Fortune's Risk: A Star Thief Novella (Star Thief Chronicles #1.5) Read online

  Kitty Cordoza was flirting with him.

  But he was here to play the game, so he pretended to be flattered. “Thank you. Perhaps you’ll be my good luck charm. I certainly need it after my stint at the roulette tables earlier.” Viktis shook his head with a wry smile. “I must have lost a hundred thousand credits.”

  “Ouch,” Kitty said, running a blood-red nail across the green felt of the table as she gazed at him from beneath darkened eyelashes.

  Viktis shrugged. “Eh, it’s not the money, it’s the principle of the thing.” He paused, then added, “I hate to lose.”

  A slow smile curved her lips. “So do I.”

  He held out a hand. “Ravy Zero.”

  She shook it, letting her smooth fingers linger a little longer in his hand than proper. “Kitty Cordoza.”

  Behind him, Keva took up a military stance, her face as impassive as stone. Viktis flashed Kitty a smile as he caught her gaze flick to the Delfine. “I hope my bodyguard doesn’t make you nervous.”

  “Of course not. I have a few myself. A girl can’t be too careful.”

  “I agree completely. It would be such a shame if anything were to happen to a pretty face like yours.”

  Before Kitty could figure out if Viktis’s words were a compliment or a threat, the dealer droid pulled a fresh stack of cards from the table. “Are we ready for the next hand?”

  The rest of the players murmured their consent, and Viktis snuck a glance past Kitty. Finn sat on her right side, also dressed in a tuxedo. He’d smoothed his usually messy hair back, and his flinty eyes watched everyone with seeming disinterest.

  Perfect.

  Finn glanced down at his hand after the cards were dealt, his face expressionless. Everyone else at the table seemed to be hiding their tells as well. Viktis had no idea what the other hands looked like.

  Good thing it didn’t really matter.

  “Two cards, please,” Finn said, passing over two from his hand.

  Beside him, Kitty shook her head. Finn did the same. The final man took three cards, then frowned as he viewed what he’d received from the dealer. “Please place your bets. Ma’am?”

  Kitty pushed two chips to the center of the table. “Twenty thousand.”

  Viktis arched an eyebrow at her and added a third chip to his pile. “I’ll see that and raise you ten.”

  The other men grumbled and added their chips to the pile, but Kitty took her time, sliding the octagonal disk carefully over the green felt, her gaze never leaving Viktis’s. “Must be quite a hand.”

  “I’ll never tell,” he said.

  “Good thing I’m skilled at getting secrets from even the most inscrutable men.” Her smile was feral and Viktis forced his to stay pinned to his face. Behind him, Keva snorted, quickly turning it into a cough.

  “Hands,” the dealer said, breaking the painful tension between them. Viktis could have kissed the robot.

  Each player displayed their cards. At the end of the table, Finn crowed, “Damn, that’s me again. This table is hot!” He pulled the stack of chips toward him, grinning like a fool. Then he glanced up and spotted Viktis.

  His smile got even wider. “By the gods! Ravy Zero? Is that you?” He jumped from his chair and grabbed Viktis’s hand, pumping it up and down. “It’s been, what? Four years? Last time I saw you, you were finishing a deal on Antivia Nine. Bought a million credits worth of cybertech, if I remember correctly. And you still have the same guard. I’d remember those legs anywhere!”

  Viktis cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat like he’d wished Finn had kept his mouth shut. “Well, well. You’re the last person I expected to see here, Clayton. How’s your dad’s money treating you?”

  Beside them, Kitty watched openly, her gaze flitting between the two men. She tapped a lacquered fingernail against the table, but didn’t interrupt.

  “Not bad,” Finn continued, playing his part as a spoiled heir. “Dad thinks I need to get serious, so he’s sending me to take care of the branch on Enill. This is my last hurrah before I get shipped off to the middle of nowhere.”

  “Tough luck.”

  The dealer tapped on the table. “If you’re playing another hand, please take your seat.”

  Finn smiled apologetically. “Good to see you, old man. We’ll have to catch up later. You entering the tournament?”

  Viktis nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  Kitty watched them, a slow smile transforming her face. “Well isn’t that lucky. I’m entering the tournament as well. I hope we can play together again.”

  “That would be excellent,” Finn said, leaning back in his chair like he owned it, arm draped across the back. “A shiny new ship, a stack of credits, and a pretty girl are the only thing a man needs.” He looked pointedly at Kitty, his eyes lazily drinking in her assets.

  Viktis bit back a laugh. If he didn’t know better, he’d think Finn was enjoying this.

  They played several more hands. Kitty flirted with both Finn and Viktis, splitting her time equally between them. As he’d suspected, she was a shark — dirty and ruthless when it came to winning. By the time they were done, Finn’s winning streak had passed on to Kitty. She’d amassed a large stack of chips in front of her.

  “Well that’s better,” she said with a satisfied smile. “Nothing like a few extra credits to make a girl’s day.”

  “Ever give out loans?” Viktis asked jokingly.

  She shook her head. “Never. It’s not good business.”

  “Glad to hear it. I agree completely.”

  “Smart man.”

  “So, does a beautiful woman like you have specific plans for your winnings? A new dress perhaps?” he asked, letting his gaze drift down her curvy form, appreciation curling his lips.

  “A business investment. I have enough dresses.” Her voice sharpened as if she was displeased.

  “I’m always looking for a good investment. Have any tips to share?” His simpering was making his skin crawl, but he needed to keep her interested. She hadn’t taken the bait yet.

  “How much money are you looking at investing?” she asked, coolly. “My enterprises are not for the faint-hearted.”

  Viktis glanced around the room, then lowered his voice. “I have two million credits ready to go and another million after I sell some assets. I’ve heard good things about the Cordoza Corporation and their returns. Especially some of their more…interesting investments.”

  “They’re not for the squeamish.” Kitty’s gaze again fell on Keva standing at attention behind Viktis’s chair. “I’m inclined to believe you, an escort like that doesn’t come cheap.”

  Viktis smiled. “Miss Troy is one of the best bodyguards in the system. Worth every penny.”

  “And does she provide additional services for you?”

  Keva growled, taking a step forward. “No. I do not.”

  Viktis put a hand on Keva’s arm to hold her back. “My friend here is a professional. And I find it better not to mix business and pleasure. Especially where my safety is concerned.”

  Kitty smiled slowly. “You are a smart man. I like you.”

  “You’re pretty clever yourself. Looks like I’m going to have to watch you at the tournament, my dear,” Viktis said with a smile.

  “You can watch me whenever you’d like.” Kitty trailed her nails down Viktis’s sleeve. “How about you stop by my rooms tonight after the tournament?” she continued. “And we can talk about how you might fit into my organization. There’s a planet on the outer rim that I’m interested in…acquiring. I have a crew stationed there already doing some research. The population there is ripe for the taking.”

  Viktis’s eyes widened as acid bit the back of his throat. This was it. “Slavery?”

  “Of course not. According to my lawyers, I am only interested in ‘indentured servitude for citizens who would like to emigrate.’” But her smile was feral and he knew she was lying through her teeth.

  Before he could respond, a burly m
an stepped forward and caught Kitty’s eye. He wore a black jacket with red trim. One of her security guards.

  “Unfortunately, it looks like I need to run.” She smiled at Viktis. “But I look forward to seeing you again, very soon.”

  He took her hand, kissing it gently as he stared into her eyes. “As do I. Meeting a beautiful woman is always a pleasure.”

  She started to walk away, following her bodyguard. “Don’t forget. I’m in suite thirty-four,” she added over her shoulder. Her tight red dress hugged her backside and Viktis’s gaze dropped to her perfect ass as she disappeared into the crowds. Two more men appeared from somewhere on the casino floor and flanked her as she exited.

  Viktis swallowed. That had been a little too close for comfort. He needed to shower off the grime he felt at her touch now. He nodded to Finn and Keva, and the trio quickly left the casino as well, pausing outside the building.

  Finn pulled them out of the way of a group of human tourists before saying, “I didn’t catch Kitty’s bodyguards when I arrived. Where were they hiding during the game?”

  “Next table over. Far enough away they can’t hear her, close enough to help if she gets into trouble. The woman’s smart.” Viktis shook his head, a frown twisting his features. He didn’t have the luxury of second thoughts, but meeting the woman in person had been…interesting.

  “She’s terrifying. I thought she was going to ravish me at the table a few times before you showed up,” Finn said.

  Keva cleared her throat. “I’ve never been that close to pure evil before. You could feel it rolling of her. And the way she looked at you guys…” She shuddered.

  Viktis nodded. “Yeah, we’re going to have to rein that in a bit. The lady is known for her conquests. Normally I wouldn’t mind, but…”

  Finn grinned. “Fragging the queen of the Cordozas probably isn’t very healthy, especially if you plan to screw her over later. Literally.”

  Viktis groaned. “You’re so punny.” He turned to Keva, eyebrows raised. “It’s time for Phase Two. Lieutenant, you ready?”

  Keva nodded. “Let’s get this over with. Captain, I’ll see you later.”

  Finn saluted automatically, quickly dropping his hand. “Sorry about that. Good luck, Lieutenant. We’re all counting on you.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Viktis and Keva stepped into an empty elevator, and he pressed the button for the thirty-fourth floor.

  Kitty’s floor.

  He was no stranger to dangerous situations, often walking into them willingly. But usually he did them alone. This time he realized, as a sense of dread snaked through his belly and took up residence in his chest, it was different. If his plan didn’t work, more than just his own life would be on the line.

  Soft music filled the space. Beside him, Keva let out a sigh. “Gods, these shoes are killing me.” She stepped out of her heels and curled her toes in the plush rug lining the elevator. “I hate dressing up,” she said. “Always makes me feel like I’m trying to be someone else.”

  Viktis let his gaze drop to the tantalizing bit of cleavage he could see. “But that dress suits you.” In so many ways.

  “My uniform suits me better.” She rubbed the back of her neck, her shoulders hunched around her ears.

  The girl was a bundle of nerves. If he didn’t calm her down, she’d never convince Kitty she was telling the truth. Viktis brushed her hand away. “Let me.”

  Keva stiffened as he curled his long fingers into the knotted muscles of her shoulders kneading gently, then a moment later, relaxed under his touch. She let out a shaky breath. “Don’t get any ideas, Pirate, but oh my gods that feels amazing.”

  He grinned, even though she couldn’t see him. “You are not the first woman to tell me that.”

  “You know what? I don’t even care. Just keep doing what you’re doing.” She let her head drop forward, giving Viktis better access.

  Her skin felt silky soft beneath his fingers, but there was a layer of hard muscle beneath. She definitely spent more than a few hours a week in the ship’s weight room. She could probably take him down pretty easily in a fight. The thought was strangely arousing.

  His fingers drifted down her upper back, rubbing deeply as he went.

  She arched her back, moaning softly.

  Viktis’s mouth went dry and he swallowed against the sudden sandpaper in his throat. He’d been telling the truth to Kitty. He couldn’t risk getting emotionally, or physically, involved with Keva. This mission was too important to risk that kind of fallout. Even though his fingers itched to slowly tug the zipper of her dress down until it bared more of her velvety skin—and if it hit the carpet, well, it looked better on the floor anyway.

  That was also another problem. She’d never shown even the slightest bit of interest in him. She didn’t even flirt back when he tried. He’d never admit it, but it kind of injured his pride. Was she just not interested? Or was it something else?

  The elevator dinged as it came to a stop on their floor. The doors slid open and Keva straightened, stepping away from Viktis. “Thanks,” she said, rolling her neck. “Nothing like a pair of heels to throw your spine completely out of alignment.”

  That’s not the only thing they’d thrown out of alignment, he thought, shifting to hide the sudden bulge in his tux pants. Viktis cleared his throat. “Your stop, Lieutenant. I’ll be one floor up, monitoring the conversation.”

  She nodded and tapped the silver pendant around her neck. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” Keva glanced down the empty corridor before turning back to Viktis, a troubled expression marring her lovely features. “Look, are you sure we’re doing the right thing? She’s a dangerous woman, and with Myka and Dr. Aldani, we can’t risk getting caught.”

  “I know. The timing is awful. But this is our best shot. The woman rarely leaves her compound on Hesperia. This is the first time she’s been accessible in two years. It will be okay. I promise.”

  “I wish I could believe you.” Keva sighed. “Guess there’s only one way to find out.” She squared her shoulders and started down the hall.

  Viktis watched her, enjoying the view as she walked away. Nothing like a finely sculpted ass to make a man’s pants tight in places they normally weren’t. His physical reaction to Keva was uncomfortable, constantly jumping to attention without release, but this was business. And a wise man didn’t mix business with pleasure, although Viktis knew – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that doing the horizontal mambo with Keva would be nothing short of amazing. But now was not the time to indulge in fantasies. He needed to get back upstairs and monitor her comm. To keep her safe.”

  He let the elevator doors slide shut and adjusted himself again. It was going to be a long night—just not the kind he preferred.

  Kitty Cordoza had reserved an entire floor of the hotel for herself and her entourage. The only sound in the hallway was the hum of air recyclers and Keva’s heels thumping softly on the carpet as she walked. The silence made her skin prickle. She’d bet her blaster she was being watched. And not just by Viktis.

  She shook her head. The man drove her crazy with his constant flirting and innuendoes. Mostly because she was horrible at both. And he was always laughing at her, like he thought she was some kind of joke.

  Keva adjusted the too-tight dress and tugged at the holster on her thigh. It didn’t help that she felt completely exposed in this outfit. It was ridiculous the things some women would wear. She’d much prefer her uniform and boots. At least she could move in them. Right now she felt like a tied up tastar pig waiting for slaughter.

  She shook her head. Not too far from the truth, since she was walking into the Black Widow’s lair. Why had she agreed to help Viktis? She didn’t even like the man.

  Liar, a small part of her brain whispered. Fine. She liked him. A smidgen. At least enough to have sex with—provided he could shut up for that long. But one night stands with handsome pirates weren’t exactly her thing. She frowned. Maybe they should be. When this was
all over, she was going to have to seriously reevaluate her life choices.

  If she lived that long.

  All too soon, she’d reached Kitty’s door. Keva paused, her hand poised to rap on the façade. The dim lighting in the hallway cast shadows that perpetuated the ominous feeling in Keva’s gut. This was it. If she didn’t convince Kitty she was for real, she might never leave this suite again. She took a deep breath before forcing herself to knock sharply.

  A moment later, she could hear footsteps as someone approached. The frosted glass door panel turned translucent.

  “What do you want?” The guard wore a black jacket with red cuffs, his dark hair neatly slicked back.

  Keva stood straight and confident. She could do this. Everything was going to be fine. “I’d like to see Ms. Cordoza, please. Tell her that Miss Troy, Revy Zero’s body guard is here.”

  The man frowned, but pressed a finger to his ear and repeated her words into his comm. Finally, he nodded and opened the door. “Please come in. Ms. Cordoza will see you.”

  Keva smiled and brushed past him, trying to channel Renna’s easy going personality. She needed to stay cool and calm or this whole plan would fall apart. “Thanks.”

  She found herself in a large foyer with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling and a sleek glass table holding a vase of stargazer lilies. The heavy scent filled the air, choking her. Keva fought back a cough. Why humans thought their flowers were so beautiful was beyond her. Give her the orange petals and delicate scent of a fleshy firecloud plant any day.

  The heavy perfumes humans always wore made Keva’s head ache and her sensitive skin itch. The slight atmospheric difference between Preill and Earth had allowed the Delfine to develop more complex sensory organs. Their eyesight, their taste buds, and their olfactory senses were all highly evolved from a climate of consistent temperatures and delicate scents.