Aquarian Awakenings - A Collective Saga Sci-Fi Romance

Chapter 7

Nicole glanced around at the nearly empty room. The large marble hall seemed much different with most of the guests having returned to their ships or rooms for the night. The paper lanterns and colored lights sent dappled pools of shadow and stripes of color across the elegant floor. Moonlight streamed in through the tall open windows down one side of the room. Nicole led Jon towards the far wall, finding the door amongst the windows and heading out into the cool summer night.

Nicole knew they were on a dangerous mission, but she could not help to be swept up in the swirling emotions of a midnight interlude. The flowers in the garden sent up an intoxicating aroma. The moon trickled a silvery glow across the world, edging the petals and leaves with brilliance. And Jon ...

She glanced up at the man at her side, and warmth flooded through her. He was all she could want in a man. His movements were sturdy and strong, and his eyes held a calm focus that nothing would deter. He matched her step, moving easily alongside her as if they had been together for years.

A chill settled over her shoulders as she was reminded of the danger the night posed. The bartender was an old friend of hers; he might provide an extra blade in the coming fight. She glanced down the deserted path as they moved from the main gates and into the town proper. She did not see the Mercodians, but that was to be expected. She had no doubt that they were keeping track of her movements and would make their move once she was somewhere vulnerable.

Somewhere like an empty bar.

Up ahead, a local guard turned a corner and began walking down the quiet street toward the couple. Nicole cursed under her breath. If the guard recognized her, he might insist on accompanying the couple to provide protection. She did not want anything to dissuade the Mercodians from acting sooner rather than later.

On impulse, she spun her back against the shop wall they were passing, pulling Jon hard against her. Jon moved with her on instinct, and his eyes followed hers toward the guard. He eased to the left, providing more cover.

Nicole glanced sideways as the guard approached. He might still recognize her ...

Without thinking, she entwined her hand in Jon's hair, pulling his head down to her neck. Jon didn't need a second hint. He pressed fully against her, shielding her with his body, his arms sliding up against her back.

Nicole's world illuminated in a golden glow. It was if her soul had been hollow for her entire life, and it suddenly had been filled. She had not realized how empty she had been until this moment. If they could just stay this way, forever, without moving, without turning ... just to be held in his arms ...

With an effort, Jon pulled back from her, his breath coming in deep draws. His eyes were smoky with desire, and his voice was rough. "I think the guard is gone, Nicole."

Nicole wanted nothing else than to pull Jon down against her again, and damn the Mercodians. Jon's nearness was intoxicating. It took all of her willpower to nod in agreement, to slide her hand down his chest to put a little space between them.

"Right, you are right," she murmured.

She took a deep, steadying breath, forcing herself to set one foot in front of the other, to move down to the bar. She needed her focus. She was not a schoolgirl out on her first date. She knew she must put this passion out of her thoughts ... for now.

The outside of the bar was nondescript – a dingy window that could not be seen through, a small, fading wooden sign with the name "AleHous". Nicole pushed open the cracked door, waited in the doorway for a moment, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim interior.