Merlicious 1 Read online

  Her joy didn't last long for the machine started going out again. The hard drive sputtered, and words raced wildly across the screen. Just as she reached over to try to stop the machine's irregularities, it became quiet once more, Seamystian glyphs marching across the screen.

  "What's that stuff? Translate it, you old rust-bucket!” She fussed at the antiquated piece of machinery while keying in the translation code again. The glyphs twirled, and when they stopped, English words took their place. “Good. Now I can read it."

  Kass found blank disks in the top drawer of the cabinet and inserted one, hoping they were still good. Then she started the search for environmental data on a certain type of algae similar to the one her research team was studying on Earth.

  A disease had struck a type of algae on Earth, killing it at a rapid pace. If they didn't find a way to stop the scourge, the delicate balance of life in the oceans would be destroyed. Her team had charted the course of effect, as many ways as they could imagine, and unless they found a cure for the disease, the only result was the total and complete devastation of life on Earth.

  Granted, it would take millennia to happen, but the point of critical mass—and no return—was projected over and over again as a mere decade away. The team had been working non-stop toward a solution—and failing miserably—when Seamyst had joined the Alien Information Exchange League and begun encouraging tourism. Since the world was mostly saltwater, Kass’ supervisor examined all data emerging from Seamyst. He'd found several references to an algae disease that had been cured in Seamyst's ancient times, but nothing on the specific remedy. Apparently, it happened so long ago no one had memory of the exact way to cure it. That's when he'd sent Kass to Seamyst to research the archives.

  Movement on the screen caught Kass’ attention. A long list of file names with brief descriptions scrolled up. The list was much longer than she expected. She could either open each one and search for the information she needed or copy them all and transmit them back to Earth when she returned to her suite.

  The latter option wouldn't let her know if she had even found the information she needed, but searching all the files would take longer than the time she had left. She could spend the rest of the day and night browsing as many files as she could and still not know.

  Well, there was nothing else to be done but copy all the files. She tried not to think about the consequences if the information couldn't be found at all. If no one had recorded the ancient cure—or it turned out to be a myth, after all—the team was back to square one.

  Kass began the painfully slow process of copying all the files on the tired old machine. At this slow rate, she was going to be here all day anyway. She leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. The old computer chair was more comfortable than the bed in her suite at the visitor complex and relieved the ache in her neck somewhat.

  What if the cure for the disease was nothing more than a myth? Her supervisor had admitted the possibility. If her research turned up nothing, they would have to request a consultation with the most prestigious scientists of Seamyst.

  On a world that was more than ninety-five percent water, their scientists should know more about curing an algae disease than anyone else in the galaxy.

  Myths and legends ... Kass sat upright and scooted closer to the computer. She opened a second screen and looked through the categories, hoping Seamyst's myths and legends were in this section. She found ‘Myths, Legends and Fables.’ Using the search feature again, she typed in her keywords, and the hard drive nearly ground to a halt.

  She should have waited until it finished copying the first batch of files before beginning another search. Now she was afraid the whole thing would freeze if she tried to stop it. Fortunately, the files continued copying, but at a much slower pace. She might very well be there all day and night.

  Kass settled back in the chair again to wait. She toyed with the zipper on her jumpsuit, and the Seamystian she'd bumped into at the chute filled her thoughts. She almost wished she'd met him two days ago, but it was a good thing she hadn't.

  Her mind needed to be on obtaining access to the archives, not wondering how the sea-man would be in bed. With only one day and night left on her visa, she wasn't really interested in a one-night stand before leaving and probably never returning.

  Although slightly arrogant and full of himself, he interested her enough that she knew she'd want more than one night with him. Kass sighed. Maybe she could save up enough to visit Seamyst as a tourist one day. But how would she ever find him when she didn't even know his name?

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Two

  "I really did intend to meet you again, my sweet siren, but I imagined a more romantic setting."

  Kass’ eyes popped open at the first sound of the deep, seductive voice. She turned toward the exit, surprise overcoming her at finding the smiling Seamystian leaning against the door frame. His long, lustrous locks of dark green were neatly pulled behind his head. He'd changed from jogging gear to a tight-fitting gold jumpsuit that hugged every centimeter of his thickly muscled body. He also wore matching gold heelies.

  She returned his stare but not his smile. She wondered how long he'd been standing there. A glance at the computer clock told her more minutes had gone by than she realized ... and, she belatedly noticed the computer had frozen, after all.

  Turning to look at him again, she couldn't help but notice his sensuous lips were still curved in a smile that stretched into a lewd grin as his gaze went from her face to her breasts. Her hands instinctively flew to tug at the zipper, but it was already up as far as it would go. Why did the v-neck have to be so damn deep?

  She sprang to her feet as he crossed the room toward her. The quick motion sent another pain through her stiff neck muscles and she rubbed them. “How did you know I'd be here? Are you following me?"

  "It seems we're drawn together no matter where we go."

  She frowned at him. His cryptic words grated on her nerves because his smug expression seemed to convey that he knew the reason behind them. On the other hand, he could just be an arrogant jerk and use the lame line with any female he met more than once.

  "But no,” he continued. “I'm with security, and Kweriden, the attendant who let you in, called me to make sure you're legitimate."

  She reached for the polyslip she'd left on the desk. “I have the proper authorization."

  "I know.” He smiled apologetically. “Most Seamystians Kweriden's age don't trust off-worlders. He thought you acted suspiciously."

  Kass laughed, but when he reached out to caress her cheek, she stopped abruptly and slapped his hand away. Her skin tingled at his presumptuous touch, and a sudden swell of desire rose within her. His nearness once again caused a physical awareness of him she couldn't explain and confused her even more. She stepped back, bumping into the edge of the desk.

  "Th-the computer froze.” The words came out in a breathless rush.

  He glanced over her shoulder. “These old computers frequently do so. I'll report it to tech support."

  "Thank you.” She eased past him and started for the door.

  "I'm glad that we crossed paths again, so that we—"

  She spun around, intending to give him a piece of her mind, and discovered his broad, gold-clad chest only centimeters from her nose. Tilting her head back, she looked up at him. “I don't know who you are, nor do I care, but I'm not in the habit of listening to a stranger make such brazen advances as you have."

  "My name is Deverel Yonar.” The intimacy of his rich, deep voice sent waves of delicious pleasure up her spine. “So now I'm no longer a stranger, am I, my sweet siren?"

  This Seamystian should be thrown into an intergalactic prison for being so damnably nova-hot—or for his impudence. Hoping he didn't realize he still made her senses whirl, she tried to articulate her displeasure with him. “I'm not your sweet anything."

  He shrugged, muscles rippling beneath the tight gold fabric. “As you wish.
What brings you to my world?"

  Most Seamystians were proper when meeting a stranger for the first time. At least, that was what she'd been told and experienced so far. She didn't care who he was. She'd had enough of his overbearing presence for one day. Since she couldn't bed him like she wanted to, she'd rather not see him again at all.

  "Where I go and what I do is none of your concern,” she snapped.

  "I'm chief security officer on Aquinia, so it is my concern."

  "Research,” she said and left him standing there as she started for the door again.

  "You could at least tell me your name?” he called after her.

  Kass halted and let out a sigh. She turned around, her eyes widening as she once again found him only centimeters away. Damn, but he moved quickly and quietly.

  "My name is Kass Martijn.” She attempted to remain calm, but his nearness excited her too much. She tilted her head back to look up at him, which caused more pain. She put a hand to her neck, trying once more to work out the kink. “Look, I've tried not to be rude, but why are you pursuing me like this?"

  Kass continued rubbing her neck and wondered at his sudden silence. Why did he stare at her as if he were searching her very soul? Why didn't he leave her alone? Mostly, she wondered why she just stood near him when she felt like blacking his eye and tearing off his clothes at the same time. He was right; something inexplicable drew her to him.

  "Allow me. I can soothe those aches away."

  Deverel's words startled her out of her thoughts. His voice was soft and enticing, like the hand he placed at the nape of her neck to gently massage her tense muscles. She felt him touch her long braid with his other hand, running down the flow of it until his fingers reached her buttocks. Briefly, his hand rested where her hair ended. She shivered as she sensed the motions of wrapping her braid around his wide palm. Then he gently tugged on it, bringing her head closer to his.

  For a few moments, she looked into his eyes. Just for a fleeting second, she really wanted to throw caution to the wind and ravish him.

  "Most off-worlders don't like the accommodations in the visitor suites. There have been many complaints that the beds aren't comfortable. We're hoping to rectify that soon. Just relax, Kass."

  He dropped her braid and placed the hand that had held it on her other shoulder. His touch felt so soothing she couldn't help but give over to the warmth of his hands. She closed her eyes and relaxed under his calming ministrations along her shoulders and neck. As the pain eased, she leaned her head back against something warm and solid behind her, and a feeling of floating on air encompassed her. Floating on air? Her eyes popped open to find he had picked her up so smoothly, she'd hardly been aware of it.

  "Put me down,” she demanded as he lifted her higher.

  "Ungrateful human,” he teased and seemed to be amused by her struggle. “I'm thoroughly enjoying myself, and I think you are, too."

  That did it! She furiously swung her left fist toward his face. He dodged her blow, but loosened his hold on her. She took advantage by slipping from his arms. When her feet touched the floor, she steadied herself, spun around on one foot, and with the other made contact with the back of Deverel's knees. He toppled heavily to the floor, and Kass stared down at him with narrowed eyes.

  He shook his head in bewilderment and glanced up at her. “You know something? You are the first who has ever caught me off-guard that easily. I hope you know that this isn't going to prevent me from getting to know you better."

  She blinked at him. Was he really that dull-witted? She placed her hands on her hips. “Your behavior is rude and crude. I've tried to be civil, as I was led to believe is your custom, but your continued harassment makes it hard for me to remain polite."

  He stayed seated on the floor, grinning up at her. “You know, I think you're quite taken with me. I like that. I don't give up easily when I come across an attractive female who makes me want to mate with her."

  Kass stepped back a pace, stunned by his proclamation. “Mate with me? Are you insane? Can't you see when your attentions are not wanted? Damn you!"

  She turned and fled, not waiting to see or hear his reaction. She finally reached her suite, breathless from her indecorous dash along the corridors. She hurried through the small sitting room and into the bedroom where she withdrew a change of clothing.

  No more low necklines for horny Seamystians to ogle. Mate with her indeed! She stepped into the shower and let the water wash over her. Surprisingly, the stiffness in her neck was gone. However, no matter how hot or cold the water, nor how hard she scrubbed her skin, she couldn't erase the feel of Deverel Yonar's touch.

  The trouble was she desperately wanted to mate with him, too!

  Forget him. You don't have time to become intimately involved with a Seamystian, no matter how much you want his sleek, sexy body. You barely have time to obtain the data you need. There are plenty of hot guys back on Earth.

  But none of them were as hot as Deverel Yonar.

  She had dated other good-looking, sexy men, yet, none of them affected her like that hot, green alien. Was that why she'd been acting like a moron? Sure, she'd had flings before, but usually after at least one date. Her body ached, and she'd never wanted sex as much as she did at that moment. From the second they bumped into one another, she'd never wanted a man like she wanted Deverel Yonar.

  Was it his exotic appeal? And why had she been so irritable with him? She wasn't psychic, but she could usually sense others’ feelings. His interest seemed genuine. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him. The only thing that held her back was if she gave in to him, once wouldn't be enough. The last night of her stay on Seamyst wouldn't be sufficient. Hell, a lifetime wouldn't be enough! The thought both pleased and disturbed her.

  Kass stood beneath a body dryer before returning to the bedroom. Once she changed clothes, she faced the mirror and ran a comb through her hair then braided it again. The high-collared, sleeveless shirt in dark pink would make sure no one stared at her cleavage, and the matching slacks were loose enough to discourage ogling, too. She slipped her feet into rubber-soled sandals and strengthened her resolve to put Deverel Yonar out of her mind. Surely, after she had breakfast, the computer would be fixed and she could finish her research. She turned to leave the room, but stopped in her tracks.

  The tall bulk of Deverel blocked the doorway leading from the corridor into the sitting room. His broad grin made her wonder how long he'd stood there and how much he'd seen. “What are you doing here? Get out of my room."

  "I couldn't help myself. Your door wasn't secured. I thought you deliberately left it unlocked for me."

  "No, it was an oversight. Even if it was unlocked, don't you have better manners than to walk in uninvited?"

  "On Seamyst, an unsecured door is an invitation—especially between male and female."

  "Well, I'm from Earth, and I'm not familiar with your customs. Shouldn't you take that into account before walking in unannounced?” She didn't give him time to answer. “Apparently, my first warning didn't make an impression. I can do worse if you don't leave me alone."

  Kass took a deep breath, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. He had too much nerve and overconfidence for her peace of mind ... and her body wouldn't stop trembling at his nearness. What was happening to her? She felt as if she were losing control of all her faculties. She liked being in control ... and ... he made it hard for her to think rationally.

  Deverel didn't move away. Instead, he stepped closer to her. “Wherever you are going can wait a few minutes. I intend to hold you for a moment."

  She clenched her fists at that intimate statement, but was too shocked at his audacity to say anything.

  "Are you angry because I forgot to tell you how lovely you look?” His voice was a sensuous whisper. “Although I like the way you look in that color, I rather enjoy you without so much fabric on."

  Kass let out a groan and started to swing one of her fists his way. Deverel, quicker than she thought a
man of his height and bulk could be, and with such large webbed feet that should have made him clumsy, easily sidestepped out of the way. He obviously learned from her earlier attempted blow. He reached out and grabbed her waist with one arm, pulling her against his hard body.

  Kass's breathing came erratically as he held her tightly against him. “I specifically told you never to pick me up again. I don't care whether you take offense or not, you're going to pay for your impudence."

  His full lips curved into a grin. “I merely defended myself. I've never seen a woman with your moves. You could easily steal my heart, sweet siren.” Then he frowned and rubbed her arm, speaking more quietly. “I'm sorry your soft skin bruised so easily from our encounter in the chute. I'll be more careful in the future."

  "As far as I'm concerned, there won't be another encounter, you peeping-tom."

  "I understand Earth slang, siren. I studied your world's base-language. I didn't peep. I openly watched and thoroughly enjoyed myself."

  Kass gasped. Of all the gall! “You're a jerk."

  "You're breathtaking,” he countered.

  Before Kass knew what was happening, he raised her above his head. He held her at arms’ length as if she weighed nothing.

  "I'm getting sick and tired of you picking me up whenever you want. Put me down. Now!” She shouted the last word and kicked out.

  His body jackknifed to avoid her foot in his groin, and he set her down roughly. She felt the jar all the way up her spine.

  "Don't you dare call me your siren or hoist me into your arms again.” Kass swung around him and opened the door. “If you won't leave, I will."

  He followed her out and walked alongside her, keeping his pace even with hers. “Don't think you're free of me, Kass Martijn."

  "Why do you insist on bothering me? We just met. We don't know each other. On my world, what you're doing is called stalking and assault, and it's criminal. I could have you arrested on Earth.