Elizabeth Raines Read Free Page A

Luka. I’m the only one she’s ever told. And believe me—it took a shitload of arguing to finally get her to reveal the farm’s location.”
    Betinsa Nungio had been their IDEA contact in their time on Fraiqua. When he and Luka had gone through genetic manipulation—to leave behind their humanity and become Fraiquan—she’d coached them through the cultural transformation. She’d been their confidante, their spiritual advisor, and their friend. She’d also helped both men after Kimini’s death.
    Now, Betinsa was the director of IDEA, a position granted to her in light of all the work she’d done to help save not only her home planet Fraiqua, but the many missions she’d either participated in or planned that helped stem the flow of patrile—the most addictive drug in the galaxy. Her job was to keep IDEA’s greatest secrets, including where her agents went when they needed to “disappear,” as Luka had.
    “Betinsa, huh?” Luka ran his hand over his face. “Should’ve known. She always thinks she knows what’s best for everyone.”
    Jake managed a chuckle, wincing at the pain it caused. “Because she usually does.”
    Thunder rumbled in the distance. Luka looked to the skies. “Storm’s coming soon. We should get you back to my place.”
    “Yeah.” Jake struggled to his feet. The pain in his head became a throbbing so intense he feared he’d pass out.
    Luka’s arm was there, supporting him.
    Syla came to his other side, fitting herself under his armpit and holding him up.
    Together, they made their way back through the woods, something Jake would never have been able to do alone.
    Betinsa had been right—Jake still needed his husband.
    Judging from the tender way Luka held him, perhaps Luka needed him as well.
     
    * * * *
     
    Syla wasn’t ready to let her guard down—probably because she’d stayed vigilant for so long it had become a habit. Every sound registered in her mind. Every movement was discerned. Her vigilance had kept her alive—as had Jake’s. He’d brought her here for a reason, and she needed to accept this choice as what was best for her.
    While she trusted Jake with her life, she was still wary of the new man. He seemed nice enough, but she’d learned long ago never to rely on first impressions—especially her own. Once, she’d been far too trusting and naïve. Now, she’d learned better. This man— Luka —would have to earn her trust.
    He was every bit as handsome as Jake, although they were a dichotomy—a contrast of light and dark. His blond hair wasn’t as white as a Trilani’s, but the yellow was inviting. His eyes were the color of Earth’s sky and very appealing.
    His home was small and tidy. One living area. A cooking area. A bathroom. The hallway led to a big bedchamber. As soon as she had Jake settled and was sure they were safe, she’d ease his pain and heal his wounds.
    Luka helped Jake lie on the bed. “I’m gonna get something we can wrap around you to bandage those ribs good and tight.” He strode out of the room.
    Syla went to the other side of the bed and crawled across the mattress to Jake, kneeling at his side. “Sure you are that we be safe?”
    “Positive. You can trust Luka. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t think he could keep you safe.”
    “Keep us safe.”
    “Yeah, sweetheart. Keep us safe.”
    Stroking his dark hair away from his face, she took a deep breath and laid her palm against his forehead.
    Jake tried to brush her hand away. “Syla…don’t. I’ll be fine. You don’t have to heal me.”
    “Hush. Pain I can take away. Let me.”
    His brown eyes searched hers.
    “I this do for you.” She gave him a smile she hoped would convince him.
    He nodded. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
    “For you, dalla , anything.”
    My love . The endearment fit her dark hero.
    The pain seeped out of him and into her, following her fingers up her arm and reaching her chest. She was ready, letting the agony flow into her, where it