Bargain With the Enemy Read online

  Three weeks had passed since that bitter argument in Ivo’s cabin.

  Three weeks since Stephanie had shared his bed.

  Three weeks since she and Mia had returned to their lonely compartment.

  Steph had occupied the long hours with learning as much as possible about the Darkon people by using the ship’s intel interface. In particular, the beliefs and laws that governed the Traditionalist followers. She wanted to be prepared for anything Ivo chose to throw at her.

  What she’d found had done little to alleviate her concerns about leaving Mia in his care. It had only made her more determined to take Mia with her and return to Earth.

  To Ivo’s credit, he’d made no effort to stop her from moving into her own space, despite the angry words he’d hurled at her. Gordo and company had departed the next morning and ever since then Ivo had treated her with a reserved formality. He’d made a point of sharing the evening meal with her and Mia and afterwards, Stephanie had made herself scarce while he spent time with the baby. On the occasions when he’d requested to put Mia to bed or feed her himself, Stephanie had made no objections. As the days slowly passed, she’d begun to accept the possibility Ivo sincerely wanted to be a part of Mia’s life.

  Could it be possible a life on Earth would not be in either of their best interests?

  But not once did Ivo refer to his intentions or the future.

  A fact Stephanie was grateful for; she needed time to think and decide on her further actions. The problem was, she often found herself dwelling far too often on him. What was he doing? What was he thinking? Did he regret his hasty words? Did he miss her in his bed?

  Because she certainly missed him.

  Even if his beliefs were too rigid for her to swallow.

  She’d been allowed to wander at will throughout the ship. His men had accorded her respect and anytime she’d voiced a need, it had been instantly granted. But with each passing hour, the gnawing empty feeling inside her heart grew larger and larger.

  Behind her the blast proof doors slid open. Immediately, she stiffened as she sensed Ivo’s approach.

  ‘Our shuttle is ready,’ he stated.

  Without turning around, Stephanie nodded and after tucking Mia under one arm reached for her bag.

  ‘Leave it. Ensign Ronal will attend to your luggage.’ Ivo cupped her elbow with his hand and propelled her forward.

  In silence they walked across the runway towards the shuttle that would take them down to the surface.

  Finally she found her voice. ‘I’d like to arrange a meeting with Alana as soon as possible.’

  ‘Your intentions remain the same? To take Mia back to Earth?’ His sharp tones vibrated with repressed emotion.

  Anger? Disappointment? About to climb onto the shuttle, Stephanie glanced at him. His expression was remote, his eyes cold and it was too hard to tell what he was feeling; if anything.

  ‘I’m keeping my options open,’ she admitted, hoping he’d fess up to his intentions.

  ‘Darkos should please you. Our cities are well-planned and abound with many gardens and fields.’ Releasing his hold, he waved her forward into the passenger section.

  Feeling too emotionally worn out to continue their previous battle of wills, Stephanie followed his change of subject as she settled into a chair. ‘I’d like to learn more about your home.’

  Ivo nodded and bent down to assist with the restraints. ‘Perhaps a tour of the major landmarks will interest you. I will arrange for a guide.’

  He marched off and disappeared into the pilot’s cabin. I could just scream. Frustrated, Steph glared after him. I want YOU to tell me, YOU to share your history, Ice Man; not spend yet more time with a computer or some aloof soldier. Settling back in her chair, she removed Mia’s thumb from her mouth as the engines deepened into a powerful hum.

  I still haven’t made up my mind. Ask to be included on the ship returning to Earth or stay.

  Steph rubbed a hand over her aching forehead. I don’t know what to expect either when we land. I want to trust him but how can I? He’s a Traditionalist. He’s already threatened to take Mia from me.

  The journey to the surface seemed to take no time at all and Ivo was once again standing beside her, his hand outstretched. She busied herself releasing her and Mia’s restraints, pretending she didn’t see him until his hand fell back to his side. Keep strong, Steph. Don’t give into these dumb feelings that probably aren’t real anyway.

  Cold to her bones, she climbed down from the shuttle on legs that felt as brittle as dry twigs. Now what?

  ‘Where are we?’ Rubbing Mia’s back in a soothing fashion, she took in her unfamiliar surroundings. Wide-eyed, Mia blew bubbles and dribbled over Stephanie’s shirt.

  The shuttle squatted behind her on a short runway that appeared to have been carved out of the side of a mountain. To one side was a low-set building with wide hangar doors and to the other a three-storey building made of some type of metallic rock which appeared to blend into the mountain wall. The stark lines of the building was softened by the roll of green grass covering the ground and the many garden beds filled with weirdly twisted and colourful shrubs and plants.

  No matter where she looked, the skyline was rent by enormous, jagged mountains. Overhead, the sky was a pinkish-brown colour. The edge of the runway ended sharply in what Stephanie suspected would be a steep and long drop to the valley below.

  Nowhere could she see a city.

  ‘This isn’t Darkos!’ Her voice sounded shrill with accusation even to her ears.

  Smoothly, Ivo said, ‘Negative. This is my family estate on the planet Cerciron.’

  ‘You tricked me. Lied to me.’

  His eyelids lowered as if he wished to veil his thoughts. ‘It was not a lie. Come. There is someone who is very eager to meet both of you.’ One hand planted in the centre of her back pushed her gently forward.

  ‘But…’

  Ivo stepped around her and stopped. Pinching her chin between his thumb and forefinger he tilted her face upwards. The glitter in his eyes sent a flash of fire heating her lower body. What is he up to?

  ‘My mother is ailing. Since she received the news of Neo’s passing, her health collapsed. The knowledge that his child lives has been her sole comfort. Surely you cannot deny her this opportunity to spend a little time with Mia?’

  His mother? He’d never mentioned her before, why now? ‘How much time? The ship…’

  ‘I am aware of the scheduled departure to Earth. I ask you to trust me, Stephanie, and do this one act of kindness for what is left of my family.’

  Very smooth.

  While Stephanie hesitated, her mind whirling, Mia chuckled and wrapped her tiny fingers around Ivo’s thumb. Ivo smiled, his expression soft and tender and Stephanie’s suspicious thoughts dissipated before they fully formed.

  ‘Very well, then, but we’re staying only for a couple of days. And then you’ll fly Mia and me to Darkos.’ She eyed him narrowly. Not a flicker passed over his face.

  Ivo counter-offered, ‘Five aons.

  ‘Three.’

  ‘Deal.’ Ivo smiled widely as if he’d won the lotto and led her forward. The shuttle crew began to off-load luggage and various sized containers onto the ground.

  ‘The garden is beautiful,’ Stephanie said as they wandered down a path that meandered through and around the plantings.

  ‘It is a tribute to my mother’s careful attention to detail,’ Ivo admitted.

  Stephanie fingered the black, waxy flower of a shrub as she passed. ‘Amazing.’

  ‘That plant is from Solon.’

  The path widened, funnelling towards the four-pillared portico at the front of Ivo’s mansion. They passed under its shadow and mounted the six wide steps to the entrance. Sensors inserted in both sides of the doorway flashed blue and the door slid open.

  ‘Welcome to my home, Stephanie.’ His voice rumbled close to her ear. His breath ruffled her hair, tickling her skin and she shivered.

 
; Hugging Mia closer, she walked inside and inspected the surprisingly small foyer which was well lit by the massive windows. Opposite to the main entrance was a chute. On both sides of where she stood, the foyer flowed into what looked like large living rooms.

  ‘This way. My mother will be waiting.’ Ivo paused and glanced back at her. ‘Unless you wish to visit your room first.’

  ‘No, we’re good. Lead on, Ice Man.’

  For a second she thought he would question her but then he inclined his head and entered the room to the left. His long, quick strides gave Steph the impression he was eager to see his mother again. If he did harbour affection for his parent, then maybe he could be salvaged.

  For Mia’s sake, of course.

  Although large, an effort had been made to mitigate the starkness of the room’s harsh furnishings. This had to be the work of his mother. No way could Steph imagine Ivo organising soft and squishy looking cushions to adorn the three black, right-angled sofas made from a type of stiff leather and with metal feet.

  As in the garden outside, his mother had demonstrated her love of colour with throw rugs, cushions and the plush-looking golden-yellow curtains that framed the long windows. On every wall, a huge viewing screen depicted various alien landscapes in a never-ending flow of slides. Travel pictures perhaps?

  Stephanie’s gaze travelled over the room then alighted on the grey-haired Darkon woman on a chaise-lounge. Half-lying and half-sitting, a warm-looking, crimson rug covered her legs and was tucked around her waist. Her face was thin and drawn, her complexion an unhealthy sallow tinge to its underlying olive tone.

  Yet nothing dimmed the brightness of her smile or the excited glow in her eyes.

  Ivo reached his mother first, bending over and pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. His mother reached up and gripped his hand as they exchanged smiles.

  Well! Knock me over with a feather!

  ‘Is this…is this my Neo’s mate and child?’ The Darkon woman’s voice quavered and Steph was dismayed to see tears trickle down her cheeks.

  ‘Not quite, mother. This is a friend of Neo’s but the child is his. Mother meet Stephanie Roberts and Neo’s offspring, Mia. Stephanie may I present my parent, Leance Boeka.’

  ‘Thank you for coming here, Stephanie,’ Leance said in a low voice. ‘May I hold Mia?’

  Realising she’d been standing for several minutes as if glued to the floor, she hurried forward and settled Mia carefully into Leance’s outstretched arms.

  ‘Hi.’ Stephanie stepped back, more of her worry melting away as she watched. Ivo’s mother appeared to have no reservations whatsoever where her grandchild was concerned for she cooed and clucked over the baby.

  Mia kicked her legs and blew a raspberry.

  ‘She is so perfect, so lovely.’ Leance smiled at Stephanie through her tears. ‘Thank you. Thank you.’

  Steph shifted her weight uneasily. Does she know I’m taking her only grandchild to another universe?

  She said gruffly, ‘We’re only here for a short visit. We’re on our way to Darkos in a few days time.’

  ‘Of course. Ivo, why do you not offer our guest refreshments? As you can see, Stephanie, my mobility is severely limited.’

  Ivo raised an eyebrow in silent enquiry.

  ‘I’m fine, honestly, but Mia’s feed is almost due. I’ll need our bags.’

  ‘My home is your home.’ Ivo’s eyes glinted and he indicated a single chair next to the chaise. ‘Velon, Stephanie, sit and relax until I return.’

  Wow, he actually said please. Is this because his mother is in the room or is he shedding a layer of his habitual reserve?

  Ivo marched from the room. Stephanie stared after him, admiring the broad width of his shoulders outlined in his flight uniform. When she turned back, she found Leance looking at her, speculation rife in her eyes.

  There was no trace of tears on her face now. Instead the older woman looked quite pleased, a tiny smile playing about the corners of her wide mouth.

  For some reason, heat flared over Stephanie’s face and Leance’s smile deepened.

  ‘Ivo is very much like his father,’ Leance said. Her eyes took on a far-away expression.

  ‘Do you miss him?’ asked Steph hesitantly, uncertain whether the Darkon woman’s union had been an organised alignment forged from mutual interests or one of choice.

  ‘With every breath I take.’

  Steph stared.

  ‘You are surprised, I see.’ Leance tucked the blanket over Mia’s legs but the baby promptly kicked it off again.

  ‘I thought being a Traditionalist…’

  ‘My family has long followed these beliefs but we were blessed. Our union became a meeting of true mates. Alas, my husband chose not to enlighten either of our sons with this truth and outwardly was a rigid up-holder of Traditionalist law.’

  ‘Then…’ Steph stopped, feeling the tell-tale flush flaring like fire over her skin again.

  Leance nodded, her smile disappearing. ‘You are correct. If matters had been different Neo would not have felt the need to escape from our lives, but then, perhaps he would never have this precious child. Tell me, Stephanie, was my son happy? Did he…did he find what he was seeking?’

  Steph’s throat clogged but she choked out, ‘Yes. Neo and Janeen loved each other very much. They didn’t have a lot of time together but I don’t believe either would have changed a thing.’

  Leance’s lips trembled as she whispered, ‘Thank you.’

  They both stared down at the evidence of her son’s love for several minutes in silence until the Darkon woman cleared her throat. Glancing up, she snagged Stephanie’s gaze and said, ‘Tell me, Stephanie, what is it that you seek?’

  ‘Safety,’ Steph answered too quickly and thinking, a family.

  Leance quirked an eyebrow. ‘Not your life mate?’

  Her hands gripped together, Stephanie stared towards the empty doorway.

  No, because I’ve already found him.

  ***

  It wasn’t until the evening meal before Stephanie saw Ivo again. After Mia had been fed and changed, Steph had murmured the excuse of putting Mia down to sleep and had been shown to her room. There she’d spent the rest of the afternoon, wallowing in a deep bath with real water and then dozing on her bed until the baby woke.

  As she walked into the main living area clad yet again in her flight clothes, and with little Mia in her arms, Steph sighed. What she wouldn’t give to wear a sexy, black dress that would be guaranteed to make Ivo’s eyes pop out from his head.

  But better still, make him forget all about his sterile ideas of marriage.

  Would he leap from his chair? Sweep her off her feet and carry her to his room? Pay homage to every centimetre of her body with his lips, his hands. Lost in her blissful daydream, her gaze sought and zoomed in on him, standing near his mother’s chaise. Her body tightened in heady anticipation at the lust glittering like gold dust in his eyes as he examined her in such a leisurely fashion, her toes curled inside her boots.

  I want him so much it hurts.

  Wrenching her gaze aside, she smiled at his mother.

  ‘Come and sit beside me, Stephanie.’ Leance swung her legs to the floor and patted the chaise. ‘How is Mia? Did she sleep well?’

  ‘Yes but she’s been a bit grizzly.’

  Leance looked completely mystified.

  Ivo started forward, a quick frown on his face and Steph added quickly, ‘Sorry. There’s no problem. I think she’s teething.’

  Leance laughed. ‘I remember Ivo was like a wounded draptile. He kept me awake for many a day and night.’

  I like this woman. She’d make a fabulous grandmother. Stephanie peeped over Mia’s head at Ivo whose attention remained fixed on the baby sucking with loud smacking noises on her fists. ‘Here, Ivo, hold her for a while, please.’

  He strode over with alacrity and plucked Mia into his arms, hoisting her against his shoulder while he patted her back.

  ‘Ivo will
make an excellent parent, do you not think so, Stephanie?’

  Stop tormenting me. Steph laughed and shook her head at the twinkle in Leance’s eyes. Changing the subject she said, ‘I hope we’re not having protein cubes for dinner.’

  ‘Negative. Real meat and vegetables, Stephanie. You will enjoy the meal,’ said Ivo.

  So typical of him, telling me what to do and think. But the notion no longer rankled.

  He added, ‘Before we join the others, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you.’

  What others? Like a coiling snake, suspicion rose and Stephanie tensed while Ivo strolled over to a viewing screen and spoke in a soft voice to Mia who stared at the changing colours.

  ‘We are waiting, Ivo,’ said his mother drily.

  ‘There are several reports I wish you to examine. They deal with a recent expedition to one of our moons where we’d hoped to find viable, subterranean water. You have knowledge in such matters, I believe.’

  ‘On Earth I do, I’m not so sure if I’d be of any help here.’

  ‘I am certain your expertise can assist us greatly. In fact, there is a position in this field that will suit you.’

  Stephanie shut her slack mouth with a snap. ‘Are you offering me a job?’

  He hesitated a moment while he translated her idiom before shrugging his wide shoulders.

  ‘I’m not staying, remember?’ Her voice was sharp as she struggled with resentment. ‘Anyway, I thought Traditionalists didn’t believe in women holding down jobs or being equal in status to men.’

  ‘As you so sweetly pointed out to me, Traditionalist rules have been outlawed.’

  Face as hot as an oven, she glared back at him.

  ‘How wonderful.’ Leance clapped her hands, dragging Stephanie’s gaze away from Ivo’s infuriatingly impassive features. ‘Now you will be able to stay here, Stephanie. You could live here with us, I could assist with Mia and you will earn your own creds.’

  I can’t believe how tempting that sounds. But how can I sit back and watch Ivo marry that…that thing?

  The sight of Leance’s excited expression was like a punch in the chest for Stephanie. ‘Now look what you’ve done.’ Stephanie ground her teeth then snapped a narrowed look at Ivo. ‘You don’t trust me so why would you offer me work?’