A Surprise Favor – Chapter 18

I trudge up the stairs, my whole body one big mess of knots. Maybe I could nap? No. I don’t think I can ever relax again. Tears brim in my eyes as I realize how tired I am. I have a long day ahead of me between lunch and then heading to the data center to pick up the drives, and I barely slept last night. Yet, I won’t nap in this condition, on the edge and ready to jump off.

Checking all the rooms, Nisrine, Carlos, Saif, and Kalvin are gone. I approach Takemo’s room, and his voice filters out into the hallway.

“I don’t care. Sell it and get as much as you can for it. I have new investments to sink my money into, and I don’t want my assets stagnating. Fix it and move on… Right. Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

There’s silence for a few moments before he mutters, “For fuck’s sake. Why don’t any of these people mind their own fucking business?”

Somehow, I know this is about me. They’ve seen the same stories I just saw, and they’re giving Takemo hell for it. I lightly knock on the doorframe, and he spins around. He drops his datapad to his side.

“Did you hear me just now?”

I press my lips together. “A bit. I can guess what you’ve been dealing with. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He tosses his datapad onto the bed and rubs his face. “I’ve dealt with this shit my entire life. This is nothing new.”

“Yeah, but it’s me causing all of your problems. I’m not solving anything. I’m just…” I shake my head and raise my shoulders. “I’m just in the way.”

I enter his room and sit on the bed. Looking at him, his gorgeous face, strong jaw, and svelte body, I want him. I want him now. And I could use the stress relief.

Great idea, Skylar.

“So, I’m here to ask for a favor, and if you don’t want to do it, I understand… but I could make it worth your while.” I jiggle my head and lift my eyebrows suggestively.

“Oh yeah? What is this that you’re willing to do sexual favors for in return?” His voice turns cold as ice, and everything in my body tells me to tread lightly.

Suddenly, I’m on very unsure ground. It shakes under my feet, about to give way and send me down a cliff.

Oops. Be very careful, Skylar.

I think back to my conversation with Nina in the Amagi. “I… I need a security AI, as you can tell. And…” My mouth dries at his frown, and the room recedes as I remember what I let Eamon do to me to get Ai in the first place. The ghost of his hands around my throat threatens to pull me under to the dark place I’ve struggled to run away from for years.

I wanted to die then. I thought that letting Eamon fuck me and strangle me would stop the pain I felt. He could have brutalized and killed me, left me in that backwater town on Sonoma, and no one would have missed me.

My fingers brush my neck, and I clear my throat.

“Never mind,” I breathe out. I close my eyes and control my breath. No panicking, Skylar. “Listen, um, will you sleep with me? Um, have sex with me?” I wave my hands in front of my body. “I need a… a release,” I push out. “And you said no more sexbots.” I sink and stare at the floor, no longer able to look at him. “I want to… I want the sexbots. I don’t want the shame of having to beg for sex.” A tear rolls down my cheek. “And I won’t blame you if you say no. I saw all the news stories about me. It’s horrific, and I’m pretty sure it’s ruined everything.”

What has happened to my life? I don’t even recognize myself anymore.

The door clicks closed, and Takemo approaches me.

“You went to the sexbots because they were safe.”

I lift my chin and look up at him. His expression has warmed, and his eyes are soft on me.

“Whatever happened to you will never happen again.”

I shake my head. “It’s nothing…” My voice quiets at his knowing glare. Fuck. I always suspected Eamon bragged about his experience with others. Takemo has heard the stories. “Do they know?” If Saif and Kalvin know, I don’t think I could bear it.

He shakes his head. “No. But I’m sure I’m not the only one who has heard that rumor.”

My head bobs of its own accord. Yes. There was no way that wouldn’t have gotten around, eventually.

He reaches down to take my hand in his and pulls me up. Wrapping his arms around me, he envelops me in a giant hug. His lips press against my temple. “All you’ve ever wanted was for someone to love you, care about you,” he says, gently kissing my neck. “We worship you. And anything less is unacceptable.”

His fingers pull the straps of my sundress down as he kisses along my collarbone to my bra. He undresses me, his eyes never leaving mine as he peels away each layer of clothing. I’m exposed but not vulnerable. Takemo will treat me with respect and care, something that has been missing from all my past relationships.

He picks me up and carries me to the bed, gingerly laying me down on top of the covers. I watch him undress slowly in front of me, his muscles rippling with each movement. His skin is smooth, radiating warmth like a fire on a cold winter’s night. I’ve always thought he was gorgeous, even when I initially hated him.

“You conniving bitch.” I hear his voice in my head from the auction, and I inhale sharply and close my eyes.

“Room controls, darken the windows to five percent.” Takemo slides his body over mine.

“Look at me.”

I open my eyes and meet his as his hand cradles my face. “Stay here, in the present, with me. No going back to the past. I don’t want to remember it either.”

The moment our lips touch, the tables turn. I recall how it felt when we first met — all of that tension and anger between us. It’s gone now, completely dissipated. In its place, something else has taken root… something more fulfilling, beautiful.

Takemo has grown so much since he said those words to me. He’s no longer the sly businessman I thought he was. Instead, he’s become a comforting presence in my life.

With each passing day we spend together, Takemo continues to surprise me with his endless capacity for love and understanding. He knows what I need without me ever having to ask for it. He’s a different person from who he used to be.

His embrace is comforting, almost like coming home after a long journey away. His arms hold me tight, and his lips kiss my forehead with love, making all my fears disappear. He reaches to the side and pulls the bedsheets over us as he kisses down my cheek to my jaw, my neck and chest.

I run my fingers through his hair as he takes my breast into his mouth. His tongue swirls around my nipple, sending jolts of pleasure electric through my body. Oh God, yes. I’ve lost my breath. It has bolted and taken my good sense with it. I allowed Takemo into my private space when I swore I would never do it. I don’t regret it. I hope I never regret it. My skin tingles and goosebumps emerge with each lick and bite. My breathing runs faster, and tension builds in me until I’m ready to burst.

We lie there afterwards, panting and sweaty. Takemo wraps his arms around me and holds me close, laying his lips on my forehead. Being held is getting easier and easier.

“How’s that for a release?” he murmurs against my skin.

“Better.” I tilt my head back and kiss his neck. “Let’s do it again. I want to make sure the first time wasn’t a fluke.”

His chest shakes with silent laughter.

“All right,” he says, pulling away and rolling me over onto my front. “Whatever you want.”

He kisses along my back and pins my left hand to the bed over my head. I close my eyes and enjoy the time together while we have it.

—-

I wake up naked in Takemo’s bed. He leans down and presses his lips to my cheek, the warmth of his breath spreading over my skin. He then carefully places his hand on my shoulder, a gentle gesture. I pull in a waking breath through my nose and Takemo’s scent is crisp and subtle — like a mix of wildflowers and citrus, with a hint of clean soap from his freshly taken shower. It’s comforting and inviting.

“I fell asleep?” I rub my eyes and check the clock. One-thirty.

“Yeah, for about forty-five minutes.” He kisses my shoulder. “Sounds like lunch is ready. You should get dressed.”

I groan as I let my head flop back onto the pillow. I should shower too. I’m sure I smell like sex, but whatever. I’m running out of time. I should at least use the bathroom and get cleaned up, though. It’s not like I need to worry about getting pregnant now because of my birth control implant, but yeah, I don’t want this sex session coming back to haunt me in an hour.

Takemo opens the door. “See you downstairs. And don’t fall back to sleep.”

I wrap the sheet around me, the fabric gliding along my body like a hug as I move towards my room. In the bathroom, I clean up, wash my face, and pull my hair into a long ponytail. I quickly change into an outfit that is comfortable enough for visiting a data center and later transitioning to a beach setting — a white cotton shirt and a floral skirt over my black bathing suit.

Looking myself over, I’m better, calmer, since dealing with my anxiety. Sex with Takemo was just what I needed to stop the spiral of destructive thoughts swirling in my head. I no longer want to run. I want to get those data drives and move on with my life.

Downstairs, Saif, Kalvin, and Carlos are eating sandwiches at the island, and Lia is reading while eating in the living room. I glance out the back doors and Nisrine is sitting poolside. I don’t see Nina.

The doorbell rings, and Takemo calls out, “I’ll get it!”

“Ready to go get those data drives?” Carlos asks around a mouthful of food. He may have grown up, but he’s still kinda gross.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.” I pick up a potato chip and throw it at him. He dodges it, and it lands on the floor. “Too bad we don’t have a dog.”

“Oh, I want a dog,” Saif says, grabbing two pieces of bread. “Any requests on your sandwich?”

“None. Make me whatever. And we move around too much to own a dog. A cat, though, that we could swing.” I watch as he piles meat and cheese on a sandwich for me. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked the vegetarian to make me a sandwich.”

“You know I don’t mind,” he says, finishing it with mustard and mayo.

“Did someone say they want a cat?” Declan arrives with a smile and a wave. “I know a few excellent candidates from the local shelter where I volunteer.”

Behind Declan, Takemo rolls his eyes. “Of course you volunteer at the shelter.”

Declan laughs. “Women love a man who has a sensitive side.”

“Well good. Maybe you can make up for Skylar. She’s as insensitive as they come,” Carlos says, again around a mouthful of food. He points to my sandwich.

“I said I don’t mind,” Saif repeats.

“He doesn’t mind.” I sit next to Carlos and take my sandwich from Saif.

Declan approaches me with a smile and lands a kiss on my lips that’s two parts animalistic and one part sweet as honey. He’s a complex guy.

I like it.

“There’s so much kissing in this house now,” Carlos grumbles. I make kissing noises at him and he pretends to throw up. We’re so mature.

“Where were you guys earlier when we came home?” I ask Saif.

The hefty sandwich is stacked high with cheese, juicy tomatoes, and salty red meat between two slices of seeded bread. Nice. There is nothing better than hot sex, a nap, and then a good meal. A shower would’ve really topped this off, but alas, it was not in the cards.

“We went out to play frisbee on the beach once the paparazzi drones had cleared out.” Kalvin sits next to me with his food. “I think they’re already tired of the story.”

“Yep, I didn’t see any on my way in.” Declan rounds the island to make a sandwich for himself too. “They may die out before long.”

“Doubtful, considering all the stories I saw about myself just a few hours ago. Did you know that I’m stealing ships and selling military secrets and cheating on my network, all at the same time?” Everyone pauses while I rip off a chunk of sandwich and chew. “I’ve been so busy. It’s a wonder I have time to be here. You’re all lucky to even be in my presence right now.”

I chew as I wait for a response.

“I’m going to fucking kill someone,” Takemo growls under his breath.

“Same,” Saif says, glancing at Declan.

Declan raises his hands. “You won’t hear any objections from me. I’ve been on calls about it all morning.”

“Sorry.” I wince and set my sandwich down. “I don’t want to bother you.”

“You’re not,” he insists. “And I’ve been forceful about them backing down and off. I sent six cease-and-desist letters this morning and threatened to file defamation suits in both systems. I’m going to hope that keeps the drones away for a while.”

Wow. Having a high-profile lawyer in your network is fantastic for situations like this. My heart softens for him. None of that was required, and I didn’t even ask it of him. He did it all on his own.

“Thank you. We don’t want them following us to the data center.” I wipe my mouth with a napkin and sip a glass of lemonade that Saif puts in front of me. “Thanks.” I turn to Carlos. “Are you ready? Do you think we’ll run into any problems?”

Carlos bobs his head from side to side. “Hard to say. The place is like a black box. I’ve had access to the online backup drives for years. But the archived drives are in a sub-basement storage area a lot like a vault. You have to show up, punch in a ten-digit key at the same time as one of their employees, and then you get access to the box with the drives. Sky, I dropped the code into your account. You should memorize it before we get there.”

Kalvin whistles. “That’s a lot of security for something like data drives.”

“It’s big business,” Carlos says, finishing off his sandwich. “It’s the difference between being solvent and defaulting for many companies.” He pauses and turns over his wristlet. “I just got notice that your mother’s ship entered orbit right on time. Her shuttle will descend from orbit right around four-thirty.”

I glance at the clock. It’s just after two.

“We have three hours to kill, then.” I drum my fingers on the island and think. “Well, we could go to the beach or spend some time around the pool?”

I mean, these all sound like great ideas, but something tells me I won’t be able to relax. Glancing at Declan eating his sandwich on the other side of the island, I wonder how long it’ll be before I sleep with him. Do I sleep with two men in a row? What’s the big deal, right? Lots of women have networks so they can have group sex. Hmmm.

I glance at Takemo and his eyes are on me, predatory and protective. “It’s my night,” he mouths at me. Dammit. He can read me like a book.

The front door opens and Nina enters with Marcelo.

Saved from my dirty thoughts.

“We’ll talk later,” Nina says to him, and I raise an eyebrow at Marcelo.

He smiles as he crosses the room to the kitchen. “No worries, Ms. Skylar. She has questions about her network.”

Ah. Hmmm. I wonder if he knows any of the men in Nina’s network. She must miss them deep down. I don’t expect her to stay with me for very long. Once we’re back on the Amagi and I get her to talk to Renata and India Dellis about the time traveling jump rings, I’m sure we’ll part ways.

Nina smiles as she approaches the sandwich station. “Looks like quite the spread. I went over the perimeter and nothing seems amiss. Whoever tried to break in here last night simply walked through the backyards. Many of the surrounding villas are empty right now. Their owners must be away or off-planet. And the paparazzi drones have lessened in numbers. They’re down to half of what they were.” She slaps meat on bread and creates a sandwich fit for a prize boxer. Takemo’s eyes widen from across the room. “Anyway, everyone is going to eat and then we have our appointment in town at the shooting range.”

She loads her plate with the sandwich, chips, a giant pickle, and grabs a glass of lemonade.

“We’re really doing that?” I ask as she heads off towards the back of the house.

“We’re really doing it,” she says, turning around and walking backwards. “Come on, Skylar. Roll with it.”

I deserve that.