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“If they had any,” Tito said. “I’m not sure how long an A-C woman can continue to bear children, but if it’s Alexander’s mother we’re talking about, the chances would be slim if she was an Earth woman.”
Alexander still looked like this was a discussion he’d never imagined having and never wanted to have again. “I’m sure my mother isn’t interested in the Councillor. He’s old enough to be her father.” He sounded just this side of horrified.
“You’d be surprised at the age gaps some happy couples have.” Alexander’s look of horror increased. I considered sharing that his parents had done the deed in order to have him and Gregory, too, but decided to take pity. “But if you haven’t seen any romantic sparks, let’s assume there aren’t any.”
We were heading back up the Strip. “Not that anyone asks the driver’s opinion,” Tim said, sarcasm knob up to full, “but I think the fact that we have A-C spies around who can tell the incoming A-C space cruiser filled with A-C warriors exactly where to attack is a bigger deal than playing the royal dating game.”
Alexander looked uncomfortable. “I doubt it will be filled with Alpha Centaurion warriors.”
The way he said it made all of us look at him, including Christopher, who turned around in the front seat. “Just who would it be filled with, then?” he asked Alexander, Glare #1 in full force.
Alexander gulped. “The best warriors in the system. The Free Women.”
Before anyone could freak out, Gower’s phone rang. We all let Alexander’s pronouncement sit on the air while Gower gave some one-word replies and did a lot of grunting and Tim drove us back to the Mandalay complex.
Gower hung up. “That was Richard. The Diplomatic Corps is on site in full force. Only Robert has been allowed to talk to Gregory.”
“Thank God for small favors,” Martini said. “I’m calling them the least of our worries right now, though. Let’s deal with the question of what to do when the Free Women army arrives.”
There was a lot of silence. “Renata could call them off,” Chuckie said finally.
“Not if they believe her to be a traitor.” Alexander looked miserable. “I know Councillor Leonidas wouldn’t send a battle cruiser after us. I doubt he’d send any ship. He knew we were coming to Earth to ask for your help, under the guise of the Wedding Protocols.”
“Queen Renata thought there was a ship after you, though.”
“There was.” Alexander gulped again. “I believe my great-uncle sent it, though. And if I’m correct, then he would have told the Free Women that their queen was a traitor . . .”
“And that would mean they’d consider themselves, what, honor-bound to kill her and anyone she was with?” I knew I’d guessed right by the look on Alexander’s face. “Oh, goody. How far behind you were they?”
“Far.” Alexander perked up. “We received a transmission when we left our solar space, advising us that a ship was being sent to follow.”
“Leonidas giving you fair warning?”
“I believe so, yes.”
“One ship to handle three?”
Martini snorted. “If Kyrellis was any example, Renata could take every one of the rest of the Planetary Council and all of us besides all on her own. God help us if we actually have a regiment of Amazon warriors coming here.”
I looked at Gower. “Well, we’ll fall off that particular bridge when we’re pushed.”
He nodded, and I had a feeling he knew what I was thinking. “Exactly. Or as we like to call it, routine.”
CHAPTER 41
MARTINI AND I WERE BACK IN OUR HUGE SUITE in the hotel. C.I.A., A-Cs, Chuckie, and Martini had all gone over it—it and all the rest of the two floors our perso
Tito was installed in a room for his own protection. He’d gone home to get some things under heavy guard. We didn’t want to lose another power piece.
Per Chuckie, my mother was briefed, had discussed the situation with Queen Renata, had the P.T.C.U. on high alert, and was doing all sorts of other high-level, need-to-know stuff Chuckie and Mom both felt I didn’t need to know.
The rest of my family, having heard thirdhand that I was all right, were all back inside the casino. I felt the love. Then again, I figured my mother had a good idea of what state my hair and clothes were in and had decided discretion to be the better part of scaring the crap out of my grandmothers.
I settled the Poofs on one of the couches with instructions they were to be good and get some rest. Many purrs and mewls earned them some lovies, then they went to sleep. They snored, but it was low and cute. Everything about them was cute. Hey, I was all over cute with huge teeth when it was protecting me.
The bathroom had a gigantic tub. It said it was big enough for two, but it looked big enough for ten. It was set up for soaking, too—not only were there inclines to lean against, but also inflated pillows strewn about. “When was the last time we showered?”
“No idea, baby. The hours are all ru
“I don’t want to find out how bad I smell. You still sore?”
“Yeah. And you smell like roses, as always.”
“That bad, huh? Let’s take a bath, okay?”
He gri
“Make sure the line’s secured and all.” I was getting paranoid.
“C.I.A. took care of that. I figure Reynolds will hear my conversation, but no one else will.” He left the bathroom, and I started to fill the tub. They had some great stuff in the bathrooms here, and I dumped all the expensive bath salts in. They foamed, scented, and relaxed, per their packaging. I’d worked as a marketing manager before I’d joined Centaurion Division, so I didn’t expect much from the hype. But there were instant bubbles, and the scent was nice. I was hoping Martini would help with the relaxation part, so I didn’t care as much about that being accurate.
I got out of my clothes. They were filthy and ripped—thankfully I’d been in the Armani fatigues and not my Aerosmith shirt. I was amazed I hadn’t been arrested as a vagrant. But it made it easier to see why Chuckie hadn’t trusted the football players. I risked a look in the mirror, was glad I hadn’t looked earlier, and thanked God the family was distracted by the lure of the slot machines. Considered that I looked damned good for falling off the top of the Hooters’ tower and decided to take that as a win.
Martini was still on the phone—I could hear him talking but not what he was saying. I decided I didn’t want to wait any longer. I stepped into the tub and settled under the water and the bubbles. It felt great. Leaned my head back against a pillow and closed my eyes. Felt even better.
The water turned off and my eyes opened. Martini was standing over me. His upper body looked completely healed, no bruising remained, which was a relief. “Sorry to wake you.” His voice was a purr.
“Was I asleep?” He was still in his pants, which I found disappointing.
“Yeah. The tub’s so huge it didn’t overflow.”
“Water’s nice. You coming in?”
He gave me a slow, sensuous smile. “I plan on it.” My breathing got heavy. He undid his pants slowly. By the time they were unzipped, I was starting to writhe in the water. By the time they were off, I was panting for him, and I could easily confirm that all his equipment looked better than fine and completely operational.
He sat at the edge of the tub. “You need anything? Before I come in?” His voice was low and silky.
“Oh . . . Jeff . . . please . . .” He was good. I was ready to go over the edge and he hadn’t even touched me yet.
Martini put one hand on either side of the tub by my head and shoulders. “Please what, baby?” His face was near, his eyes locked with mine, his mouth close, but not touching me.