Tamara's Future Read online

  dancing.

  “Do you really want to know? It’s not a pretty story,” Tamara challenged him.

  “Tell me.”

  Tamara led him to the couch. He wrapped his arms around her and she lay with her

  back against his chest. She couldn’t face him and tell him everything. He seemed to understand because he remained silent while she gathered her thoughts. She briefly debated giving him an abbreviated version but maybe it was time to stop lying and

  hiding. A deep-seated part of her trusted him and she knew he wouldn’t accept

  anything less than the truth. With a sense of unease at the exposure she’d soon face, she started her story.

  “I was twelve the first time my father sold me to a man for sex. The man was older.

  He liked young girls and my father needed money. The man used me for two years

  until my breasts developed and I looked too much like an adult for his tastes. My father was actually happy about that because it meant he could sell me to many other men. He never had to worry about money then. Lots of men were willing to pay. To them, there was nothing better than a nameless girl who had to do anything they wanted. I made them feel powerful. I trained myself. I deadened my feelings during sex. The acts were just physical. They didn’t touch me.” She shrugged. “I learned to endure it because his punishment was worse than anything the men could do to me. I thought I would never be free of him.”

  “Is that why your father had such a tragic accident? I’ve seen the security footage.

  You were standing behind him when he went over the edge of the aircar platform. You were lucky that the cops didn’t care about his death. If they’d investigated, they would have found the same thing I did.”

  Tamara laughed. It wasn’t often that Gage made a mistake. “My father was drunk. I

  thought about pushing him but I didn’t have to. He lost his balance. Didn’t you see me reach for him?”

  “I saw you hesitate. By the time you reached it was too late.”

  “And that’s what the cops decided. I was guilty because I hadn’t done more.”

  “That’s not what the report says. It says you were innocent and not culpable. Why

  didn’t they investigate more?”

  “What makes you think it wasn’t fully investigated? Just because that’s what it

  says? That’s not what happened.” She shook her head and snorted. “It was investigated by an officer who was on my father’s payroll—Randall Fells. He was really upset about the loss of his second income but he’d wanted me for a long time. He stole my father’s belongings to make up for his loss of income. Then he buried the investigation and told me I’d be safe with him. He’d protect me so I didn’t have to go to jail. He told me if I refused, he’d make sure I was locked up for life. He promised me safety and I was

  young and stupid enough to believe him. He lied.” She waved her arm toward the

  prison room. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been caged. I was sixteen. He held me captive for six months. My earlier training kept me sane until I figured out how to escape. I’ve been on the run ever since.”

  Tamara felt Gage stiffen. “You’re saying Randall Fells was dirty?”

  “Yes, and he was on Sigil. I panicked when I saw him. I thought that you’d be

  captured and blame me. Imagine my surprise to find you free and angry about the

  score. He’s very good at covering his tracks. How did you escape his capture?”

  “I never saw him.” Gage paused then swung her around so he could look into her

  eyes. He cocked his head and stared intently. “You’re saying you left me to be arrested and Fells took the score?”

  “He’s crooked and who else could have taken it? I know I didn’t and you say you

  didn’t. Who else was there? Why did he leave without capturing you? Because if he

  captured you, he’d have had to report the stash. This way he could just take it.”

  Gage continued staring. Tamara wanted to cringe. His look was too knowing and

  too full of concern. She didn’t want Gage’s sympathy. She wanted him angry. Then it would be easier to resist him.

  “Why didn’t you trust me to protect you?”

  “I’m sorry. I panicked.”

  Gage grimaced and shook his head. “I know how well you tell a story. We’ll deal

  with your claim about Fells another time. Let’s get back to us and your lack of trust in me.”

  “Why should I trust you? Every man I’ve ever known has lied to me and used me.”

  “Name once that I lied to you,” he said, his voice low and tight.

  Tamara started. She couldn’t do that. He hadn’t lied yet but he would. Men always

  did.

  Gage shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. “Tamara what am I going

  to do with you?”

  “Let me go. I’m sorry I left so abruptly three years ago but Fells was there and I was terrified. I was in danger.”

  “I would have protected you.”

  “Maybe, but you obviously wanted me. You’re a criminal and used to doing as you

  please. It was only a matter of time before you acted on that want.”

  “I’m not a rapist. I prefer mutual enjoyment.”

  “What enjoyment? Sex always hurt until I learned how to go numb. Now I don’t

  feel much of anything.”

  “Haven’t you ever had pleasure from sex?”

  Tamara just stared at him.

  “Oh, darling. Sex doesn’t have to hurt.”

  “Not for men. It’s different for a woman.”

  “I know lots of women who would argue that statement.”

  “Great! Have sex with them.”

  “I don’t want them. I want you. Surely you’ve pleasured yourself?”

  Tamara remained silent.

  He watched her and made the correct assumption. “Oh, Tamara. That is a sad

  thing.”

  “Let me go.”

  “No,” he said slowly, drawing out the word. He smiled. “No, I have a much better

  idea.”

  Tamara frowned. He had that gleam in his eyes, the one that meant he’d come up

  with a plan. His plans were usually dangerous but innovative. He was good at creative planning and once he’d figured out his plan of action, no one could talk him out of it.

  He was stubborn that way.

  “Gage?”

  “Tamara?”

  “You’re going to make me ask aren’t you?”

  Gage just smiled.

  Tamara sighed. “What’s your plan?”

  “We’ll discuss it tomorrow darling. It’s been a long day.” Gage stood and pulled

  Tamara to her feet. He led her back toward her prison.

  “No…please. There’s no need to lock me up again. Where would I go?”

  “I won’t let you escape again. Besides if I don’t lock you up, out of sight, then I’m going to make love to you. Would you rather just surrender to me now?”

  “I can’t,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “I didn’t think so,” he said. “So you see, there is a need to lock you up.” He casually reached out a hand and ripped off her tunic.

  The quickness and intensity of his action stunned Tamara. She’d seen Gage treat

  other people that way but he’d never done so to her. He gave no hint of what he was going to do, just that snake-quick, shocking action. Did he even think or was it instinctive? He never telegraphed his intentions.

  He ignored her gasp of shock and said, “I want you to feel even if I have to shock

  you into recognizing your emotions. I will give you a choice though. The cage or

  chains?” he asked waving his arm toward the far wall.

  “Chains,” Tamara replied instantly. At least with the chains she could stretch out

  and they were long enough that she’d be able to re
st on the floor.

  Gage grabbed her hand and led her to the far wall. He circled her wrists with cold

  metal.

  Tamara fought the urge to resist but she did ask, “Could I at least have a mat?”

  “Willingly give me a kiss and I’ll give you a mat.”

  Tamara stilled. A kiss was a small price to pay for a little comfort. She nodded.

  Gage held her face. His ice-blue eyes seemed to pierce all her defenses. He slowly

  lowered his head until their lips were a breath apart. He nipped her lower lip and then he closed the distance. His touch was gentle but firm. His lips warm and strong. She waited for him to deepen the kiss, to invade her mouth with his tongue. That’s what men did but he didn’t. He held the almost-chaste kiss for a long moment then he raised his head, kissed her forehead, and smiled. “Tomorrow we’ll play more.” He pulled a mat from one of the cupboards and handed it to her. Then he walked out.

  Tamara stood staring at the closed door. She wasn’t quite sure what had just

  happened. Her lips still felt the pressure of his kiss. She was a little stunned that she wanted more. She wanted Gage back again. She wanted another kiss. She drew in a shaky breath and shook her head. She’d always known he was dangerous. He always

  got what he wanted and now she was his target. How was she going to get out of this mess?

  She thought about the lock picks in her hair. She had such short hair that no one

  ever thought to look there. Then she hesitated. Should she save them? If she unlocked herself now there was nowhere to go. Besides, she probably couldn’t unlock the door.

  She’d still be stuck in here and Gage would know she had tools. “Damn,” she muttered under her breath. Better to save that surprise until it might actually help her escape.

  She shook out the mat and lay down.

  Fakzi padded over to her. He sniffed her hair and then sniffed his way down the

  rest of her body. Tamara stayed still. Gage trusted the alien but she wasn’t sure she did.

  But Fakzi merely sniffed. He didn’t unsheathe his deadly claws or open his mouth to use the sharp teeth Tamara had seen earlier.

  “You are cold,” Fakzi said.

  “Yes. I am cold.”

  “I could warm you if you give me permission.”

  Again, the creature’s strange phrasing sent a chill through Tamara. “How would

  you warm me?”

  “Again. A question. You should know that questions form the mindpath. As we ask

  each other and answer each other our minds begin to link. If we ask and answer enough questions the thought paths between us will develop.”

  “Develop. Then the path already exists. We’d be able to read each other’s

  thoughts.” Tamara was learning to state her questions rather than ask them.

  “There will be a mindpath strong enough to use. Yes.”

  “I never realized how often I ask questions until I met you, Fakzi.”

  “It is often that way with humans. I will answer some of the questions I know you

  have. Gage crashed on my planet. I am an explorer. We were far away from my

  civilization. Gage and I formed a mindpath. His mind is different—interesting. I chose to follow him here so we could strengthen that attachment. Yes he knows I can do this and he is a willing partner. I have avoided answering your questions because you have not willingly granted me permission to initiate a mindpath. You need to know what you ask. I will do nothing without permission.”

  “Thank you, Fakzi.”

  “I like you, Tamara.” He rolled the “R” in her name. “I will lie next to you. My body heat will keep you warm.”

  Tamara was tired and discouraged. The thought of cuddling with the warm cat

  creature was strangely appealing and she was tired of fighting. “You have my

  permission, Fakzi.”

  He circled a few times and then cuddled against Tamara’s back. She felt instantly

  comforted by the creature’s warmth and she was surprised by the softness of his fur.

  Tamara sighed and relaxed. She’d worry about everything tomorrow. In the meantime

  she’d accept the comfort the creature offered.

  *

  The two men went to the back of the dim bar and sat at a table, nearly hidden from

  view.

  “Damn! Why didn’t you warn me that the luxury cruiser was going to get hit? By

  the time we got there they had been stripped and disabled and a space command ship

  was nearly in range. We almost got caught.”

  “I couldn’t warn you because I didn’t know about it. None of my crews had

  anything to do with it.”

  “Then who?”

  “I’m not sure yet.”

  “I pay you for information. Seems like my money is being wasted lately.”

  “This isn’t done. There aren’t many places to sell a holovas like the one that was

  stolen. You’re the logical person to move it. Has anyone contacted you yet?”

  “No one has contacted me personally but there’s a light link on some comm boards

  about a very expensive piece of artwork that just came on the market. I think that’s it.

  Nothing solid though, just tenuous rumors.”

  “Follow up on them.”

  “I can’t afford to purchase it, even at a reduced price.”

  “Let me worry about that. The important thing now is to find out who took it. I’ve

  heard rumors that the pirate is Lightgo. He collects expensive artwork but he doesn’t normally rob vessels, especially not luxury liners. So why would he do it? It doesn’t make a lot of sense but we need to know if it was him. Then we’ll figure out how to steal it back. No one interferes with my crews and gets away with it.”

  *

  The next day Gage walked into Tamara’s prison. Fakzi lay at Tamara’s back. The

  liock stared at Gage for a long moment before he stood and stretched.

  I hope you have thought about what you are going to do. She may not survive it. She is emotionally fragile. The liock sent the message along the mindpath he shared with Gage.

  I would never harm her, Fakzi. I want to free her. Human emotions are not as clean as liock emotions. We complicate matters when there is no need. Tamara’s mind is locked in a bad place. I

  have to shock her. I have to move her beyond the numbness that cages her emotions. I will not hurt her though she may not like my methods.

  I could help.

  Has she given you permission?

  No, but she will.

  Until she does, respect her wishes, Fakzi. Do not form a mindpath with her. She’s not ready.

  *

  Tamara blinked awake and looked between Gage and Fakzi. They seemed ready to

  snarl at each other. Then a ripple went through Fakzi’s fur and he stalked off. He didn’t go far but he blended with the shadows in the room and became nearly invisible.

  Tamara felt groggy. She’d been in such a deep sleep that her body didn’t seem to

  want to work. Combined with her depression over her captivity, she had to fight to get to her feet.

  Gage watched her struggle but he remained silent until she stood. Then he said,

  “We’re currently flying a large, circuitous route through an uninhabited system. The flight will take about a week but it will throw off anyone who might be trying to follow us. So we have a week.” He cocked his head and flashed a smile. “We have a week together.”

  Tamara swallowed. Gage exuded confidence and when he was like this he was

  unstoppable. She’d seen him like this once before when he’d masterminded a heist that had become an instant legend. After she’d left him, she’d heard the tale repeated in numerous bars. She’d never told anyone that she’d seen it firsthand and the tales were not an exaggeration.

  “I wish you’d told me your story when we first met b
ut I understand why you

  didn’t. I understand why you don’t believe sex can be pleasurable but I won’t accept that. I want to help you overcome your early training. I want to show you the other side of sex. I understand why you don’t trust men but you can trust me. We have a week. I

  have a proposition for you. Of course you really don’t have the option of refusing my proposition.”

  “What?” Tamara demanded.

  “I’m going to spend the next week teaching you that sex can be every bit as

  pleasurable for a woman as it is for a man,” he said.

  Tamara could see his smug satisfaction but she didn’t understand it. “You’re going

  to rape me,” Tamara said, her voice flat but not defeated.

  “No, darling, I’m going to pleasure you.”

  Tamara shook her head. “I—”

  “Let me finish,” Gage said. “I’m going to spend the next week showing you what

  your body is capable of feeling. I want to pierce your numbness and set you free. Before the week is out, you’ll beg me to make love to you. Love, Tamara, not rape.”

  “That’s not going to happen. Then you’ll get angry.”

  “If it doesn’t happen, you’ll be free to go.”

  Whatever she’d expected, it hadn’t been his flat declaration that he’d let her go.

  Chapter Six

  She frowned. Much as she might deny it, she trusted Gage to keep his word. He’d

  said he’d let her go in a week and he would. There must be some catch though,

  something she wasn’t seeing. She swallowed hard. Her throat felt tight as she tried to see the trick. Gage’s plans always had a trick that the mark didn’t see until it was too late. She’d never expected to be the target of one of his plans. It left her feeling anxious and nervous. She didn’t like the feeling. “And what if I refuse your proposition?”

  Gage shook his head. “Sorry, darling. As I said, that is not an option. I’m sure you’ll survive one week of pleasure,” he said, walking toward her.