Microsoft Word - FortunesFool.rtf (3 page)

for survival. Misunderstood by most of humanity, Dave knew first-hand

this experience—this little impromptu poker game on a civ station in the middle of nowhere—was something the boy would remember for the rest

of his life. However long that proved to be.

When the game broke up, Tim left the bar with a bounce in his step

that hadn't been there before. Dave watched him go, feeling old and

jaded. Had he ever been as young and easy to please? He couldn't recall.

"You're an awfully quiet man, David." Somehow Adele had

managed to sneak up on him, though he wasn't alarmed. On some base

level he'd been aware of her unique, ultra-feminine scent, though her

presence hadn't registered on a conscious level. It was more innate. She was shrugging into the jacket she'd removed during their game, leaving

18

FORTUNE'S FOOL

her in a plain, deep green tunic that enhanced her eyes and showed off

her curvy form to advantage. He was sorry to see her covering up, but it was getting late and he knew the bar would be closing shortly, in

accordance with the rules of the station.

"I've spent a lot of time out on the rim, ma'am. The quiet out there grows on you."

She nodded slowly, though her eyes searched his. "I can't even

imagine what it's like, living the kind of life you must have led."

He could read the honesty of her words in her beautiful eyes. The

idea that a gently bred civ woman would be the least bit interested in his life on the rim surprised him.

Alex interrupted them as he removed the empty glasses from their

table. "You be careful of this one, girl. Spec ops guys are rough

customers." He winked in an exaggerated way, but the warning wasn't lost, even though she laughed.

"You ought to know, Alex." Dave shot back, outing his friend the way he'd just been outed. He turned back to Adele, expecting fear in her eyes. Spec ops warriors had the most brutal reputation and were often

vilified in the galactic press, but she surprised him yet again. Her

expression was questioning and totally non-judgmental.

"I've heard about you guys." Her gentle smile said it hadn't all been bad and David was relieved. "They say some of you go out on your own for weeks on end in single-man craft patrolling the rim. No wonder you

don't talk much."

Dave shrugged. "You get used to silence."

"Then being here—on a civ station teeming with people and noise—

must be quite a shock to your system."

He nodded tightly. "I'm still working on adjusting to civilian life."

She laughed softly and the sound enchanted him. "Me, too."

He wanted to ask what she meant, but she turned away, hugging her

aunt and saying goodbye to the rest of the folks still at the bar. She

reached right across the bar to kiss Alex's cheek.

The hot sting of jealousy startled Dave. He envied his friend for a

peck on the cheek? Could he really be that petty? Or that desperate?

Adele turned back to him with a soft smile on her lovely face. He

scrambled to get hold of the situation.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, David."

There was no way he was letting her walk the deserted halls of the

station alone at this hour. She just didn't know it yet.

19

D'ARC, GALE, KENT, MARCH

"If you don't mind the company, I'd be happy to see you home."

She seemed surprised for a moment, but not displeased by his

suggestion. She looked back at her aunt and received a slight nod from

Della, bless her heart.

"All right. If you're sure you don't mind. I just moved in over in

Ring Four, Delta Section."

He nodded, glad he wouldn't have to lie. "It's on my way. I'm

staying in Ring Five, Epsilon at the moment." The lower rent single rooms were in the farthest rings and sections. Hers was a better address, by far, though still in an area where a woman shouldn't be out walking

alone during station night.

"Then I'd be glad to have your company." She smiled up at him and his heart nearly stopped. She was so damn beautiful, it hurt.

20

FORTUNE'S FOOL

They left the bar together. Adele couldn't remember when she'd ever

felt so safe in the presence of a man she'd just met. A soldier, for that matter. She spent a few moments wondering whether her instinctual trust

of this giant of a man was merely because he was a soldier and therefore bigger and stronger than the average man, but dismissed the thought. She hadn't had the same gut reaction to any of the other men at the bar,

though she had liked Alex and Timothy right off the bat. Some of the

others gave her pause, though. Perkins, for one, downright frightened

her. The man had killer's eyes and a ruthless set to his jaw that put her on edge. Yet, she hadn't sensed any malevolence from him—only the fact

that he was capable of things best left to the shadows.

David made her feel things she hadn't felt in ages, if ever. She

couldn't recall a more instantaneous attraction to any man. She wondered what he would be like in bed. Would he be rough or gentle, skilled or

wild, thoughtful or selfish? Licking her lips in anticipation, she wondered if she dared find out.

It had been nearly a year since her last intimate encounter. She'd

thought she was building towards a long-term relationship with Jeffrey,

but he'd only been looking for a short fling with a convenient co-worker.

When he'd been promoted away, their affair was over and he never

looked back, while she was left disillusioned and disappointed.

She blamed herself. She should have been more careful about

getting involved with a man who clearly cared more for his job, his rank, and himself, than he did about anyone else. He barely spoke to his

family, having his secretary send gifts for important occasions with

impersonal notes that he initialed. He had few friends, unless they were of higher rank and could further his career. He was a ruthless social

climber and she should have seen the signs much sooner, but she'd been

blinded by her desire to find love and acceptance. Instead all she'd found was heartache and hurt.

"Something wrong?"

21

D'ARC, GALE, KENT, MARCH

David was all too observant. He watched her with an intense sort of

alertness. It was disconcerting, but also endearing. He cared enough to

study her expression and was sensitive to her mood. That wasn't

something Jeffrey had ever done.

"Sorry. I was just thinking about the paths that led me here."

"Somehow I don't think you're talking about the transport tube." His lopsided smile touched her heart. He truly seemed interested.

Adele shrugged. "I was just thinking about how easy you are to talk to and how stupid I was to fear soldiers. You and the guys in the bar are the first I've ever talked to, you know. I mean, I didn't deliberately try to avoid them," she hastened to add. "It just never happened." She smiled up at him as they walked side by side down the deserted corridor toward

one of the transport tubes. "I'm glad it did now."

He winked at her. "Me, too."

David gallantly motioned for her to precede him into the small

transport car that would take them to the outer rings. She took a seat and he moved next to her in the small pod as the door slid shut, sealing them together. He was a big man and the two-person unit was cramped.

Adele's temperature rose when he stretched his arm around her

shoulders. He tucked her next to his warm body in the cramped space.

"Do you mind?" A sexy smile hovered around his lips. "These things are too small for guys my size."

"Very convenient, though, huh?" She teased, looking up at him as she moved closer to give him a smidgen more room.

His eyes glowed as his head lowered. When he spoke, his lips were

an inch away from hers, and his warm breath puffed over her chin.

"I'm not complaining. I'll take any advantage to get you into my

arms, Adele."

Her abdomen rippled as his words hit home. The man was truly

devastating and she wanted nothing more than to learn his taste and

discover the answers to some of her questions. Would he kiss slow and

easy or fast and wild? No time like the present to find out.

Leaning upward, she touched her lips to his, taking the initiative in a

way she knew surprised him. His rumbled sigh of approval warmed her

as he brought his other arm around and licked his tongue along her lips.

One question was answered immediately. The man certainly knew how

to kiss!

* * * *

FORTUNE'S FOOL

David couldn't believe she was in his arms, and for a crazy moment

he didn't think he would ever be able to let her go. Her taste was a

homecoming, her gentle sigh as she relaxed into him, a welcome he

would never forget. If he believed in such things, he'd think this was his woman. The only one in the universe meant just for him.

He'd heard rumors about the enemy jit'suku and the way they knew

their mates by just one kiss. He'd wondered about it, scoffing at the idea of such instantaneous recognition. But now he thought he understood.

This kiss was like no other he'd ever shared with a woman. This kiss was special. As was the woman.

He'd liked her from the moment he saw her walking with false

bravado into that bar full of men. He liked her courage and her pluck,

and he loved the way she looked. Petite and feminine, she brought out all his protective instincts, but he also admired her spirit. The way she

squared her adorable shoulders had said this was a woman who could

handle herself. As the night wore on, he'd come to realize it wasn't just an act.

She had a keen mind and quick wit. She also had a soft heart that

showed itself in her dealings with the youngster, Timothy. Not every

woman would take the time to make the shy soldier feel not only

welcome, but as if he'd made a friend.

Friends among regular folk were few and far between for men like

them. It meant a lot to Dave that she'd make the effort. It showed her true mettle and the depth of her compassion.

But her kiss sent him into another realm altogether.

This kiss spoke of fire and heat, passion and blazing arousal. He felt

the impact of her little tongue tangling with his down to his soul. She

was living flame in his arms and he wanted to burn with her. All night

long.Maybe forever.

The thought gave him pause as he drew back, just a bit, into

himself. He tempered his assault on her lips, twining his hands into her hair. She was special and he needed to treat her that way. He had to show he was capable of more than just crude passion. He had to finesse her if he wanted to keep her interest.

When he leaned back, she followed as if she never wanted to let him

go. Deep satisfaction filled him as she continued her subconscious

pursuit. He let one hand trail down her petite frame to settle at her waist, before moving up her ribcage. When she made no protest, he cupped the

23

D'ARC, GALE, KENT, MARCH

tempting curve of her breast, squeezing lightly, seeking permission to go farther. She granted it with a gasping little moan that shot straight to his groin.He surrounded her soft breast, loving the weight and shape of her.

She was perfection. She was exactly what he'd always dreamed of in a

woman. Enough to fill his hands and soft as a cloud. A feminine bundle

with a beautiful heart.

Dave tweaked her nipple through the layers of thin fabric, pleased

with her instant response. She practically climbed into his lap, so great was her excitement, and he relished every quick breath, every sexy little moan as he kissed her and kissed her, letting her know how desirable he

found her.

And she desired him back. He could feel it in her response.

The thought humbled him. This perfect woman wanted him as much

as he wanted her. If he had anything to say about it, they'd share this

night and many more to come.

Just then an explosion rocked the station and the car they were in

went dark, coasting to a stop in the transport tube.

24

FORTUNE'S FOOL

"Now?" Adele wiggled her way off his lap. Her voice was directed upward and Dave let out a laugh. Rather than fear, this incredible woman met the danger she'd foreseen with exasperation.

He could see the frustration on her face in the darkness of the pod.

One gift of his Enhancement was incredible night vision. Swooping in,

he placed a kiss on her surprised lips.

"You're one hell of a woman, Adele."

A breathless sigh was his answer as she gathered her wits. The kiss

had rocked both their worlds.

But the station was under attack. Another dangerous rocking shook

the tunnel and pod, and Dave knew it was time for action.

"Do you trust me?" He reached for her hand in the darkness. She couldn't see a thing, but to him the darkness was only a minor irritation.

"With my life." Her answer was immediate and gratifying.

"We've got to get out of here. The transport system will be the first thing they go for."

"So you think this is it, too? I mean, I know my visions have never been wrong, but…"

He placed a finger across her kiss swollen lips. "If you believe it,"

he used one hand to release the emergency exit at the top of the pod, "
I
believe
you
." Climbing out, he lifted her up easily behind him, already scanning the long tunnel.

Brief flickers of light at the far end told him all he needed to know.

He grabbed for the nearest handholds, clipping into the rail that ran the length of most of the main transport tubes. The station's gravity didn't extend to the transport system so the pods could slide along with