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Bombing Bill had set up his pyrotechnics to help provide cover and maximize confusion among the
attacking forces. Marcus had set up the needed projection equipment and had tested it over and over
with members of the crew.
The Royal family and their guests would be seated in the bleachers but when the lights went out,
the bleachers would descend and be replaced with  images of them still sitting when the lights came
back on. Jade and Shannon, the two FBI agents from Earth, had agreed to help Curly with the security.
Mattie and her dogs would work with the clowns to sniff out any explosives not set up by Bill. Bill
had marked each of his carefully placed explosives with a scent pack that the dogs would be able to
recognize as being okay. They had used the same technique back on Earth, especially after receiving
several threats during some of their tours.
 You are beautiful, Manota murmured as he slowly walked toward her.  I have not seen that
gown before.
Jo chuckled as his hands immediately moved to the tie at her waist holding the robe on.  I just got
it today so you can t damage it, she teased him before sobering as she noticed the lines of tension
around his mouth. She reached up and touched the corner with tender fingers.  Everything will be
alright. This is going to work.
Manota turned his head enough to brush his lips across her fingers.  It has too, he said gruffly.  I
don t remember being this uptight before any battle or mission during the war but the thought of you
and your family being in danger& .
 Shush! Jo whispered.  We know what to do, she murmured against his lips.  Love me,
Manota. Let s not think of anything but each other for tonight.
Manota heard the slight plea in her voice and realized she had the same fear for him and his
family. He sealed his lips over hers in a passionate kiss. He wanted her, needed her like the breath he
drew. He wanted to become lost in the magic she created whenever he was near her. He swore he
could feel her light winding its way through his soul as his hands touched her.
 Are you hungry? I had some food delivered earlier. I wasn t sure when you would be back or if
you had eaten yet, she whispered as she draw back a little.
Manota shook his head as he wrapped his arms around her.  The only thing I am hungry for is
you, he replied.  I do need to bathe, he added ruefully as he noticed he had left a slight smudge of
dirt along her cheek where he had caressed it with the back of his hand.
 I think I can help you with that, she responded lightly as her fingers began working on the clasps
holding his shirt closed.  With total pleasure, she added huskily as more of his dark skin was
revealed as she parted the edges.
 Gods Jo, I love you so much, Manota said as he closed his eyes as her hands slowly pulled his
clothing off.
 I love you too, big guy, she murmured brushing her lips over one taut nipple before she pushed
his shirt off his shoulders.  Come with me. She threaded her fingers through his and pulled him
towards the bathroom.
*.*.*
Manota shivered with need as the longing in Jo s voice washed over him. Tomorrow was the
night of the performance. Throughout the star systems, squadrons were preparing to attack the rebels
who wanted to overthrow the Alliance. His father had updated him and his brothers before they
agreed there was nothing else to be done. The core leaders of the rebellion, including Tai Tek, would
be targeted for termination once and for all. The remaining council, including the Dramentics, had
agreed that a harsh and decisive attack needed to be done in order to prevent it happening again.
He followed Jo into the  bathroom as she liked to call it. Sitting on the stool, he was humbled
when she sank to the floor in front of him and began removing his boots. Once she was done, she
carefully set them to the side of the stool. She rose gracefully, bending over him as she unbuckled the
thick belt around his waist. She rolled it up and placed that with care next to his boots.
He breathed in her sweet scent, a mixture of the sunlight that he craved and arousal. His lips
brushed her temple as she began unbuttoning his pants. He stood so she could pull them down his long
legs. Never had he been so affected by the respect and reverence that she was showing him as she
slowly undressed him. He clenched his fists as he lifted first one foot then the other so she could pull
his pants the rest of the way off. He wanted more than anything to reach out and rip her gown off her
lush body and take her hard and fast  to chase away the fear building inside him. Instead, he forced
himself to stay still knowing she needed to do this, that she needed to remain in control.
His eyes followed her as she carefully folded his pants and set them on the floor next to the other
items she had removed. Her eyes gleamed shyly up at him as her hands moved to the tie at her waist.
He reached out and stilled them by covering them with his own.
 Let me, he asked huskily.
Jo let her hands fall to her side as she waited for him. Her heart pounded fiercely as he slowly
pulled the tie before tenderly removing her robe. They had made love many times over the past few
months but tonight, there was something different about it. It was almost like a sacred ritual was being
performed. A part of her wondered if it was because of their fear of losing each other. That in the
back of their minds they knew tonight could be their last night together.
 You are mine, Jo, Manota said quietly.
He folded her robe and set it on the stool before turning back around and tenderly pushing the
straps of her gown down. He watched as the silky material fell to lie like a dark mist around her
slender ankles. His hands trembled as he bent and picked it up as she lifted first one foot then the
other. He couldn t resist running his fingers along the delicate bones of her ankles and arch before he
stood and folded the gown and set it on top of her robe.
His eyes moved to where she had her hair in a braid down her back. He gently pulled the band on
the end off and unwound it, letting his hands savor the silky length. His eyes darkened until the only
light shining in them were the burning silver flames of his need. A tender smile curved his lips as he [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]