A Kid Like Her (A Riddick - Jack Romance/Adventure Story)

Decisions and Deception

She left Eron and walked back to her room, still unsure of her own decision.

I can see the draw of the power he must feel. This isn't just about saving the people. He gets off on this. Who can blame him? Put in a position of being powerless for most of your life, then to have it dumped in your lap? Hard to resist.

Just as she went to open the door, Riddick opened it himself. He smiled. "I was about to come lookin' for you. They brought food." He stepped back and she entered.

"I'm almost afraid to eat it. Maybe I'll get Dame Vaako to become the food taster."

"Vaako's wife?"

"Yeah, do you remember her? She's the one who led you like a dog on a leash when you got your mind read."

"No way in hell did she lead me. I came in here wantin' to see what the hell was going on."

"I know that. She thought she had you though from the way Eron described it. Anyway, I had a little run in with her this morning."

"Oh? Cat fight?" He asked hopefully.

Jack snorted. "You wish. She called me a whore, so I threatened to kill her and keep Vaako, since obviously the two men I have already whored myself out to aren't enough. I won't put up with shit like that."

He was hesitant to ask, not wanting to hear the answer he dreaded. "Does this mean..."

"That I'm staying? I swore to Danielle and Grant that I wouldn't let anyone drag me down and take me to a place I don't want to be. Not that you're dragging me down Riddick, but this is the last fucking place I want to be."

"Dammit, Jack, I need you. We wouldn't be gone forever."

"Almost two years," she blurted mournfully!

Feeling out of control of the situation, he pulled her to him and slowly kissed her. She felt how anxious he was to keep her there with him.

He spoke softly against her lips. "I love you. Stay."

Her breath hitched hearing him actually say the words. "You're a bastard."

His heart jumped hearing the resignation in her voice. "Is that a yes?"

"I'll try." He picked her up hugged her to him, afraid if he let her go she'd bolt. "You have to agree to a few things first."

"What's that?" He sat down and kept her firmly in his lap.

"You make it clear to everyone what we are to each other and that any insults or attacks will be swiftly dealt with."

"Done. Next?"

"I want to know of any woman who attempts to be anything more to you than a loyal subject. I'll deal with her myself."

"Not a problem."

"Eron. Elevate him from Purifier to your top advisor. I trust him and I know he will be honest with us."

"Like hell I wi-."

"Don't fight me on this. It's not negotiable. We need someone on the inside."

"I don't exactly like the guy," he huffed.

"In the words of Aereon, you don't have a choice." She pointed to the door leading to their bedroom. "Also, any problems either of us have never cross that threshold."

"Anything else?"

"One last thing. These dresses are nice but I'm not wearing them all the time. I need Eron to get me something more comfortable."