of Jarek, a man who steals her heart and uncovers her perilous secretand though she knows she should flee, Eirene finds herself yearning for both the man and the one thing he claims will free them forever.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
SPELLBOUND
SEATTLE
Garthia Anderson
With enchanted blood on her carpet, a house full of Merlin-wannabes unable to clean it up, a petulant cat, and houseguests scheduled to arrive momentarily, Petra Field needs a miracle. She gets a wizard, a whole lot of unwanted sparks, and a man-sized hole in the middle of her living rooma hole into which her feline promptly disappears.
Vorador hasn’t felt so incompetent since his days as an untried sorcerer. The girl who leaps after her cat and into his arms causes his simplest spells to backfirequite literally setting his hair ablaze. And though she claims to be no conjurer, he knows that he’s never felt so bewitched, for Petra has a mesmerizing energy of her own: love.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
THE
BLACK
ROSE
JAN ZIMLICH
Though Lucien Charbonneau was born a noble, he’s implemented plans to bring about galactic revolution. He wears two faces, that of an effete aristocrat and that of someone darker, more mysterious. He has subtle yet potent charms, and he plays at deception with the same skill that he might caress a lover. And though Lucien is betrothed, he swears not even his beautiful fiancée will ever learn his heart’s secret, that of the Black Rose.
Alexandra Fallon has of course heard of that infamous spy, but her own interests are far less political. When interplanetary concerns force her to marry, the man who comes to her bed is in for a rude awakening. But the shadowy hunk who appears lights a passion hotter than a thousand sunsand in its fiery glow, both she and Lucien will learn that between lovers no secrets can remain in darkness.
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
* * *
THE
SHADOW
PRINCE
JAN ZIMLICH
Adrik should be an honored prince of the Median Empire. Instead, he is sacrificed at birth to his father’s lust for power. He becomes the property of a great demon, and is taught the ways of sorcery. Someday he will enter the Shadow Realm, trade places with his master, and be damned for eternity.
His black fate keeps Adrik from others. There is no solace for a man like himself. Then he meets a woman who streaks into his life like a dying star. The Arizanti priestess is everything he’s ever dreamed of, and she sparks in Adrik a terrible desire for freedom. For the first time, he dares to hope that their love might overcome the darkness.
