He tried to lure her into a cunning trap. Instead, she captured one of the vital pieces he had failed to protect. With it out of circulation, she a.s.sumed the game would end soon. It did not. Her crafty opponent took the matching one from her. She looked at him and nodded her respect.

"You're a big distraction, woman, but I'm trying hard to concentrate." He wanted her to forget the frightening experiences she had endured. He wanted her to smile and to relax. He needed to savor her company. He needed to see her, smell her, hear her, taste her, feel her.

Jana became edgy from his engulfing stare and seductive mood. She yearned to escape this disquieting atmosphere, this intimidating creature. To accomplish her goal, she let him win.

He threw back his head and filled the room with mocking laughter. "I never suspected you of being a cheater, Jana of Earth."

"What do you mean? I lost."

"I know, on purpose and unfairly. Your thoughts are elsewhere. Or is it that I offer too much distraction for my nervous wife? Besides, we forgot to make our wagers. It's early. We must play another game, a serious one."

Jana's astonished gaze locked with his challenging and taunting one. She struggled to control the tremors which swept over her body, as his words nearly matched those spoken by Varian months ago. "I've been very busy today, Ryker. I'm too weary to think clearly."

"Where are your sporting instincts, Jana of Earth? How can you refuse such a challenge? Don't you have a secret desire?"

A feeling of dej vu flooded her dazed mind, but it wasn't happening for the first time. Didn't he realize ... Go for proof if you dare, J. G. Months ago, those statements from Varian had enticed a fantasy which evoked her shocking wager. They were almost verbatim. Did twins truly have the capability of reading each other's thoughts, of having the same feelings, of knowing what the other was doing? Yet, Varian and Ryker weren't true twins, no matter how much they looked alike. Go for it, J. G. Play out his little game. That fated night in his quarters was burned indelibly into her brain. She repeated herself, too. "A secret desire? That's quite tempting. What if you win? I have nothing of value to offer you, so what prize can you claim? The only thing I have is this bracelet you gave me." She added for the new occasion, "Considering its meaning, surely you don't want it returned."

"Having you as my wife is the best prize a man could win," he replied. "I'll think of something."

Jana watched his gaze fill with mystery and amus.e.m.e.nt. "All right. Shall we shake hands on it to seal our bargain? It's an Earth custom." She wondered if his hand had stretched across the table and grasped her extended one before she had finished her sentence explaining the gesture.

The contact sent sparks of excitement through both of them. Their eyes melded. Their knees rubbed together. Their breathing quickened.

She asked in a near breathless voice, "Tell me, Ryker, what will you do if my prize is painful to honor? What if I have expensive tastes? Or dangerous ones? Are you certain you'll allow me to collect my wager?"

"I am a wealthy man, Jana. I can afford to indulge you. As for being painful, I do hope you aren't considering a brutal beating for revenge."

Once more, matching words! Was he giving her clues to his real ident.i.ty? On purpose? Was he testing to see if she would challenge him on his claim to be his half brother? Was he leading up to a confession and revelation? Or was it cruel coincidence? "For revenge? For what offense?"

"For my vile behavior upon your arrival here. I am sorry."

"I know you are. Don't you think I saw how you changed after Canissia left? I concluded it was only an act to dupe her. You did tell me you have to live up to your nefarious reputation to maintain power in the Tri-Galaxy. You see, I'm a very understanding, forgiving woman. If you do me wrong with valid motivation, then explain and apologize, I'll accept. Besides," she returned to the past talk again, "I have no intention of marring that handsome face. I warn you, sir: I will try my best to win this next time. I give you a last chance to back down."

"Never. I've lured you into my trap and I won't free you."

The second game began with slowness and caution. Time pa.s.sed without notice. Pieces were lost and won. Suspense mounted. The room's size seemed to shrink even more. The game traveled at a snail's pace as final moves were chosen and played. It looked headed for a stalemate.

Varian observed her concentration and determination. As before, he wondered what reward she would demand. Should he, again, risk losing the game to make that discovery? Would she dare ask for the same glorious and soul-binding prize? Could she be that reckless, that vindictive?

Jana watched him as he a.n.a.lyzed the board and pondered his next move. Would he ... Her heart fluttered wildly. Are you my deceitful love? Where Varian's eyes were like precious sapphires, this man's were like priceless emeralds. They glittered with mystery, enticement, and vitality. His sensual smile, whenever he glanced up and sent one to her, caused her heart to pound. A flaxen lock fell casually over his left temple. She stared at the stubborn section. Despite a little variety in his hairstyle, that defiance was a noticeable trait of Varian's, not Ryker's, hair. At four inches over six feet, they were the same height and of the same build.

Varian became apprehensive under her keen stare. He realized she was being a.s.sailed by doubts and suspicions again; they were as heavy in the air as the floral aromas were becoming. He had been stupid to play this game tonight. He had become so drugged by her that his wits were dulled and his tongue loosened. Time was pa.s.sing as slowly as the summer sun around Rigel, capital planet of his star system, around which his Altair orbited. With ease and skill, she had woven a web of love around his heart and life. Only for a while and surely for tonight, he must cut those silky strands and free himself from her heady allure. It was safer for his mission if he remained distant. It was his duty to make Jana once more a p.a.w.n in his battle for victory, but his heart fiercely resisted that cruelty. He had better end this madness before his false mask burned away beneath the fires of desire burning brightly in her eyes. He cursed the events that made such a deed necessary.

Varian captured her piece that terminated the game in a stalemate. "I hate to do that, Jana of Earth, but I must."

"I would have done the same."

"Perhaps our next game will end differently."

"Perhaps." You hesitated far too long making your decision for a draw.

"Does it trouble you that Varian and I favor each other so much?"

"I haven't thought about it. Different hair and eye colors take away some of the resemblance."

"So you don't get us confused?"

"How could I? Your personality and character are so unlike his. So is your voice, and there are other things ..."

"This scar?" he hinted and rubbed his jawline.

"Not really. I hardly notice it anymore. You do look younger."

"By four months. I don't remind you of him when you look at me?"

"No, Ryker, you don't. The longer I'm around you and the better I get to know you, the more you two differ."

"But any hint of resemblance interferes with you forgetting him."

"How does one forget somebody who had such an enormous impact on her life? He changed the course of my destiny. He almost destroyed me. Nothing can justify such cruelty. You make everything better for me. I never knew or thought about you two being kin or resembling until I saw-"

"Saw what?" he probed, leaning back in his chair.

She faked an embarra.s.sed look as she answered. "Thought I saw your pictures overlaid and colorings matched while I was delirious."

"You did see such a demonstration, but from me, here in this room before you became ill. When you resisted what I was telling you, I proved my story. Come with me and watch."

In confusion and trepidation, she followed him to the other side of the room. He talked into what she thought was a music speaker.

"Doors open."

Jana stared as a panel slid aside to reveal a forty-inch cathode-ray tube.

He gave verbal commands to the computer, pausing between each one. "Screen on. Display images of Varian Saar and Ryker Triloni. Delete scar on right jawline of Ryker. Overlay. Match eye, hair, and skin coloring of Ryker to Varian." He waited long enough for her to study the picture, then completed his point. "Separate images. Correct physical traits on each. See, Jana of Earth; that's what you viewed and recall."

Jana looked at the monitor with astonishment. To the left was Ryker Triloni, as he appeared at their first meeting and in this room tonight. To the right was Commander Varian Saar in his dress uniform of dark wine with a gold sunburst over his left chest: Star Fleet insignia. His eyes were cornflower blue, his hair as dark and shiny as polished jet, his skin deeply tanned, and his teeth, revealed by a broad and s.e.xy smile, white as snow. It was the image and expression of a man who felt he was invincible and savored that rank. His gaze shouted of power and pa.s.sion. No doubt he could make the heavens tremble with the force of his iron will.

Her eyes shifted to the image of Ryker Triloni, Prince of Androas. How could he not be handsome and just as potent when he so closely matched the other magnificent creature? The blond hair and green eyes were actually flattering to his skin color and strong features. His chiseled jawline bespoke strength of character and body. Unaware of her action, she reached out her hand toward the screen to trace the scar Varian had created long ago. The instant her fingers made contact with the monitor, she heard crackles and felt little shocks tingle her fingertips. "Ouch!" she squealed, and jerked her hand away. She rubbed the tingling digits with the palm of the same hand. "Look but don't touch," she joked with a laugh.

Varian didn't join in because he was miffed that it was Ryker's image that enticed her touch. "Screen off. Doors close," he said in a crisp tone.

Then turned to her. "It's late. You should go to bed. I have a few things to check on in my lab. I'll see you in the morning."

Jana couldn't respond before he stalked from the room. He was playing a game of cat-and-mouse with her! He captured her, toyed with her, and released her to run free to be snared again by his sharp claws. Would he repeat his game over and over until she was worn down or he tired of it and ... What? And who was this alien predator?

Jana tossed and turned for what seemed like hours. She had not heard the man return to his adjoining room, as the slide wasn't open. Even if he was Varian in disguise, he was using her again as he had so many times in the past. If he loved her, he couldn't behave in this cruel way. She berated herself for acting like a fool. Why did she persist in trying to make Ryker into Varian? Persist in trying to make a clue out of anything and everything he said and did? Hadn't the blond alien proven over and over he was the Androasian prince, matchless chemist, skilled researcher? Couldn't she get it through her thick skull he wasn't Varian? If she continued along this self-destructive path, she would turn Ryker against her. That was insane, for her safety and survival depended upon his goodwill.

She must face the truth of Varian's betrayal and loss. She curled into a ball on her side. The torment she was feeling was almost unbearable. It was as bad as when her parents were killed years ago, because another loved one was the same as dead to her. Worse, he had used, deceived, and discarded her. She had loved him. Now she must pay for her foolishness and ignorance that some would call navete. One of the captives on the ship, a vain and hateful b.i.t.c.h, had told her she didn't have the courage and daring to reach out and take what she desired. In a way she had called the girl's bluff, with dire consequences. She had herself to blame for part of her suffering.

Hadn't she been prepared for his dismissal? His last words to her before Canissia took her away were:" 'I'll have a surprise for you soon, a long trip. At last, we'll both find peace and our lives can be settled." She had overheard Kadim Tirol, Brec Sard, and Draco talking the day before she was hauled away into this bondage. "Are you sure it's safe for Varian to go to Darkar?" one had asked. "Yes, it's all been arranged," another answered. And the conversation had continued, "You both know Jana Greyson increases the tension between them. What does Varian plan to exchange for the truth and his help?" "Varian's determined. He's willing to do whatever is necessary to end these conflicts." On the tape Canissia had delighted in playing for her on the way to Ryker's, Varian had said, "Jana's a challenge to me. You know how I hate defeat on any level. I have some vital business with Ryker before I leave on my next a.s.signment." Varian had laughed when the redhead asked if he would like to marry the Earthling. He had scoffed, "Are you insane? She won't be my mistress much longer. If all goes as Grandfather and I plan, I intend to make Ryker an offer he can't refuse." Then, her alleged friend Nigel had said as he drugged her to be sent here, "I'm sorry, Jana. Varian's orders. You're to be traded for peace." And Ryker, he had told her upon arrival, "It looks as if he made me a wise offer after all. I must admit Varian's timing and gift are perfect. I shall never forget this birthday." How could she argue against so much evidence from so many sources? Varian had not stopped to think Ryker-if the terrible rumors about him were true- might hurt or kill her, if either action by his half brother had mattered to him.

Silent tears rolled from her eyes and were absorbed into her pillow. Before she could get over him, she had to go through the grieving process: pain, denial, anger, acceptance. She wished she had been captured by some horrible creature instead of an irresistible human alien; that way, she wouldn't have succ.u.mbed to his charms. If a monster had ripped out her heart, it would have been physical death instead of a living h.e.l.l. It would have been far better for her if he had truly sold her at the auction. Time and time again he had given her false hopes by lying, with words or actions or expressions, about his feelings for her. He had let her hope and dream and believe, all for naught. It was clear now that no matter what she had said or done, it had always been impossible to win him. She didn't possess the skills and power to hold on to that fiery comet which had blazed across her destiny's sky many times. Yet, how could any man behave and speak as he had without feeling anything? How could any man-even an evil one-totally lack all honor, conscience, and compa.s.sion?

d.a.m.n you, Varian Saar. I believed you, trusted you, and loved you with all my heart and soul. Now, you're going to marry that b.i.t.c.h who also tormented me. I could slay you both with my bare hands for the way you've treated me. Is this what your father did to Shara? Did Galen use her, betray her, and discard her? Break her heart, drive her insane, and provoke her to murder and suicide? Thank G.o.d Ryker is nothing like you and your father. At least I hope he's not tricking me, too. If that's what he thinks he's going to do, he's wrong. This time, I'll beat a man at his own game. I'll make Ryker love me and want me too much to hurt me. I'll be the perfect companion, research a.s.sistant, and wife. I'll study hard until I'm exhausted. I'll be obedient, desirable, and fulfilling. To win him, I'll use every wit, skill, and ploy you taught me. Starting tomorrow, Ryker, I'll do and be anything and everything you desire, and to h.e.l.l with Varian Saar.

Chapter Five.

Varian came to see Jana the next morning but she was occupied with her grooming in the bathroom. He sat on her bed to await her, to make certain she was all right after his strange behavior last night. When she had reached out to touch Ryker's image instead of his or neither, a powerful surge of jealousy and fear had shot through him. It was unlike him to feel those emotions. But Jana had changed him, and these blasted secret missions were changing him. For the second time, he had experienced deep and true fear, fear of losing the only woman he would ever love.

He knew it was possible for emotions to make an aboutface in the flicker of an eye. Long ago, he had detested Shara Triloni and Ryker. The day the Androasian princess had slain his parents, black and potent hatred and a desire to murder her had consumed him. Following years of pity and remorse over Ryker's dilemma, his feelings for his half brother had also turned to hatred and hostility when Ryker provoked a war between them. His affection for Canissia Garthon had changed to revulsion when he discovered her vile character and behavior.

Varian lifted Jana's pillow to inhale the heady fragrance left there. The first time terror had struck him low had been after learning of her disappearance. His days had been filled with anguish. His nights had been worse, nights when he had dreamed of her. She would visit him like an enchanting spectre and look at him with those kaleidoscopic eyes so full of pleading for him to rescue her. Her champagne hair would surround her shoulders like a cape and would move slightly when she reached out her arms in beckoning. Those dreams had been so real that he would awaken in a cold sweat or engulfed by pa.s.sion's flames. Never had he felt so helpless and vulnerable.

As if sensing imminent danger, she had begged him not to leave her that last day before she vanished-and peril had befallen both of them. He had been lured into a trap: captured, tortured, and almost killed by Prince Taemin's hirelings as a favor to Ryker. She had been kidnapped by Canissia and delivered into the hands of his malevolent half brother. He had feared all he had left of her were memories and dreams and fierce longings. For weeks he had trekked through Gehenna. He had become embittered and hardened. He had cursed fate. He had vowed to never love again because losing love cut too deeply and viciously. He had been tormented when he discovered she, a free woman by his own hand, was wed to Ryker.

Then, his half brother had provoked a death duel, had arrived for it without his disguise. It had been like gazing into a mirror! He had known they favored each other, but not to that extent. It was understandable why Kadim Maal and Shara had concealed his Saarian looks. Even if he hadn't slain Ryker, their marriage was legal, and a rescue a.s.sault on Darkar was impossible. His evil image had shouted, "Only one of us will leave this place alive. If you slay me, you can marry my widow and inherit all I own." Just as the cunningly wicked prince knew that by slaying his rival he would by law inherit the Saar name and estate. Ryker had taunted, "Look at my face, Varian. She married both of us. Would it ease your suffering to learn she mumbles your name at pa.s.sion's climactic moment?" After rescuing her, she had explained that the purpose of the coerced marriage was to save her life until he came for her and that it had not been consummated. She had confessed her love. How sweet those words "I love you" had sounded. How beautiful their reunion had been. But much too brief, and by his own doing.

Varian inhaled her lingering scent. His gaze touched on the numerous tear stains that rent his heart. On Eire, he had sworn she would be safe and happy in her new home. He had said, "Trust me, Jana. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you." He had broken that promise, and he was hurting her worst of all. Kahala, would the demands and sacrifices never end?

Every time he was near her, he was aroused by love and desire. He could not bring himself to seduce her because he couldn't bear the thought of her feeling compelled to respond to Ryker. Yet, Ryker had been wooing her and it would seem odd if he-as Ryker-did not continue that romantic course. But was he pushing too hard and too fast? He put the pillow back in its place and left the room.

Jana joined the alien in the living area. He was about to leave for his complex. She must put her plan into motion. She must accept her fate. She was in another galaxy, married to one extra-terrestrial and still in love with another. She had to forget Varian, as he wasn't worth her love. Nor could she subst.i.tute Ryker for him. "Can I tag along today?"

Varian sensed something afoot. "Why, Jana?"

"I'd like to spend more time with you and getting acquainted with your work. And I feel safer and happier near you. Do you mind my being like a clingy child who needs comfort and security?"

"That sounds tempting and pleasing, but the areas I work in aren't safe for you to enter. But they will be after your inoculations tomorrow. Why don't you relax at the pool this morning. I'll join you for lunch there."

"Thank you, Ryker. I'll await you."

She observed his departure. She paced the large and lovely room. She had to come up with ways to let him know she was receptive, yet not behave wanton or overeager. She was apprehensive about his turning distant and distracted. He seemed reluctant to touch her, as if afraid he might lose control and possess her. But wasn't that what he had said he wanted? Why this contradiction? Since that afternoon in the lab, he seemed quiet, subdued, and preoccupied.

Considering her status as a charl and an alien captive, she was lucky. She had a certain amount of freedom, respect, and pride. By marriage, she was a princess, his heir, and soon to be his a.s.sistant. She was wed to a handsome, rich, powerful, envied, respected-and feared-man.

She had to get that hallucination out of her head. But that was easier said than done. During her medical and scientific schooling and training, she had learned that some dreams and delusions can seem so real that the person experiencing them could pa.s.s a lie-detector test confirming their reality. Too, life was filled with many so-called impossible coincidences which could explain the clues she a.s.sumed she had gleaned. For one thing, Varian Saar would never make slips like those during the chess game last night. Dreams and coincidences, J. G., nothing more!

She was just so lonely and miserable. She missed Andrea and her other friends. She missed her work. She missed her home, her horse, her possessions, and her daily activities. If only she could speak to her best friend by telephone. If only she could watch TV from Earth to learn what was happening there. Her and her planet's existence looked so bleak. Would both be saved by G.o.d's merciful hand?

When Varian entered the gla.s.sed dome, he saw Jana resting on her side near the pool with her head propped up on an elbow. She was deep in thought and didn't appear to notice his arrival. Her free hand was buried in tresses wet and curly from her swim. The outfit she was wearing exposed all her stunning curves. She seemed to gaze on a waterfall, a faraway expression on her face. He wondered if she were thinking about the romantic afternoon they had spent near a similar one on the planet Mailiorca. It was in that exotic setting that he had told her that he had always fulfilled his duty, no matter the cost, and he was doing so again. They had talked, shared a picnic, and almost made love. If they hadn't been disturbed by an urgent message from his ship, they would have surrendered to the desires burning within them both.

He shoved the stirring memory from mind. "I'll join you as soon as I change," he said to let his presence be known.

Jana jumped. "I didn't hear you. You startled me."

"Sorry. Mental journeys are attention consuming." He saw her blush and shift her position beneath his intense scrutiny.

His voice washed over her as a breeze on a summer southern night: mellow, lazy, and sultry. When he squatted and pushed a straying lock of hair from her face and caressed her rosy cheek, she trembled at his touch. "I'm glad you could join me."

He noticed his effect on her and withdrew his hand. "So am I," he said, then stood and left to change into his swimming trunks.

Jana watched him approach the pool. His body evinced the same strengths of his features. His torso rippled with wellhoned muscles. His chest was covered by a curly mat which narrowed to drift down his waist to disappear into his red trunks. Their shade accentuated his dark tan and their fit displayed his sleek hips, firm b.u.t.tocks, and ample manhood. She quivered as she admitted her attraction.

Could she learn to love this man? Could she shut off her feelings for Varian to respond to Ryker? From past experience, she knew what love and pa.s.sion were. She had discovered those emotions the first time she had seen Varian Saar. She had fallen under his potent spell. She had wanted to share a lifetime with him. The night of their first union, she had believed having him, if only for two weeks until her auction, would be worth any price she must pay. She had believed that afterward he would keep her. She had been wrong.

Jana dashed aside her troubling thoughts and joined the alien for a swim. She hoped to frolic in the water and soften him. She was dismayed and disappointed when he kept his distance. He smiled, laughed, was nice, and even a little flirty, but he refused to get close to her body.

When Ine brought their lunch, they ate in one of the sitting areas near the waterfall she had been eyeing while bittersweet memories tormented her. They chatted about her childhood, teenage, and college years. Each time she veered the conversation to him or his work, he derailed the attempt with another question about her. Soon it was evident he didn't want to discuss himself, only learn more about her. She complied.

Jana approached the blond alien in the hall after they had finished their showers and grooming, as the slide between their rooms was closed again today. She walked along with him as she asked, "Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help you?"

He kept moving as he answered, "You can help me by taking care of yourself. I want you well and strong before our trip begins in three days."

In the living area, a call came for Ryker from his security chief and shuttle captain. He replied at the control panel.

"Sir," Kagan informed him, "Canissia Garthon has arrived in the Moonwind and requested permission to land in her shuttle to visit you."

Ca.s.s, alive? Here? At last, a chance to get his hands around her lying throat! No, he realized, he couldn't risk exposing himself by arresting her in front of Jana. He could give Command Ten to his agent to have her followed, observed, and captured at the right time where there were no witnesses. Until this mission was over, he could not, without providing evidence he must keep concealed for a while, press charges against her for kidnapping Jana and for committing treason. Perhaps he could use her to extract information needed for his impending trip to Maal. "Granted, Kagan. When she departs, carry out Command Ten for me. Let me know when she's on the ground."

"Yes, sir."

Jana noticed he was agitated. "What does that vile creature want?"

"Probably to see how you're faring in my hands. She's in for a big surprise! I'm sure you don't want to see her again, so why don't you go to your room until she's gone."

"That will suit me fine. Call me after she leaves, so I can hear how she took the news of our marriage. I'm certain it will come as a shock to her."

"Do you want news about her wedding?"

"If she mentions it to you, don't tell me about it. n.o.body deserves each other more than those two."

Varian forced himself not to frown at her insult. He laughed and said, "n.o.body is like Ca.s.s, not even my unfortunate half brother. I'll get rid of her as quickly as possible. Spending even a short time with her would be repulsive to me. You'd think she'd come to realize I can't tolerate her."

"Why don't you tell the witch never to come here again?"

"Because I still have use for her information-gathering skills."

"She's a traitor to her world. She would betray you, too, for the right price. I wouldn't trust her. How do you know she isn't the spy for the Alliance that you accused me of being?"

"Because her facts always prove to be accurate, and I know Ca.s.s."