Part 12 (1/2)

They all seemed surprised. Even Vile. It is to the shame of my family that I admit a certain affection for the barbarian. Probably a disease I picked up during my time planet-side, one I cant seem to rid myself of. Nonetheless, my need for her is potent. Possibly terminal and most definitely emasculating. I shall require many deaths to make up for this weakness lest it tarnish my reputation.

Not exactly the most romantic declaration, but it was a start.

Things moved quickly after that. In no time at all, she was standing in some kind of pressurized airlock, Snaggle Tooth holding her upper arm in a tight grip, which had her on tiptoe, given his short arms but extreme height.

His piggy crew”which werent as adorable as the Muppets Pigs in s.p.a.ce version”had their guns aimed, half on her, half on the door.

Click. Hiss. Whirr.

The silence was broken only by the machine sounds as a docking tube was sent from Viles s.h.i.+p to Snaggles, or so they explained when she asked how they planned to make the trade, given she wasnt exactly sure they had a s.p.a.cesuit in her size.

The door slid open, and there was Vile. More handsome than ever, wearing an open-necked white s.h.i.+rt, tight-fitting black breeches, and dark boots that went almost to his knees.

He appeared rakish and completely at ease. The jerk. And here she was dirty and still wearing the same rags.

He held up the coveted disk, which glinted benignly. All this trouble over a stupid ornament that had hung on her Christmas tree for years.

The grip around her upper arm tightened. How do I know its the real thing? Snaggle asked.

Vile rolled his eyes. Oh please. Dont tell me your detection unit hasnt already scanned it for authenticity. His expression hardened. Now release my woman.

My woman. How she liked the sound of that.

With a flick of his wrist, Vile sent the artifact spinning in the air.

Thrust from Snaggle Tooth, Jilly stumbledright into her purple dudes arms. He hugged her to him, and she hugged him back.

The treasure is mine, crowed her lizard captor. Disengage the s.h.i.+ps.

Double crossing b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Vile only barely managed to get them in the pa.s.sageway before the door slid shut.

Why that two timing, jerk! she huffed.

Hate him later. Now we must run before we are sucked into s.p.a.ce.

Excuse me?

No time for questions. Vile tossed her over his shoulder and ran along the connecting tube while air hissed behind them.

Whats happening? she squeaked.

Hes pressurizing the lock. Once its done, hes going to release our pa.s.sageway.

That sounds bad.

Only if youre a flesh-based organism.

Then run faster, she yelled.

Bossy female, he grumbled. Yet he did put on even more speed. Just enough, too, because hed no sooner slid them into another airlock and slapped a b.u.t.ton to shut the door than a cold breeze whipped up behind them and then whistled as it tried to suck them back out.

Luckily the door sealed the portal shut before they could become Popsicles in s.p.a.ce.

Leaving her with her purple alien.

Now what? she asked, as he didnt seem inclined to put her back down.

Now we hit the decontamination chamber, barbarian. You reek.

Chapter Twelve.

Every collector has a prized possession, the one item he would protect with his life and keep above all others. When you find it, guard it fiercely, cherish it, and enjoy it. Its yours. Your treasure. An excerpt from The Fine Art of Acquisition.

Perhaps he should have not referred to her less than odorous condition. As he deposited Jilly in the decontamination chamber, she glared at him.

You really dont know how to sweet talk a girl.

Why would I speak sweetly? I am a male, not a woman or a politician.

Oh, youre a man all right. One with a one-track mind, she added as he literally tore the clothes from her body exposing her, and he also tweaked her nipples in the process. Who could resist the pert buds?

He quickly shed his own garments, displaying his erection.

I have missed you. Surprise, he didnt choke making the admission.

I missed you, too, but Ill admit Im kind of baffled by the fact youre going to waste time in here with me when Snaggle Tooth is getting away with your prize.

Are you so sure of that?

I feel like Im missing something.

No. We are just in time.

Vhyl placed his hand on a depression in the wall, and the opaque white surface turned into a video screen, one showing s.p.a.ce, and a certain alien vessel.

Is that”

Fazirds s.h.i.+p, yes.

Is he firing on us? Jilly asked.

Yes. He noted her puzzled expression. I have the s.h.i.+elds engaged. None of his puny weaponry can penetrate it. Now watch.