Raptor's Desire (A Planet Desire novelette)(10)

“Thank you,” she murmured, not lifting her gaze from her plate. She cleared her throat. “I’ve wondered…”

“Yes, Ha’abib?”

She looked at him then. “You said that before, when…”

“When we made love?” How easily she blushed… He smiled. “Do you want to know what it means?”

“Never mind,” she said quickly.

“No, it’s all right. It’s an ancient term—an endearment. Roughly translated, it means ‘darling’.”

“Oh.” She shifted on her chair, and her fingers tightened around her fork.

“Now, what were you going to ask me before?”

“Before? Oh, yes.” She blinked and took a deep breath. “Why haven’t you tried to convince me of your innocence?”

He grew still, sensing his next words would determine his fate, he replied, “Would you have believed me?”

Her troubled gaze locked with his. “Try me now.”

He took a deep breath. “I was sent to accompany the Qahiran ambassador as his aid, but I was really his bodyguard. My people have no love for the Dominion—or trust. Before our oil reserves were discovered, we were beneath their notice.”

“I was told you attacked the emissary, that you sought to disrupt the trade negotiations.”

Khalim pressed his lips tightly together to quell the curse he wished to utter. “The ambassador was my uncle. Did the governor mention that?”

Her eyebrows drew together in a frown. “No. It did seem odd they would hold negotiations on such a remote planet.” She sighed. “But I can guess what really happened.”

Khalim nodded. “He was assassinated. It was well planned. We sat down to dinner our first evening there, and a guest at one of the lower tables stood up and opened fire. Out of my uncle’s entire entourage, only I was left alive.”

“They needed someone to blame,” she whispered.

“I was labeled a militant who was opposed to the strengthening of our ties with the Dominion. Now, they’ve made it truth.” Tension born of frustration stiffened his neck and shoulders.

“You weren’t responsible, Khalim. How could you know—”

He shot her a look laced with irritation. How could she understand what he felt? He had been the one responsible for his uncle’s safety. Instead, he’d watched him die.

“And stop glaring at me. I’m not responsible either.”

He realized his stare upset her. “The deceit of your governing council still enrages me.”

“Thank you for telling me, just the same. It explains a lot. I wondered why the governor wanted you removed so quickly.” Andromeda canted her head to the side. “Do they know about your special gift?”

“It was kept secret—insurance, in case it was needed.”

“Did you use it to warn your people on Qahir? Can you reach such a distance with your mind?”

“I spoke with my father before I was brought aboard your ship. He shares my gift.”

Khalim gazed at her, realizing, not for the first time, his plan endangered her. As desperate as he was to return to his home, his conscience was troubled. He reached across the table and covered her hand. “I am thinking that perhaps, I ask too much of you. This isn’t your fight. There will likely be a war.”

“Your world appears so primitive, at least the parts I’ve seen so far—in the dreams, that is. Can you win?”

He rubbed his thumb across the back of her soft hand. “We don’t have the technology our enemies possess, but we have weapons beyond their imagination. We don’t expect to win battles, but the Dominion will not want to wage a lengthy campaign. We hope to wear down their resolution.” He cupped her cheek. “You would be better off handing me over to the authorities.”

She leaned her face into his hand. “I must be crazy, but I’m not afraid.” Her eyes filled. “I couldn’t bear to see you imprisoned.”

“Why? What has changed your mind about me?”

She straightened and stared at him, her gaze steady. “You’ve seduced me from the start of this voyage, trying to win my cooperation. Yet when I resisted, you never once attempted to force me to give up my password. And you could have—you’re stronger than I am.”

“I told you I would never harm you.”

“And I believe you,” she said quietly. “You’ve been tender and gentle, even when I angered you. You’re an honorable man.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

A small smile curved her lips. “Despite our appearance, I believe that’s true. You’ve a twisted sense of humor, and this has been the oddest courtship, but I know I can take you at your word.”

“You believe this is a courtship?” He waited, willing her to have the courage to believe he was honest in his dealings with her.

She took a deep breath and said in a rush, “Yes. As inexpert as I am, I know a man couldn’t be that hard all the time without being powerfully attracted.”

Something inside him softened and relaxed. “And do you know what the purpose of this courtship is?”

“You mean, beyond taking over my ship?”

His narrowed eyes warned her not to tread that ground again.