Victoria's Challenge

  “Tori.”

  “Hi Dodge. How’s Lorre doing?” Lucas straightens but doesn’t turn.

  “Good, really good,” Dodge tells her, his eyes moving from Lucas to her.

  “I’m glad. Would you mind giving me a few minutes with Lucas?” she asks, never moving from the hatch.

  “Sure.” Dodge smirks at her before looking at Lucas. “I’ll brief the others.”

  As he exits, Victoria secures the hatch. Turning she finds Lucas has moved to sit behind his desk. Putting things between them. Well she’d just see about that.

  “Why are you here, Victoria?” He watches her with hooded eyes as she walks around to lean against the desk, crowding him.

  Oh, he’s angry, she can tell but he’s also hurt. That she needs to correct. “We were interrupted earlier. So I decided we should finish it, once and for all.” Hopping up, she sits casually on his desk.

  Raising an eyebrow at her move, Lucas asks. “Did you now?”

  “Yes, I need an honest answer from you, Lucas. Even if I don’t like it, I need the truth. Will you do that for me?”

  She’s asking him for the truth, to be honest with her. He’d already promised that, she just doesn’t believe it yet. “Yes.”

  “Why didn’t you listen to my transmissions?” She watches him close his eyes before they open boring into hers.

  “I couldn’t. I couldn’t know what you were doing and not want to be a part of it, and I couldn’t be a part of it.”

  “Because?”

  “Because, I didn’t want to be your childhood confidant, not if someday I wanted to be your lover.” He’s brutally honest. Victoria slides over slightly, bracing a foot on either side of his chair, caging him in as she leans forward.

  “Are you sure that’s what you want? That it’s not just some misplaced sense of responsibility?”

  “I should knock you on your ass for saying that!” She sees the outrage in his eyes and smiles a full, real smile.

  Lucas is about to continue but the smile stops him cold. Inside his chest, his heart starts to tremble. “Victoria…”

  “You’ll always be my hero, Lucas. Whether you like it or not, but that’s not who I love. I love the man who just threatened to knock me on my ass. He’s gruff, rude, and opinionated. He’s also the most loyal, loving and caring man I’ve ever met.” When his hands grip her hips, she straddles him.

  “We’re going to fight, disagree and that’s okay as long as at the end of the day it’s us.” Framing his face, she stares into his, her feelings easy to read. “I love you, Lucas Zafar. I trust you with everything I am.” Sinking down, she captures his lips.

  Lucas wraps his arms around her, pulling her tight against him. She’s just given him all he’s ever wanted. “I love you, Victoria. I’ll love you beyond forever.” He mummers against her lips. As the kiss deepens, she needs more. Sliding her hands between them, her talented fingers go to work on his jacket, slipping under, pulling at his shirt.

  “Victoria…”

  “I want you, Lucas. I want to touch you.”

  “The hatch…” he groans when she finds skin.

  “I secured it.” Running her hands up his chest. It's her turn to groan. Damn, the man is built.

  “In that case.” Grabbing the hem of her shirt, he rips it over her head. Exposing creamy white breasts, covered with black lace. His eyes shoot to hers, finding a secretive smile on her lips.

  “You like?” She can tell he does.

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Then you should see the other half.” His eyes flare at the thought then pulls her close to suckle a breast.

  “Ohhhh…” Victoria’s head falls back as pleasure explodes through her. Her body’s never felt like this before. “Lucas…” She can’t stop her hips from moving against him.

  God, she was responsive. Lucas knows she’s innocent. That he’s her only experience. For her to respond like this… he needs more. He needs her. Turning his attention to her other breast he feels her start to tremble.

  Easing back, he looks at her. She’s flushed, her pale skin now rosy with desire and pleasure. Desire and pleasure he’s giving her. The eyes she lifts to him are unguarded, full of love, trust, and desire, for him.

  “Victoria...”

  “Set Alert Status Two throughout the ship.” The comm blares. “Repeat, Alert Status Two.”

  “Crap!” Lucas lays his head back, pulling her to his chest.

  “Lucas...” Victoria collapses on his chest.

  “Just give me a minute.” Taking a deep breath, he eases her back, reverently cupping a breast, as he picks up her shirt from his desk. “I want you in my quarters tonight, in my bed.” His eyes are full of barely controlled desire.

  “Yes.” Taking a calming breath, she slides out of his lap, trying not to blush as she pulls on her shirt. Standing, he heads for his locker, pulling out his flight suit.

  “You’re flying?”

  “Magnes cleared me this morning.” Walking over, he frames her face, sees the fear in her eyes before she hides it. “This is what I do, Victoria.”

  “I know.” She gently touches his cheek. “I’m fine. Just make sure you come back. We have a date.” At the pounding on the hatch, Victoria opens it as Lucas pulls on his suit.

  “Everyone ready?” He looks to Dodge.

  “Everyone’s waiting.”

  “Be there directly.” Walking over, he stops in front of Victoria. “Go to my quarters. I don’t want you on E Deck. I don’t care how good they say the repairs are. I’ll be back. I love you.” With one last hard kiss, he goes to do his job.

  Watching him, she knows she needs to get off the flight deck. She’s only in the way here. She won’t be in medical but first she’s going to her quarters. It’s only alert two and she wants to pack a bag. She doesn’t plan on leaving Lucas’ quarters anytime soon. With a smile on her face, she leaves the flight deck.

  Having packed what she thinks she might want, including personal items, Victoria heads for Lucas’. Keying in his code she has to take a deep breath before she enters. What’s wrong with her? She’s been here dozens of times. This time though… this time it’s different. This time, it’s not as a doctor, not as a friend, it’s as a soon to be lover. Looking at the room with fresh eyes, she can’t help but smile. She’s going to be Lucas’ lover...her heart fills at the thought while her body starts to tingle.

  “Set Alert Status One throughout the ship! Alert Status One. Regulians inbound! Launch all fighters!” Tossing her bag, she secures the door, then pauses to put a trembling hand over her heart sending out a prayer to the ancestors that they protect them from the Regulians, that they especially protect Lucas, because without him, her life would be over. Finishing her prayer, she heads to medical to do her job.

  The battle is short but intense, with the battleships taking the brunt of the abuse. Only one shot makes it through the Retribution’s defenses, hitting E deck again but this time the decompression is more widespread.

  “Get ready for more trauma injuries, blunt force and impact,” Magnes tells Victoria.

  “Yes doctor. Anything else I need to know?”

  “Watch for altered mental states from the decompression.”

  “Treatment?”

  “Use the mask and a shot of compision. Monitor.”

  “Yes doctor.” As he finishes, the first of the wounded arrive.

  “They’re running, Hawk.” Dodge's voice comes over the comm.

  “They always do,” Lucas replies. “Hawk to Retribution. The Regulians are retreating.”

  “Confirmed, return to base. All fighters return to base.”

  “Let’s go home, Dodge.”

  “I hear that!”

  In the ready room, Lucas debriefs his men. Everyone made it back safely, with only one ship damaged.

  “You did well. You’ve proven once again that you are the best in the fleet. Check in with your ground crews. Make sure your ships are prepped. Good job!” With a roar of
success, the men depart.

  “You want me to write it up?” Dodge approaches Lucas.

  “Since when are you in charge?”

  “Since you and Victoria made up.” Lucas looks at his best and longest friend.

  “What would make you think that?” His grin telling Dodge everything he needs to know.

  “Because you were a happy ass hole tonight.”

  “Yes, yes I was, but I’ll write up my own reports. Go see Lorre.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah, but you can take the early tomorrow.”

  “I can do that.” Dodge starts to leave then hesitates.

  “What?”

  “How are you sure?”

  “About Victoria?”

  “That it’s going to work.”

  “I’m not, not for sure. I’m not asking for the easy, the perfect. How boring would that be? I know we’ll fight, actually, I’m looking forward to it, because Dodge, if you don’t fight, how can you make up?”

  “Fuck, I never thought of it that way.”

  “Nick, we’re fighter pilots, we risk our lives every day. I’ll risk everything I am for one day with Victoria. That’s how you know.”

  “Day?” Dodge grins at Lucas. He just grins back.

  “Get out of here.”

  The wounded just keep coming, few are severe, but they make up for it in quantity. After four hours, it’s finally slowing down.

  “Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.” Gabor walks up to her.

  “No, not nearly as bad as last time,” Victoria agrees.

  “You’ve held, in some difficult times you’ve held. I don’t know why I’m surprised,” Gabor sighs tiredly

  “You don’t really know me.” Victoria quietly replies.

  “I was here nine cycles ago when the Admiral brought you on board. I watched you fight the Xyphrine poisoning. I watched your aunt fight for you. I’ve seen you stand before the Assembly, demanding your right to be heard. You fight for who and what you believe in, any ship will benefit from having you on board.”

  “I… thank you, Gabor. That means a lot.”

  “Simple truth. And here’s another.”

  “What?”

  “There’s an impatient man looking for you.” Gabor nods toward the hatchway.

  “What?” Turning, she sees Lucas and can’t help but grin.

  “Go, I remember what it was like to be young.”

  “But…”

  “You do realize, this isn’t your assigned position. Not yet. Get out while you can.”

  “Thanks Gabor.” Giving the older woman a quick hug, she heads for Lucas.

  “You weren’t in my quarters.” He’ll never forget the fear he felt until he saw the bag.

  “I have a job to do too.” She loves him but she wants equal footing.

  “I know and you’re damn good at it. Are you done here?”

  “Yeah, Gabor cut me loose.”

  “Any plans for the night?” He opens the hatch for her.

  “Actually I’m busy. I have this hot date…” She doesn’t get any further as Lucas pulls her into an empty corridor, kissing her senseless. “Well, I suppose I could be persuaded not to go...”

  “Oh you’re going. I’m taking you.”

  “Promise?” His eyes flare as he impatiently guides her towards his quarters.

  Securing his hatch, he pulls her back into his arms. He’s waited nine cycles for her to get here, he isn’t waiting any longer. Ripping her shirt off, Victoria does the same, so they are skin-to-skin, lip to lip.

  Never breaking the kiss, he walks her backwards to the bed, his hands slipping down to unfasten her pants, he wants to see the other half of that eadai. Sliding them over her narrow hips, he caresses lace-covered flesh. Groaning, he presses her into the center of his bed.

  Breaking off the kiss, he moves to his side to look at her. Tangled red hair frames a flushed face with blazing green eyes. Her creamy skin is unmarred except for two strips of black. As he fills his hand with a lace-covered breast, she pulls his head down for a burning kiss.

  “Lucas…” She mummers into his mouth as he caresses her. She’s on fire. She needs more, more of him. Hooking a leg over his, she brings him closer. The comm ringing on his desk has Lucas ripping his mouth from hers, swearing.

  “Fuck!” Glaring at it, he knows he needs to answer otherwise someone will come looking. “I’ll be right back.” Rolling off the bed, he lets his hand trail along her abdomen.

  “Zafar!” He puts the call on speaker.

  “Major, is there a problem?” Admiral Tar asks.

  “Admiral?” Lucas has to take a deep breath. “No sir, no problem.”

  “I have a few questions on your report.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Chapter Eight

  Victoria rolls onto her side, watching Lucas answer Tar’s questions. God, he’s a beautiful man. Her man. He sits, half-naked, at ease and confident with who he is, in what he does. She knows he’s experienced with women and realizes it doesn’t bother her. He had a life before her. Whoever it included helped make him the man she loves but now he’s only hers.

  While she doesn’t have the experience he does, she’s a fast learner. Thinking about how her eadai had affected him she smiles, a woman’s smile. Aunt Cassie had been right. Rising from the bed, she confidently walks towards Lucas.

  “Yes sir, I concur with that assessment.” Lucas watches Victoria rise from their bed, walking towards him like a goddess from ancient times.

  “What sir?” He tries to concentrate on what Tar is saying while his eyes never leave Victoria. “Yes, the Blade should be operational in 24.” He turns his chair as she rounds the corner of the desk, the smile on her face making his blood pump faster, when she straddles him, he knows he’s in trouble.

  “Yes sir.” Lucas’ voice is rough as Victoria leans over to kiss his jaw, her eyes sparkling with mischief and desire.

  “Are you sure you’re okay, Major?” Reaching behind her, Victoria unfastens the top her eadai, letting it fall into his lap.

  “Yes sir, never better in my life.”

  She arches against him as he cups a breast.

  “I’ll let you go, Major, be safe.”

  “Yes Admiral.” His mouth replaces his hand as he quickly disconnects the call. Wrapping his arms around her hips, he thrusts against her.

  “Lucas…” At her obvious desire, he slides his thumbs under her remaining eadai, finding her hot and wet. He has to have her. Pushing away from the desk, his foot kicks something. Freezing he realizes what it is.

  “Fuck, oh crap.” He tears his mouth away from her breast. The Ollali Juice! His eyes shoot to hers. How could he have forgotten?

  “Lucas.” Sensing a change, Victoria’s eyes become concerned. What has she done wrong?

  “I… Victoria…”

  “What’s wrong? Your hands?” she immediately asks.

  “No! Fuck!” Falling back, he pulls her close, torturing himself with the feel of her naked breasts against his chest.

  “I’m sorry.” She should have known better than to tease him, especially talking to Tar but it had seemed so right.

  “What?” He puts a hand under her chin, making her eyes meet his and what he sees astounds him, there's insecurity and doubt.

  “No! It isn’t you! You have nothing to be sorry for, Victoria. It’s me… I’m not taking the Ollali Juice.” He sees a moment of confusion before understanding dawns.

  “That doesn’t matter…”

  “Yes it does! I’m not risking you! I’ve waited this long, I can wait one more day. I will protect you, Victoria.” Running a hand down the curve of her back, he feels her tremble. He should have remembered the Ollali juice. Within twenty-four hour of taking it, it would prevent conception and would continue to when taken daily. Victoria’s young and innocent and he’s done the unthinkable, starting something he can’t finish and she’s suffering for it. She should be furious. Instead, she’s
blaming herself.

  “Victoria, do you trust me?” He sees her eyes widen at the question.

  “Yes,” she immediately answers.

  “Then get in bed.” He nods towards it. “I’ll be there in a minute.” Rising, he lets her slide down his body. He can tell she wants to argue, instead, she nods and turns away.

  Leaning down, he picks up the bottle he’d found in his bag when he returned to the Retribution. His father had wanted him to be prepared. Opening it, he pours some in a glass and drinks.

  Lying in bed, Victoria watches him. He’s right, she doesn’t like it, but he is. They are nowhere close to being ready for a child. They need time, time to get used to the changes in their lives. To establish a life together, but oh how she wants him, she’s trembling with it. Well, she’ll just have to settle down. There’s more to a relationship then sex.

  Putting the bottle in a drawer, Lucas turns, watching her as he walks over. She’s lying on her side, head propped on a hand watching him. Those beautiful green eyes clear and open, allowing him to see her banked desire. Sitting down, he leans over, giving her a hard kiss. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Reaching up, she gently caresses his cheek. “Come to bed. It’s been a long day.”

  “Victoria, there are other ways.” Stretching out beside her, he runs scarred fingers along her curves, feeling the slightest tremor.

  “Other ways to what?” The honest puzzlement in her question reminds him of just how innocent she is.

  “Let me show you.” Pressing her to her back, his lips nuzzle her neck, exploring the sensitive skin, causing her to shiver.

  “Lucas?” she asks shakily.

  “Shh… just feel Victoria.” With his mouth working its way along her collarbone, his hand skims her abdomen, leaving a trail of quivering nerves in its wake.

  Victoria arches as his tongue lavishes attention on her breast before his mouth closes around the taunt nipple, suckling. Gasping, she sinks her fingers into his hair, pulling him even closer, lost in the new sensations building in her. When he releases her nipple, she hisses her disappointment only to groan when her other breast receives the same attention.