“I was just thinking the same thing. It must be ninety degrees.”
“At least.” She bypassed the straw to take a gulp of her drink, hoping the coolness would help.
Smiley shifted in his seat and peeled off the jacket, revealing a black tank top and tan, muscular arms. She tried not to stare but it was difficult. He was built. His biceps flexed as he twisted enough to drape the jacket over the back of his chair. Somebody works out a lot. She had to admire his broad shoulders too since so much of them showed. They were wide and thick, the kind she saw at her local gym on body builders. He smiled.
“That should help.”
Stop gawking at him before he notices! She forced her gaze away from his body to stare up at his face. “You’re really fit.” Oh my god. I just said that aloud.
“I am Species.” He shrugged. “It’s genetics and I am in Security. What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a chair jockey.”
That eyebrow of his rose again. “What is that?”
“I work in an office sitting at a desk most days. My version of exercise is running back to grab the phone if I left my desk to send off faxes or use the copy machine. I get to deal with a ton of paperwork, for the most part. The technical term for my job is executive secretary but I prefer chair jockey. It sounds more exciting than what it really is.”
“I wish that was my version of exercise. We run miles a day and train all the time.”
“What do you train for? Like with guns and hitting what you aim at?”
“Fighting and yes, we know how to use guns but we want to keep our reflexes at peak levels. Hand-to-hand-combat training is what we mostly do.”
She glanced at his thickly muscled arms and those wide shoulders again. Don’t drool. Smiley was the exact opposite of her fiancé. Carl was a lawyer. The only exercise he got was swinging golf clubs at the country club. He was pasty white, just a few inches taller than she was and they were about the same weight. Smiley had to be well over a hundred pounds heavier and he appeared tall, even sitting. He was very appealing and she definitely noticed. I’d have to be blind not to. Don’t forget you’re engaged.
She gulped more of her tea but not even the icy drink could help her cool down. “Wow. It is really warm in here.” Vanni could feel perspiration trickling down her back and between her breasts. She shifted in her seat, wishing she wasn’t wearing a skirt nearly to her ankles. Her thighs felt damp too, as if they were sweating. “Maybe I should hang out in this bar more often. It’s like a sauna. Who needs exercise?”
Smiley lifted his arm and waved to get the bartender’s attention. The man walked over but he didn’t look happy about it. He kept back from the counter. “What do you need?”
“The female is hot and so am I. Could you please turn up the air-conditioning?”
“Sure.” He spun and nearly ran to the opposite side of the bar.
“‘So much for giving good service after getting a big tip,” Vanni muttered.
“He appeared frightened.”
She glanced up at Smiley. “You think so?”
He nodded.
She glanced at his arms. “You took off your jacket.”
“So?”
She licked her lips and shifted in her seat. A dizzy spell struck and she gripped the edge of the bar to keep steady until it passed. “You’re really buff.”
“That’s terrifying?”
“He probably realized you could kick his ass.”
“Oh. I’d never attack someone without a good reason. Should I tell him that so I don’t frighten him? I’m no threat to the male.”
She shook her head. “Just ignore it. Some people are paranoid morons.”
Smiley took another sip of his soda. “You’d think I terrified him just by being Species.”
“You don’t terrify me. You’re nice.”
“Thank you.” He lifted his wrist to glance at his watch.
“Do you have to leave?”
“No. I just can’t believe it’s ten at night. It doesn’t feel that late. I guess I should finish my drink and go to my room. I have an early shift in the morning.”
“Yeah. I should go to my room soon but I think I’ll eat something first. I picked at my dinner earlier.”
He studied her. “It wasn’t good?”
“I had to eat dinner with some people who said things that made me feel sick. It kind of killed my appetite at the time. They are idiots. It seems to be going around tonight.”
“So why did you eat with them?”
“I had no choice. I was kind of pushed into it by someone else.”
He seemed to understand that. “They have good food here. I ate dinner at this bar yesterday. I’d recommend the steak.”
He looked like a meat eater to Vanni. Carl was a vegetarian. An image of a white onion with Carl’s face on it suddenly popped into her head and she burst out in giggles.
A firm hand gripped her upper arm. “Are you well?”
She stared up at Smiley and the humor faded. He was really handsome and she noticed he smelled good. “What is that cologne you’re wearing?” She sniffed and wanted to be closer to get a better whiff. She leaned forward and nearly fell off her barstool.
“Vanni?” Smiley gripped her other arm to keep her in place. “What is wrong? Your pupils are dilated and you’re almost panting.”
Am I? The dizzy spell had passed but she still felt lightheaded. She focused on her breathing and realized Smiley was right. “I’m hot and,” she glanced at what little was left of her iced tea, “feel drunk. I think the bartender gave me the wrong drink. I said iced tea, not a Long Island Iced Tea.”
“I don’t understand.”
She lifted her head and stared into his eyes again. They were gorgeous. “One has alcohol and one doesn’t. I, um, think he gave me one with booze. You have bedroom eyes.” She realized she’d said that last part aloud. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you that.”
He leaned in closer until their faces were inches apart. She couldn’t help but stare at his lips. They looked kissable and soft, despite him being so masculine.
“Vanni? What can I do? Should I call someone? Do you have a friend here at the hotel who can escort you safely to your room? I could call hotel security. I’d take you myself but that might be inappropriate.”
She cringed, imagining her roommate tattling instantly to Carl if she showed up two sheets to the wind. He’d ordered her to go upstairs and wouldn’t be happy that she’d gone to the bar instead. He’d lose his mind if Smiley walked her to the door and Mable got a look at him.
“I’m not going to take advantage of you. You’re safe.”
“It’s not that.” She shook her head and regretted it when the room spun. “It’s my roommate. Crap. That would be so bad.”
He helped her sit upright in her chair and released her arms. “You should eat. I’ll order food.”
Her stomach muscles clenched and it almost hurt. “No.” She gripped the edge of the bar and tried to figure out what was wrong with her. She was lightheaded, sweating, and the pain in her stomach intensified and traveled lower to between her legs. Her eyes widened when her clit began to throb as though it had a heartbeat. “Oh shit.”
“Vanni?” Smiley’s voice softened. “What can I do? I want to help you.”
She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing. Instead it made her aware of her breasts. They started to ache and she was pretty sure her nipples grew taut. Something was definitely wrong. Another hot flash struck and she fought the urge to tear off her clothes since it felt as if her skin was on fire. It passed and relief swept through her for a few seconds until the chills began. She’d gone from hot to cold in a flash.
“Vanni?” Smiley leaned in, his voice almost against her ear. “Do you need a doctor? I could see if one is staying at the hotel.”
She opened her eyes and turned her head. Her teeth started to chatter and she trembled all over. “I’m so cold,” she admitted.
; He frowned and called to his team, “We need help over here.” He raised his voice. “Ned!”
It seemed as though the two men were instantly next to them. “What is it, Smiley?”
“You have medic training, right?” Smiley addressed the dark-haired one. “Take a look at her.”
The man moved to her other side and leaned between the barstools, forcing her to turn toward him when he gripped her shoulders. She stared into light-blue eyes. He studied her then released her shoulder to grip her wrist. Seconds ticked by. He frowned and glanced at someone behind her.
“I think she’s on drugs.”
“I don’t do drugs.” She was horrified at the implication.
Ned frowned and held her gaze. “What did you take?”
“I didn’t. I swear. I would never—” A blast of pain shot through her belly and jolted lower to her clit. The chills left and she started to sweat again.
“Shit.” Smiley’s voice sounded strangely deep and almost inhuman. “Clear the bar. Now. Alert Security that we have an emergency situation.”
“We need to call an ambulance,” Ned argued. “She’s as high as a kite.”
“Do as I say,” Smiley snarled. “Clear the bar and alert our people. Let her go.”
Ned cursed and released her, stepping away to yank out his cell phone. He jerked his head at the second man. “Clear the bar. I’ll make the call.”
Vanni turned her head to look at Smiley as he slid off his barstool and yanked his jacket off the back of it. He draped it over her shoulders and then grabbed the sides of her seat, twisting it to face him. He leaned in and his nostrils flared as he sniffed at her. She watched his tan face pale before his gaze lifted to meet hers.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
His lips flattened into a tight line and a muscle in his jaw jerked. He made a low rumbling sound, blinked a few times and his Adam’s apple showed that he swallowed hard before he spoke. “I can smell you. We were warned about the drug, Vanni. Where did you get it? Why would you take it?”
She tried not to panic but failed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What’s happening to me?”
The harsh set of his features and the way his eyes narrowed were scary. “Did they at least warn you about how dangerous it is?”
She was distracted when people started to complain loudly. She turned her head and watched the blond security guy force patrons to leave as he cleared the bar. Men in black uniforms rushed inside to help him.
“Vanni?”
She looked at Smiley. “What’s going on?”
“That’s what I’d like to know,” a deep voice stated.
She turned and stared at the New Species who wore a black, well-tailored suit. It was designer quality. She knew that face. Some of her fear eased as she stared at Justice North. He was on television all the time and she’d seen plenty of interviews with him. He barely spared her a glance before focusing on Smiley.
“Inhale,” Smiley whispered.
Justice took a deep breath and his full attention snapped to her. His catlike eyes narrowed. “Shit.”
“My sense of smell isn’t as good as yours but I’m right, aren’t I?” Smiley queried.
“Yes.”
Vanni shivered, suddenly cold again, despite the jacket draped around her and she grabbed at the edges, holding it tightly against her middle. She wanted to draw her knees up and curl into a ball just to try to get warm.
“Who are you working for?” Justice North glared at her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“It’s worse,” Smiley whispered. “I think she dosed my drink too.”
A terrifying snarl came from Justice North and he flashed some scary, sharp fangs, never taking his eyes off her while he spoke to Smiley. “You think or you know you were dosed?”
“I’m pretty sure I was. I’m sweating, my heart rate is up and I’m feeling it in my jeans. She’s attractive and I’m starting to hurt. I didn’t drink enough to lose control but I’m in for some hell.”
“What is the emergency?” A New Species arrived, sporting the NSO uniform, his black hair pulled into a ponytail. He was huge. He sniffed and growled. “Breeding drug. I can smell it.”
“It’s coming from her,” Smiley informed him. “She drank it and dosed me too, Brass.”
Chapter Two
“I want to go now.” Vanni was afraid and confused. They were talking about her as if she’d drugged both Smiley and herself. She tried to slide off the barstool to escape but Smiley prevented her from leaving when he grabbed her hips and pushed her back against the seat.
“Stay.”
His hands were warm where he held her and she noticed again how really good he smelled. She couldn’t believe she noticed that with everything going on but she did. “What’s happening to me?”
She stared into Smiley’s eyes, hoping he’d tell her. Some emotion flashed in them but she couldn’t identify it. He turned his head away but kept hold of her as he looked at Justice North.
“I don’t think they warned her what would happen. She’s scared. No one could act this well.”
“We need to get both of you out of here.” Justice withdrew a phone from his pocket. “I’ll order two SUVs to drive around the hotel and we’ll take you out a back door rather than asking the hotel for permission to use their heliport. It’s the least suspicious way. There are too many reporters on scene. Medical will be on standby when you reach Homeland. You’ll be taken in separate vehicles.”
“No.” Smiley shook his head. “The trip will take about two hours and she’ll attack the males if her symptoms worsen.”
“They can restrain her.” Justice turned and strode a few feet away to talk on the phone. He kept his voice low so she couldn’t hear what was said.
She looked around the room and was terrified to see the bar had been cleared of everyone except New Species and men wearing NSO uniforms. She counted over a dozen.
“Vanni?” She looked up at Smiley. “It’s going to get far worse. How much pain are you in?”
“A lot,” she admitted. Her stomach hurt and she was very aware of the area between her thighs. “What’s wrong with me? Is it poison?”
“Worse.” He bent down until their faces were close. “That drug you put in our drinks is a breeding drug.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about but I didn’t do it.”
“You sat next to me. You’re the only one I let down my guard around.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
His expression softened. “I want to believe you.” He glanced around then spoke to the guy with the ponytail. “Brass, she said she didn’t do it. Perhaps it was someone else.”
The male stepped forward and visually examined Vanni. “Where is your purse?” He patted her down, removing the hotel key card from her skirt pocket then frowned, staring at her. “Where is your identification?”
Vanni fought to form words. “I don’t have any. I left it in my room.”
Brass scowled. “That’s suspicious. Humans always carry certain things and she doesn’t have any of them. No purse. No driver’s license. Did any other hotel guests come near you, Smiley?”
“No. Just her and the bartender.”
“We cleared him, for now. All the humans who work here had thorough background checks. She appears to be the guilty one.”
“What’s going to happen to me? Are they going to call an ambulance?” Vanni’s unease was spiraling into fear.
“A human hospital can’t help us. We need to go to Homeland. That drug was invented for New Species. Our doctors have more knowledge than yours would.” Smiley leaned in closer, holding her gaze.
A hot flash struck and she groaned as her skin started to feel as if it were on fire. She released the lapels of the jacket and latched on to Smiley’s upper arms. A sharp stabbing sensation pierced her stomach and jolted lower to her vagina. She cried out and clung to Smiley. It felt as
if someone was tearing her apart with a sword.
“Does anyone have a stun gun on them? We need to put her out.”
It alarmed Vanni when someone said that. They were going to hurt her? She whimpered and leaned forward, pressing her face against Smiley’s shoulder. He stepped closer and allowed it.
“No,” a voice responded. “One of us could punch her hard enough to knock her out.”
“No.” Smiley glowered. “No one is going to hit her.”
“It’s going to get worse,” another man with a deep voice responded. “It would be a kindness. She’s human. To give her a sedative with the breeding drug could send her into cardiac arrest.”
“She might die anyway,” someone else stated.
“The SUVs will be here soon.” Justice North was back. “They have to inspect them first to make sure they weren’t tampered with in the parking structure. How is she doing?”
“Not well.” Smiley released her hips and rubbed her back. “She’s in a lot of pain.”
“I bet she is. Back away, Smiley. I can smell her need from four feet away. Brass, do you think you could hit her and knock her unconscious without causing damage?”
“I don’t know. They are more fragile than our females.”
Ned, the medic, spoke. “I could place her in a choke hold until she loses consciousness. I know how to do it without causing permanent damage but she wouldn’t stay down long.”
“No one is going to hurt her.” Smiley sounded pissed.
“The alternative is restraining her and allowing her to be in agony until you reach Homeland.” Justice sighed. “Which would be crueler?”
Vanni released Smiley’s arms and clutched at his tank top. “Help me.” He’d been nice and had said he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. She was scared, surrounded by strangers and she hurt worse than she could ever remember. Sweat poured off her and she shrugged, trying to rid herself of his jacket.
Smiley seemed to understand and removed it. It didn’t help. She was burning up and lightheaded. “I have a fever.”