Tamara's Future Page 8

Tamara?” Gage’s blazing eyes pinned David.

  “No message left this ship, Gage.”

  “If you’re sure the leak didn’t come from us then it had to be at Space Command.

  Damn. No wonder our job has been so hard lately.” Gage sighed and resumed pacing.

  “You think Fells—”

  “Maybe. All we have is Tamara’s word that he’s dirty and the few pieces of

  information I managed to put together. Have you found out anything else?”

  “Not yet.”

  “It had to be him, because if it wasn’t, then who? He’s our best lead, the best we’ve had in a long time.”

  “Does he know you have Tamara?”

  “I haven’t told command but she was using her real name. He might know.”

  “Her presence might explain why he wanted our ship attacked. If it was him.”

  “Yes but it doesn’t explain the message. Take care of repairs and try to find more

  information about the attack. I need to get some answers from Tamara before we decide on our next move,” he said as he strode out of the room and headed toward his suite.

  She was lying! He decided to conveniently ignore the fact that he hadn’t yet told

  Tamara he was a cop. His deception didn’t endanger his ship. Her actions had.

  *

  Gage burst into his bedroom and immediately attacked.

  “You’re still lying to me! You haven’t told me everything but you will!”

  Tamara stared at Gage. She didn’t dare move. His anger was a palpable thing,

  terrifying in its intensity.

  Gage stalked toward her. “Who is Bloody Simon and why is he sending a message

  to you?”

  Tamara paled. She’d hoped to never hear that name again and how had Gage found

  out about Simon?

  “Simon?” She decided to pretend ignorance. She didn’t want to talk about Simon.

  “You need to watch the message vid we just got.” Gage freed her from the chains

  then he grabbed her arm and pulled her out of bed and over to the comm. He flicked on the comm.

  He watched Tamara closely as she viewed the screen.

  A wiry man with dark hair and darker eyes came on screen. An evil smile lit his

  face as he said, “Suzette or Tamara, whatever your name is, you remember me, Bloody Simon, and all the fun we had. Prepare yourself. I’m coming for you.”

  “No…” she moaned and her knees gave way. Gage caught her before she could hit

  the floor.

  She continued shaking her head and she did what she should have done three years

  ago. She asked for help without thinking about the consequences. “Please, Gage, please don’t let him get me.”

  Gage carried Tamara to the sofa. “Tell me about it,” he whispered. His anger

  drained in the face of Tamara’s distress but his resolve remained firm. Obviously this wasn’t something she’d initiated or wanted. So who was Simon? She had to tell him.

  Tamara buried her head against Gage’s shoulder. He reached down and used a

  finger to tip her chin up. “My ship has just been attacked. When the attack failed we received that message. Tell me what you know.”

  Tamara sniffed and swallowed back her fear. Gage could protect her from Simon,

  couldn’t he? She had to trust that he could, otherwise she was doomed.

  She took a deep breath and said, “After I escaped from Fells, I bummed around for

  a few years. Then I was on a ship boarded by Simon—he’s a space pirate, one of the

  worst. You let your victims go. Simon delighted in torturing his and then he’d kill them all. He never left a witness to his crimes.”

  “You’re here.”

  “I pretended. That time was some of my best acting. He boarded our ship. I

  recognized him and knew he’d kill me if I didn’t do something.” She shrugged. “Sex

  has always been valid currency and, as you know, I’d learned to zone out, go numb

  while I was being used. I approached him and seduced him. I buried myself so deeply that I still wonder how I did some of the things he required. He liked me because I could look like a young teen even though I was in my early twenties at the time. He was vicious and cruel and the first chance I got, I took off.”

  “Before you met me? And you never told me about Fells or Simon? Is there anyone

  else you’ve neglected to mention?”

  She shook her head.

  “Why didn’t you tell me when we were first together?”

  She struggled to sit up but Gage tightened his arms and kept her close. “Answer

  me. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because men tend to blame women for everything that is done to them. I…”

  “You what?”

  “Damn you! You seemed nice. You seemed decent, even if you are a pirate. I

  wanted a fresh start. I wanted to be with a man who saw me as an equal, not just as a good fuck or a toy to play with. I wanted to bury my past.”

  “Well it didn’t stay buried Tamara. It’s been resurrected with a vengeance. Not only was my ship attacked, it was attacked by someone who knew our route and by ships that had been confiscated by Space Command. I recognized them. They once belonged

  to the pirate Captain James. And a message was sent to you. You must know more than you think you do.”

  “I haven’t heard from Simon since I escaped. I don’t know how he knows I’m here

  or how he knows my real name.”

  “Prove to me that I can trust you.”

  “How can I do that?”

  “Talk to me. Tell me everything, even if you don’t think it’s important or you don’t think it has relevance. Talk to me.”

  Tamara took a deep breath and blew it out. “I saw the holovas on the cruiser. I

  thought at the time that it was the type Simon likes to steal. That’s probably why he’s after you. But how did he know you have it? How does he know I’m here? He could know I’m with the art since he was always good at figuring out that kind of stuff. He had a mole at Space Command who fed him information. But how could a mole at

  Space Command know you have both the holovas and me? How could the mole know

  your route? Gage, it doesn’t make any sense.”

  Gage frowned at Tamara’s information. It validated his suspicions. It was beginning to come together for him and the picture was not pretty. The mole at Space Command was probably Fells. Fells could have found Gage’s route. Fells could have found out that Gage was the robber. Fells could have given Simon access to the ships. But Tamara didn’t know that Gage was an undercover cop so of course it wouldn’t make sense to her.

  Was now the time to tell her that he was a cop and his original intent had been to

  lure out the pirate who was killing everyone he robbed? According to Tamara the

  pirate’s name was Bloody Simon. He’d been seeking Simon all this time and apparently Simon was seeking Tamara. So Gage had the holovas and Tamara. No wonder the ships had come after him. They had wanted to disable his ship. To board it. If he hadn’t been a professionally trained commander with a military crew, they probably would have been able to disable without destroying his ship. He was positive none of the crew

  would have survived the encounter though.

  Tamara felt as if she was sinking beneath the weight of Gage’s silence. She didn’t

  realize his mind was far away. She thought he was upset by her revelations so she did the first thing she could think of. Something she’d never voluntarily done before. She leaned over and kissed him.

  It was a light, feathery motion that barely grazed his hard lips. Her cunt clenched.

  Her mouth opened a little as she realized she wasn’t using sex just to distract him. His actions the past few days seemed to have broken through barriers she’d spent years building. She wanted Gage and she wanted hi
m to trust her. He could trust her. She’d never betray him again. His relentless campaign had worked. She felt free to express herself and she wanted to be with him.

  She trailed a hand along his face. Their lips were so close that their breath mingled.

  Gage threaded his fingers through her hair and held her head while his lips descended

  for a hard kiss. He took it deeper as his tongue plunged into her mouth. Tamara was so lost in the feel of his hard body that when he abruptly broke off the kiss and stood she could only stare at him.

  “How do I know you’re not just acting again? You’ve admitted that you’ve done it

  in the past. Are you using me to protect you from Simon? How do I know you’re not

  just playing me?”

  Tamara wanted to look away. Gage’s intense blue eyes felt like lasers going to her

  heart. “There is no way I can prove my loyalty. There is no way I can prove I’m not playing you.” Tamara swallowed hard. She hadn’t realized just how much she depended on her looks even as she raged against the men who’d used her. She needed

  Gage’s protection. She was using him but she was willing to give too. His sensuous

  campaign was winning her over even if her latest move had been precipitated by

  Simon’s message.

  Gage ran his hand through his hair, leaving the blond locks ruffled and

  disorganized. “I wish I could trust you,” Gage said, staring intently into her eyes. “I want to trust you.”

  Fakzi silently padded into the room.

  She is trustworthy. You are both confused but you both like each other. You should be with her.

  Have you formed a mindpath with her, so you know that for a fact?

  Do not need one. Her thoughts are easy.

  Gage snorted.

  Listen harder, Fakzi told Gage.

  Chapter Nine

  Before Gage could respond to Fakzi, the comm bell interrupted.

  Gage walked over and flicked it on.

  David’s face appeared. “I’ve found something,” he said.

  Gage nodded. “I’ll be right there.” He turned and walked over to Tamara. He gave

  her a quick, hard kiss and then said, “We’ll continue this conversation later.”

  She nodded and watched him walk out the door.

  Gage strode through the quiet corridors to the briefing room. He felt restless and

  uncomfortable. Why had she almost surrendered? He wanted to believe that his shock

  tactics were working but he still didn’t know quite how to resolve the fact that she was a criminal although he had a few ideas. And how would she react when she found out he was a cop? He had few answers. He only knew that she belonged with him and he

  wouldn’t let her go.

  Gage walked into the briefing room.

  “I dug deeper,” David said.

  “And?”

  “And I think you may be right. There are some interesting inconsistencies and too

  many coincidences. I think Fells is dirty.” David paused for a moment then he

  continued, “You want to offer her a deal, don’t you? She helps us and all her past is forgotten? Is that where you’re going?”

  “Would it be so bad?”

  “You don’t think straight around her.”

  “You mean I didn’t think straight without her. Let’s revisit this conversation just before I meet with command. I still have a few more days with her.”

  David shook his head. “I really like the lassie but I think you should carefully

  consider all the ramifications of what you’re proposing. Do you really think her

  testimony is enough to put the bastard behind bars?”

  “No, I don’t think her testimony is enough. She’s a criminal. I believe her but who’s going to believe her, except us? I wonder…” Gage frowned.

  “Oh, laddie, what are you thinking of doing?”

  Gage smiled. “I’m thinking of a way for all of us to get what we want.” He

  proceeded to explain his plan to David.

  “Risky.”

  “My plans are always risky. Are you with me?”

  “Aye, laddie. I like the lass. She should have a chance to be free, especially if it means we can lock that bastard away. There’s nothing lower than a crooked cop. How high do you think the corruption goes? Do you trust Michael Mark or do you think he’s in on it too?”

  Gage shook his head. “I’ve worked for Michael for nearly ten years. I don’t believe he’s crooked. We have to trust him. If we can’t trust him then the whole command structure is corrupt. There’s only one way to find out. Let’s get the repairs finished.

  We’re going to Space Command.” Gage he turned back to his comm and sent a message

  to his boss.

  *

  Gage entered his bedroom. Tamara was fast asleep on the bed. Her short hair and

  relaxed pose made her look so young. But he’d experienced her passion and knew she

  was a woman. He pulled off his uniform and strode naked into the shower cubicle.

  Within a short time, he was clean and ready to get sweaty. He hesitated. Tamara had come a long way but she wasn’t his yet and he still had doubts. He sighed. He didn’t know if he’d ever be able to trust her completely, despite Fakzi’s claim.

  Gage shook his head and moved to the bed. He lay down next to Tamara. He used a

  finger to stroke her cheek. His touch was soft, barely caressing her silken skin. He moved closer. Circling his arms around her, he pulled her close and waited for her to wake.

  *

  Tamara woke to find herself snuggled against Gage. She could feel his cock at her

  back. He was rock hard and for the first time she wondered what it would feel like

  when—not if—he sank his cock deeply into her cunt. His arms were hard, his chest

  warm. She wiggled her butt a little, pressing even closer.

  “Don’t tease darling or I might not be able to restrain myself,” he murmured, his

  lips barely grazing her hair.

  Gage rolled her onto her back. He placed a hand on either side of her face. He bent and kissed her forehead then he trailed kisses down the side of her face. She captured his mouth when he got close to her lips. He teased and kept the kisses light. Tamara sighed and lifted her head for more. Gage accepted her invitation and deepened the kiss. His tongue touched hers and their tongues danced. Tamara moaned as Gage broke off the kiss too soon. Her head dropped back to the pillow. Gage trailed kisses down her throat, using his tongue at one point, sending shivers down her spine. He continued his journey down her body, paying special attention to her nipples.

  “Don’t stop,” she said as he finished with her breasts and continued on his journey.

  “I have no intention of stopping. I want you hungry for me, as hungry as you’ve

  made me all these years.”

  Tamara hesitated but she had to ask. “Will it hurt much?”

  Gage stilled. “Will what hurt much?”

  “The sex.”

  “Oh, darling, it doesn’t have to hurt at all.”

  Tamara’s heart pounded. Her cunt ached. It clenched with need and she realized

  that nothing but Gage’s cock would satisfy her craving. He’d been right, she did want him. She realized that Gage wasn’t like other men. He’d never force her and he’d never let her go. If she did manage to escape, he’d track her down. She only had three days left on their bet—the bet she was going to lose. The thought should have upset her but she was tired of being afraid. Tired of not feeling anything. Gage was teaching her to feel and the feelings were joyous and erotic. It was time to trust Gage to keep her safe and so she pushed herself past her fear to ask, “Will you show me?”

  “What are you asking, darling? I want you to be very clear. I don’t ever want you to feel like I pressured you and you had no choice but to accept me. Or that you felt you had to use your sex
to buy your safety. So what are you asking, darling?”

  She wouldn’t back out now. He’d shown her ecstasy. He claimed there was more.

  She wanted to know if he was telling the truth. “Please make love to me,” she said. No matter how she tried, she could only whisper. Tamara’s heart clenched. Would he reject her?

  Gage rolled on top of her. His cock throbbed against her belly and she realized that she wanted to feel him deep inside, filling her with his hot length. Gage’s head descended for another searing kiss. His knees spread her legs and his cock pressed against her entrance.

  Tamara moved her hips, inviting him into her depths.

  He pulled back a little. “Not so fast, darling. I’ve waited too long for this moment to rush it now.”

  “I do want you, Gage. I’ve always wanted you even though I denied us both,” she

  whispered.

  “It’s about time you admit that, darling.” He held her chin while he leaned down

  and gave her a soft kiss. She tried to deepen it but he pulled back. “Slowly, darling.”

  His voice had dropped to a husky whisper.

  She moaned as he trailed his lips along her neck. His fingers toyed with her nipples.

  Pinching and lightly grazing, the pressure never stayed the same for more than a few seconds. Her vagina clenched. Empty and needy, she didn’t know how long she could play his game of teasing. She dropped a hand to his cock. So silky soft, yet so hard. She explored its length. He was large. She had trouble wrapping her fingers around his thickness but she tried. She stroked his cock while he played with her nipples, losing herself in the feel of him.

  His hand dropped to her cunt. She moaned when he inserted one finger. She

  clenched around him and tried to ride his hand.

  “Tamara?”

  “Oh, Gage, take me.”

  “Are you sure, darling?” He stopped touching her and waited until she stared at

  him through half-lowered eyelids. “Are you sure?” he repeated.

  “Oh yes, Gage…” She tried to vocalize her need but instead lost herself in the