Sons of Amber: Michael by Bianca D'Arc Page B

out as your prisoner, but now I want to stay. I like having a man in my life again. Truly.” She was playing a part, but the love in the hand that rose to stroke down his shoulder to his chest was real. Still, she had to stay on track here. There was something Michael really needed to know. “Especially since all your jit women are dead. Don’t you think it’s fate? That the virus that killed all our males turned back on your people and killed your women?”
        She felt Michael’s muscles tense, but his expression stayed cool. “Perhaps only fate could be so cruel,” he said after some moments. His hand cupped the back of her neck and he pulled her in for a kiss. “You’re a beautiful woman, Lilla, and an obedient slave. Sometimes.”
        He was teasing her. “But you like it when I disobey. Don’t you, master?”
        He nodded, nibbling at her lips. “As much as you do, sweetheart.”
        She reveled in his kiss until her conscience stopped her. She had to tell him the rest. She pulled away just slightly. “I’m glad the mutated virus doesn’t affect human women. I understand now why you captured me, master. If I were a warrior, I’d have lassoed any man I could find when all of ours died. Your people are suffering, just like mine did and I’m sorry for it.”
        “You have a compassionate heart, Lil.”
     
        He’d be damned if Leah hadn’t just handed him the biggest piece of intel he’d received thus far. Could it be true the jit virus had turned back on its creators? That would certainly be some kind of poetic justice, though a tragedy to be sure.
        Mike worked hard to hide his racing thoughts. Kissing Leah was a good way to disguise his internal upset at the news of such staggering death in the jit’suku galaxy, but it was also distracting. He set her away and tried to smile.
        “No time for that now, wench. I have work to do today.” He slapped her curvy ass playfully as he rooted around for his clothes. She’d folded them and placed them on the room’s only chair like a good little slave. Playing the part, he knew, but it felt kind of nice to have a woman care for his things. “Gather our stuff, we’re heading out.”
        She buzzed around the small room, doing his bidding. They didn’t have a lot of things with them, but it wouldn’t do to leave anything behind. Leah was ready by the time he’d dressed. They ate together quickly and then headed out of the small compartment. Michael wasn’t letting her out of his sight for a moment. Not now. Not ever.
        He found the pirate leader in the same common room from the night before, eating breakfast. A few of his men were there as well, but most looked half-awake after a night of debauchery.
        Michael sat opposite the captain and tried hard to repress his excitement. This op was nearing its conclusion. All he had to do now was finesse all the players into position. That would start now, with this man.
        “I have some other business I need to attend to,” Michael said. “Can you help me with the fifty or not?”
        The captain sat back, eyeing him. Just when Michael was sure he’d overplayed his hand, the man dug out a crystal from his pocket and rolled it across the table.
        “The information’s on there. Coordinates, instructions for credit transfer and everything else you’ll need. Be ready tonight at seventeen hundred station time.”
        Mike thought fast. That would be cutting it close, but it could be done. He had his troops on alert, waiting for his signal. He nodded to the jit captain.
        “I’ll be ready.” Michael stood, noting Leah’s warm presence behind him. “Thanks for your hospitality, Captain.” He reached across the table to shake hands the way jits did—a bone-jarring elbow clasp—and quickly took his leave.
        On the way out of the room he caught Ty’s eye and with a silent signal, their plan went into