Comet Coalition 1: Rebel
© Aubrey Ross, July 2007
All Rights Reserved

Accompanied by the musical jingle of his ankle restraints, Ashton headed down the corridor. Who was this woman? Why would she participate in treason? Ashton kept his empathic touch light as he scanned her emotions. Few could sense his presence. Still, he needed to be careful. Even those without telepathic abilities could learn to shield their minds. His greatest advantage came while others remained unaware of his abilities.

The intensity of her personality assailed him like a gale-force wind. Uncertainty twisted around rage. Grief distorted by frustration. He sensed the depth of her devotion and unflagging loyalty. Amazed by the purity of her dedication, he recognized the nature of her calling. She was a patriot, a true believer in her cause.

Ashton withdrew from her mind, reluctant admiration reshaping his initial impression of the little rebel. How did she maintain control in the face of those emotions?

In the midst of her anger and resentment, he’d also sensed isolation, a gaping void, a soul-deep longing for someone to share her life with. It was a weakness easily exploited, if he were ruthless enough to use her loneliness against her. She certainly hadn’t hesitated to use her weapon on him.

Moving up beside him as they reached the door, she pressed her palm against the security scanner. Her soft, floral scent drifted to him and instinct took over.

He leaned toward her and inhaled deeply, whispering in a sexy purr, “Very nice.”

Her gaze snapped to his as the door slid open. “Out.”

“Why do you bother with perfume when you’re trying so hard to be intimidating?”

She raised the wand. “Out.”

He stepped through the doorway and caught a glimpse of orange-tinted sky before they reached a tunnel entrance. Diffused lighting inset in the tunnel’s walls guided their steps. The cement floor angled gradually downward before leveling off. The tunnel extended farther than the limited light allowed him to see.

Three of the six coalition settlements were located on planets with orange-tinted skies. This narrowed the possibilities somewhat -- if he was still on a coalition planet.

The woman remained a step behind, but he could picture her delicate features clearly in his mind. His simple taunt had worked better than he expected. Frustration radiated off her in waves, like smoldering embers he’d be happy to ignite.

The tunnel sloped upward. He slowed, searching the walls for surveillance equipment. “Do you have a name?”

“Yes.”

He glanced back and saw amusement gleaming in her eyes. “May I know it?” Pivoting on the ball of his foot, he blocked her path with his body.

She raised the motivator, her expression carefully guarded.

“Whose idea was it for you to handle me? Somehow I don’t think you came up with this yourself. Who put you up to it? They sure as hell know my taste in women.” He circled her just out of reach. She’d said she could discharge the weapon, but he was nearly certain she hadn’t changed the setting. “Are they hoping I’ll overpower you? Will that give them justification to torture me? You’re very tempting bait.”

“No one is going to torture you.” She followed him with her gaze, but not her body. “Just cooperate and no harm will come to you.”

He stopped directly behind her, leaning in almost near enough to touch her. “There’s no surveillance in this tunnel. It’s just you and me.”

“And your restraints and my motivator,” she returned in the same silky tone.

“So the question becomes, can I snap your neck before you touch me with your magic wand?” Truth be told he still felt woozy from the sedative and his muscles protested every movement. Could he push through the pain?

“I just adjusted it to kill and it’s pointed at your chest. Can you snap my neck before I push the button?”

He looked at her hand and found the wicked little wand skillfully reversed and angled in the general direction of his heart. “How about we barter?”

She stepped forward, then spun around. “How about you do as you’re told while I still have a sense of humor?”

Her nipples formed distinct points against the sturdy fabric of her blouse and a deep flush colored her cheeks. Danger excited her. Or he excited her. His cock hardened, eager to explore her reaction.

“Tell me what to do.” He focused on her mouth. “How can I follow your directions when you haven’t told me to do anything?”

“Move down the tunnel -- now!”

“Your nipples are hard, little rebel. I bet you’re soaking wet too. Did they tell you to fuck me or do you just want to?”

“Shut up!”

She darted behind him and gave the middle of his back a forceful shove. Ashton laughed. “Feel the front of my pants, sweetheart. They’re setting us up. Why are they dangling you in front of me like red meat before a lion? Make that soft, pink, succulent --” She slapped the back of his head, but Ashton only smiled. If she’d really wanted to hurt him she’d have used her magic wand. “Maybe they just want to watch. I’m game. Are you?”